A discharge device and aseptic production plant
By designing an emission device and utilizing one-way valves and gas-water separation technology, the problem of microbial contamination in the emission pipelines of sterile equipment was solved, achieving efficient protection of sterile equipment and ensuring the stability of the sterile environment.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FRESENIUS KABI SSPC PHARM CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-09
Smart Images
Figure CN224331571U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of biomedical equipment technology, and in particular to an emission device and a sterile production equipment. Background Technology
[0002] Aseptic tanks and other sterile equipment are placed in the clean area. The bottom of the sterile equipment is connected to a discharge pipe, and the clean area is equipped with a floor drain or sewage pipe, which is connected to the discharge pipe. During production or cleaning, excess liquid, cleaning water, or condensate needs to be discharged from the bottom of the sterile equipment, and the liquid discharged from the sterile equipment is discharged through the floor drain or sewage pipe.
[0003] However, since the end of the discharge pipe is connected to a floor drain or sewage pipe, the floor drain or sewage pipe has a high risk of microbial contamination. Microorganisms can contaminate the discharge pipe of the sterile equipment through the air or residual liquid, increasing the risk of contamination of the sterile equipment. Utility Model Content
[0004] One object of this invention is to provide an emission device to at least solve one of the aforementioned technical problems.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the first aspect of this utility model provides a discharge device, comprising a first discharge pipe, an isolation tank, a second discharge pipe, and a gas-liquid separator connected sequentially from upstream to downstream. The gas-liquid separator is provided with an exhaust port and a liquid discharge port, with the exhaust port located above the liquid discharge port.
[0006] The first discharge pipe is equipped with a first switching valve and a first check valve;
[0007] The second discharge pipe is equipped with a second switching valve and a second check valve;
[0008] Both the first check valve and the second check valve allow the material to be discharged to pass from the upstream side to the downstream side.
[0009] Optionally, the isolation tank is located in a clean area, and the discharge device further includes an air inlet pipe connected to a third one-way valve, which allows air from the clean area to enter the isolation tank.
[0010] Optionally, the gas-water separator is located in a non-clean area.
[0011] Optionally, the discharge device further includes a branch pipe, both ends of which are connected to the second discharge pipe, and one end of the branch pipe is located upstream of the second switching valve, and the other end is located downstream of the second switching valve, with the second check valve located upstream or downstream of the branch pipe.
[0012] The branch pipe is connected to a third switch valve and a steam trap.
[0013] Optionally, the first switching valve is located upstream of the first check valve; and / or
[0014] The second switching valve is located upstream of the second check valve.
[0015] Optionally, the drain port is connected to a water seal structure.
[0016] Optionally, the isolation tank, the first discharge pipe, the second discharge pipe, and the gas-liquid separator are made of SS316L stainless steel, and / or
[0017] The inner wall roughness of the isolation tank is less than 0.4 μm, and / or
[0018] The inner wall of the isolation tank is electropolished, and / or
[0019] The outer wall roughness of the isolation tank is less than 0.8 μm, and / or
[0020] The outer wall of the isolation tank is mechanically polished.
[0021] Optionally, the maximum value of the dead zone length ratio of the emission device is 3 / 1, and / or
[0022] The first discharge pipe and / or the second discharge pipe includes a horizontal pipe with a slope greater than 1%.
[0023] Optionally, the opening pressure of the first check valve and the second check valve is not less than 0.05 bar, and / or
[0024] The opening pressure of the first check valve and the second check valve is no greater than 0.08 bar.
[0025] Another objective of this invention is to provide a sterile production device to at least solve one of the aforementioned technical problems.
[0026] To achieve this objective, the second aspect of this utility model adopts the following technical solution:
[0027] A sterile production device includes a sterile tank and a discharge device, wherein one end of a first discharge pipe is connected to the bottom of the sterile tank.
[0028] As can be seen from the above, the technical solution provided by this utility model allows for the following process: When the aseptic tank needs to discharge the material to be discharged, the first and second switching valves are opened. Under positive pressure, the first one-way valve opens, allowing the material to enter the isolation tank. The material then enters the isolation tank through the first discharge pipe. The material in the isolation tank passes through the second switching valve, and under the action of gravity and positive pressure gas, the second one-way valve opens, allowing the material to enter the gas-liquid separator. The gas entering the gas-liquid separator is discharged into the atmosphere through the exhaust port, and the liquid entering the gas-liquid separator enters the floor drain through the drain port. When the pressure inside the isolation tank approaches the pressure inside the first discharge pipe of the aseptic tank, the first one-way valve automatically closes to prevent air from being drawn back into the isolation tank to the upstream of the first one-way valve in the first discharge pipe. As the material to be discharged from the second discharge pipe is discharged, when the pressure inside the second pipe approaches the pressure inside the gas-liquid separator, the second one-way valve automatically closes to prevent air from being drawn back into the upstream of the second one-way valve in the second discharge pipe. After the aseptic tank has finished discharging, the first and second switching valves are closed.
[0029] The first check valve, the second check valve, and the isolation tank can prevent microorganisms from entering the sterile tank, thus improving the protective effect. Attached Figure Description
[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the aseptic production equipment provided in this embodiment of the utility model.
[0031] In the picture:
[0032] 1. First discharge pipe; 2. Isolation tank; 3. Second discharge pipe;
[0033] 4. Gas-liquid separator; 41. Exhaust port; 42. Liquid drain port;
[0034] 5. First switching valve; 6. First check valve; 7. Second switching valve; 8. Second check valve; 9. Inlet pipe; 10. Third check valve; 11. Branch pipe; 12. Third switching valve; 13. Steam trap; 14. Exhaust pipe; 15. Water seal chamber; 151. Water seal side wall; 152. Water seal top wall; 153. Water seal cavity; 16. Discharge pipe;
[0035] 100, Clean area; 200, Non-clean area; 300, Floor drain; 400, Aseptic tank. Detailed Implementation
[0036] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely for explaining this utility model and not for limiting it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts related to this utility model are shown in the accompanying drawings, not all of them.
[0037] This utility model defines certain directional terms. Unless otherwise stated, the directional terms used, such as "up", "down", "left", "right", "inner", and "outer", are used for ease of understanding and therefore do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0038] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0039] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0040] This embodiment provides a discharge device for discharging liquids and / or gases into equipment that needs to be produced in a sterile environment, so as to ensure the sterile environment required for production.
[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the discharge device provided in this embodiment includes a first discharge pipe 1, an isolation tank 2, a second discharge pipe 3, and a gas-liquid separator 4 connected sequentially from upstream to downstream. One end of the first discharge pipe 1 is connected to a sterile tank 400 or other equipment that needs to discharge the material to be discharged. It should be noted that in this embodiment, "upstream" and "downstream" are determined according to the direction of liquid flow, pointing from upstream to downstream along the direction of liquid flow.
[0042] The gas-liquid separator 4 is equipped with an exhaust port 41 and a liquid discharge port 42, with the exhaust port 41 located above the liquid discharge port 42. The first discharge pipe 1 is equipped with a first switching valve 5 and a first check valve 6, and the second discharge pipe 3 is equipped with a second switching valve 7 and a second check valve 8. Both the first check valve 6 and the second check valve 8 allow the material to be discharged to pass from the upstream side to the downstream side.
[0043] The substances to be discharged can be liquids, gases, or water vapor mixtures such as pharmaceutical solutions, cleaning water, and condensate.
[0044] In order to maintain a sterile environment inside the sterile tank 400, a positive pressure gas is often introduced into the sterile tank 400. Therefore, the first check valve 6 and the second check valve 8 can be opened by the gravity of the liquid, the liquid pressure and the pressure of the positive pressure gas.
[0045] When the sterile tank 400 needs to discharge the material to be discharged, the first switch valve 5 and the second switch valve 7 are opened. Under positive pressure, the first one-way valve 6 is opened, and the material to be discharged enters the isolation tank 2. The material to be discharged enters the isolation tank 2 through the first discharge pipe 1. The material to be discharged in the isolation tank 2 passes through the second switch valve 7, and under the action of gravity and positive pressure gas, the second one-way valve 8 is opened, allowing the material to enter the gas-liquid separator 4. The gas entering the gas-liquid separator 4 is discharged into the atmosphere through the exhaust port 41, and the liquid entering the gas-liquid separator 4 enters the floor drain 300 through the drain port 42. When the pressure inside the isolation tank 2 approaches the pressure inside the first discharge pipe 1 of the sterile tank 400, the first one-way valve 6 automatically closes to prevent air in the isolation tank 2 from being sucked back to the upstream of the first one-way valve 6 of the first discharge pipe 1. As the material to be discharged in the second discharge pipe 3 is discharged, when the pressure in the second pipe approaches the pressure in the gas-liquid separator 4, the second one-way valve 8 automatically closes to prevent air from being sucked back into the upstream of the second one-way valve 8 of the second discharge pipe 3. After the sterile tank 400 has been discharged, close the first switch valve 5 and the second switch valve 7.
[0046] The first one-way valve 6 forms the first line of protection against microorganisms entering the sterile tank 400, and the second one-way valve 8 forms the second line of protection against microorganisms entering the sterile tank 400, thereby improving the protection effect.
[0047] Preferably, the isolation tank 2 is located in the clean area 100, and the discharge device further includes an air inlet pipe 9, which is connected to a third one-way valve 10. The third one-way valve 10 allows air from the clean area 100 to enter the isolation tank 2. When a negative pressure occurs in the isolation tank 2, air from the clean area 100 is drawn into the isolation tank 2 through the third one-way valve 10, thereby preventing the gas in the second discharge pipe 3 and the gas-water separator 4 from being drawn back into the isolation tank 2, further ensuring the sterile environment of the sterile tank 400.
[0048] Optionally, the gas-liquid separator 4 is located in the non-clean area 200, and the floor drain 300 is also located in the non-clean area 200. This prevents the exhaust from the gas-liquid separator 4 from re-entering the clean area 100, and also prevents the exhaust from the gas-liquid separator 4 from entering the isolation tank 2 through the air inlet pipe 9, further ensuring the sterile environment of the sterile tank 400. In this embodiment, the floor drain 300 installed in the clean area 100 for liquid discharge can be eliminated, reducing the contamination of the clean area 100 environment by water vapor and droplets during liquid discharge.
[0049] It's understandable that "clean area 100" and "non-clean area 200" are professional terms used in the aseptic manufacturing industry. Typically, a clean area 100 is an area where airborne particles, microorganisms, and other contaminants are strictly controlled, requiring a specific cleanliness level. For example, clean area 100 cleanliness is divided into four levels: A, B, C, and D, allowing users to control the cleanliness level as needed. A non-clean area 200, on the other hand, is an area where air cleanliness is not strictly controlled, and the concentration of contaminants in the air is not explicitly limited.
[0050] The discharge device may also include a branch pipe 11, both ends of which are connected to the second discharge pipe 3. One end of the branch pipe 11 is located upstream of the second switching valve 7, and the other end is located downstream of the second switching valve 7. The second one-way valve 8 is located upstream or downstream of the branch pipe 11. A third switching valve 12 and a steam trap 13 are connected to the branch pipe 11. When the third switching valve 12 is open, the steam trap 13 can automatically discharge condensate and prevent steam leakage. This is existing technology, and its specific structure will not be described in detail here.
[0051] When the aseptic tank 400 is sterilized by high-temperature steam, the second switch valve 7 is closed, and the first switch valve 5 and the third switch valve 12 are opened. Steam enters the isolation tank 2 and drains through the steam trap 13, achieving simultaneous sterilization of the isolation tank 2 and the aseptic tank 400. After the high-temperature steam condenses, the third switch valve 12 is closed, the first switch valve 5 remains open, and the second switch valve 7 is opened. The condensate is discharged into the gas-liquid separator 4 through the first discharge pipe 1 and the second discharge pipe 3. After the condensate is discharged, the aseptic tank 400 is purged with gas to dry it. During the gas purging process, the first switch valve 5 and the second switch valve 7 are open, and the third switch valve 12 is closed. After the aseptic tank 400 and the isolation tank 2 are dried, the first switch valve 5 and the second switch valve 7 are closed.
[0052] For example, the first switching valve 5 is located upstream of the first check valve 6, thereby promptly disconnecting the first discharge pipe 1 and isolating the first check valve 6 from the isolation tank 2 after discharge is completed. The second switching valve 7 is located upstream of the second check valve 8, thereby promptly disconnecting the second discharge pipe 3 and isolating the second check valve 8 from the water-gas separator tank 4 after discharge is completed. At this time, the second check valve 8 is located downstream of the branch pipe 11.
[0053] The isolation tank 2, the first discharge pipe 1, the second discharge pipe 3 and the gas-liquid separator 4 are made of SS316L, which has excellent corrosion resistance.
[0054] The inner wall roughness of isolation tank 2 is less than 0.4 μm, which facilitates cleaning of the inside of isolation tank 2. The outer wall roughness of isolation tank 2 is less than 0.8 μm, which facilitates cleaning of the outer wall of isolation tank 2.
[0055] Optionally, the inner wall of the isolation tank 2 is electropolished, and the outer wall of the isolation tank 2 is mechanically polished.
[0056] Optionally, the exhaust port 41 is connected to an exhaust pipe 14 to introduce gas into the discharge position.
[0057] Optionally, the drain port 42 is connected to a water seal structure, which isolates the gas-liquid separator 4 from the floor drain 300, thereby preventing backflow of contaminated air and liquid droplets from the floor drain 300. Exemplarily, the drain port 42 is connected to a discharge pipe 16, which discharges liquid into the floor drain 300. Preferably, the discharge pipe 16 is not directly connected to the floor drain 300, and the distance between the discharge pipe 16 and the floor drain 300 is greater than 50 mm.
[0058] Specifically, the gas-liquid separator 4 is provided with a water seal chamber 15, which includes a water seal top wall 152 and a water seal side wall 151. The water seal side wall 151 is connected to the lower side of the water seal top wall 152. The water seal top wall 152, the water seal side wall 151, and the portion of the gas-liquid separator 4 directly opposite the water seal side wall 151 form a water seal cavity 153 with an open lower end. It should be noted that the lower end of the water seal side wall 151 is spaced apart from the bottom wall of the gas-liquid separator 4, thereby forming the opening of the water seal cavity 153. The drain port 42 is located inside the water seal cavity 153 and is close to the top of the water seal cavity 153. That is, the drain port 42 is located below the water seal top wall 152 and above the opening of the water seal chamber 15. Optionally, the water seal top wall 152 can be welded to the inner wall of the gas-liquid separator 4, and the two ends of the water seal side wall 151 in the circumferential direction can also be welded to the inner wall of the gas-liquid separator 4. The water seal top wall 152 and the water seal side wall 151 can be an integral structure or welded together.
[0059] When liquid is discharged into the gas-liquid separator 4, the liquid levels in both the gas-liquid separator 4 and the water seal chamber 153 gradually rise. When the liquid level reaches the drain port 42, the liquid is discharged into the floor drain 300 through the drain port 42 and the drain pipe 16. Furthermore, under the siphon effect, the liquid in the gas-liquid separator 4 continues to be discharged through the drain port 42 and the drain pipe 16. During the discharge process, the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator 4 gradually decreases, while the liquid level in the water seal chamber 153 remains unchanged. When the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator 4 drops to the opening of the water seal chamber 15, air enters the water seal chamber 15, disrupting the siphon effect of the drain pipe 16. The drain pipe 16 then stops discharging liquid. Simultaneously, the liquid in the water seal chamber 153 flows back into the gas-liquid separator 4 until the liquid levels in the water seal chamber 153 and the gas-liquid separator 4 are equal. At this point, the liquid level is still higher than the opening of the water seal chamber 153, thus forming a water seal. Specifically, when the polluted air in the drain 300 enters the water seal chamber 153 through the discharge pipe 16, the polluted air can only stay in the water seal chamber 153 and cannot enter the gas-water separator 4 because the liquid level is higher than the opening of the water seal chamber 153. When liquid is discharged into the gas-water separator 4 again, the liquid levels in the gas-water separator 4 and the water seal chamber 153 gradually rise at the same time, and the polluted air is discharged.
[0060] Since the height of the drain outlet 42 is higher than the height of the floor drain 300, the water in the floor drain 300 will not enter the gas-water separator 4, and therefore, the sewage or droplets in the floor drain 300 will not contaminate the gas-water separator 4.
[0061] The maximum dead zone length ratio of the discharge device is 3 / 1 to ensure media flow, avoid residue, facilitate cleaning, and ensure sterilization effect. For example, the length of the pipe connecting the second switch valve 7 and the second discharge pipe 3 shall not exceed three times the inner diameter of the second discharge pipe 3. Similarly, the length of the pipe connecting the third switch valve 12 and the second discharge pipe 3 shall not exceed three times the inner diameter of the second discharge pipe 3. Furthermore, the length of the pipe connecting the first switch valve 5 and the aseptic tank 400 shall not exceed three times the inner diameter of the first discharge pipe 1.
[0062] The first discharge pipe 1 and / or the second discharge pipe 3 include a horizontal pipe with a slope greater than 1%, which facilitates the drainage of liquid within the discharge pipe. It is understood that the horizontal pipe is the portion of the first discharge pipe 1 or the second discharge pipe 3 that is generally horizontal or at an acute angle to the horizontal direction.
[0063] The first discharge pipe 1 and / or the second discharge pipe 3 may also include a longitudinal pipe, which may be installed vertically or at an acute angle to the vertical direction, and the horizontal pipe is connected to the longitudinal pipe. It is understood that the number of horizontal and vertical pipes is unlimited and can be reasonably set according to the relative position between the aseptic tank 400 and the isolation tank 2 or the relative position between the isolation tank 2 and the gas-liquid separator 4.
[0064] Optionally, the branch pipe 11 may also include a horizontal pipe with a slope greater than 1%, which facilitates the drainage of liquid within the branch pipe 11. The branch pipe 11 may also include a longitudinal pipe, which may be installed vertically or at an acute angle to the vertical direction, and the horizontal pipe and the longitudinal pipe are connected.
[0065] The opening pressure of the first one-way valve 6 and the second one-way valve 8 is not less than 0.05 bar. This opening pressure ensures both the complete drainage of liquid via positive pressure gas and the maintenance of a positive pressure environment within the isolation tank 2 and the sterile tank 400. For example, the opening pressure of the first one-way valve 6 and the second one-way valve 8 is not greater than 0.08 bar, allowing the one-way valves to quickly close, preventing backflow and ensuring the complete drainage of liquid from the sterile tank 400. The opening pressure of the third one-way valve 10 is less than 0.05 bar, allowing it to open when a small negative pressure is generated within the isolation tank 2, quickly replenishing the slightly negative pressure isolation tank 2 with clean air.
[0066] This embodiment also provides a sterile production device, including a sterile tank 400 and the above-mentioned discharge device. One end of the first discharge pipe 1 is connected to the bottom of the sterile tank 400, so that the liquid in the sterile tank 400 can be drained.
[0067] Optionally, the first discharge pipe 1 and the air inlet pipe 9 are both connected to the top of the isolation tank 2, and one end of the second discharge pipe 3 is connected to the bottom of the isolation tank 2, and the other end is connected to the gas-water separator 4 at a position higher than the water seal level.
[0068] Optionally, the aseptic tank 400 is located above the isolation tank 2, such as diagonally above or directly above the isolation tank 2. The isolation tank 2 is located above the gas-liquid separator 4, such as diagonally above or directly above the gas-liquid separator 4.
[0069] Although the present invention has been described in detail above with general descriptions, specific embodiments, and experiments, some modifications or improvements can be made to it, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, all such modifications or improvements made without departing from the spirit of the present invention fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.
Claims
1. A discharge device, characterized in that, It includes a first discharge pipe (1), an isolation tank (2), a second discharge pipe (3), and a gas-liquid separator (4) connected sequentially from upstream to downstream. The gas-liquid separator (4) is provided with an exhaust port (41) and a liquid discharge port (42). The exhaust port (41) is located above the liquid discharge port (42). The first discharge pipe (1) is equipped with a first switching valve (5) and a first check valve (6); The second discharge pipe (3) is equipped with a second switching valve (7) and a second check valve (8); Both the first check valve (6) and the second check valve (8) allow the material to be discharged to pass from the upstream side to the downstream side.
2. The emission device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The isolation tank (2) is located in the clean area (100). The discharge device also includes an air inlet pipe (9) connected to the air inlet pipe (9). The third one-way valve (10) allows air from the clean area (100) to enter the isolation tank (2).
3. The emission device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The gas-water separator (4) is located in a non-clean area (200).
4. The emission device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The discharge device also includes a branch pipe (11), both ends of which are connected to the second discharge pipe (3). One end of the branch pipe (11) is located upstream of the second switch valve (7), and the other end is located downstream of the second switch valve (7). The second check valve (8) is located upstream or downstream of the branch pipe (11). The branch pipe (11) is connected to a third switch valve (12) and a steam trap (13).
5. The emission device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first switching valve (5) is located upstream of the first check valve (6); and / or The second switching valve (7) is located upstream of the second check valve (8).
6. The emission device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drain port (42) is connected to a water seal structure.
7. The emission device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The isolation tank (2), the first discharge pipe (1), the second discharge pipe (3), and the gas-liquid separator (4) are made of SS316L, and / or The inner wall roughness of the isolation tank (2) is less than 0.4 μm, and / or The inner wall of the isolation tank (2) is electropolished, and / or The outer wall roughness of the isolation tank (2) is less than 0.8 μm, and / or The outer wall of the isolation tank (2) is mechanically polished.
8. The emission device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The maximum value of the dead zone length ratio of the emission device is 3 / 1, and / or The first discharge pipe (1) and / or the second discharge pipe (3) include a horizontal pipe with a slope greater than 1%.
9. The emission device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opening pressure of the first check valve (6) and the second check valve (8) is not less than 0.05 bar, and / or The opening pressure of the first check valve (6) and the second check valve (8) is not greater than 0.08 bar.
10. A sterile production device, characterized in that, It includes an aseptic tank (400) and a discharge device according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein one end of the first discharge pipe (1) is connected to the bottom of the aseptic tank (400).