Filtering and sterilizing system
By employing multiple parallel sterilization filters and control mechanisms in the filtration and sterilization system, seamless switching is achieved, solving the downtime problem caused by filter clogging, improving production efficiency and system stability, and ensuring the efficient preparation of sterile liquids.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- INNER MONGOLIA YILI IND GROUP CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing filtration and sterilization equipment frequently shuts down due to filter clogging, affecting production efficiency and costs, especially during the preparation of sterile nutrient solutions where continuous operation is impossible.
Design a filtration and sterilization system that uses multiple sterilization filters connected in parallel and achieves seamless switching through a control mechanism to avoid clogging of a single filter element. Utilize steam sterilization and the coordinated operation of multiple filters to ensure production continuity.
It effectively avoids downtime caused by filter clogging, greatly improves the continuous operation capability and working efficiency of the filtration and sterilization system, reduces energy consumption and time costs, and ensures the efficient preparation of sterile liquids.
Smart Images

Figure CN224126754U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of sterilization equipment technology, and in particular to a filtration sterilization system. Background Technology
[0002] In the field of filtration and sterilization technology, existing filtration and sterilization equipment typically operates using a single sterilization filter. However, in applications such as preparing sterile nutrient solutions, particulate matter or impurities in the liquid can gradually accumulate on the surface of the sterilization filter element, easily leading to clogging. Once the filter element is clogged, the entire system must be shut down, and a series of recovery operations, including cleaning, heating, and cooling, must be performed sequentially. This process usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours, which is time-consuming, significantly reducing work efficiency and increasing production costs. Especially when the sterile nutrient solution is not yet fully prepared, if the filter element becomes clogged, the production process needs to be interrupted. After cleaning and recovery operations, the material needs to be re-fed, which not only prolongs the overall production cycle but may also affect some semi-finished products due to the long waiting time, further impacting product quality and stability. Therefore, how to ensure filtration stability and avoid downtime for maintenance has become an urgent technical problem to be solved. Utility Model Content
[0003] In order to overcome the above-mentioned defects of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a filtration and sterilization system that can ensure filtration stability and avoid downtime maintenance.
[0004] The above-mentioned objective of this utility model can be achieved by the following technical solution: This utility model provides a filtration and sterilization system, comprising:
[0005] Feed containers and aseptic containers;
[0006] A conveying pipeline is provided with a conveying device and a first control mechanism. The conveying pipeline is controllably connected to the feed container and the sterile container through the first control mechanism.
[0007] The discharge pipeline is equipped with a thermometer and a second control mechanism. The discharge pipeline is controllably connected to the sterile container through the second control mechanism. The discharge pipeline is used to discharge the condensate in the sterile container.
[0008] The sterilization mechanism includes a steam pipeline and a filter assembly. A third control mechanism is provided on the steam pipeline, and the steam pipeline is controllably connected to the delivery pipeline through the third control mechanism. The filter assembly is disposed on the delivery pipeline and located downstream of the steam pipeline. The filter assembly includes multiple sterilization filters arranged in parallel on the delivery pipeline.
[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the conveying pipeline includes a main conveying pipeline and a plurality of parallel conveying branches connected to the main conveying pipeline. Each sterilization filter is respectively disposed on one of the conveying branches. The filtration and sterilization system further includes a fourth control mechanism disposed on the conveying branches. The sterilization filter is controllably connected to the conveying pipeline through the fourth control mechanism.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fourth control mechanism includes a shut-off valve disposed upstream of the sterilization filter and a branch check valve disposed downstream of the sterilization filter.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the sterilization filter is a membrane sterilization filter.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the filtration and sterilization system further includes a pressure detection mechanism, which includes a pressure gauge disposed on each of the sterilization filters.
[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the conveying device includes a feed pump, which is disposed on the conveying pipeline and positioned between the feed container and the steam pipeline.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first control mechanism includes a main line check valve, which is disposed on the conveying pipeline and positioned between the conveying device and the steam pipeline.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second control mechanism includes a drain valve disposed on the discharge pipeline.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the third control mechanism includes a steam valve disposed on the steam pipeline.
[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the filtration and sterilization system further includes a temperature detection mechanism, which includes a thermometer disposed on the discharge pipeline.
[0018] The technical solution of this utility model has the following significant beneficial effects:
[0019] In use, the filtration and sterilization system of this invention injects steam into the delivery pipeline via a steam pipeline. The steam passes through the filter assembly and reaches the sterile container. The high-temperature steam sterilizes both the delivery pipeline and the sterile container. The condensate after sterilization is discharged through the discharge pipeline. Then, the feed container delivers materials to the sterile container via the delivery pipeline, and the filter assembly filters and sterilizes the materials, thereby achieving the preparation of sterile liquid.
[0020] Furthermore, by using multiple sterilization filters arranged in parallel, seamless switching between them can avoid clogging. Specifically, if the first sterilization filter becomes clogged, the system can automatically switch to the second, third, or even more sterilization filters to continue membrane filtration without interrupting the production process, thus eliminating the need for cleaning, heating, or cooling operations. The collaborative work of multiple sterilization filters effectively avoids the frequent downtime caused by clogging of a single filter element in existing technologies, significantly improving the continuous operation capability and efficiency of the filtration and sterilization system, while reducing energy consumption and time costs. This provides a reliable technical guarantee for the efficient preparation of sterile nutrient solutions and other related products. Attached Figure Description
[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0022] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this invention in any way. Furthermore, the shapes and proportions of the components in the drawings are merely illustrative to aid in understanding the invention and do not specifically limit the shapes and proportions of the components. Those skilled in the art, under the guidance of this invention, can select various possible shapes and proportions to implement this invention according to specific circumstances.
[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the filtration and sterilization system of this utility model.
[0024] The reference numerals in the above figures are as follows:
[0025] 100. Feed container;
[0026] 200. Sterile containers;
[0027] 300. Conveying pipeline; 310. Conveying main line; 311. Main line check valve; 320. Conveying branch line; 321. Shut-off valve; 322. Branch line check valve; 330. Conveying device;
[0028] 400. Drainage pipe; 410. Steam trap; 420. Thermometer;
[0029] 500. Steam piping; 510. Steam valve;
[0030] 600. Sterilization filter; 610. Pressure gauge. Detailed Implementation
[0031] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0032] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of this utility model provides a filtration and sterilization system. The system includes a feed container 100, a sterile container 200, a conveying pipeline 300, a discharge pipeline 400, and a sterilization mechanism. The conveying pipeline 300 is equipped with a conveying device 330 and a first control mechanism, which controllably connects the feed container 100 and the sterile container 200. The discharge pipeline 400 is equipped with a thermometer 420 and a second control mechanism, which controllably connects the sterile container 200 and discharges condensate from the sterile container 200. The sterilization mechanism includes a steam pipeline 500 and a filter assembly. The steam pipeline 500 is equipped with a third control mechanism, which controllably connects the conveying pipeline 300. The filter assembly is located on the conveying pipeline 300 and downstream of the steam pipeline 500. The filter assembly includes multiple sterilization filters 600 connected in parallel on the conveying pipeline 300.
[0033] Overall, in use, this filtration and sterilization system injects steam into the delivery pipeline 300 via the steam pipeline 500. The steam passes through the filter assembly and reaches the sterile container 200. The high-temperature steam sterilizes both the delivery pipeline 300 and the sterile container 200. The condensate after sterilization is discharged through the discharge pipeline 400. Then, the feed container 100 delivers materials to the sterile container 200 via the delivery pipeline 300, and the materials are filtered and sterilized by the filter assembly, thereby achieving the preparation of sterile liquid.
[0034] Furthermore, by using multiple sterilization filters 600 arranged in parallel, seamless switching between the various sterilization filters 600 can be achieved to avoid clogging. Specifically, if the first sterilization filter 600 becomes clogged, the system can automatically switch to the second, third, or even more sterilization filters 600 to continue membrane filtration without interrupting the production process, thus eliminating the need for cleaning, heating, or cooling operations.
[0035] By having multiple sterilization filters 600 working together, the frequent shutdowns caused by clogging of a single filter element in existing technologies are effectively avoided. This significantly improves the continuous operation capability and efficiency of the filtration and sterilization system, while reducing energy consumption and time costs, providing a reliable technical guarantee for the efficient preparation of sterile nutrient solutions and other related products.
[0036] In embodiments of this utility model, designers can adjust the specific structures of the feeding container 100 and the sterile container 200 according to usage needs, and no specific limitations are imposed here. In one feasible embodiment, the feeding container 100 is a feeding cylinder, and the sterile container 200 is a sterile tank.
[0037] In an embodiment of this utility model, the conveying pipeline 300 includes a conveying main line 310 and a plurality of parallel conveying branches 320 connected to the conveying main line 310. Each sterilization filter 600 is respectively disposed on a conveying branch 320. The filtration and sterilization system also includes a fourth control mechanism disposed on the conveying branch 320. The sterilization filter 600 is controllably connected to the conveying pipeline 300 through the fourth control mechanism.
[0038] By setting up multiple conveying branches 320, sterilization filters 600 can be installed separately, allowing multiple sterilization filters 600 to be set up in parallel, increasing the independence between each sterilization filter 600. Furthermore, by setting a fourth control mechanism on the conveying branch 320, the operating status of each sterilization filter 600 can be controlled separately.
[0039] Operators can selectively activate one or more sterilization filters 600 according to actual needs, thereby optimizing resource utilization, extending the service life of sterilization filters 600, and effectively handling filtration tasks of different scales and complexities.
[0040] Furthermore, when a sterilization filter 600 needs to be cleaned or replaced, it can be isolated through the corresponding fourth control mechanism without stopping the machine. At this time, other sterilization filters 600 can operate normally, ensuring the operational stability and efficiency of the filtration and sterilization system.
[0041] In an embodiment of this utility model, the fourth control mechanism includes a shut-off valve 321 disposed upstream of the sterilization filter 600 and a branch check valve 322 disposed downstream of the sterilization filter 600.
[0042] The on / off state of the delivery branch 320 can be precisely controlled by the combination of the shut-off valve 321 and the branch one-way valve 322, thereby controlling the working state of the sterilization filter 600. The branch one-way valve 322 can also prevent fluid backflow, ensuring the safety and stability of the filtration and sterilization system.
[0043] Furthermore, the delivery branch 320 can be disconnected by the shut-off valve 321, which facilitates the maintenance or replacement of any sterilization filter 600 without affecting the normal operation of other sterilization filters 600, thus greatly improving the maintainability of the filtration and sterilization system.
[0044] Designers can adjust the specific model of the sterilization filter 600 according to usage requirements, and no specific restrictions are imposed here. Preferably, the sterilization filter 600 is a membrane sterilization filter 600. The membrane sterilization filter 600 can achieve a highly efficient filtration and retention effect on particulate matter and microorganisms, ensuring that the filtration accuracy and sterility meet the preset standards.
[0045] Furthermore, the membrane sterilization filter 600 is characterized by its replaceability and adaptability. Different pore sizes and materials of filter membranes can be flexibly selected according to material characteristics and process requirements, further improving the applicability and reliability of the filtration sterilization system, thereby better meeting the high-standard aseptic production requirements of industries such as pharmaceuticals and food and beverage.
[0046] When the sterilization filter 600 becomes clogged, it needs to be shut down for maintenance. Therefore, how to detect clogged sterilization filters 600 in a timely manner becomes a technical problem that needs to be solved.
[0047] In one feasible embodiment of the present invention, the filtration and sterilization system further includes a pressure detection mechanism, which includes a pressure gauge 610 installed on each sterilization filter 600.
[0048] By installing pressure gauges 610 on each sterilization filter 600, the pressure changes of the sterilization filter 600 during the filtration process can be monitored in real time. Operators can promptly detect whether the sterilization filter 600 is clogged or malfunctioning based on the pressure changes, thus ensuring the stable operation of the filtration and sterilization system.
[0049] Furthermore, operators can optimize process parameters based on the pressure values from the pressure detection mechanism, which helps extend the service life of the sterilization filter 600 and ensures that the filtration and sterilization effect reaches its optimal state, further improving the reliability and efficiency of the entire filtration and sterilization system.
[0050] In another feasible embodiment of the present invention, the filtration and sterilization system further includes a monitoring mechanism, which includes a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor disposed on the conveying branch 320, and an alarm device. The first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor are respectively disposed on both sides of the sterilization filter 600, and the alarm device is electrically connected to the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor.
[0051] When the difference between the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor exceeds the preset value, it can be considered that the sterilization filter 600 is abnormal, has failed or is blocked. At this time, the alarm device will automatically output an alarm signal to remind the operator to activate other sterilization filters 600 in time and to repair the abnormal sterilization filter 600.
[0052] In an embodiment of this utility model, the conveying device 330 includes a feed pump, which is disposed on the conveying pipeline 300 and placed between the feed container 100 and the steam pipeline 500.
[0053] By installing a feed pump on the conveying pipeline 300 and placing it between the feed container 100 and the steam pipeline 500, the feed pump can precisely control the conveying pressure and flow rate of the fluid, ensuring that the material enters the subsequent processing stage smoothly and efficiently. Designers can adjust the specific model of the feed pump according to the usage requirements, and no specific restrictions are imposed here.
[0054] In an embodiment of this utility model, the first control mechanism includes a main line check valve 311, which is disposed on the conveying pipeline 300 and placed between the conveying device 330 and the steam pipeline 500.
[0055] By installing a one-way valve 311 between the conveying device 330 and the steam pipeline 500, the backflow of steam or materials can be effectively prevented. This protects the conveying device 330 from the effects of high-temperature steam and ensures the safety and stability of the filtration and sterilization system, thereby improving the reliability and service life of the filtration and sterilization system.
[0056] In an embodiment of this utility model, the second control mechanism includes a steam trap 410 disposed on the discharge pipe 400. The steam trap 410 can control the on / off state of the discharge pipe 400. After the steam trap 410 is opened, the steam condensate in the sterile container 200 can be effectively discharged, preventing the condensate from accumulating in the sterile container 200 and affecting the quality of subsequent products.
[0057] In an embodiment of this utility model, the third control mechanism includes a steam valve 510 disposed on the steam pipeline 500. By disposing of the steam valve 510 on the steam pipeline 500, the steam valve 510 can precisely control the flow rate and pressure of steam, ensuring the stability and controllability of the steam supply.
[0058] Furthermore, the steam valve 510 enables effective regulation of system temperature and pressure, preventing abnormal system operation caused by excessive or insufficient steam, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the entire system and further enhancing the reliability of steam sterilization.
[0059] In an embodiment of this utility model, the filtration and sterilization system further includes a temperature detection mechanism, which includes a thermometer 420 installed on the discharge pipe 400.
[0060] By installing a thermometer 420 on the discharge pipeline 400, the thermometer 420 can measure the temperature change of the medium discharged by the filtration and sterilization system during steam sterilization in real time, providing reference data for operators. Furthermore, the thermometer 420 can promptly detect system abnormalities (such as overheating or insufficient cooling), allowing operators to quickly take appropriate measures to prevent equipment damage or reduced sterilization effectiveness.
[0061] In an embodiment of this utility model, sterilizing the filtration and sterilization system includes the following steps:
[0062] Equipment heating: Open the shut-off valve 321 and steam valve 510. Steam is delivered through steam pipeline 500 to delivery pipeline 300. The steam can then enter each sterilization filter 600 and sterile container 200 along delivery pipeline 300. Finally, the condensate formed by the steam can be discharged through discharge pipeline 400. Steam can preheat the sterilization filter 600, sterile container 200, and other components.
[0063] Equipment sterilization maintenance: Steam is used to continuously heat the equipment. Timing starts when the temperature on thermometer 420 reaches 121°C, and the sterilization time is maintained for at least 30 minutes.
[0064] Equipment cooling: After maintaining at 121°C for at least 30 minutes, close the steam valve 510, and then allow natural static cooling or use sterile air to cool the sterilization filter 600. When the temperature of the sterilization filter 600 drops to 30°C to 40°C, open one shut-off valve 321 and close the other shut-off valves 321.
[0065] Each sterilization filter 600 can be sequentially numbered, such as the first sterilization filter, the second sterilization filter, the third sterilization filter, etc.
[0066] Equipment feeding: Add the material to be sterilized into the feeding container 100, and then turn on the feeding pump to allow the material to enter the first sterilization filter for filtration and sterilization. The sterilized material can be stored in the sterile container 200 to obtain sterile material.
[0067] When the first sterilization filter becomes clogged, the shut-off valve 321 corresponding to the first sterilization filter is closed, and the shut-off valve 321 corresponding to the second sterilization filter is opened, thereby activating the second sterilization filter and using it to filter and sterilize the material.
[0068] Repeat the above steps until the desired sterile material is obtained.
[0069] Equipment cleaning: Remove and replace the filter elements of each sterilization filter 600, and clean the filtration and sterilization system for the next use.
[0070] All articles and references disclosed herein, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated herein by reference for various purposes. The term “substantially constitutes…” used to describe a combination should include the identified element, component, part, or step, as well as other elements, components, parts, or steps that do not substantially affect the essential novelty of the combination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” to describe combinations of elements, components, parts, or steps herein also contemplates embodiments substantially constituted by such elements, components, parts, or steps. The use of the term “may” herein is intended to indicate that any described attribute “may” include is optional. Multiple elements, components, parts, or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, component, part, or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, component, part, or step can be divided into multiple separate elements, components, parts, or steps. The disclosure of “a” or “an” used to describe an element, component, part, or step does not imply exclusion of other elements, components, parts, or steps.
[0071] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of this utility model, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of this utility model and implement it accordingly. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.
Claims
1. A filter sterilization system, characterized by, include Feed containers and aseptic containers; A conveying pipeline is provided with a conveying device and a first control mechanism. The conveying pipeline is controllably connected to the feed container and the sterile container through the first control mechanism. The discharge pipeline is equipped with a thermometer and a second control mechanism. The discharge pipeline is controllably connected to the sterile container through the second control mechanism. The discharge pipeline is used to discharge the condensate in the sterile container. The sterilization mechanism includes a steam pipeline and a filter assembly. A third control mechanism is provided on the steam pipeline, and the steam pipeline is controllably connected to the delivery pipeline through the third control mechanism. The filter assembly is disposed on the delivery pipeline and located downstream of the steam pipeline. The filter assembly includes multiple sterilization filters arranged in parallel on the delivery pipeline.
2. The filter sterilization system of claim 1, wherein, The delivery pipeline includes a main delivery line and multiple parallel delivery branches connecting the main delivery line. Each sterilization filter is respectively installed on one of the delivery branches. The filtration and sterilization system also includes a fourth control mechanism installed on the delivery branches. The sterilization filter is controllably connected to the delivery pipeline through the fourth control mechanism.
3. The filtration and sterilization system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The fourth control mechanism includes a shut-off valve located upstream of the sterilization filter and a branch check valve located downstream of the sterilization filter.
4. The filter sterilization system of claim 1, wherein, The sterilization filter is a membrane sterilization filter.
5. The filter sterilization system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The filtration and sterilization system also includes a pressure detection mechanism, which includes a pressure gauge installed on each of the sterilization filters.
6. The filter sterilization system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The conveying device includes a feed pump, which is disposed on the conveying pipeline and positioned between the feed container and the steam pipeline.
7. The filter sterilization system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first control mechanism includes a main line check valve, which is disposed on the conveying pipeline and positioned between the conveying device and the steam pipeline.
8. The filter sterilization system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The second control mechanism includes a drain valve installed on the discharge pipeline.
9. The filter sterilization system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The third control mechanism includes a steam valve installed on the steam pipeline.
10. The filter sterilization system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The filtration and sterilization system also includes a temperature detection mechanism, which includes a thermometer installed on the discharge pipeline.