Separator

Abstract

Separator encompassing a frame (I) comprising mounts (I-4, I-5) for the rotatable mounting of the separator insert (II, III) each with a stator assembly (4a, 4b) as a component of a magnetic bearing assembly (4 or 5), and a separator insert (II, III) is provided as a pre-assembled, interchangeable unit for insertion into stator units (4a, 4b) on a frame (I) or in a housing (68) of the separator and wherein the separator insert (II, III) has at least the following features: i. a rotor (2, 65) rotatable about an axis of rotation (D) with a drum (3, 66) and a drum wall, ii. at least two rotor units (4b, 5b) as sub-elements of the magnetic bearing devices (4, 5) at two axially spaced locations of the rotor (2) with the drum, with which the rotor (2) with the drum (3) can be suspended in the separation operation within the housing, rotatably mounted and set in rotation, wherein the separator has at least one linear drive (50) for the linear movement of at least one of the two receptacles (I-4 and I-5) relative to the separator insert (II, III).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a separator with a separator insert.

[0002] Separators as defined in this document are used to separate a flowable suspension as the starting product into phases of different densities in a centrifugal field. Steam sterilization of the separators used is required for a wide variety of applications. A relatively "small" steam-sterilizable separator with a disc pack introduced to the market by the applicant is the "CSC 6" separator with 6000 m 2equivalent clarification area. However, in some situations, such as in the laboratory, this machine is still relatively large. The well-known disc-pack separators available on the market are driven by a spindle, which in turn is driven by a motor, either directly or via a gear. Furthermore, these machines are made of stainless steel. For these reasons, filters are currently very frequently used in laboratories instead of centrifugal separators. A disc-pack separator with disposable plastic components (single-use technology - single-use of pre-qualified plastic parts) would not require steam sterilization (SIP - Sterilization In Place). This could be particularly suitable for use in biotechnology.

[0003] WO 2014 / 000829 A1 discloses a separator for separating a flowable product into different phases. The separator comprises a rotatable drum with a lower drum section and an upper drum section, and a means arranged in the drum for processing a suspension of solids in the centrifugal field or for separating a heavy, solid-like phase from a lighter phase in the centrifugal field. One, several, or all of the following elements are made of plastic or a plastic composite material: the lower drum section, the upper drum section, and the means for clarification. This makes it possible to design part of the drum, or preferably even the entire drum—preferably including the inlet and outlet systems or areas—for single-use, which is particularly advantageous for processing pharmaceutical products such as fermentation broths or the like.This is interesting and advantageous because, after processing a corresponding product batch, the parts of the drum that come into contact with the product do not need to be cleaned after the batch is processed, but the entire drum can be replaced. This separator is therefore particularly advantageous from a hygienic point of view. To achieve a physical separation between this disposable drum and the drive, a contactless coupling between the drive and the drum is advantageous.

[0004] A further development is shown in the generic DE 10 2017 128 027. Here, the bearing devices are designed as magnetic bearings, and one of the magnetic bearing devices is preferably also used as a drive device for rotating the drum, which is kept suspended during operation. This eliminates the need for mechanical components for rotating and supporting the drum, which favors the design as a separator with a single-use separator insert, since replacing this separator insert is very easy. The present invention also utilizes these advantages.

[0005] Against this background, the object of the invention is to optimize the replacement of a separator insert in a separator, ensuring its subsequent disposal is as straightforward as possible. The separator insert is particularly usable or designed as a disposable element, thus making the separation process more manageable.

[0006] The invention solves this problem by a separator having the features of claim 1.

[0007] The design of the separator is intended to reduce cross-contamination during product processing

[0008] For this purpose, a separator insert is used as a pre-assembled, replaceable unit within a separator. At the same time, the replaceable separator insert should be disposed of easily and simply. In particular, separate disposal of the separator insert and any residual liquid contained within it should be possible.

[0009] In a first variant, the separator insert can be designed for insertion into stator units on a separator frame. In this variant, the separator insert can comprise both a rotatably mounted drum and a housing that remains stationary during separation operation as a pre-assembled, replaceable unit.

[0010] In a second variant, the separator insert can be designed as a rotor with a rotatably mounted drum, preferably with an integrated separating means, in particular a separating plate package, for use in a housing of a separator. The supply and discharge system, i.e. the entirety of all supply and discharge lines, can preferably and advantageously be at least partially or completely a component of the separator insert, so that an inlet and outlet that is hermetically sealed with respect to the housing of the separator is guaranteed. In contrast to the previous variant, the housing in this variant remains part of the separator when the separator insert is replaced. A disadvantage compared to the first variant is the more complicated seal between rotating and non-rotating parts. An example of such a seal and a corresponding axially arranged supply and discharge system is known, for example, from EP 2 864 053 B1.With a bottom-feed line, so-called mechanical seals can be used, which allow the separator insert to be replaced. Such a seal is known, for example, from WO 2020 / 120358 A1.

[0011] In both of the above-mentioned variants, the separator insert has at least the following: i. a rotor rotatable about a rotational axis, comprising a drum and a drum wall. In a preferred embodiment, this wall may be formed with a closed wall in a central region of the drum,

[0012] In the context of the present invention, the middle region is preferably the region between 20-80% of the axial extent of the drum. ii. at least two rotor units as sub-elements of the magnetic bearing devices at two axially spaced locations of the rotor with the drum, with which the rotor with the drum can be held suspended, rotatably mounted and set in rotation within the housing during separation operation, wherein the separator has at least one linear drive for the linear movement of at least one of the two receptacles relative to the separator insert (II, III).

[0013] Decoupling the magnetic bearing assembly when replacing the separator insert may require additional force. Depending on the separator insert's weight, the linear drive assists in decoupling and thus in replacing the insert.

[0014] In addition, the separator may contain other components, including: iii. preferably a separating agent arranged in the drum,

[0015] A plate package made of separating plates can be used as a separating agent. iv. at least one product inlet line and two product outlet lines from the separator insert;

[0016] To further reduce cross-contamination, a separate drainage line can be advantageously provided. In the context of the present invention, this is preferably not part of the drainage system. v. the product-contacting areas of the separator insert are made partly or entirely of plastic;

[0017] Due to its single-use nature, the use of plastic for the separator insert is optimal, allowing for subsequent disposal of the separator insert, or at least the product-contacting areas. This is advantageous for the processing of a wide variety of pharmaceutical, radiotracer, or biotechnology products, such as the extraction of phytotoxic active ingredients, where contamination should be kept as low as possible, even when changing the separator insert.

[0018] A replacement method may include at least the following steps. a) Providing the separator with a first separator insert (II) mounted on the frame (I) or in the housing

[0019] After use, this first separator insert is replaced with a second, uncontaminated and otherwise preferably identical separator insert. However, depending on the separation task, the separator inserts and, preferably, the separating agents used in the separator inserts may vary. b) introducing a starting product to be separated into the separator; c) discharging a first and second product stream separated from the product mixture through the two separate product discharge lines from the separator during a separation operation of the separator;

[0020] The separation process is also referred to as "operation" below. Products are separated according to their density in the centrifugal field of the separator. d) stopping the separation operation and draining any residual liquid remaining in the drum;

[0021] When the separation operation is halted or stopped, any residual liquid remaining in the drum is drained, preferably by gravity.

[0022] The drum can still move slightly when the separation process is stopped, but gravity prevails and determines the emptying direction.

[0023] If a separate drainage line is used, it is preferably located along a bottom surface of the separator insert to ensure that the insert is emptied as completely as possible.

[0024] If step d) is performed in a separator insert in which the housing and rotor are combined in a preassembled unit, the drainage can be arranged such that both the drum and the housing are emptied of residual liquid via the drainage drain line. More than one drainage drain line can also be provided for this purpose. e) Replacing the emptied contaminated separator insert from the separator frame or housing with an unused separator insert.

[0025] The emptied, contaminated separator insert can then be disposed of without the need to drain the residual liquid. When processing particularly problematic products, such as hazardous substances of various hazard classes, immediate contamination-tight packaging of the separator insert is recommended. Draining residual liquid while the separator insert is disassembled is impractical and may require increased safety standards.

[0026] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the starting product, e.g. a suspension, is processed by a separator having a frame and a separator insert arranged on the frame so as to be replaceable, wherein the separator insert is designed to separate a flowable suspension in a centrifugal field into at least two flowable phases of different densities and forms a pre-assembled, replaceable unit for insertion into stator units on the frame of the separator and has at least the following: a housing which is stationary during operation and is designed in the manner of a container which is closed except for a plurality of openings, a rotor arranged within the housing and rotatable about a rotational axis and having a drum which has one or more openings, preferably a separating means arranged in the drum,at least two rotor units for magnetic bearing devices at two axially spaced locations of the rotor with the drum, with which the rotor with the drum can be suspended, rotatably mounted, and set in rotation within the housing during operation, wherein spaced-apart receptacles with stator units of the bearing devices are further formed on the frame, between which the housing of the separator insert is held in a rotationally fixed manner so that the rotor remains rotatable, wherein the relative position of the receptacles with the stator units of the bearing devices can be changed such that the separator insert is replaceable, wherein the housing and the receptacles have corresponding positive locking means for holding the housing in a rotationally fixed manner on the receptacles.

[0027] “In operation” means during centrifugal processing when the rotor is rotating.

[0028] It is thus possible to create a separator comprising a disposable module with disposable components, a "drum" and "housing," while at least the frame and parts of the bearing and drive device can be reusable. By changing the position, the corresponding positive locking means can be engaged and disengaged to change the separator insert.

[0029] The invention enables the production of a separator that utilizes a disposable separator insert, preferably designed so that all components that come into contact with the product are made of plastic or other non-magnetic materials that can be disposed of after a single use. Cleaning after use is thus eliminated. The machine and its operation can thus become significantly more cost-effective. Magnets can be recycled if necessary.

[0030] It is simple and safe because the frame is provided with spaced-apart receptacles for the bearing devices, between which the separator insert can be inserted in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0031] It can further be provided that the separator insert can be fastened to the frame in a form-fitting and non-positive manner in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0032] In a particularly simple variant, the receptacles and the housing can have corresponding pins and recesses as corresponding positive locking means to hold the housing in a rotationally fixed manner to the receptacles. This is particularly simple if the receptacles and pins each extend axially.

[0033] It can further be provided that the position of the receptacles, in particular on the console, is adjustable in order to be able to change the separator insert. For this purpose, the relative distance between the receptacles can be adjustable, but one or both receptacles can also be designed to be foldable, pivotable, rotatable, or movable in order to be able to place the separator insert between the receptacles. Preferably, according to one variant, the relative vertical position can be changed by adjusting the vertical relative distance between the receptacles and the stator units of the bearing devices in such a way that the separator insert is replaceable, so that the corresponding form-locking means can be brought into and out of engagement by the adjustment.

[0034] This makes changing the separator insert after processing a batch quick and easy.

[0035] According to a particularly simple first variant, only one of the two mounts can be arranged on the frame, in particular on the console, in an adjustable manner, in particular height-adjustable, while the other mount can be arranged fixedly on the frame, in particular on the console. Alternatively, it is possible for both mounts to be arranged on the frame, in particular on the console, in an adjustable manner, in particular height-adjustable.

[0036] Further advantageous embodiments of the separator are the subject of the subclaims.

[0037] As previously mentioned, the separator insert can have an additional drainage line for draining the residual liquid remaining in the drum in step d). This is provided in addition to the separator insert's inlet and outlet system. This eliminates the need for additional diversions and control devices, unlike with drainage via a bottom-side inlet.

[0038] Draining the residual liquid remaining in the drum in step d) can involve collecting the residual liquid outside the separator insert in a collection container, preferably a drainage bag. Thus, immediately before replacement, the residual liquid can be transferred from the preferably hermetic environment of the separator insert into a likewise hermetic environment of a contamination-tight collection container. The contents of the collection container can be determined by measuring the weight of the empty container and the filled container, allowing a very precise weight determination of the residual liquid content. For hazardous substances, e.g., phytotoxins or radionuclides, a precise determination of the residual quantity may be necessary due to various national regulations.

[0039] The residual liquid remaining in the drum can be emptied via a product inlet line, alternatively to a drainage outlet line, by draining in step d). If the product inlet line is part of the replaceable separator insert, it can be automatically replaced. If part of the product inlet line or part of the inlet system with product-contacting surfaces is part of the housing, this part should preferably be designed to be replaceable so that it can be disposed of together with the separator insert. However, this may require additional disassembly steps.

[0040] The product feed line or a connected downstream line element, preferably a hose or pipe, can have a switching valve between a residual liquid collection container and a starting product container, wherein the switching valve is actuated during discharge in step d). A control unit can carry out both the operating sequence of the described method and the actuation of the switching valve, as well as any other components for operating the separator, e.g., a peristaltic pump.

[0041] In a variant of the present invention, the separator insert can be designed as an exchangeable, rotatably mounted rotor with an integrated inlet and outlet system within the housing of the separator, wherein the introduction of the starting product in step b) and the discharge of the residual liquid in step d) takes place via the product inlet line of the inlet system, wherein before the discharge of the residual liquid in step d) an inlet element connected to the product inlet line is exchanged for a discharge element with the collecting container.

[0042] The central closed-walled area of ​​the drum can advantageously extend over 20-80% of the axial extent of the drum.

[0043] Particularly in the first variant, in which the separator insert comprises the housing and the rotor, it is advantageous if at least one product outlet line, in particular the product outlet line of a heavy product stream, is connected to a pump, such as a peristaltic pump, in particular a peristaltic pump, whereby the pump adjusts the pressure in the product outlet line. As a result, the pump can generate a counterpressure to a product outlet of the heavy phase, designed as a gripper, within the separator insert, e.g., by reducing the flow volume.

[0044] The pump can be switched off during draining in step d) or can operate at a reduced pressure compared to step c), allowing the residual liquid to drain away by gravity. Alternatively, the product drain line can also have a pressure-reducing control element, preferably a valve, particularly preferably a shut-off valve, to ensure draining via the drainage line. Alternatively or additionally, the residual liquid can also be pumped out via this drainage line under negative pressure.

[0045] Furthermore, in step d), the residual liquid can advantageously be drained from both the drum and the housing. This applies particularly to the first variant, in which the housing and drum are part of the separator insert.

[0046] The removal of the contaminated first separator insert in step e) for replacement with a new second separator insert can advantageously be carried out by changing the relative position of the receptacles with the stator units of the bearing devices.

[0047] An advantageous and simple method for exchanging a first separator insert of a separator in step e) for a second separator insert can particularly preferably be carried out with the following steps: a) Providing the separator with a first separator insert mounted on the frame, b) adjusting the relative position, in particular the relative distance, of the receptacles and releasing the positive connection between the frame and the separator insert and removing the first separator insert from the receptacles; c) providing the second separator insert (before, during or after steps a) and b); d) inserting the other second separator insert into one of the receptacles so that the corresponding form-locking means at one end of the housing and at one of the receptacles engage with each other; and e) Adjusting the relative position, in particular the relative distance, of the receptacles until the corresponding form-locking means at both ends of the housing of the separator insert and at the two receptacles engage with each other in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0048] The discharge of a first and second product stream separated from the product mixture through the two separate product outlet lines from the separator during separation operation of the separator can advantageously be carried out in such a way that there are no connections between the product inlet system and the product outlet system outside the separator insert. This ensures a hermetic, contamination-free discharge of the product inlet and outlet streams.

[0049] Furthermore, the discharge of a first and second product stream separated from the product mixture through the two separate product drain lines from the separator during separation operation of the separator can be carried out in such a way that there are no connections between the product drain system and the drainage drain system outside the separator insert. The drainage drain system preferably comprises the aforementioned drainage drain line, optionally an additional pipe or hose connected to the drainage drain line outside the separator insert, and the aforementioned collection container.

[0050] In addition, the drainage of residual liquid from the separator when the separation operation of the separator is stopped in step d) is preferably carried out in such a way that there are no connections between the product inlet system and the drainage outlet system outside the separator insert.

[0051] Thus, the product inlet and / or the product outlet are also hermetically sealed against the drainage system, thus avoiding cross-contamination.

[0052] The drainage line comprises a nozzle formed on the housing in a medium-tight manner, with a product-contacting surface, and a pipe or hose connected thereto, preferably hermetically, for draining the residual liquid into the collection container. The nozzle protrudes outward from the housing. Preferably, said nozzle protrudes relative to the adjacent outer wall of the housing.

[0053] The housing preferably has a product inlet with an inlet line and a first and a second product outlet, wherein the drainage outlet line is arranged as a separate line opposite the product inlet and product outlet.

[0054] The inlet line can have an inlet nozzle extending into the interior of the housing. This creates a height difference between the inlet opening and the drainage outlet opening, eliminating the need to close the product inlet to drain the residual liquid.

[0055] The hose or pipe lines can have a sterile coupling at the end.

[0056] The product feed system may advantageously comprise a pump, preferably a centrifugal pump, which is preferably replaced after the stop in step d).

[0057] The product inlet system, the product outlet system and the drainage system can preferably comprise hoses or pipes plugged onto or onto the product inlet line, the product outlet lines and / or the drainage outlet lines as interchangeable systems.

[0058] Advantageously, a flow rate of the product inlet or a physical measured value equivalent to the flow rate can be determined to control the pump performance, in particular by a measurement without medium contact.

[0059] The pump and flow meter can be arranged in a riser pipe of the product feed system for optimal measurement data acquisition.

[0060] A discharge of a heavy phase of the product discharge system may comprise a pump, preferably a peristaltic pump, which remains as part of the separator after the stop in step d) while the line element connected to the pump is replaced.

[0061] The discharge of the heavy phase may comprise a flow meter and / or a pressure sensor for adjusting the pressure in the discharge of the heavy phase based on the speed of the pump, wherein at least the flow meter is arranged along a riser.

[0062] In a discharge line of the light phase, a container can advantageously be arranged in which the light phase is temporarily stored.

[0063] In the discharge of the light phase, an optical sensor for quality control can preferably be arranged, preferably fluidically behind the container.

[0064] In the discharge of the light phase, a pump can also be arranged, preferably fluidically behind the container.

[0065] The pump output can be controlled by measuring the weight of the container, preferably using a load cell.

[0066] The amount of residual liquid drained in step d) can also be measured, among other things for balancing purposes.

[0067] Advantageously, before or during steps b) and c), a protective gas, preferably nitrogen or a noble gas, can be introduced into the separator insert, in particular through one or more connecting nozzles arranged on the housing of the separator insert separately from the product inlets and outlets.

[0068] Furthermore, before step b), air can advantageously be sucked out of the separator insert through the connection piece(s), e.g. in order to subsequently flood the separator insert with protective gas.

[0069] Finally, to accelerate and ensure complete emptying, air may be introduced into the separator insert through the connecting piece(s) during emptying of the separator insert according to step c).

[0070] The following are further advantageous embodiments which particularly relate to the first variant of the separator insert of a separator according to the invention.

[0071] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous and simple from a structural point of view if one or both receptacles are arranged so as to be movable on the frame, in particular on the console.

[0072] It is further advantageous if, when inserting the separator insert into one or both of the receptacles, one or more axially outgoing hoses on the separator insert are guided through a respective through-opening of the respective receptacle.

[0073] It is preferred, as it is simple and practical, that the rotor units are arranged at the two axial ends of the drum, and that two corresponding stator units are formed on the frame of the separator. In this way, magnetic bearing devices are formed at both axial ends of the drum.

[0074] It is particularly advantageous that, according to the invention, the functionally required position of the stator units and the rotor units relative to each other is mechanically well ensured. This particularly applies to the precise axial and radial centering of the coaxially positioned stator and rotor units.

[0075] The invention also provides a separator insert for separating a flowable suspension in a centrifugal field into at least two flowable phases of different densities, which forms a pre-assembled, replaceable unit for insertion into stator units on the frame of the separator and comprises at least the following: a housing which is stationary during operation and is designed in the manner of a container which is closed except for one or more openings, a rotor arranged within the housing and rotatable about a rotational axis, with a drum which has one or more openings, a separating means arranged in the drum, at least two rotor units for magnetic bearing devices at two axially spaced locations on the drum, with which the rotor with the drum can be held suspended within the housing during operation, rotatably mounted and set in rotation, wherein the housing has positive locking means,to hold the housing to a support for rotation. This separator insert is particularly suitable for a separator as an interchangeable module, with the frame, particularly its mounts, forming the support(s).

[0076] According to an advantageous variant, at least one of the two magnetic bearing devices preferably also represents the rotary drive for the drum, whereby this drive is also suitable for driving the drum at freely adjustable speeds or a freely selectable direction of rotation. In this case, it can preferably be provided that one or both magnetic bearing devices act as radial and axial bearings and keep the rotor suspended in the container at a distance from it during operation.

[0077] The rotor and stator units interact to form magnetic bearing systems. These allow the drum to be supported axially and radially and kept suspended.

[0078] According to a further advantageous and particularly simple variant, it is additionally provided that a further opening in the drum is designed as a free radial outlet for a second of the flowable phases from the drum into the housing, from which it can be discharged. It can also be advantageous and simple for this purpose to be associated with a collecting annular chamber in the housing, which has an outlet from the housing.

[0079] According to another advantageous and particularly simple variant, it can also be provided to additionally design a further opening in the drum for discharging the additional flowable phases from the drum as a paring disc. It can then advantageously be provided that the paring disc has a discharge pipe that is coaxial with the supply pipe and leads coaxially with it out of the drum and through the opening in the first axial boundary wall of the housing.

[0080] In order to be able to control or regulate the separation process well, it can further be provided that a control valve is connected downstream of the first paring disc and / or the second paring disc on the flow side - i.e. possibly on the outlet side in each case - which control valve(s) can be controlled by a control device.

[0081] It can further be preferably provided that a plate pack is arranged in the drum as a separating means, and that a paring disc is arranged in a space-saving and simple manner in the drum below the distributor and below the plate pack, i.e., in an area that would otherwise often be required for attaching a drive spindle, which is not required here. This paring disc serves to drain the first flowable phase from the drum.

[0082] It is preferred - because of its simple construction and safety - that the rotor units for the magnetic bearing devices are arranged at the two axial ends of the drum and that the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe of the first peeling disc each pass axially through one of these two rotor units.

[0083] It is particularly advantageous and practical that the separator insert is designed as a pre-assembled unit. In particular, it can also be provided that all product-contacting elements of this insert are made of plastic or another non-magnetic material, while the entire insert is replaceable and can be completely disposed of after use. Cleaning and, if necessary, steam sterilization of the separator insert are thus no longer necessary.

[0084] The respective bearing device, which in addition to a radial bearing also provides an axial bearing for the drum and / or a rotary drive, can act permanently and / or electromagnetically.

[0085] On the outer circumference, the inlet pipe or a paring disc shaft surrounding it is preferably inserted into the housing in a sealed manner or is formed integrally with it.

[0086] The drum can be single-conical or double-conical. It can additionally or alternatively also have one or more cylindrical sections. It can also be composed of several parts, in particular an upper part and a lower part, wherein these parts are preferably connected to one another after the installation of internal components and their assembly (e.g., by gluing or welding). Similarly, the housing can be composed of several parts, in particular an upper part and a lower part, wherein these parts are preferably connected to one another after the installation of internal components—in particular, the rotor—and their assembly (e.g., by gluing or welding).

[0087] The outlets can have nozzles on the outside of the housing, which are sealed around the outer circumference, allowing hoses or similar devices to be easily connected. The hoses can also be pre-assembled to the nozzles, ensuring they are completely sealed and, if necessary, sterile. The nozzles can extend radially, tangentially, or at an angle to the radial direction.

[0088] After its manufacture, the entire separator insert can also be provided as a sealed unit, preventing any contaminants from entering. For this purpose, the nozzles at the housing openings can be sealed and releasably closed. Hose sections can be arranged on the nozzles, featuring openable and closable connectors, with which the separator insert can be connected to other elements of the supply and discharge system, such as bags or tanks, or hoses or pipes.

[0089] These separators are suitable for operation at variable, even relatively high speeds. They can also be used for one-off processing - for example, for the centrifugal separation of a product batch of a flowable fermentation broth in the form of a suspension - from 100 l to several thousand, e.g. 4000 l - into different phases - and then disposed of. A particular advantage is that all components of the separator that come into contact with the product can be installed, operated, and then disposed of as prefabricated and germ-free units. This prefabricated unit consists at least of the rotor with the drum, the separation discs, the inlet distributor and the rotor magnets or rotor units, as well as the housing with the inlets and outlets. Furthermore, the unit can also have inlet and outlet lines (e.g.hoses) as well as measuring equipment or other product-contacting components that are intended for single use and are disposed of together with the separator unit after use.

[0090] Finally, it can also be advantageously provided that the housing has only the openings for inlet pipes and outlets and is otherwise hermetically sealed. For this purpose, the inlet pipes and outlets can protrude outward from the housing like nozzles, with these nozzles being sealed to the housing or formed integrally with it.

[0091] Each of the holders can have a separate linear drive for linear movement of one of the two holders relative to the separator insert.

[0092] Alternatively, only one of the two mounts can have a linear drive, with both mounts being movable simultaneously, preferably synchronously. Simultaneous or synchronous movement can particularly preferably be achieved by a gear mechanism, e.g., a toothed gear mechanism, which is part of the separator.

[0093] The frame may have a support plate which allows the separator insert to be temporarily supported when it is inserted into the frame.

[0094] The support plate can have a support device, preferably a support strut, particularly preferably a telescopic rod, in particular a spring-loaded telescopic rod.

[0095] The support plate, in particular, has a recess for accommodating the separator insert. The recess can allow the separator insert to be fully encompassed or partially encompassed, e.g., by two legs. In this context, the recess does not need to be completely closed.

[0096] At least one of the receptacles, preferably each of the receptacles, can have a through-opening through which a hose for supplying and / or discharging the product is guided, and the receptacle is mounted for linear movement relative to the hose. The drive, e.g., a motor, is preferably arranged around the through-opening.

[0097] The linear drive can in particular have a driver and a stator, wherein the driver is designed as a carriage and is fastened to one of the receptacles and wherein the stator is designed as a guide rail and is fastened to the frame, preferably to a bracket of the frame.

[0098] The driver can be reliably attached to one of the mounts.

[0099] The separator insert can have one or more circumferential stops for contact with the support plate. This can, for example, be a circumferential collar, which allows for a wide contact area.

[0100] In particular, the holders can be designed to be movable by the same amount in order to achieve optimal force absorption during disassembly.

[0101] The invention is described in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings, in which further advantageous variants and refinements are also discussed. It should be emphasized that the exemplary embodiments discussed below are not intended to be exhaustive descriptions of the invention, but that variants and equivalents not shown are also feasible and fall within the scope of the claims. It shows: Fig. 1: a schematic, sectional view of a first replaceable separator insert of a separator together with a schematic view of an inlet and outlet system and a control unit of the separator; Fig. 2: a schematic, sectional view of a second replaceable separator insert of a separator together with a schematic view of an inlet and outlet system and a control unit of the separator; Fig. 3: a schematic representation of a separator with a reusable frame and a replaceable separator insert, the latter here in the manner of Fig. 1, with hose sections arranged thereon; Fig. 4: a perspective view of the replaceable separator insert from Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 with hose sections arranged thereon; Fig. 5 - 7 three consecutive steps when inserting the replaceable separator insert from Fig. 4 into the frame of the Fig. 3; Fig. 8 a perspective view of a modification of the separator and the separator insert of the Fig. 1-7 as a further embodiment; Fig. 9 schematic representation of an installation for carrying out a method for replacing a separator insert; Fig. 10 a perspective view of a separator insert in modification of the variants of the Fig. 1-8 with an integrated drainage pipe; and Fig. 11 a further design variant with a rotor as separator insert and a housing as a fixed non-replaceable component of the separator; Fig. 12 shows a further embodiment of a separator insert which has at least one connection piece on its housing for supplying or discharging gas and Fig. 13 a further embodiment of a separator according to the invention with separator insert.

[0102] Fig. 1-13 shows several separators with a reusable frame I and with a replaceable separator insert II for centrifugal separation. Replacing the separator insert can be made particularly easy by the design variants of the Fig. 9-12, in which a drainage drain line 120 is provided.

[0103] The separator insert could in principle also be based on the type of Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 and may be supplemented by a drainage pipe (not shown).

[0104] The separator insert II is preferably designed as a prefabricated unit. In particular, the separator insert II is designed as a disposable separator insert that is replaceable or interchangeable as a whole and designed as a preassembled unit, which is constructed entirely or predominantly from plastic or plastic composite materials.

[0105] The separator insert (which does not include elements 4a and 5a) is shown separately as an example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. It can be disposed of after processing a product batch and replaced with a new separator insert II.

[0106] After Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the separator insert II of the separator comprises a housing 1 and the rotor 2 inserted into the housing 1, which is rotatable relative to the housing 1 during operation. The rotor 2 has a rotation axis D. This axis can be oriented vertically, which corresponds to the structure of the frame I. However, it can also be oriented differently in space if the frame is designed accordingly.

[0107] The rotor 2 of the separator insert II has a rotatable drum 3. The rotor 2 is rotatably mounted at two locations axially spaced from each other in the direction of the rotation axis by respective magnetic bearing devices 4, 5. Preferably, the rotor 2, or thus also the drum 3, is rotatably mounted at both axial ends. The separator insert II has rotor units 4b, 5b of the magnetic bearing devices 4, 5. Stator units 4a, 5a of the magnetic bearing devices 4, 5 are arranged on the frame I-1.

[0108] The magnetic bearing devices 4, 5 preferably act radially and axially and hold the rotatably mounted rotor 2 in suspension, preferably in the housing 1 at a distance from it.

[0109] Such a separator with an easily replaceable separator insert can be useful and advantageous when processing products where it can be ruled out with very high certainty that impurities will be introduced into the product - a flowable suspension or its phases - during centrifugal processing or where cleaning and disinfection of the separator would be very complex or even impossible.

[0110] The frame I has a console I-1. This can - but does not have to - be mounted on a carriage I-2 with rollers I-3. Receptacles I-4 and I-5 can be formed on the console I-1, which serve to receive and hold the separator insert II, even during operation. Preferably, a first axial end of the separator insert II projects from below into or towards the upper receptacle I-4, and a lower end of the separator insert II projects from above into or towards the other receptacle I-5, and the separator insert II is held on the console I-1 and thus on the frame I in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0111] One or both of the mounts I-4 and / or I-5 can be arranged laterally on the frame I, in particular on the bracket I-1. According to a variant, it can further be provided that, for example, the lower mount I-5 is fixed to the bracket I-1. It is then advantageous for the additional upper mount I-4 to be height-adjustable on the bracket I-1.

[0112] In this case, it is advantageous if the console I-1 has such a vertical extension / length that the separator insert is held stationary in a first position of the height-adjustable holder I-4 by both height-adjustable holders I-4, I-5 and is interchangeable in the other upper position.

[0113] It is advantageously provided that the receptacles I-4 and I-5 with the stator units 4a, 5a on the frame I can be moved axially apart and back towards each other in order to change the separator insert II, ie to remove the old separator insert II from the frame I and replace it with a new one. This can be realized, for example, as described in detail in Fig. 13, with one or more electric linear drives 50, wherein the stator(s) 55, 56 of the linear drives 50 are each attached to the bracket I-1 and the driver(s) 53, 54 of the linear drive 50 or linear drives 50 are connected to the respective receptacles I-4 and I-5. Such linear drives 50 are required for larger drive and magnetic bearing systems, since separating the rotor unit with the permanent magnet from the stator unit requires considerable force.

[0114] The stators 55 and 56 are designed as guide rails. Both mounts I-4 and I-5 can also be moved via a single linear drive using the additional linear guide. The movement of both mounts can be synchronized, particularly preferably.

[0115] The drivers 53, 54 can be designed as slides. The drivers 53, 54 are connected to the remaining receptacle I-4 or I-5 via a mechanical interface 51, 52, for example, via a flange connection.

[0116] It is thus provided that the relative distance between the receptacles I-4 and I-5 and the stator units 4a, 4b of the bearing devices 4, 5 can be adjusted by means of linear drives in order to be able to change the separator insert II.

[0117] To remove the separator insert II, the upper holder I-4 is first lifted using the linear actuator of the linear drive, which can be a linear motor, for example. The separator insert II rests on a support plate 57. For this purpose, the separator insert II can have a circumferentially extending sleeve 59 as a stop element. The support plate 57 preferably has two, in particular symmetrical, legs that partially encompass the separator insert II. Alternatively, the support plate 57 can also completely encompass the separator insert II. The support plate 57 is supported on the bracket I-1 by a support strut 58. This support strut 58 can preferably be designed as a telescopic rod.

[0118] Due to its weight and the holding force of the lower drive and magnetic bearing assembly, separator insert II is not lifted and remains on the support plate. Subsequently, the lower holder I-5 is lowered with the aid of the linear motor, with support plate 57 serving as a counterforce for the force applied to separate the stator unit of the lower drive and magnetic bearing assembly from the rotor unit with the permanent magnet. Once holders I-4 and I-5 have been moved apart in this way, separator unit II can be removed.

[0119] Inserting a new separator unit II is done in reverse order. With holders I-4 and I-5 moved apart, separator unit II is placed on support plate 57. Suitable form-locking devices between support plate 57 and separator unit II prevent incorrect positioning of the separator unit. The lower holder I-5 is then raised using the linear drive until the stator unit and the permanent magnet of the rotor unit are correctly positioned relative to each other. The upper holder I-4 is then lowered using the linear drive until the stator unit and the permanent magnet of the rotor unit are correctly positioned relative to each other.

[0120] Stator units 4a, 5a of two drive and magnetic bearing assemblies 4 and 5 can be arranged in the respective receptacles I-4 and I-5. The control and power electronics for this can be arranged in or on the frame I, e.g., in, on, or on the bracket I-1.

[0121] Corresponding positive locking means can be formed on the receptacles I-4 and I-5 and on a housing 1 of the separator insert II that does not rotate during operation, in order to enable the separator insert II to be inserted into the stator units 4a, 5a in a rotationally fixed manner. The upper and lower stator units 4a, 5a can each have aligned axes.

[0122] According to a particularly simple variant, the housing 1 and the receptacles I-4 or I-5 with the stator units 4a, 5a can have projections (e.g., pins or webs) and recesses (e.g., holes) as the corresponding positive locking means to hold the housing 1 in a rotationally fixed manner to the stator units and thus to the frame II. The corresponding positive locking means can also be formed directly on the frame II.

[0123] The position of these corresponding form-locking means also defines the functionally required position of the stator units 4a, 5a and the rotor units 4b, 5b relative to each other. This particularly applies to the precise centering of the coaxially nested units 4a, 5a and 4b, 5b. The receptacles can also exert a holding force (from above and below) on the housing in an axial direction, if necessary, to hold it in a force-locking manner.

[0124] After Fig. 3 to 7, the above measures are implemented as follows.

[0125] The receptacles I-4 and I-5 with the stator units 4a, 5a of the frame I each have a plurality of pins 41a projecting in the axial direction, and the respective separator insert II can have corresponding blind holes on the housing 1, for example extending in the axial direction, as recesses 42 and 41b.

[0126] In this case, the receptacle I-4 with the stator unit 4a has pins 41 that project axially or vertically downwards (not visible here), and the separator insert II has blind hole-like recesses 42 that correspond vertically at the top (visible here), and the lower receptacle I-5 with the lower stator unit 5a has pins 41a that project axially or vertically upwards (visible here), and the separator insert II has blind hole-like recesses that correspond axially at the bottom (not visible here). Purely as an example, four pins 41a and recesses 41b are arranged distributed over the corners of an imaginary polygon, in particular a square, and are formed at the top and bottom of the receptacles I-4, I-5 and the housing 1 of the separator insert II.

[0127] In Fig. 1-7, corresponding form-locking means 41a, 41b, and 42 are arranged circumferentially distributed around the separator insert II. However, it is also possible for only one form-locking means to be provided instead of several form-locking means.

[0128] However, the corresponding form-locking means can also be arranged asymmetrically to ensure that the separator insert can only be used in one orientation.

[0129] The stator units 4a, 5a can each have openings, in particular through-openings 43, in order to accommodate upward and / or downward lines such as hoses 44, 45 which are connected to the separator insert II. These are also analogous in Fig. 13 shown.

[0130] One or both receptacles I-4 and I-5 is / are designed to be vertically adjustable. One of the two receptacles I-4 or I-5 can therefore also be fixed to the frame I. It is also conceivable for one of the two receptacles I-4 or I-5—e.g., the lower one—to be formed on a wall of the frame I and not adjustable. It is then sufficient to design the frame I such that the other receptacle I-4 or I-5 is adjustable, in particular, arranged and / or designed to be vertically height-adjustable on the frame I.

[0131] This can be clearly seen from the interaction of the Fig. 3 to 7.

[0132] Fig. 5 shows the frame I before inserting a separator insert II.

[0133] The two stator units 4a, 5a have been moved apart relative to each other so far that the respective separator insert can be lifted axially between the two holders with the stator units 4a, 5a ( Fig. 5, Fig. 6), whereby the separator insert II is then placed in / on the lower holder I-5 ( Fig. 6 and Fig. 7) that the corresponding form-locking means - here 41, 42 - engage with each other. In addition, the hose 45 at the lower end of the housing 1 is guided downwards through the through-opening 43 of the lower - and thus axially associated - stator unit 5a ( Fig. 6). Now the upper holder I-4 is lowered until the corresponding form-locking means of the upper holder I-4 and the housing 1 of the separator insert I - here 41, 42 - securely engage with each other ( Fig. 7). Upper hoses 44 on housing 1 are guided through the through-opening 43 of the upper receptacle I-4. The separator insert II is now securely held on frame I in a rotationally fixed manner. Therefore, the spinning and separation process for processing a product batch in the centrifugal field can begin. After processing the intended batch, the upper separator unit is raised again until the separator unit can be removed from frame I and replaced with a new one.

[0134] The following is based on Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the further structure of exemplary preferred separator inserts II, along with the structure of the separator's drive and bearing system, the separator control system, and the separator's inlet and outlet system, are described in more detail. The invention is not limited to this. In particular, the inlet and outlet lines can also be implemented differently on the separator insert II.

[0135] Firstly, the rotor units 4b, 5b can be designed essentially in the manner of inner rings made of magnets, in particular permanent magnets, and the reusable stator units 4a, 5a can be designed essentially in the manner of outer rings, which are used for the axial and radial mounting of the rotor 2 (e.g. above) or alternatively also for the rotary drive (e.g. below).

[0136] Thus, the rotor units 4b and / or 5b, as part of the separator drive, also represent a part of the rotating system or rotor. In other words, the rotor of the drive is a part of the drum of the centrifugal separator.

[0137] One or both of the magnetic bearing devices 4, 5 is / are thus preferably also used as a drive device for rotating the rotor 2 with the drum 3 in the housing 1. In this case, the respective magnetic bearing device forms a combined magnetic bearing and drive device. The magnetic bearing devices 4, 5 can be designed as axial and / or radial bearings, which cooperatively support the drum 3 axially and radially at its ends during operation and, as a whole, keep it suspended and rotated during operation.

[0138] The magnetic bearing assemblies 4 and 5 can be fundamentally identical or largely identical in design. In particular, only one of the two magnetic bearing assemblies 4, 5 can also be used as a drive device. Thus, corresponding components of the magnetic bearings 4, 5 are formed on the separator insert II—on its rotor 2—and other corresponding parts are formed on the frame I. One or both stator units 4a, 5a can also be electrically connected to control and power electronics for controlling the electromagnetic components of the magnetic bearing assemblies.

[0139] The respective magnetic bearing device 4, 5 can, for example, operate according to a combined electromagnetic and permanent magnetic principle.

[0140] Preferably, at least the lower axially acting magnetic bearing device 5 serves to keep the rotor 2 suspended axially within the housing 1 by levitation. It can have one or more first permanent magnets, for example, on the underside of the rotor, and furthermore, electromagnets on a mount on the frame that coaxially surround the permanent magnet(s). The rotor can be driven electromagnetically. However, a drive via rotating permanent magnets is also feasible.

[0141] Such bearing and drive devices are used, for example, by Levitronix for driving centrifugal pumps (EP2 273 124 B1). They can also be used in this document. For example, a first Levitronix motor "bottom" can be used as the drive, which simultaneously magnetically supports the drum radially and axially. In addition, a second Levitronix motor—for example, one identical in operation except for the control system—can be provided, which can act as the magnetic bearing 4 and support the rotor 2 radially and axially at the head.

[0142] The rotor speed can be controlled by means of a control device 37 (see Fig. 1 or Fig. 2) or a separate control device for the magnetic bearings 4, 5. Likewise, the direction of rotation of the rotor 2 can be specified and changed in this way.

[0143] During operation, the rotor 2 rotates. This keeps it axially suspended and radially centered. The rotor 2 and the drum 3 are preferably operated at a speed of between 1,000, preferably 5,000 to 10,000, and possibly even up to 20,000 revolutions per minute. The centrifugal forces generated by the rotation lead to the separation of a suspension to be processed into various flowable phases LP and HP of varying densities, as described above, and to their discharge, as described in more detail below. The product batch is processed in continuous operation, which means that the phases separated from the suspension are completely discharged from the drum during operation.

[0144] This makes it very possible to create a separator insert and housing for a separator that can be designed for single use. This is particularly interesting and advantageous for the processing of pharmaceutical products such as fermentation broths or the like, since after processing a corresponding product batch, preferably in continuous operation during the processing of the product batch, the drum does not need to be cleaned, as the entire separator insert is replaceable. If necessary, individual elements such as magnets can be suitably recycled (see also DE 10 2017 128 027 A1).

[0145] The housing 1 is preferably made of a plastic or a plastic composite material. The housing 1 can be cylindrical and have a cylindrical outer shell, at the ends of which two radially extending boundary walls 6, 7 (cover and base) are formed.

[0146] The drum 3 serves for the centrifugal separation of a flowable suspension S in the centrifugal field into at least two phases LP, HP of different densities, which can be, for example, a lighter liquid phase and a heavy solid phase or a heavy liquid phase.

[0147] In a preferred embodiment, the rotor 2 and its drum 3 have a vertical axis of rotation D. However, the housing 1 and the rotor 2 could also be aligned differently in space. The following description refers to the vertical alignment shown ( Fig. 3). If the orientation in the room changes, the orientations will also change accordingly. In addition, one or both outlets may be repositioned—further details to be discussed.

[0148] The rotor 2 of the separator with the drum 3 preferably consists entirely or predominantly of a plastic or a plastic composite material.

[0149] The drum 3 is preferably cylindrical and / or conical in sections. The same applies to the other elements in the rotor 2 and on the housing 1 (except for elements of the magnetic bearing devices 4, 5).

[0150] The housing 1 is designed in the manner of a container, which is advantageously hermetically sealed except for a few openings / opening areas (to be discussed later).

[0151] After Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, one of the openings is formed in each of the two axial boundary walls 6, 7, which are located here, for example, at the top and bottom, of the container 1.

[0152] One of the openings - in the first, here upper axial boundary wall 6 - enables or serves Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 as inlet 8 for feeding a suspension to be separated in the centrifugal field into at least two phases of different density - LP and HP - through the housing 1 into the drum 3.

[0153] Here the first phase is a lighter phase LP and the second phase is a denser, heavier phase HP compared to the first phase.

[0154] A second of the openings - in the second, here lower axial boundary wall 7 - enables or serves as an outlet for the second heavier phase HP directly from the drum 3 through the housing 1.

[0155] The drum 3 also has openings which are associated with the openings of the housing.

[0156] An inlet pipe 12 for a suspension to be processed extends into an upper opening 12a at one axial end of the drum 3. This pipe passes through the housing 1, in particular through its one - here upper - axial boundary wall 6. On the outer circumference, the inlet pipe 12 is angled towards the housing 1. Fig. 1 is inserted into the housing in a sealed manner - e.g., by welding or gluing - or, if necessary, is made integrally with the housing as a plastic injection-molded part. It is preferably also made of plastic. The inlet pipe 12 protrudes outward from the top of the housing 1 with one end and extends through the upper boundary wall 6 into the drum 3, without touching the drum 3.

[0157] The inlet pipe 12 passes through Fig. 1 (but also Fig. 2) concentrically to the axis of rotation of the rotor 2, the housing 1 and the one magnetic bearing 4, then extends axially further within the housing 1 into the rotatable drum 3 and ends there with its other end - a free outlet end.

[0158] The inlet pipe 12 flows into Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are each located in the drum 3 in a distributor 13 that can rotate with the drum 3. The distributor 13 has a tubular distributor shaft 14 and a distributor base 15. One or more distribution channels 16 are formed in the distributor base 15. A stack of separating plates, consisting of conical separating plates 17, can be placed on the distributor 13. The distributor 13 and the separating plates 17 are preferably also made of plastic.

[0159] In addition, both Fig. 1 as well as after Fig. 2 each have a first peeling disc 33 for discharging the heavier phase HP of the two phases HP and LP from the drum 3. A peeling disc shaft or a central drain pipe 34 passes through the second axial boundary wall 7 (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2).

[0160] According to a possible—but not mandatory—configuration, the drum 3 has at least two cylindrical sections 18, 19 of different diameters. Adjacent to these, one or more conical transition areas can be formed on the drum 3. The drum 3 can also be designed as a single or double cone in its central axial area (not shown here).

[0161] As shown, the drum 3 can have a lower cylindrical section 20 of smaller diameter, on / in which the rotor unit 5b of the lower magnetic bearing is also formed, which merges into a conical region 20a, then here, for example, a cylindrical region 19 of larger diameter, then again a conical region 18a and then an upper cylindrical section 18 of smaller diameter, on which the rotor unit 4b of the upper magnetic bearing 4 is formed.

[0162] With regard to the discharge of the lighter phase, the separator inserts of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

[0163] Openings (which can be provided on the drum 3 distributed around the circumference, whereby several openings can be provided on the drum 3) serve according to Fig. 1 as radial or tangential outlets 21 of the light phase LP from the drum 3. An opening in the outer casing allows, according to the embodiment of the Fig. 1 then forms the outlet or serves as the outlet 10 of the lighter product phase LP formed during the centrifugal separation, which has been discharged from the drum 3.

[0164] The first outlets 21 on the radius ro of the drum 3 are designed in particular as "nozzle-like" openings in the outer shell of the drum 3. They are also designed as so-called "free" outlets from the drum 3. The first outlets 21 serve to drain the lighter phase LP. The outlets can be designed so that the light phase exits radially or, alternatively, can be shaped so that the light phase exits tangentially against the direction of rotation of the drum and thus contributes to driving the rotor and reducing the drive energy. This phase exiting the drum 3 is collected in the housing 1 in an upper annular collecting chamber 23 of the housing 1. This annular collecting chamber 23 is designed such that the phase collected therein is directed to the outlet 10 of the annular collecting chamber 23. This can be achieved by positioning the outlet 10 at the lowest point of the annular collecting chamber 23.The collecting annular chamber 23 is open radially inwards towards the rotating drum 3 and is designed at a distance such that liquid spraying out of the respective outlet 21 during the centrifugal separation is essentially sprayed only into the associated collecting annular chamber 23, which is located at the same axial level.

[0165] Below the collecting annular chamber 23, a chamber 25 that is not used to drain a phase can optionally be provided. This chamber 25 can optionally have a leakage drain (not shown here). The leakage can drain freely. However, it can also be extracted by vacuum if the chamber 25 has a vacuum connection for connecting a vacuum-generating device.

[0166] The first collecting annular chamber 23 and the chamber 25 can be separated from each other by a first, here conical, wall 26 which, starting from the outer shell of the housing 1, extends conically inwards and upwards and ends radially in front of the drum 3 at a distance from the latter.

[0167] Preferably, at the lowest point of the collecting annular chamber, the product phase LP is drained from the housing 1 through the outlet 10. Nozzles can be provided in the area of ​​the outlet 10 on the outside of the housing 1 to easily connect pipes, hoses, and the like.

[0168] These can be formed directly on the housing 1 or attached to it by adhesive. The nozzles are preferably also made of plastic. The housing 1 can be composed of several plastic parts that are sealed together, for example, by adhesive or welding.

[0169] As (here second) outlet for the heavier phase HP from the drum (through the housing 1) is Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the first paring disc 33 is provided in each case, which extends essentially radially and merges into an axially running discharge pipe 34 as a paring disc shaft, which penetrates the lower axial boundary wall 7 of the housing 1. The paring disc 33 has an outer diameter ru. Here, ru > ro. The inlet openings 33a of the paring disc 33 are therefore located on a larger diameter or radius ru than the outlets 21 for the light phase LP on the radius ro. This makes it possible to use the paring disc 33 to discharge a phase HP, which is heavier than the lighter phase LP, from the drum 3. The paring disc 33 is stationary during operation of the separator and its outer edge is immersed in the heavier phase HP rotating in the drum 3.

[0170] The HP phase is diverted inward through the channels in the paring disc 33. The paring disc 33 thus serves to divert the HP phase in the manner of a centripetal pump.

[0171] The peeling disc 33 can be arranged in a simple and compact manner in the drum 3 below the distributor 14 and below the plate pack 17. The radius ru corresponds to the immersion depth of the peeling disc 33.

[0172] The discharge pipe 34 extends downwards from the housing 1 and through the lower boundary wall 7, but does not touch the drum 3. The discharge pipe 34 can be formed integrally with the housing 1 or sealed into it. A hose or the like can be connected to the discharge pipe as a discharge line 35.

[0173] The discharge pipe passes through the housing 1 and the lower magnetic bearing 5 concentrically to the rotational axis D of the rotor 2, then extends axially further within the housing 1 into the paring disc 33.

[0174] It can be provided that a controllable, in particular electrically controllable, control valve 36 is inserted into the outlet for the heavy phase HP, in particular into the discharge line 35 for the heavier phase HP. The control valve 36 can throttle the volume flow of the heavy phase HP in the discharge line 35 and increase the immersion depth of the associated peeling disc. A control device 37 is preferably provided. The control valve 36 is preferably connected to the control device 37 wirelessly or by wire.

[0175] The control device 37 can also be designed and provided to control the magnetic bearings 4, 5 and the drive.

[0176] After Fig. 2 the light phase LP is also discharged via a peeling disc.

[0177] For this purpose, a peeling disc 22 is provided in the upper region of the drum 3, the inlet openings 22a of which can in turn be located on a smaller radius ro than the radius ru of the inlet of the first - lower - peeling disc 33 for the heavier phase.

[0178] The shaft of this paring disc 22 can surround the inlet pipe 8 in the manner of an annular channel, like an outer outlet pipe 24, and instead of the inlet pipe 8, can be tightly connected to the housing 1 or formed integrally with it. The outlet pipes 24, 34 of the two paring discs 22, 33 are thus Fig. 2 lead out of the drum 3 at opposite ends. They also lead out of the housing 1 at opposite ends. They can be inserted into the housing 1 in a sealed manner. However, they can also be made integrally with the housing from plastic. The inlet pipe 12 can be connected to the upper end of the paring disc shaft 24. A radial or tangential connection piece 24a can lead out of the paring disc shaft 24. A discharge line 40 for discharging the light phase can be connected to this, which can lead, for example, to a bag or tank. Accordingly, the ends of the pipes 12 and 34 can also be designed as connection pieces for connecting hoses or the like ( Fig. 2, but also Fig. 1).

[0179] It can be provided that a controllable, in particular electrically controllable, control valve 39 is also inserted into the discharge line 40 for the light phase LP.

[0180] The control valve 39 can be used to change the volume flow of the light phase LP, in particular to throttle it more or less, and thus to change the immersion depth of the second paring disc 22. The control valve 39 is also connected to the control device 37 wirelessly or by wire, so that it can be controlled by the control device 37.

[0181] The respective paring disc 22, 33 is each a cylindrical and essentially radially aligned disc provided with several channels, for example one to six, which is stationary during operation and has channels, thus forming a type of centripetal pump. The respective paring disc 22 or 33 is immersed with its outer edge in the phase LP or HP rotating in the separator. The respective phase LP, HP is diverted inwards through the channels in the paring disc and the rotational speed of the respective phase LP, HP is converted into pressure. The respective paring disc 22, 33 thus replaces a drain pump for the respective phase LP, HP. The paring discs thus each function as a centripetal pump. They can be made of plastic.

[0182] Theoretically, a third peeling disc could also be provided, which could serve to remove another phase.

[0183] The operation of the separators is described below Fig. 1 and then after Fig. 2 briefly described.

[0184] First, the respective separator is prepared with its reusable components. This includes frame I as well as the drive and stator units 4a, 5a of the magnetic bearing devices. This also includes a control unit 37. A separator insert II is then prepared and mounted on frame I. To do this, the stator units 4a and 5a simply need to be moved apart. The separator insert is then inserted with a positive fit and the stator units are moved towards each other. This securely holds the housing in place and prevents rotation. If necessary, hoses are now connected to the nozzles leading into tanks or bags. The respective separator insert of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 can therefore preferably also have at least hoses and nozzles which can be connected to further lines (not shown here) and containers such as bags, tanks, pumps and the like.

[0185] Then, after connecting the pipes and hoses etc., a suspension is fed into the rotating drum (inlet 8) and centrifugally separated into the light phase LP and the heavy phase HP.

[0186] The heavier phase HP of greater density flows radially outward in the separation chamber of drum 3. There, the phase HP leaves the drum at a radius ru through the channels of the stationary paring disc 33.

[0187] The lighter phase LP flows radially inwards in the separation chamber of the drum 3 and rises through a channel 38 on a shaft of the distributor. There the phase LP leaves the drum after Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 each on a radius ro.

[0188] The separation process can be easily influenced using the control valve(s) 36, 39. This results in an optimization of the separation process.

[0189] The separator's primary application is cell separation in the pharmaceutical industry. The performance range is designed for processing broths from fermenters with capacities ranging from 100 l to 4000 l, as well as for laboratory applications.

[0190] Other industrial sectors in which separators are used are also conceivable: chemicals, pharmaceuticals, dairy technology, renewable raw materials, oil and gas, beverage technology, mineral oil, etc.

[0191] The separators shown enable the production of a separator insert in which all components that come into contact with the product can preferably be made of plastic or other non-magnetic materials that can be disposed of after a single use or recycled. Cleaning after use is thus eliminated. The separator and its operation can thus be implemented cost-effectively.

[0192] Fig. 8 shows a modification of the separator insert II of the Fig. 1-7 in a second embodiment, wherein identical features are provided with analogous reference numerals. The special feature of this second embodiment is that the form-locking means 41a and the corresponding form-locking means 41b provided on the frame I are provided only on one side between the frame I and the separator insert II, thus also enabling axial and anti-rotation locking of the separator insert II relative to the frame I. This reduces, among other things, the complexity of the structure.

[0193] The use of the Fig. The modular centrifugal separator with replaceable separator insert shown in Figures 1-8 ensures a sterile interior, i.e. a sterile flow path within the centrifugal separator.

[0194] Suitably, in separators with product inlet and outlet systems and drainage systems, consisting of separator insert, inlet system and outlet system, other interchangeable components can also be used to provide a sterile flow path for the inlet suspension and the separated light and heavy phases.

[0195] Purely as examples, the pump for the feed suspension, the hose line for the feed, the hose lines for the light phase and the heavy phase, and the receiving container for the heavy phase can be replaceable sterile components suitable for separating a single product batch or a limited number of product batches. The hose line for the drainage liquid, as well as the container for the drainage liquid, can also be replaceable sterile components. All of these components are connected to each other with sterile connectors to enable simple and sterile replacement of the components. The product feed system, the product discharge system, and the drainage discharge system of the separator are described below using Fig. 9 explains in more detail: For example, a single-use centrifugal pump 101 can be used in the inlet. This has the advantage of being smaller than comparable peristaltic pumps while offering the same throughput. The pump delivers a specific volume depending on its speed and the existing back pressure.

[0196] The flow meter 102, also located in the inlet line between pump 101 and separator insert II, preferably operates using a non-contact measuring principle, e.g., ultrasonic transit time difference. Thus, it can be simply pushed over the inlet line without coming into contact with the product.

[0197] It can therefore be reused continuously, whereas the inlet hose is a single-use product. The measurement signal from the flow meter is used to regulate the speed of the inlet pump. In this way, a controller can adjust the speed of the inlet pump so that the preselected setpoint for the inlet flow matches the measured actual value. The pump and flow meter are arranged in the rising inlet line so that the line is always filled with liquid, resulting in a more stable reading from the flow meter 102.

[0198] A pump 110 and a flowmeter 111 are arranged in the heavy phase discharge line. The pump and flowmeter are arranged in the ascending discharge line so that the line is always filled with liquid, resulting in a more stable reading from the flowmeter 111.

[0199] The drain pump 110 is preferably designed as a peristaltic pump. One of the advantages of a peristaltic pump is that it only comes into contact with the outside of the drain hose and is not in direct contact with the product.

[0200] It can therefore be reused continuously, whereas the drain hose is a single-use product. Another advantage of the peristaltic pump is that it delivers a defined volume depending on the speed. Unlike the centrifugal pump, it can be used as a throttle, i.e., it generates a pressure in the discharge of the heavy phase, the level of which can be regulated by the control system. Accordingly, the necessary pressure sensors can be provided in individual or, preferably, all hose lines (not shown in the image).

[0201] A container 105, which serves as a buffer tank, is provided in the light phase discharge line. A load cell 104 determines the amount of light phase currently in the buffer tank and transmits this value to the control system.

[0202] The light phase from separator insert II can be introduced into container 105 either in the upper part of container 105 (above the resulting liquid level) or in the lower part of the container (below the resulting liquid level). For products that tend to foam, the upper introduction has proven effective. The outlet of container 105 is connected to a downward-sloping drain hose, which is guided through an optical sensor 106 and a peristaltic pump 107.

[0203] The speed of the pump is optimally controlled with the help of the measurement signal from the load cell 104 so that the container 105 is never completely full and never completely empty. In this way, the drain hose is always full, resulting in a stable signal from the optical sensor 106. The signal from the optical sensor 106 is used to assess the quality of the light phase. For example, the amount of remaining turbidity and suspended matter can be assessed. The pump 107 can be designed either as a centrifugal pump or as a peristaltic pump. The volume of the container 105 should be selected so that the residence time of the light phase in the container is sufficiently long for bubbles to separate from the liquid. With the help of the measured value from the load cell 104, the delivery rate of the pump 107 can be adjusted so that a constant fill level is maintained approximately in the middle of the container 105.

[0204] The downstream drain hose connected to the drainage outlet of separator insert II leads into a container 109, which in turn is suspended from a load cell 108. This allows the amount of drained drainage fluid to be determined. Drainage fluid is primarily generated when the drum comes to a standstill at the end of batch processing and drains through this outlet.

[0205] All hose lines of the Fig. 9 then each lead into a sterile coupling 112. Not shown in Fig. 9 is the frame for holding the separator insert and the drive.

[0206] The Fig. The product inlet system PZS shown in Figure 9, the product outlet system PAS comprising the product outlets of the heavy and light phases and the drainage system PS are separated from each other outside the separator insert and are therefore hermetically sealed.

[0207] Fig. 10 shows a modification of the first variant of the separator insert II of the Fig. 1-8 for connection to the drainage system of the Fig. 9. Separator insert II has a drainage line 120. This is located in the bottom area 121 of the separator insert and has a liquid outlet 122 and 123 from both the drum and the housing. The remaining components can be identical in construction to previous versions.

[0208] Fig. 11 shows a second variant of a separator insert III, which is replaceable. This separator insert III has a bottom-side inlet via the inlet line 61 and the distributor 70 into the plate pack 67. The product inlet line 61 comprises an inlet nozzle 73, which extends from the bottom of the housing 68 into the interior of the rotor 65 and opens into a distributor chamber 78 of a holding device 77 of the plate pack 67. The holding device 77 can have a longitudinal axis that is parallel to the rotational axis of the rotor 65. From the distributor chamber 78, the channel-like distributor 70 branches off, which allows radial forwarding of the supplied starting product into a separation zone of the rotor 65.

[0209] The product process 62 of the light phase is analogous to Fig. 1-10. The product discharge 63 of the heavy phase is carried out through channels in a separating plate 69, here a closed-walled separating plate at the end of the plate stack, and finally through a gripper 64 into a discharge through the product line of the product discharge 63. The separating plate separates the heavy phase from the light phase, with the heavy phase being directed outward around the plate, and the light phase being directed and discharged inside the plate. However, this is only one of many possible variants of a product discharge for the heavy phase.

[0210] The separator insert III can be designed so that the rotor 65, in particular the drum 66 and the disc pack 67, can be removed from the housing 68. In this variant, it is also recommended to empty the rotor, in particular the drum, of any residual liquid before removing the rotor in the present process. In this case, this can be done via the inlet line 61.

[0211] It is then recommended to replace the inlet line 61 when replacing the separator insert III to avoid cross-contamination of a subsequent batch. Accordingly, the inlet line can be attached to the housing in a replaceable and medium-tight manner using seals (not shown), e.g., sealing sleeves.

[0212] The Fig. 11 can be modified in many ways, but shows in particular that an exchange of the separator insert, which can also be applied to a separator in which only the rotor with its product inlet and outlet lines is designed as an exchangeable separator unit III.

[0213] The housing 68 can be opened (not shown), for example, by forming a portion of the housing as a cover. For this purpose, at least the upper receptacle of the cover must preferably be removed.

[0214] In Fig. 11, the residual liquid is drained via the drainage outlet line 120 into a collecting container 74 via a line element 71 connected thereto, in particular a drainage element in the form of a hose attached or plugged on. The inlet line 61, in particular the inlet nozzle 72, is connected to a supply line element 72, which is connected to a container 75 containing the suspension of the starting product. A switching valve (not shown) can be arranged in this line element, which switches between two containers 75, e.g., to supply a demulsifier to improve the suspension. Alternatively, the valve can be closed and the line elements and containers can be exchanged.

[0215] In addition, the supply element can have a pump, e.g. a peristaltic pump, so that the liquid in the supply element is not passed through the pump itself.

[0216] Fig. 12 shows a further variant of a separator insert II, which can be provided as part of a method for its replacement. This separator insert II has at least one connection piece 76 on its housing 1. Through this connection piece, the separator insert can be filled with an inert gas before the product to be separated enters the separator insert. This prevents the product to be separated from coming into contact with air or oxygen. A second connection piece 76 can be provided on the housing 1, which is intended to discharge gases from the separator insert, thus enabling the separator insert to be purged with inert gas.

[0217] Through the connection piece 76, the gas can also be sucked out of the otherwise hermetically sealed separator insert in such a way that a negative pressure is created in the separator insert, which not only reduces the contact with the remaining oxygen, but also reduces the frictional power of the rotating drum 66, which now rotates in an atmosphere of lower density.

[0218] Alternatively, in addition to a protective gas, a compressed gas, e.g. compressed air, can also be introduced via one or more of the gas connections 76, which additionally promotes the emptying of the housing via the drainage line. Reference symbol I Frame I-1 Console I-2 car I-3 rolls I-4, I-5 recordings II Separator insert 1 housing 2 rotors 3 drums 4, 5 Magnetic bearing devices 4a, 5a Stator units 4b, 5b rotor unit 6, 7 radial boundary wall 8 Inlet 10 Procedure 12 Inlet pipe 12a Opening 13 distributors 14 Distribution shaft 15 Distributor foot 16 distribution channel 17 Separator plates 18, 19, 20 cyl. sections 18a, 20a con. sections 21 outlets 22 Peeling disc 22a Inlet openings 23 Catch ring chamber 24 drain pipe 24a connection piece 25 chambers 26 Conical wall 33 Peeling disc 33a Inlet openings 34 drain pipe 35 Derivation 36 Control valve 37 Control device 38 channel 39 Control valve 40 Derivation 41a pens 41b Recesses 42 recesses 43 Passage opening 44, 45 hoses 50 linear actuators 51, 52 mechanical interface 53, 54 Driver 55, 56 Stator 57 Supporting plate 58 support strut 59 cuff 101 Pump 102 flow meters 104 load cell 105 containers 106 Optical Sensor 107 Peristaltic pump 108 load cell 109 containers 110 Pump 111 Flowmeter 112 Sterile coupling 120 drainage drain line 121 Floor area 122 Fluid drain 123 Fluid drain III Separator insert 61 Inlet line 62 Product flow (light phase 63 Product expiration (heavy phase) 64 grippers 65 Rotor 66 drum 67 plate package 68 housings 69 cutting plates 70 distributors 71 Line element 72 supply element 73 nozzles 74 collection containers 75 containers 76 connecting pieces 77 Holding device 78 Distribution room D axis of rotation S Suspension LP, HP phases ro, ru radii PAS product flow system PZS product feed system DS drainage system QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2014 / 000829 A1

[0003] DE 10 2017 128 027

[0004] EP 2 864 053 B1

[0010] WO 2020 / 120358 A1

[0010] EP 2 273 124 B1

[0141] DE 10 2017 128 027 A1

[0144]

Claims

[1] Separator comprising a frame (I) comprising receptacles (I-4, I-5) for rotatably supporting the separator insert (II, III), each with a stator device (4a, 4b) as a sub-element of a magnetic bearing device (4 or 5), and a separator insert (II, III) is provided as a pre-assembled, replaceable unit for insertion into stator units (4a, 4b) on a frame (I) or in a housing (68) of the separator, and wherein the separator insert (II, III) has at least the following: i. a rotor (2, 65) rotatable about an axis of rotation (D) with a drum (3, 66) and a drum wall, ii. at least two rotor units (4b, 5b) as sub-elements of the magnetic bearing devices (4, 5) at two axially spaced locations of the rotor (2) with the drum, with which the rotor (2) with the drum (3) can be held suspended within the housing during separation operation, can be rotatably mounted and can be set in rotation, wherein the separator has at least one linear drive (50) for the linear movement of at least one of the two receptacles (I-4 and I-5) relative to the separator insert (II, III). [2] Separator according to claim 1, characterized by that the separator insert (II, III) has at least one product inlet line and two product outlet lines. [3] Separator according to one of the preceding claims 1 or 2, characterized by that it has a separating agent arranged in the drum (3). [4] Separator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the product-contacting areas of the separator insert (II) are partially or completely made of plastic. [5] Separator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the drum wall is designed with a closed wall in a central region of the drum (3, 66). [6] Separator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that each of the receptacles (I-4 and I-5) has a linear drive (50) for linearly moving one of the two receptacles (I-4 and I-5) relative to the separator insert (II, III). [7] Separator according to one of the preceding claims 1-5, characterized by that only one of the two receptacles (I-4 and I-5) has a linear drive (50), wherein the two receptacles (I-4 and I-5) can be moved simultaneously, preferably synchronously, wherein the separator particularly preferably has a gear for simultaneous movement. [8] Separator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the frame (I) has a support plate (57) for temporarily supporting the separator insert (II). [9] Separator according to claim 8, characterized by that the support plate (57) has a support device, preferably a support strut (58), particularly preferably a telescopic rod. [10] Separator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the support plate (57) has a recess for receiving the separator insert (II). [11] Separator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one of the receptacles (I-4 or I-5), preferably each of the receptacles (I-4 and I-5), has a through-opening (43) through which a hose (44, 45) for supplying and / or discharging the product is guided, and wherein the receptacle (I-4 or I-5) is mounted so as to be linearly movable relative to the hose (44, 45). [12] Separator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the linear drive has a driver (53, 54) and a stator (55, 56), wherein the driver (53, 54) is designed as a carriage and is fastened to one of the receptacles (I-4 or I-5) and wherein the stator (55, 56) is designed as a guide rail and is fastened to the frame (I), preferably to a bracket (I-1) of the frame. [13] Separator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the driver (53, 54) is fastened to one of the receptacles (I-4 or I-5). [14] Separator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the separator insert (II) has one or more circumferential stops for resting on the support plate (57), in particular a circumferentially encircling sleeve (59). [15] Separator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the holders (I-4 or I-5) are designed to be movable by the same amount.

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