Method for cleaning a separator

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for centrifugally processing a flowable product with a separator and for rinsing and / or CIP cleaning the separator, wherein the separator has a rotatable drum (1) and a product flow path for a flowable product to be processed in a centrifugal field in the drum (1), wherein the product flows along the product flow path during the centrifugal processing in a product flow direction, characterised by the following steps: 100) providing a separator; 200) carrying out centrifugal processing of a product; 300) interrupting the centrifugal processing, and alternately carrying out a) rinsing or CIP cleaning of at least one part of the product paths of the drum (1) of the separator in the product flow direction and b) rinsing or CIP cleaning of at least one part of the product paths of the drum (1) entirely or partially opposite the product flow direction; and 400) preferably resuming the step 200) of centrifugally processing the product.

Description

[0001] Method for cleaning a separator

[0002] The invention relates to a method for centrifugally processing a flowable product with a separator and for rinsing and / or CIP cleaning the separator, as well as to a separator for carrying out this method.

[0003] With the help of a disc centrifuge or separator, suspensions are separated into phases of different densities in the centrifugal field of a rotating drum.

[0004] With a self-draining clarifier, for example, the suspension in the centrifugal chamber of the drum is separated into a lighter phase (usually a free-flowing or liquid phase) and a heavier phase (e.g. a solid phase).

[0005] The lighter phase is discharged from the drum via a liquid discharge device—e.g., a gripper or a peeling disc—while the solid phase is discharged intermittently during operation through closable and openable discharge openings on the outer circumference of the drum. These discharge openings, on the one hand, remove the solids from the drum's centrifugal chamber, and, on the other hand, the flow generated during discharge ensures that deposits are flushed from the disc pack and the rotating drum.

[0006] In a nozzle separator, the heavy phase (e.g. a solid phase) is continuously discharged through nozzles on the outer circumference of the drum.

[0007] When clarifying products such as coffee extract, which settle on the surfaces of the separation plates and the drum, the problem arises that the adhering residues can only be removed from the separation plates or cleaned off with considerable effort.

[0008] When processing products or suspensions that are to be separated centrifugally and that tend to stick or clog the disc pack of a separator or the drum of the separator or can lead to such an effect, a so-called "full emptying" and a subsequent "rinsing" are therefore usually carried out at regular intervals - in particular during a "separation" operating phase between two solids emptyings - in which product deposits are to be flushed out in particular from the disc pack.

[0009] During such a full emptying, the product flow is interrupted, the product is expelled from the bowl with rinsing liquid, and the collected solids, along with the rinsing liquid in the bowl, are completely emptied from the separator. Full emptying can be performed at the centrifuge's operating speed or at a reduced speed.

[0010] Such a complete emptying of the separator occurs particularly with the inlet closed, so that the drum can be completely emptied. Subsequently, instead of the suspension to be separated, a rinsing liquid, such as hot water, is flushed through the drum (inlet, distributor, disc pack, gripper - also called peeling disc - and outlet).

[0011] In addition to this rinsing, further rinsing emptyings can optionally be carried out, i.e. the emptying openings of the drum for emptying the solids are briefly opened from a closed state after the drum has been filled with rinsing liquid, so that there is a sudden flow of the rinsing liquid from the plate pack and the solids chamber through the emptying openings in order to achieve a more intensive cleaning effect.

[0012] In this way, product deposits that have settled on the surfaces of the separating discs and drum are removed, ensuring that the subsequent separation process is not impaired by these deposits. The path of the rinsing liquid through the separator in "rinsing" mode is identical to the path of the product or suspension being processed.

[0013] In the area of ​​the distributor and the drain openings, the rinsing fluid flows primarily in the direction of the centrifugal force during rinsing; in the area of ​​the disc pack, it flows primarily against the direction of the centrifugal force. The rinsing fluid is introduced with the inlet valve of the suspension supply line closed and the cleaning fluid valve of the rinsing fluid supply line open. The rinsing fluid can be drained from the drum, for example, via the light phase drain. If mixing of the rinsing fluid with the light phase is not desired, a separate drain must be created using suitable valves.

[0014] In addition to the performance of the feed pump, the flow of the suspension to be separated or the rinsing liquid is determined by the different radii at which the inflow and outflow into and out of the drum take place. The radius at which the outflow is located is larger than the radius at which the inflow is located, resulting in a pressure drop in the rotating drum, which supports the flow. At the end of production, i.e. after several "separation" and "rinsing" operating phases, a "cleaning" operating phase can follow. For example, during CIP ("cleaning in place") cleaning with appropriate cleaning liquid such as acids, alkalis and water, all surfaces that come into contact with the product can be cleaned even more intensively in accordance with the hygiene requirements of, for example, the food industry, than is possible with rinsing during the "rinsing" operating phase.Various cleaning liquids, such as alkalis and acids, are used as cleaning agents and are passed through the separator in the same way as already described for the suspension or the rinsing liquid.

[0015] Unlike rinsing fluid (often water), cleaning fluids should not come into contact with the product to be separated, the suspension, or the separated phases. Appropriate valves in the supply and discharge lines ensure strict separation between the cleaning agents and the suspension or the separated phases.

[0016] EP 2 628 545 A1 shows a CIP system for a separator, in which the cleaning liquid is fed from a storage tank to the inlet of the separator by means of a pump and the cleaning liquid emerging from the liquid outlets of the separator is fed back into the storage tank.

[0017] DE 102020 104 990 A1 states that during CIP cleaning the cleaning fluid flows through the product path.

[0018] DE 10 2017 111 672 A1 describes that a change in the speed change dn after the time dt - dn / dt - during emptying can be an indication of contamination in the drum.

[0019] A disadvantage of the state-of-the-art solutions is that they do not always adequately clean the separator when it comes to stubborn contamination, such as that which can occur during centrifugal processing of coffee extract with a self-emptying separator. Furthermore, the rinsing and / or CIP cleaning processes used in the state-of-the-art impair the separator's productivity.

[0020] Based on the prior art explained at the outset, the invention has the object of creating an improved method for rinsing and / or CIP cleaning of a self-emptying separator for the continuous processing of suspensions in which there is a risk of contamination or even blockages of the disk pack and / or the centrifugal chamber occurring during the centrifugal processing of the suspension.

[0021] The invention solves this problem by the method of claim 1.

[0022] Accordingly, a method is provided for centrifugally processing a flowable product with a separator and for rinsing and / or CIP cleaning the separator, wherein the separator has a rotatable drum and a product flow path for a flowable product to be processed in a centrifugal field in the drum, wherein the product flows through the product flow path during the centrifugal processing in a product flow direction, the method comprising the following steps:

[0023] 100) Providing the separator;

[0024] 200) Carrying out centrifugal processing of a product,

[0025] 300) Interrupting the centrifugal processing and alternately performing a) a rinsing or CIP cleaning of at least part of the product paths of the drum of the separator in the product flow direction and b) a rinsing or CIP cleaning of at least part of the product paths of the drum wholly or partly opposite to the product flow direction, and - preferably -

[0026] 400) Continuation of step 200) of centrifugal processing of the product.

[0027] This creates a rinsing and / or cleaning process that complements centrifugal processing and achieves significantly improved cleaning of the contaminated surfaces of the drum and its internal components through the different flow directions.

[0028] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, during rinsing or CIP cleaning of the product paths of the separator drum, a cleaning fluid is passed through the inlet into the drum in the product flow direction and is discharged from the drum through the open solids discharge openings. During rinsing or CIP cleaning of the product paths of the separator drum, a cleaning fluid is passed partially against the product flow direction through the outlet into the drum and is discharged from the drum through the open solids discharge openings. Such cleaning is generally particularly effective.

[0029] The method is particularly suitable for a separator which further comprises the following: a spinning chamber which is formed within the drum, an inlet into the spinning chamber, wherein a product feed line and a first rinsing and / or CIP feed line open into the inlet, wherein an inlet valve VS is connected to the product feed line and a cleaning fluid valve is connected to the first CIP feed line; at least one first outlet for a first product phase, wherein the first outlet opens into a drain line; at least one second continuously open or discontinuously openable and reclosable outlet for a second solid-like product phase, a controllable cleaning fluid valve which is connected to a second CIP feed line which opens into the drain line upstream of a drain valve which is connected to the drain line.

[0030] In this way, higher flow rates of the rinsing or CIP cleaning agent are possible, particularly in the area of ​​the separator's disc pack, which results in significantly improved cleaning of the contaminated surfaces of the drum and its internals, particularly in the area of ​​the disc pack and the centrifuge chamber.

[0031] According to an alternative, the second outlet for the second product phase can have one or more permanently open nozzles. However, it can also be provided alternatively that the second outlet for the second product phase has one or more closable and openable solids discharge openings, to which one or more closing elements are assigned for discontinuously opening and closing the solids discharge openings, wherein at least one control system is provided for moving the closing element(s). Combinations of these second outlets are also conceivable (nozzles on the one hand and closable solids discharge openings on the other).

[0032] Such at least one or preferably repeated flushing against the product flow direction according to the invention can thus be carried out both with nozzle separators and with self-draining separators. In the latter case, the drain openings must be opened for this purpose; in nozzle separators, this is already provided by the nozzle openings.

[0033] It is preferably provided that the separator further comprises a control device which is provided with a control program with which the method for centrifugally processing a flowable product with a separator and for rinsing and / or CIP cleaning of the separator is controlled. The control device can be arranged directly on the separator or partly on the separator and partly at another location. Cloud services can also be integrated into the control or the implementation of the control device. In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that step 300) is carried out repeatedly for each cleaning process. This achieves particularly thorough cleaning. After step 300), the centrifugal processing can preferably be continued in a step 400. It is then possible that thereafter, once or several times if necessary.Step 300 is performed at intervals. Steps 200 and 300 can thus be repeated in a loop.

[0034] According to another particularly preferred embodiment, the rinsing and / or CIP cleaning process can be performed in step 300) after the inlet valve has been closed at the end of step 200) and the solids discharge openings for the solids SP have been or are permanently open. Thus, a simple control process creates the conditions for rinsing or CIP cleaning in the product flow direction.

[0035] Furthermore, according to another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, after complete emptying, during which the drum has lost speed, it can be provided that the drum has a waiting period until it has reached a higher speed, in particular the operating speed, in which case the cleaning fluid valve is then opened for a period of time, preferably for a few seconds, and a rinsing or CIP cleaning fluid is fed through the first CIP supply line into the supply line and further into the supply pipe into the drum, while the drum remains open. In this way, rinsing or CIP cleaning can be initiated in the product flow direction by a simple control process.

[0036] In another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the rinsing or CIP cleaning fluid flows through the central inlet pipe, the distribution channels, and a first, particularly lower, area of ​​the drum, from where it exits the drum again through the open solids discharge openings. This specifically rinses or cleans the central inlet pipe, the distribution channels, and the first, particularly lower, area of ​​the drum.

[0037] Furthermore, according to a further, particularly preferred embodiment, it can be provided that after a period of time, preferably a few seconds, during which the drum has lost speed again, the rinsing process is stopped by closing the cleaning fluid valve in the first CIP supply line. This also stops the rinsing or CIP cleaning in the product flow direction by a simple control process. According to a further, particularly preferred embodiment, it can be provided that a speed increase to the operating speed is waited for and then for a period of time, preferably a few seconds, a further cleaning fluid valve is opened. This cleaning fluid valve is connected to a second CIP supply line, which opens into the drain line upstream of a drain valve that is connected to the drain line, and that a rinsing or CIP cleaning fluid is fed into the drum through the second CIP supply line and drain line.

[0038] In this context, according to another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the rinsing or CIP cleaning fluid can flow through the central drain line, a paring disc, a stack of separating discs, and a second, preferably upper, region of the drum, before exiting the drum again through the open solids discharge openings for solids SP. This specifically cleans the central drain line, the paring disc, the stack of separating discs, and the second, preferably upper, region of the drum.

[0039] Furthermore, according to another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that after a period of time, preferably a few seconds, during which the drum has lost speed, the rinsing and cleaning process is stopped by closing the cleaning fluid valve VSF2. This also stops the rinsing or CIP cleaning against the product flow direction through a simple control process.

[0040] In another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the flow during rinsing or CIP cleaning of the separating plate stack and the upper region of the drum is directed opposite to the product flow direction, not against the centrifugal force, but essentially in the direction of the centrifugal force. This results in a more intensive flow, i.e., a higher throughput (volume / time) of the rinsing or CIP cleaning fluid compared to the prior art, thereby enabling a higher flow rate of the rinsing or cleaning fluid. This higher flow rate results in significantly improved cleaning of the contaminated surfaces of the drum and its internal components.

[0041] Furthermore, according to a further, particularly preferred embodiment, the rinsing or CIP cleaning fluid preferably has a temperature between 40°C and 90°C, and particularly preferably is heated to a temperature between 50°C and 70°C. This results in particularly intensive cleaning of the drum and its internal components. According to a further, particularly preferred embodiment, the rinsing or CIP cleaning process can be omitted from the drum during rinsing and emptying. This results in an advantageous increase in the separator's productivity, since the centrifugal separation process cannot take place during rinsing and emptying.

[0042] Likewise, according to a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the control program evaluates characteristic measured values, in particular the value of the speed drop An and the speed of the speed drop An / At during drum emptying, whereby the degree of contamination of the separating plate stack or the area of ​​the centrifuge chamber in which the solid SP collects is determined by means of the evaluation of these data in the control system (see

[0043] DE102017111672A1). This allows a rinsing or CIP cleaning process to be carried out specifically according to the actual degree of contamination of the drum and its components, which can save rinsing and / or CIP cleaning fluid and optimize overall operation.

[0044] In another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a number of rinsing or CIP cleaning processes are performed, with each rinsing or cleaning process comprising forward and reverse rinsing when the measured values ​​An and An / At indicate a defined degree of contamination. By repeating the rinsing or CIP cleaning process, the degree of contamination of the drum and its internal components can be specifically reduced until the measured values ​​indicate a clean drum.

[0045] Furthermore, according to another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, CIP cleaning with cleaning fluids such as acids and alkalis can be initiated when the rinsing process no longer results in sufficient cleaning. This advantageously reduces the consumption of CIP cleaning fluids.

[0046] Furthermore, according to another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the separator can be stopped and disassembled for mechanical cleaning if the measured values ​​for the speed drop An and the speed drop rate An / At during drum emptying indicate that even CIP cleaning has no longer achieved sufficient cleaning. This allows disassembly for cleaning the separator to be carried out as needed and not according to rigid maintenance cycles, which also advantageously contributes to the aforementioned savings and thus to increasing the productivity of the separator and reducing the separator's operating costs.

[0047] The invention also provides the advantageous separator of claim 18 for carrying out the method according to one or more of the method claims, which has the features related to the separator of at least claims 1 and 2 and preferably, according to one or more developments, has the features related to the separator of one or more of the further subclaims, in particular the control device which is provided with a control program with which a method according to one of the claims related to the method can be carried out and, in particular, also a controllable cleaning fluid valve which is connected to a second CIP supply line which opens into the drain line upstream of a drain valve which is connected to the drain line. With such a separator which is expanded by at least a few valves compared to the prior art, the method can be carried out in a simple manner.

[0048] Further advantageous embodiments can be found in the remaining subclaims.

[0049] The invention is described in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the figures. They show:

[0050] Figure 1a: a schematic, partially sectional view of a separator according to the invention in a “separating” operating state;

[0051] Figure 1 b: a schematic, partially sectional view of the separator from Fig. 1a in a “flushing” operating state during a first rinsing process;

[0052] Figure 1c: a schematic, partially sectional view of the separator from Fig. 1a in a “flushing” operating state during a second rinsing process;

[0053] Figure 2: a speed-time diagram; and

[0054] Figure 3: a schematic, partially sectional view of a separator according to the state of the art.

[0055] Fig. 3 shows a centrifuge designed as a separator having a rotatable drum 1. The separator and its drum 1 can be designed for continuous operation - i.e. the continuous and not batchwise processing of a product or a suspension S. In such processing, a suspension S to be processed is continuously fed in during the separation and separated into phases of different densities. For example, a liquid LP (light phase) as a product can be separated or clarified from a solid phase SP (heavier phase). Optionally, the liquid can be separated into two liquid phases of different densities LP1, LP2. In addition, it is also possible to concentrate a solid phase SP as a value product from a starting product and to separate it from a lighter phase LP. The one or more liquid phases are preferably discharged continuously.The solid phase can be discharged continuously (nozzle separator, not shown) or discontinuously (self-draining separator).

[0056] The drum 1 can have a vertical axis of rotation D. It is mounted in a rotationally fixed manner on a spindle X, which in turn is rotatable by a drive motor (not shown here). The spindle X can be supported and rotatably mounted on a frame G (not fully shown here). In the conically shaped drum 1, a stack of separating plates 3 consisting of conical separating plates 4 is arranged in the drum interior (here, for example, double-conical) - also called the centrifuge chamber 2. The separating plates 4 are arranged on a distributor shaft 5 of a distributor. An inlet Z with an inlet pipe 6 projecting into the drum 1 serves to feed a product or suspension S to be processed into distribution channels 7 and from there into the centrifuge chamber 2.

[0057] The inlet Z further comprises an inlet line 61 leading into the inlet pipe 6. Through this inlet line 61, a product or suspension S to be processed or a CIP cleaning fluid such as a cleaning liquid can be fed into the drum.

[0058] The path taken by the product or suspension S and its individual phases into the drum 1, through the drum 1 and out of the drum 1 is also referred to in this document as “product path” or “product flow direction”.

[0059] In the centrifugal chamber 2, during operation in which the drum 1 is rotated, a clarification of the product to be processed or the suspension S of solids SP to be processed takes place in the centrifugal field (and optionally an additional separation into two or more liquid phases LP1, LP2 of different densities (not shown here)).

[0060] To drain away the at least one liquid phase LP1, there is / are a first outlet A1 or several first outlets A1 for one or more liquid phase(s) LP1, LP2, which can for example - but not necessarily - each be provided with paring discs 8 and each can open into a drain line 9. The solids - which can also form a still flowable solid phase SP - are drained away through a second outlet A2, which comprises circumferentially distributed, radially extending solids discharge openings 10 from the drum 1, preferably in the region of the largest radius / circumference of the drum, from which they are expelled to the outside.

[0061] In this case, a discontinuously operating or controllable closing mechanism is preferably assigned to the solids discharge openings 10. In this exemplary embodiment, this closing mechanism comprises a preferably fluid-operated piston valve 11, which closes the solids discharge openings 10 in one position and releases or opens them in another position, so that solids can be emptied in this open state.

[0062] The centrifugally separated phases of the product or suspension S are thus discharged from the centrifugal chamber 2 through the first outlet - here with the paring disc 8 - and the second outlet with the solids discharge openings 10, when these are opened discontinuously from time to time.

[0063] The drum 1 can be surrounded by a hood 12. This hood 12 is designed here purely as an example with a double wall, so that this double wall section 13 can be flowed through by a fluid or can also be filled with insulation.

[0064] Between the drum 1 and the hood 12, a hood interior 14 is formed, which may have or form a solids catcher 15 towards the bottom, which serves to collect solids SP that are ejected from the drum 1.

[0065] For this purpose, the piston valve 11 is axially movable to a limited extent in (or on) the drum 1 and can be moved into an upper and a lower position. In Fig. 3, the piston valve 11 is shown in a lower position on the left half of the drum 1 and in an upper position on the right half of the drum 1. In the lower position, the solids discharge openings 10 are open, while in the upper position, the solids discharge openings 10 are closed, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0066] In Fig. 3, the piston valve 11 is arranged inside the drum 1. Alternatively, it can also be arranged on the outside of the drum 1 (not shown here), in which case it has limited axial movement to open and close the solids discharge openings. The closing mechanism for the solids discharge openings 10 can also be actuated electromechanically (not shown here).

[0067] Thus, a product or suspension S can be processed, in which the product or suspension S is separated into different product phases in the spinning chamber 2. Alternatively, however, "rinsing" or "cleaning" with a fluid, such as water, can also be carried out while completely emptying the drum 1 and / or a CIP cleaning (cleaning in place) of the product paths can be carried out with alkalis or acids, through which the product paths of the drum 1, including the described inlets and outlets of the drum, can be passed.

[0068] According to the prior art shown in Fig. 3, it can be provided that the inlet line 61 has a product inlet line 601 which opens into the inlet line 61 and a first rinsing and / or first CIP inlet line 602 which opens into the inlet line 61. An inlet valve Vs or a cleaning fluid valve VSFI can be connected to the product inlet line 601 or to the CIP inlet line 602, respectively, so that by opening and closing the respective inlet valve Vs or cleaning fluid valve VSFI, either a CIP liquid can be supplied through the CIP inlet line 602 or a product or suspension S to be processed can be supplied through the product inlet line 601 into the inlet line 61 and the inlet pipe 6 into the centrifuge chamber 2.

[0069] These valves and other controllable devices of the separator can be controlled using a control device (not shown here), with which the various valves and the optional additional controllable devices of the separator can be operated wirelessly or via a control line. This control device can have a memory and a microprocessor and can be connected to the controllable device(s) via a wired or wireless connection. Sensors or the like can also be connected to it. It can be connected directly or indirectly via intermediate devices to a display device and, if necessary, to an input device. It can be provided with a program in order to be able to control the process sequence during centrifugal processing and rinsing / cleaning.

[0070] During CIP cleaning, the cleaning fluid valve VSFI is opened and the inlet valve Vs is closed.

[0071] During CIP cleaning of the product paths of the drum 1 according to the prior art, the one or more cleaning fluids such as CIP cleaning fluids, in particular CIP liquids, flow or flow for CIP cleaning via the first CIP supply line 602 and the opened cleaning fluid valve VSFI through the inlet line 61 and the inlet pipe 6 into the spinning chamber 2. From there, the respective CIP cleaning fluid flows through the outlet line 9 and the opened solids discharge openings 10.

[0072] In this way, the product paths through which the product or its phases flow in a product flow direction during centrifugal separation of the separator - here the inlet line 61, the inlet pipe 6, the distributor 7, the centrifugal chamber 2, the disc pack 3, the paring disc 8, the outlet line 9 as well as the solids discharge openings 10 and possibly also the solids catcher 15 - can be subjected to cleaning, in particular CIP cleaning.

[0073] An actuator system, such as a control system 20, for moving the piston valve 11 to an upper position (shown to the right of the rotational axis D in Fig. 3) or a lower position (shown to the left of the rotational axis in Fig. 3) can be assigned to the piston valve 11. This system has control fluid paths through which a control fluid flows during operation.

[0074] When clarifying products such as coffee extract, which adheres to the surfaces of the separating plates 4 and the drum 1, the problem arises that the adhering residues can only be removed with considerable effort using the procedure described above. The invention therefore pursues a different approach.

[0075] In Fig. 1a, a separator according to the invention is shown in a “separating” operating state, which, in contrast to the prior art, can have an additional drain valve VLP in the drain line 9.

[0076] The drain line 9 can be opened or closed by the drain valve VLP. Upstream of the drain valve VLP—the arrows in Fig. 1a indicate the flow directions of the individual phases—a second CIP supply line 91 can flow into the drain line 9. The second CIP supply line 91 can be opened or closed by another cleaning fluid valve VSF2.

[0077] In the operating state of the centrifugal processing "separation" shown in Fig. 1a, the inlet valve Vs in the product feed line 601 is open, so that the product or suspension S can flow continuously into the drum 1 of the separator. Furthermore, the drain valve VLP in the drain line 9 of the liquid phase LP is open, so that the liquid phase LP, which flows from the separation disc stack 3 and is discharged from the drum 1 by the agitator disc 8, is continuously discharged from the drum 1. The cleaning fluid valves VSFI of the first CIP feed line 602 and VSF2 of the second CIP feed line 91, however, are closed in this operating state.

[0078] The solid SP collecting in the area of ​​the largest diameter of the drum 1 in the centrifugal chamber 2 is opened at time intervals by opening the solid discharge openings 10 of the drum 1 by appropriately applying control fluid to the control system 20, whereby the piston slide 11 moves into an open position, so that the solid SP is emptied / ejected from the drum 1 into the solid catcher 15.

[0079] In the present invention, the rinsing and rinsing emptying described above can - according to the prior art - be replaced by a rinsing or CIP cleaning process, in which the rinsing or cleaning liquid is directed at least once or several times alternately either through the inlet pipe 6 - thus rinsing or cleaning takes place in the product flow direction, see Fig. 1b - or through the outlet line 9 and the peeling disc 8 of the light phase LP into the rotating and open drum 1 "against the product flow direction" - thus rinsing or cleaning takes place against the product flow direction, see Fig. 1c. The rinsing and CIP cleaning process thus comprises a "forward rinse" and a "backward rinse".

[0080] The term "flushing" in this document refers to the flow of a rinsing fluid in the direction of product flow and / or against the direction of product flow, with the rinsing fluid preferably being water. The term "cleaning" or "CIP cleaning" in this document refers to the flow of a cleaning fluid suitable for CIP cleaning in the direction of product flow and / or against the direction of product flow, with the cleaning fluid being an alkali or an acid.

[0081] Such a rinsing and / or CIP cleaning process preferably takes place after the inlet valve Vs has been closed, a closing chamber of the control system 20 has been completely emptied by means of a full emptying and the piston slide 11 therefore permanently opens the solids discharge openings 10 for the solids SP.

[0082] After a complete emptying of the closing chamber of the control system 20, during which the drum 1 has lost speed, it is then preferably waited until the drum 1 has again reached a higher speed, in particular the operating speed. Then, the cleaning fluid valve VSFI is opened for a period of time—preferably for a few seconds—and a rinsing or CIP cleaning fluid is fed through the first CIP supply line 602 into the supply line 61 and further into the supply pipe 6 into the drum 1.

[0083] During this rinsing process according to the invention, the drum 1 remains open. The rinsing or CIP cleaning fluid can thus (see Fig. 1 b) flow through the central inlet pipe 6, the distribution channels 7, and the lower region of the drum 1, to exit the drum 1 again through the open solids discharge openings 10 for solids SP. After a period of time—preferably a few seconds—this rinsing process, during which the drum 1 has lost speed again, is stopped, i.e., the cleaning fluid valve VSFI is closed.

[0084] Then, again, an increase in speed can be waited for, preferably to operating speed, and then the cleaning fluid valve VSF2 can be opened for a short period of time - preferably a few seconds - and a rinsing or cleaning fluid can be fed through the drain line 9 into the drum 1.

[0085] The rinsing or CIP cleaning liquid can thus (see Fig. 1c) flow through the central drain line 9, the peeling disc 8, the separating disc stack 3 and the upper area of ​​the drum 1 in order to leave the drum 1 again through the open solids discharge openings 10 for solids SP.

[0086] In contrast to the prior art, the flow through the separating plate stack 3 and the upper region of the drum 1 in a rinsing and / or CIP cleaning process according to the invention preferably occurs opposite to the product flow direction, no longer against the centrifugal force, but essentially in the direction of the centrifugal force, so that a more intensive flow, ie with a higher throughput (volume / time) and thus a higher flow rate of the rinsing or cleaning liquid is possible.

[0087] This higher flow rate results in significantly improved cleaning of the contaminated surfaces of the drum 1 and its internal components. It has proven advantageous to heat the rinsing or CIP cleaning fluid, preferably to a temperature between 40°C and 90°C, particularly preferably to a temperature between 50°C and 70°C.

[0088] After a period of time—preferably a few seconds—this rinsing, during which the drum 1 has lost speed, can be stopped by closing the cleaning fluid valve VSF2. Surprisingly, it has been found that with the described inventive rinsing and / or CIP cleaning method, the rinsing and emptying of the drum 1, as in the prior art, can generally be dispensed with.

[0089] As already described, the drum 1 loses speed when emptied (in this case a full emptying) (see Fig 2).

[0090] Also, when rinsing and / or CIP cleaning the open drum 1, the drum 1 loses a significant amount of speed for the same reason.

[0091] From the course of the characteristic measured values, for example from the value of the speed drop An and the speed of the speed drop An / At during drum emptying, conclusions can be drawn about the degree of contamination in the drum 1, i.e. the separation plate stack 3 or the area of ​​the centrifugal chamber 2 in which the solid SP collects.

[0092] The solids SP discharge from a contaminated drum 1 more slowly, which is reflected in the characteristic of the corresponding speed drop An / At. The measured curve of the speed drop An / At of a clean drum 1 is thus steeper than that of a contaminated drum 1.

[0093] If the measured values ​​thus determined indicate a certain degree of contamination, a corresponding number of rinsing processes can be initiated, with each rinsing process comprising the forward and reverse rinsing described above. Thus, the number of rinsing processes can be individually adjusted to the degree of contamination of the drum 1 and the separation plate stack 3.

[0094] If these rinsing processes, e.g. with hot water, no longer lead to sufficient cleaning of the drum 1, more precisely of the separating plate stack 3, the then required CIP cleaning is initiated with cleaning liquids - such as acids and alkalis - whereby this is preferably carried out - as described above for the rinsing processes - also in the product flow direction as well as against the product flow direction.

[0095] Compared to strictly timed CIP cleaning cycles, this method allows for demand-based response and advantageous savings in rinse water, cleaning fluids, energy, and time. During CIP cleaning, the cleaning fluids can be passed through the drum 1 and the separating disc stack 3 in the same way as the rinse fluid. If the measured values ​​for speed drop An and the rate of speed drop An / At during drum emptying indicate that CIP cleaning has not sufficiently cleaned the drum 1 and the separating disc stack 3, the separator must be stopped and disassembled for mechanical cleaning. This, too, is done on an as-needed basis and not according to rigid maintenance cycles, which also contributes to the savings mentioned above and thus to increasing the productivity of the separator and reducing the separator's operating costs.

[0096] These evaluations are preferably carried out using the control program of the control device.

[0097] Reference symbol

[0098] Drum 1

[0099] Spinning room 2

[0100] Separator plate stack 3

[0101] Separator plate 4

[0102] Distribution shaft 5

[0103] Inlet pipe 6

[0104] Inlet line 61

[0105] Product feed line 601

[0106] First CIP supply line 602

[0107] Distribution channels 7

[0108] Peeling discs 8

[0109] Drain line 9

[0110] Second CIP supply line 91

[0111] Solids discharge openings 10

[0112] Piston valve 11

[0113] Hood 12

[0114] Double wall section 13

[0115] Hood interior 14

[0116] Solids catcher 15

[0117] Tax system 20

[0118] Process A1, A2

[0119] Spindle X

[0120] Frame G

[0121] Rotation axis D

[0122] Inlet Z

[0123] Inlet valve VS

[0124] Cleaning fluid valve VSF1

[0125] Cleaning fluid valve VSF2

[0126] Valve VLP

[0127] Suspension S

[0128] Solid SP

[0129] Liquid phase LP

Claims

Claims Method for centrifugally processing a flowable product with a separator and for rinsing and / or CIP cleaning the separator, wherein the separator has a rotatable drum (1) and a product flow path for a flowable product to be processed in a centrifugal field in the drum (1), wherein the product flows through the product flow path during the centrifugal processing in a product flow direction, characterized by the following steps: 100) Providing the separator; 200) Carrying out centrifugal processing of a product, 300) interrupting the centrifugal processing, and alternately performing a) a rinsing or CIP cleaning of at least part of the product paths of the drum (1) of the separator in the product flow direction and b) a rinsing or CIP cleaning of at least part of the product paths of the drum (1) completely or partially opposite to the product flow direction, and 400) preferably a continuation of step 200) of centrifugal processing of the product. Method according to claim 1, wherein the separator further comprises the following: i. a spinning chamber (2) formed within the drum (1), ii. an inlet (Z) into the spinning chamber (2), wherein a product feed line (601) and a first rinsing and / or CIP feed line (602) open into the inlet (P), wherein a controllable inlet valve (VS) is connected to the product feed line (601) and a controllable cleaning fluid valve (VSF1) is connected to the first CIP feed line (602); iii. at least one first outlet (A1) for a first product phase (LP), wherein the first outlet (A1) opens into an outlet line (9); iv. at least one second continuously open or discontinuously openable and reclosable outlet for a second, in particular solid-like product phase (SP); v.a controllable cleaning fluid valve (VSF2) connected to a second CIP supply line (91) that opens into the drain line (9) upstream of a drain valve (VLP) connected to the drain line (9). The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second drain for the second product phase (SP) has one or more permanently open nozzles. Method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the second outlet for the second product phase (SP) has one or more closable and openable solids discharge openings (10), to which one or more closing elements for discontinuously opening and closing the solids discharge openings (10) are assigned, wherein at least one control system (20) is provided for moving the closing element or elements. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the separator further comprises a control device provided with a control program with which the method for centrifugally processing a flowable product with a separator and for rinsing and / or CIP cleaning of the separator is controlled.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during a rinsing or CIP cleaning of the product paths of the drum (1) of the separator in the product flow direction, a cleaning fluid is passed through the inlet into the drum and is respectively passed out of the drum through the open solids discharge openings (10), and that during a rinsing or CIP cleaning of the product paths of the drum (1) of the separator partially against the product flow direction, a cleaning fluid is passed through the outlet into the drum and is respectively passed out of the drum through the open solids discharge openings (10). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that step 300) is carried out repeatedly for each cleaning process.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rinsing and / or CIP cleaning process takes place in step (300) after the inlet valve VS has been closed at the end of step (200) and the solids discharge openings (10) for the solids (SP) have been or are permanently open. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after complete emptying, during which the drum (1) has lost speed, a wait is made until the drum (1) has reached a higher speed again, in particular the operating speed, wherein a cleaning fluid valve (VSF1) is then opened for a period of time, preferably for a few seconds, and a rinsing or CIP cleaning fluid is fed through the first CIP feed line (602) into the feed line (61) and further into the feed pipe (6) into the drum (1). is passed, wherein the solids discharge openings of the drum (1) remain open. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rinsing or CIP cleaning liquid flows through the central inlet pipe (6), the distribution channels (7) and a first, in particular a lower region of the drum (1), from where it flows out of the drum (1) through the open solids discharge openings (10) for solids (SP). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after a period of time, preferably after a few seconds, during which the drum (1) has lost speed again, the rinsing process is stopped by closing the cleaning fluid valve (VSF1) in the first CIP supply line (602).Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a speed increase to the operating speed is waited for and then the controllable cleaning fluid valve (VSF2) is opened for a period of time, preferably for a few seconds, which is connected to the second CIP supply line (91) which opens into the drain line (9) upstream of the controllable drain valve (VLP) which is connected to the drain line (9), and that a rinsing or CIP cleaning liquid is passed through the second CIP supply line (91) and drain line (9) into the drum (1). Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the rinsing or CIP cleaning liquid flows through the central drain line (9) and a peeling disc (8) into the drum (1), where it flows through the separating plate stack (3) and a second, preferably upper region of the drum (1) in order to leave the drum (1) again through the open solids discharge openings (10) for solids SP.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after a period of time, preferably a few seconds, during which the drum (1) has lost speed, the rinsing and cleaning process is stopped by closing the cleaning fluid valve (VSF2). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rinsing or CIP cleaning fluid has a temperature between 40°C and 90°C, and particularly preferably a temperature between 50°C and 70°C. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control program evaluates characteristic measured values, in particular the value of the speed drop An and the rate of the speed drop An / At during drum emptying, wherein the degree of contamination of the separating plate stack (3) or of the region of the spinning chamber (2) in which the solid SP collects is determined by evaluating these data in the control system. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a number of rinsing or CIP cleaning processes are carried out, wherein a rinsing or cleaning process each comprises forward and reverse rinsing when the measured values ​​An and An / At indicate a defined degree of contamination.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that CIP cleaning with cleaning fluids such as acids and alkalis is initiated when the rinsing process no longer leads to sufficient cleaning. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separator is stopped and disassembled for mechanical cleaning when the measured values ​​for the speed drop An and the speed drop rate An / At during drum emptying indicate that CIP cleaning has also no longer achieved sufficient cleaning.Separator for carrying out a method according to one or more of the preceding claims, which has a rotatable drum (1) and a product flow path for a flowable product to be processed in a centrifugal field in the drum (1), wherein the product flows through the product flow path in a product flow direction during centrifugal processing, wherein the separator further comprises the following: i. a centrifugal chamber (2) formed within the drum (1), ii. an inlet (Z) into the centrifugal chamber (2), wherein a product feed line (601) and a first rinsing and / or CIP feed line (602) open into the inlet (Z), wherein an inlet valve (VS) is connected to the product feed line (601) and a cleaning fluid valve (VSF1) is connected to the first CIP feed line (602); iii. at least one first outlet (A1) for a first product phase (LP), wherein the first outlet (A1) opens into an outlet line (9);. iv. at least one second continuously open or discontinuously openable and resealable outlet for a second solid-like product phase (SP), and v. a controllable cleaning fluid valve (VSF2) connected to a second CIP supply line (91) that opens into the outlet line (9) upstream of a drain valve (VLP) connected to the outlet line (9), and vi. a control device provided with a control program with which a method according to one of the preceding claims can be controlled. Separator according to claim 20, characterized in that the second outlet for the second product phase (SP) has one or more permanently open nozzles.Separator according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the second outlet for the second product phase (SP) has one or more closable and openable solids discharge openings (10), to which one or more closing elements for discontinuously opening and closing the solids discharge openings (10) are assigned, wherein at least one control system (20) is provided for moving the closing element(s).

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