Disassembly-free filter element in-situ integrity detection device and freeze dryer

Abstract

The utility model provides a disassembly-free filter element in-situ integrity detection device and a freeze dryer. The disassembly-free filter element in-place integrity detection device comprises an integrity detector, a first control valve, a second control valve, a third control valve, an air inlet pipeline, a water drainage pipeline, a filter and a steam pipeline, the air inlet pipeline is used for being communicated with an air inlet of a freeze-drying chamber of the freeze dryer, and the filter is arranged on the air inlet pipeline in a communicated mode; the first control valve and the second control valve are arranged on air inlet pipelines on the two sides of the filter in a communicating mode respectively, the detection end of the integrity detector is detachably arranged on the top of the filter, and the air inlet end of the integrity detector is detachably arranged on the external compression tank; the steam pipeline is arranged on one side of the first control valve; the drainage pipeline is communicated with the bottom of the filter and is provided with a third control valve. According to the device, the discharge blind area of the filter is reduced, the drying energy consumption of the filter is saved, an electric heater does not need to be additionally arranged, and the filter is quickly dried.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of filter cartridge testing technology, and in particular to a filter cartridge in-situ integrity testing device and a freeze dryer that do not require disassembly. Background Technology

[0002] Freeze dryers are common medical devices. Maintaining a sterile environment is crucial throughout the freeze-drying process. Therefore, incoming air must be filtered through the respirator's filter to effectively prevent external microorganisms and particulate matter from entering the freeze-drying chamber, thus ensuring a sterile environment. The quality of the respirator's filter directly determines the quality of the sterile environment. Therefore, the filter's integrity must be tested before the freeze dryer begins operation. Early filter integrity testing primarily involved offline manual disassembly and reassembly, which was not only complex but also prone to compromising the freeze dryer's sterile environment during the process.

[0003] Therefore, a filter integrity testing system and method for freeze dryers, disclosed in Chinese Patent Document No. CN102109364B, has emerged on the market. This system connects in series with a filter integrity tester, an integrity air inlet valve, a filter drying valve, an electric heater, a pre-filter, a first vent valve, a first filter, a second vent valve, a second filter, a third vent valve, and a freeze dryer vent valve. This allows for real-time monitoring of filter integrity throughout the freeze dryer's operation, ensuring the safety and reliability of the freeze dryer and guaranteeing aseptic safety during online testing. The invention is simple to operate and yields reliable test results.

[0004] However, in practical applications, the integrity test of a filter usually involves a series of steps, including wetting, testing, and drying the filter element. That is, after the integrity test of the filter is completed, the wetting medium, such as water, in the first and second filters needs to be drained, and then the first and second filters need to be dried to effectively remove the moisture in the filters, thereby ensuring the drying effect of the subsequent freeze dryer.

[0005] However, from the above literature Figure 1 It is known that because the exhaust valves of the first and second filters are located on one side of the first or second filter, there is a large exhaust blind zone when the first and second filters are discharged, which causes the subsequent drying time of the first and second filters to be longer, resulting in increased drying energy consumption. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a filter cartridge in-situ integrity testing device and freeze dryer that reduces the emission blind zone of the filter, saves the drying energy consumption of the filter, does not require the addition of an electric heater, and achieves rapid drying of the filter without disassembly.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0008] A filter cartridge in-situ integrity testing device without disassembly, comprising an integrity detector, a first control valve, a second control valve, a third control valve, an air inlet pipe, a drain pipe, a filter, and a steam pipe. The air inlet pipe is connected to the air inlet of the freeze-drying chamber of a freeze dryer, and the filter is connected to the air inlet pipe. The first control valve and the second control valve are respectively connected to the air inlet pipes on both sides of the filter.

[0009] The detection end of the integrity detector is detachably mounted on the top of the filter, and the air inlet end of the integrity detector is detachably mounted on an external compression tank.

[0010] The steam pipe is located on one side of the first control valve;

[0011] The drain pipe is connected to the bottom of the filter, and the drain pipe is equipped with the third control valve.

[0012] In one embodiment, the drainage pipe is a bent drainage pipe.

[0013] In one embodiment, the bent drainage pipe includes a first bent sub-pipe and a second bent sub-pipe that are connected to each other.

[0014] In one embodiment, the filter element in-situ integrity detection device further includes a cooling water pipe connected to the bottom of the filter.

[0015] In one embodiment, the bottom of the filter has an outlet, the outlet has a connecting main pipe, and the two ends of the connecting main pipe are respectively connected to the drain pipe and the cooling water pipe.

[0016] In one embodiment, an inlet pipe is also formed within the air intake pipe.

[0017] In one embodiment, the filter element in-situ integrity testing device further includes a first fixing clamp, a testing port is formed on the top of the filter, the testing end of the integrity tester is inserted into the testing port, and the first fixing clamp is sleeved and fixed at the connection between the testing end and the testing port.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first fixing locking clamp includes a first clamp body, a second clamp body, and a locking screw. The first clamp body is rotatably mounted on the second clamp body and together form an annular mounting cavity. The annular mounting cavity is used to accommodate the connection between the detection end and the detection port. One end of the first clamp body has a threaded hole, and the first clamp body has a corresponding through hole. The locking screw passes through the through hole and the threaded hole in sequence and is screwed into the threaded hole.

[0019] In one embodiment, a sealing ring is provided at the corresponding connection point of the first clamping body and the second clamping body, and the sealing ring is in a movable sealing contact with the connection point.

[0020] A freeze dryer includes the in-situ integrity detection device for filter cartridges that does not require disassembly, as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, this disclosure has at least the following advantages:

[0022] 1) Because the drain pipe is connected to the bottom of the filter, the media water inside the filter can be discharged into the drain pipe comprehensively and quickly, effectively reducing the filter's drainage blind zone. This saves the filter's drying energy consumption and effectively avoids the problem of large drainage blind zones and increased drying energy consumption caused by traditional exhaust water valves located on one side of the first or second filter. Furthermore, the drain pipe's connection to the bottom of the filter allows for a more compact structure for the filter element integrity detection device, making it better suited for installation in freeze dryers with relatively limited space.

[0023] 2) Since the steam pipe is located on one side of the first control valve, when the steam pipe is connected to the common steam box inside the plant, the steam in the steam box can quickly enter the filter, thereby achieving rapid drying of the filter without waiting for the preheating time of the electric heater, and reducing the cost input.

[0024] 3) Since the detection end of the integrity detector is detachably mounted on the top of the filter, and the air inlet end of the integrity detector is detachably mounted on the external compression tank, it is convenient for users to disassemble and assemble the integrity detector 100. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this disclosure and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a filter cartridge in-situ integrity detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken from one direction.

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The enlarged view shown at point A in the middle;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a partial physical image of the filter element in-situ integrity detection device of this utility model that does not require disassembly.

[0029] Reference numerals: 10, In-situ integrity testing device for filter element without disassembly; 100, Integrity tester; 110, Testing end; 120, Air inlet end; 200, First control valve; 300, Second control valve; 400, Third control valve; 500, Air inlet pipe; 510, Liquid inlet pipe; 520, First air inlet valve; 530, Second air inlet valve;

[0030] 600. Drainage pipe; 610. First bend sub-pipe; 620. Second bend sub-pipe; 700. Filter;

[0031] 710. Connecting main pipe; 720. Mounting base; 730. Housing; 800. Steam pipe; 900. Cooling water pipe; 910. First fixing locking clamp; 911. First clamp body; 912. Second clamp body; 913. Locking screw; 20. Freeze-drying chamber; 30. Compression tank. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To facilitate understanding of this disclosure, a more complete description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. However, this disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure.

[0033] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly attached to the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this disclosure. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0035] To better understand the technical solutions and beneficial effects of this disclosure, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with specific embodiments:

[0036] Please see Figures 1 to 3 An embodiment of the filter element in-situ integrity testing device 10 includes an integrity tester 100, a first control valve 200, a second control valve 300, a third control valve 400, an air inlet pipe 500, a drain pipe 600, a filter 700, and a steam pipe 800. The air inlet pipe 500 is connected to the air inlet of the freeze-drying chamber 20 of the freeze dryer, and the filter 700 is connected to the air inlet pipe 500 to filter the compressed air entering from the air inlet pipe 500. The first control valve 200 and the second control valve 300 are respectively connected to the air inlet pipes 500 on both sides of the filter 700, so that the added first control valve 200... The second control valve 300 can control the opening and closing of the gas on both sides of the filter 700, which facilitates the subsequent online testing program of the integrity tester 100 on the filter 700. The detection end 110 of the integrity tester 100 is detachably installed on the top of the filter 700, and the air inlet end 120 of the integrity tester 100 is detachably installed on the external compression tank 30, which is convenient for users to disassemble and assemble the integrity tester 100. The steam pipe 800 is installed on one side of the first control valve 200, so that the steam pipe 800 can be connected to the air inlet pipe 500 through the first control valve 200. The drain pipe 600 is connected to the bottom of the filter 700, and the drain pipe 600 is equipped with a third control valve 400.

[0037] It is understandable that, since the drain pipe 600 is connected to the bottom of the filter 700, the medium water inside the filter 700 can be discharged into the drain pipe 600 comprehensively and quickly, effectively reducing the discharge blind zone of the filter 700, thereby saving the drying energy consumption of the filter 700. This effectively avoids the problem of large discharge blind zones and increased drying energy consumption caused by the traditional exhaust water valve being located on one side of the first or second filter 700. In addition, since the drain pipe 600 is connected to the bottom of the filter 700, the structure of the filter element in-situ integrity detection device 10 is more compact, making it better suited for installation in freeze dryers with relatively small space.

[0038] It is also understandable that, since the steam pipe 800 is located on one side of the first control valve 200, when the steam pipe 800 is connected to the common steam box inside the plant, the steam in the steam box can quickly enter the filter 700, thereby achieving rapid drying of the filter 700 without waiting for the preheating time of the electric heater, and reducing the cost input.

[0039] In one embodiment, an inlet pipe 510 is also formed within the air inlet pipe 500. The additional inlet pipe 510 facilitates the introduction of a humidifying medium, such as water. When the inlet pipe 510 is connected to an external media tank, the medium in the media tank will enter the filter 700 through the inlet pipe 510.

[0040] In use, the filter element in-situ integrity testing device 10 can operate in a semi-automatic or fully automatic manner. In this embodiment, the filter element in-situ integrity testing device 10 operates in a semi-automatic mode: First, close the first control valve 200 and the third control valve 400, keep the second control valve 300 unobstructed, add pure water to the detection port at the top of the filter 700 until the filter element is submerged, observe whether the liquid level drops significantly, and at the same time ensure that there is no water leakage outside the filter 700, thus completing the wetting operation of the filter 700; then, install the detection end 110 of the integrity tester 100 to the detection port at the top of the filter 700, and connect the air inlet end 120 of the integrity tester 100 to external compressed air, turn on the power, and enter the integrity test mode. Access the main menu of the testing instrument 100 and select the corresponding filter element test program, or click on the test program to enter the program list, select the corresponding filter element test program, and enter the relevant information (product batch number, filter 700 serial number, etc.) to start the program. After the filter element test is completed, the test results will be displayed. After the test is completed, close the second control valve 300 and open the third control valve 400 to drain all the water inside the filter 700. After the water is drained, close the third control valve 400 and open the first control valve 200 and the steam pipe valve to complete the drying operation of the filter 700, thereby completing the integrity test of the filter 700.

[0041] Of course, the filter element in-situ integrity detection device 10 can be in fully automatic mode. Specifically, one end of the liquid inlet pipe 510 is connected to the air inlet pipe 500, and the other end is connected to the detection port of the filter 700. A fourth control valve is provided on the liquid inlet pipe 510. The first control valve 200, the second control valve 300, the third control valve 400, and the fourth control valve are all electrically connected to the control module of the freeze dryer. In use, the control module controls the first control valve 200 and the third control valve 400 to close, while simultaneously opening the second control valve 300. The control module then activates the fourth control valve to wet the filter 700. After wetting, the control module enters the integrity tester 100's testing program. Next, the control module closes the second control valve 300 and simultaneously opens the third control valve 400 to drain all the water from the filter 700. Once the water is drained, the third control valve 400 is closed, and the first control valve 200 and the steam pipe valve are opened to complete the drying operation of the filter 700, thus completing the integrity test of the filter 700.

[0042] It should be noted that the detection principle of the integrity detector 100, and the opening and closing of the first control valve 200, the second control valve 300, the third control valve 400, and the fourth control valve of the control module are all existing technologies and are not within the scope of protection of this disclosure. This disclosure only protects the connection method between the integrity detector 100, the control module, the first control valve 200, the second control valve 300, the third control valve 400, and the fourth control valve.

[0043] In this embodiment, the filter cartridge in-situ integrity detection device 10 is in semi-automatic mode, which does not require manual removal of the filter cartridge and better ensures the sterile environment of the freeze dryer.

[0044] In one embodiment, when the filter element in-situ integrity detection device 10 is in semi-automatic mode, the first control valve 200, the second control valve 300, and the third control valve 400 are manual diaphragm valves.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, the drain pipe 600 is a bent drain pipe 600, which effectively avoids the problem of steam flowing away quickly during subsequent drying, thus affecting the drying of the filter 700, while ensuring comprehensive and rapid discharge.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, the bent drainage pipe 600 includes a first bent sub-pipe 610 and a second bent sub-pipe 620 connected to each other to realize the bent configuration of the drainage pipe 600.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, the third control valve 400 is disposed near the connection between the first bend sub-tube 610 and the second bend sub-tube 620 to achieve complete wetting of the filter 700, thereby ensuring the accuracy of detection.

[0048] In one embodiment, the filter element in-situ integrity detection device 10 also includes a cooling water pipe 900, which is connected to the bottom of the filter 700 to ensure that the refrigerant of the freeze dryer remains pure during circulation, thereby better ensuring the aseptic operation of the freeze dryer.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, the bottom of the filter 700 has an outlet, and the outlet has a connecting main pipe 710. The two ends of the connecting main pipe 710 are connected to the bent drain pipe 600 and the cooling water pipe 900, respectively, so that the bent drain pipe 600 and the cooling water pipe 900 share the connecting main pipe 710. This allows for a simple, non-disassembly-free structure for the filter element in-situ integrity detection device 10, making it more suitable for installation in freeze dryers with relatively small space widths.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, the filter element in-situ integrity testing device 10 further includes a first fixing clamp 910. A testing port is formed on the top of the filter 700. The testing end 110 of the integrity tester 100 is inserted into the testing port. The first fixing clamp 910 is sleeved and fixed at the connection between the testing end 110 and the testing port, so as to realize the detachable setting of the testing end 110 of the integrity tester 100 and the filter 700, which is convenient for users to disassemble and assemble.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, the first fixing locking clamp 910 includes a first clamp body 911, a second clamp body 912, and a locking screw 913. The first clamp body 911 is rotatably mounted on the second clamp body 912 and together form an annular mounting cavity. The annular mounting cavity is used to accommodate the connection between the detection end 110 and the detection port. One end of the first clamp body 911 has a threaded hole, and the first clamp body 911 has a corresponding through hole. The locking screw 913 passes through the through hole and the threaded hole in sequence and is screwed into the threaded hole. The detection end 110 of the integrity tester 100 is detachably connected to the filter 700.

[0052] In one embodiment, sealing rings are provided at the corresponding connection points of the first clamping body 911 and the second clamping body 912. The sealing rings are in movable sealing contact with the connection points, thereby improving the sealing performance between the first fixed locking clamping body 910 and the detection port.

[0053] In one embodiment, the filter element in-situ integrity testing device 10 further includes a second fixing clamp. The filter 700 includes a housing 730, a mounting base 720, and a filter element. The mounting base 720 is connected to the air intake pipe, and the filter element is sleeved on the mounting base 720 and connected to the air intake pipe. The housing 730 covers the filter element, and the bottom of the housing 730 is connected to the mounting base 720. The second fixing clamp is sleeved at the connection between the bottom of the housing 730 and the mounting base 720. A test port is formed on the top of the housing 730. The test end 110 of the integrity tester 100 is inserted into the test port. The first fixing clamp 910 is sleeved and fixed at the connection between the test end 110 and the test port, thereby realizing the detachable arrangement of the filter element, the mounting base 720, and the housing 730, which facilitates the user to disassemble and replace the filter element.

[0054] like Figure 1As shown, in one embodiment, the air intake pipe is formed with a first air intake port and a second air intake port. The first air intake port is provided with a first air intake valve 520, which is used to communicate with external compressed air. The second air intake port is provided with a second air intake valve 530, which is used to communicate with external nitrogen gas. This allows compressed air and nitrogen gas to share a single air intake pipe, and the structure of the filter element in-situ integrity detection device 10 is simple and does not require disassembly, making it more suitable for installation in freeze dryers with relatively small space widths.

[0055] This disclosure also provides a freeze dryer, including the filter cartridge in-situ integrity testing device 10 of any of the above embodiments. The freeze dryer includes a freeze drying chamber 20 and an external compression tank 30. The air inlet of the freeze drying chamber 20 is connected to an air inlet pipe, and a three-way converter is provided on the air outlet pipe of the external compression tank 30. The three-way converter is connected to the air inlet 120 of the integrity tester 100, thereby realizing the detachable connection between the air inlet 120 of the integrity tester 100 and the external compression tank 30.

[0056] Compared with the prior art, this disclosure has at least the following advantages:

[0057] 1) Because the drain pipe 600 is connected to the bottom of the filter 700, the medium water inside the filter 700 can be discharged into the drain pipe 600 comprehensively and quickly, effectively reducing the discharge blind zone of the filter 700, thereby saving the drying energy consumption of the filter 700. This effectively avoids the problem of large discharge blind zones and increased drying energy consumption caused by the traditional exhaust water valve being located on one side of the first or second filter 700. In addition, because the drain pipe 600 is connected to the bottom of the filter 700, the structure of the filter element in-situ integrity detection device 10 is more compact, making it better suited for installation in freeze dryers with relatively small space.

[0058] 2) Since the steam pipe 800 is located on one side of the first control valve 200, when the steam pipe 800 is connected to the common steam box inside the plant, the steam in the steam box can quickly enter the filter 700, thereby achieving rapid drying of the filter 700 without waiting for the preheating time of the electric heater, and reducing the cost input.

[0059] 3) Since the detection end of the integrity detector is detachably mounted on the top of the filter, and the air inlet end of the integrity detector is detachably mounted on the external compression tank, it is convenient for users to disassemble and assemble the integrity detector 100.

[0060] The above embodiments merely illustrate several implementation methods of this disclosure, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosed patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this disclosure, and these all fall within the protection scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A non-disassembly-removable filter element in-situ integrity testing device, comprising an integrity detector, a first control valve, a second control valve, a third control valve, an air inlet pipe, a drain pipe, a filter, and a steam pipe, wherein the air inlet pipe is connected to the air inlet of the freeze-drying chamber of a freeze dryer, and the filter is connected to the air inlet pipe; the first control valve and the second control valve are respectively connected to the air inlet pipes on both sides of the filter, characterized in that... The detection end of the integrity detector is detachably mounted on the top of the filter, and the air inlet end of the integrity detector is detachably mounted on an external compression tank. The steam pipe is located on one side of the first control valve; The drain pipe is connected to the bottom of the filter, and the drain pipe is equipped with the third control valve.

2. The in-situ integrity detection device for filter cartridges without disassembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drainage pipe is a bent drainage pipe.

3. The in-situ integrity detection device for filter cartridges without disassembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bent drainage pipe includes a first bent sub-pipe and a second bent sub-pipe that are connected.

4. The in-situ integrity detection device for filter cartridges without disassembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The in-situ integrity detection device for the filter element that does not require disassembly also includes a cooling water pipe, which is connected to the bottom of the filter.

5. The in-situ integrity detection device for filter cartridges without disassembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The filter has an outlet at its bottom, and the outlet has a connecting main pipe. The two ends of the connecting main pipe are respectively connected to the drain pipe and the cooling water pipe.

6. The in-situ integrity detection device for filter cartridges without disassembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, An inlet pipe is also formed inside the air intake pipe.

7. The in-situ integrity detection device for filter cartridges without disassembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter element in-situ integrity testing device also includes a first fixing and locking clamp. A testing port is formed on the top of the filter. The testing end of the integrity tester is inserted into the testing port. The first fixing and locking clamp is sleeved and fixed at the connection between the testing end and the testing port.

8. The in-situ integrity detection device for filter cartridges without disassembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first fixed locking clamp includes a first clamp body, a second clamp body, and a locking screw. The first clamp body is rotatably mounted on the second clamp body and together they form an annular mounting cavity. The annular mounting cavity is used to accommodate the connection between the detection end and the detection port. One end of the first clamp body has a threaded hole, and the first clamp body has a corresponding through hole. The locking screw passes through the through hole and the threaded hole in sequence and is screwed into the threaded hole.

9. The in-situ integrity detection device for filter cartridges without disassembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first clamping body and the second clamping body are provided with sealing rings at the positions corresponding to the connection points, and the sealing rings are in movable sealing contact with the connection points.

10. A freeze dryer, characterized in that, The device includes the in-situ integrity testing device for filter cartridges that do not require disassembly, as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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