Filter drying apparatus and filter drying method using such filter drying apparatus

Abstract

A filter drying apparatus and a filter drying method using such a filter drying apparatus.The invention relates to a filter drying apparatus (1) with a compressed air connection (5) and at least one filter connection (3), which in a first functional state is adapted to fluidly connect the compressed air connection (5) to the at least one filter connection (3) and in a second functional state is adapted to fluidly isolate the compressed air connection (5) from the at least one filter connection (3), the at least one filter connection (3) being adapted to receive a filter (7), in particular a reusable ventilation filter, and to form an airtight connection between the filter drying apparatus (1) and the filter (7).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a filter drying apparatus and a filter drying method using such a filter drying apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known that filters, in particular reusable filters, in particular reusable hydrophobic media filters, are subjected to a filter test with a media-fed filter test device, in particular an Aquawit device from Pall, in order to check the integrity of the filter. During a filter test, in particular the so-called Water Intrusion Test (WIT), the filter is in particular completely filled with water in order to create a water column inside the filter. The water column is then subjected to a defined pressure and the water evaporation flow rate through the filter membrane is measured. If a defined water evaporation flow rate assigned to the membrane is exceeded, the integrity of the filter is not guaranteed. After such a filter test, the filter must be dried, in particular from the inside. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This filter drying is carried out in a drying cabinet or an autoclave. The disadvantages of drying filters in a drying cabinet are that the drying process is very time consuming, especially over 8 hours, and that the filters are exposed to thermal stresses in the drying cabinet that can cause irreparable damage to the filters. The disadvantages of drying filters in an autoclave are that the drying process is very time consuming and complete drying of the filters cannot be guaranteed.

[0004] The invention is therefore based on the task of creating a filter drying apparatus and a filter drying method with such a filter drying apparatus, whereby the aforementioned disadvantages are at least partially overcome and preferably avoided.

[0005] This problem is solved by providing the present technical teachings, in particular the teachings of the independent claims, as well as the embodiments disclosed in the dependent claims and the specification.

[0006] This problem is solved in particular by creating a filter drying apparatus with a compressed air connection and at least one filter connection, the filter drying apparatus being adapted to fluidly connect the compressed air connection to the at least one filter connection in a first functional state and to fluidly isolate the compressed air connection from the at least one filter connection in a second functional state, the at least one filter connection being adapted to receive a filter and to form an airtight connection between the filter drying apparatus and the filter.

[0007] Advantageously, with such a filter drying device, the filter connected to the at least one filter connection can be dried in a simple manner by means of compressed air filtered by the filter drying device.

[0008] The filter drying device allows the filters to be dried quickly and completely using compressed air, in particular without subjecting the filters to thermal stresses that could impair their functionality.

[0009] Preferably, at least one filter connection of the filter drying device is adapted to receive a reusable hydrophobic media filter for compressed air and steam, in particular a reusable ventilation filter, and is adapted to form an airtight connection between the filter drying device and a reusable hydrophobic media filter for compressed air and steam, in particular a reusable ventilation filter. Alternatively or additionally, at least one filter connection of the filter drying device is preferably adapted to receive a Pall filter, in particular a filter of type NOVASIP C3PFRP1A, in the configuration available on the priority date of this patent, and is adapted to form an airtight connection between the filter drying device and such a filter. Alternatively or additionally, at least one filter connection is preferably adapted to receive a filter having a connection according to DIN 32676:2009-05, in the version valid on the priority date of this patent, in particular a TC connection, and is adapted to form an airtight connection between the filter drying device and such a filter.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the compressed air connection is configured as a sterile compressed air connection, in particular a sterile air connection.

[0011] According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the filter drying device comprises a pressure control device, which is fluidly connected to the compressed air connection and to the filter connection and is fluidly arranged between the compressed air connection and the filter connection.

[0012] Advantageously, in this way it is possible to control and regulate, in particular to measure and / or set, in particular to control or regulate, the pressure of the compressed air which is flowed through the filter dryer.

[0013] In particular, the pressure control device is adapted to set, in particular to control or regulate, the pressure of the compressed air above a first predefined pressure limit, the first predefined pressure limit being preferably 1.2 bar. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure control device is adapted to set, in particular to control or regulate, the pressure of the compressed air below a second predefined pressure limit, the second predefined pressure limit being preferably 1.8 bar. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure control device is adapted to set, in particular to control or regulate, the pressure of the compressed air to a target pressure, the target pressure being preferably between 1.2 bar and 1.8 bar, preferably 1.6 bar, and / or the target pressure is adapted to the filter to be dried. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure control device is adapted to cancel the drying, in particular if the pressure of the compressed air meets a cancellation condition selected from the group consisting of falling below the first predefined pressure limit, exceeding the second predefined pressure limit and deviation from the target pressure.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the pressure control device comprises a pressure vessel, in particular a buffer tube. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure control device preferably comprises a pressure reducing device adapted to set, in particular set to control or regulate, the pressure of the compressed air flowed through the filter dryer. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure control device preferably comprises a pressure transducer adapted to determine, in particular digitally display, the pressure of the compressed air.

[0015] According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the filter drying device has at least one valve, which is simultaneously fluidly connected to the compressed air connection and to the at least one filter connection, and which is adapted to switch between the first and second functional states.

[0016] Advantageously, the filter connected to the at least one filter connection can be easily pressurized with compressed air by means of the at least one valve. Furthermore, the at least one valve can be used to start and stop the discharge of compressed air from the at least one filter connection.

[0017] According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the at least one valve is adapted to be actuated mechanically, hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically.

[0018] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the filter drying device is adapted to split the compressed air introduced by the compressed air connection in such a way that a first part of the compressed air is directed to the at least one filter connection and a second part of the compressed air is used as operating air, in particular for actuating at least one pneumatically actuable valve. In particular, this allows the compressed air to be advantageously utilized for drying the filter and for actuating the at least one valve. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure control device preferably comprises a first pressure reducing device for the first part of the compressed air, in particular compressed air for drying the filter, and a second pressure reducing device for the second part of the compressed air, in particular compressed air for controlling the at least one valve. The first and second pressure reducing devices are arranged to set, in particular to control or regulate, the pressure of the compressed air.

[0019] According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the filter drying apparatus has at least one operating device adapted for starting the filter drying. Furthermore, the filter drying apparatus preferably has a signal output adapted for indicating the progress of the filter drying.

[0020] Advantageously, this facilitates operation of the filter drying apparatus, particularly start-up of the filter drying.

[0021] Preferably, the operating device is configured such that, when the operating device is actuated, compressed air is passed through the at least one filter connection, whereby a filter connected to the at least one filter connection is pressurized with the compressed air. Particularly preferably, the operating device is operably connected to the at least one valve, and configured such that, when the operating device is actuated, the at least one valve opens, whereby compressed air is passed through the at least one filter connection, whereby a filter connected to the at least one filter connection is pressurized with the compressed air.

[0022] In particular, the signal output is adapted to visually indicate the progress of the filter drying. Alternatively or additionally, the signal output is adapted to acoustically indicate the progress of the filter drying.

[0023] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the operating device comprises at least one operating element, in particular a button, and furthermore, the signal output preferably comprises at least one LED device, which in particular highlights the at least one operating element with a color, in particular with a changing color.

[0024] According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that at least one filter connection is manufactured by a 3D printing process.

[0025] Advantageously, this allows the at least one filter connection to be manufactured quickly and at low cost in a manner adapted to the filter to be dried.

[0026] According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that at least one filter connection is adapted for operation without tools.

[0027] Advantageously, the filter can be simply and quickly connected to the filter drying device, in particular to the at least one filter connection.

[0028] According to a further development of the invention it is provided that the filter drying device has at least two filter connections, said at least two filter connections being fluidly connected to said compressed air connection such that a first filter connection and a second filter connection of said at least two filter connections can be pressurized with compressed air independently of each other.

[0029] In a particularly preferred embodiment, as at least one valve, a first valve is assigned to the first filter connection and a second valve is assigned to the second filter connection. Preferably, the supply of compressed air to the first filter connection is controlled by the first valve and the supply of compressed air to the second filter connection is controlled by the second valve. Alternatively or additionally, the first filter connection and the second filter connection are fluidly connected to the compressed air connection via a pressure control device, in particular via a pressure vessel or a buffer tube. Alternatively or additionally, a first operating element of the operating device is preferably assigned to the first filter connection and thus in particular to the first valve, and a second operating element of the operating device is preferably assigned to the second filter connection and thus in particular to the second valve.

[0030] In a further preferred embodiment, the filter drying apparatus can be operated in a plurality of first functional states. The different first functional states differ in particular in the number of filter connections fluidly connected to the compressed air connection. In particular, the compressed air connection can be fluidly connected to exactly one filter connection or to a plurality of filter connections. In particular, the compressed air connection is fluidly separated from all filter connections that are not explicitly connected in the described manner. Alternatively or additionally, the filter drying apparatus is adapted to switch between at least two first functional states.

[0031] According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the filter drying apparatus has a holding device adapted for mechanically connecting said filter drying apparatus to at least one device, in particular a media-supply filter testing device or a multiplication device.

[0032] Advantageously, this allows the filters after testing using the media-fed filter testing device and / or the multiplication device to be dried quickly without additional transport to a drying device, in particular a filter drying device.

[0033] According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the filter drying device has a drip tray arranged at a vertical distance from the at least one filter connection. The drip tray and the at least one filter connection preferably have a vertical distance of at least 17.5 cm. Alternatively, the distance between the filter connection and the drip tray is configured such that it is greater than the filter to be dried assigned to the filter connection. In particular, a first end of the filter to be dried is connected to the filter connection and when the filter is connected to the filter connection, a second end of the filter opposite the first end is at least 15 mm away from the drip tray. Alternatively or additionally, the distance between the filter connection and the drip tray is preferably set such that, on the one hand, all moisture leaking from the filter connected to the filter connection can be collected by the drip tray and, on the other hand, the filter can preferably be connected to and removed from the filter connection in a simple manner.

[0034] Advantageously, a drip tray can be used to collect residual liquid that leaks from the filter during drying, in particular residual liquid that bubbles off.

[0035] Preferably, the drip tray can be removed from the filter drying device without tools, which advantageously allows easy and safe emptying of residual liquid that has flowed out from the filter, in particular residual liquid that has been blown out and accumulated in the drip tray.

[0036] It is particularly preferred that the drip tray has a loosely inserted anti-splash screen, which advantageously prevents any residual liquid collected by the drip tray from splashing up.

[0037] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the filter drying device comprises a control device and / or an energy supply line. In particular, the control device is adapted to control at least one valve, in particular a plurality of valves. Alternatively or additionally, the control device is adapted to receive and process signals from the operating device and / or to control a signal output.

[0038] This problem is also solved by creating a method for filter drying using the filter drying apparatus according to the invention or the filter drying apparatus according to one or more of the above-mentioned embodiments. In this method, a first opening of the filter is connected, in particular in an airtight manner, to the at least one filter connection. Then, compressed air, in particular sterile air, passes through the filter from the compressed air connection via the filter connection. The compressed air is discharged from a second opening of the filter into the surroundings of the filter drying apparatus, which second opening is preferably not connected to the filter drying apparatus. In particular, the advantages already explained in connection with the filter drying apparatus arise in connection with this method.

[0039] Advantageously, a filter drying device with multiple filter connections can be used to dry multiple filters independently of one another.

[0040] According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that during filter drying, a first predefined pressure limit, in particular a pressure above 1.2 bar, and / or a second predefined pressure limit, in particular below 1.8 bar, is set, in particular for sterile compressed air, and preferably said set pressure is applied to the filter.

[0041] In one embodiment the pressure of the sterile compressed air is set to a target pressure preferably of 1.2 to 1.8 bar, in particular 1.6 bar.

[0042] According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the particularly sterile compressed air is passed through the filter connected to the filter connection for a predetermined time, after which the method is automatically terminated.

[0043] In particular, the predetermined time is at least 10 minutes and up to 20 minutes, particularly preferably 15 minutes. In particular, the predetermined time is adapted to at least one property of the filter to be dried, in particular a property selected from the group consisting of flow properties, drying properties and tolerable residual moisture content.

[0044] Particularly preferably, the predetermined time is selected such that filter drying can be carried out faster than the filter test procedure, in particular with media-fed filter test devices and preferably with Pall multiplication devices, in particular with Pall Aquawit and MUX devices.

[0045] According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the filter drying device indicates by the signal output at least one state selected from the group consisting of: filter drying is ready, filter drying is running, filter drying has been successfully completed, and filter drying has been canceled.

[0046] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that during the filter drying, the pressure of the in particular sterile compressed air is monitored by a pressure control device, and preferably the filter drying is canceled if the pressure is higher than a first predefined pressure limit value or lower than a second predefined pressure limit value.

[0047] Advantageously, insufficient drying obtained at pressures below the second predefined pressure limit can be terminated in this way, as well as drying that would cause irreversible damage to the filter due to pressures above the first predefined pressure limit.

[0048] Preferably, the first and second predefined pressure limits are different from each other. In particular, the second predefined pressure limit is lower than the first predefined pressure limit. In particular, the first predefined pressure limit is preferably 1.8 bar. Alternatively or additionally, the second predefined pressure limit is preferably 1.2 bar. Alternatively, the first and second predefined pressure limits are preferably identical, preferably 1.6 bar. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0049] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a front view of an embodiment of a filter drying device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example embodiment of a filter drying apparatus from a rear view. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example embodiment of a filter drying apparatus in a first detailed view. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a second detailed view of an example embodiment of a filter drying apparatus. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an example embodiment of a method for drying filters using an example embodiment of a filter drying apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0050] FIG. 1 shows a schematic front view of an example embodiment of a filter drying apparatus 1.

[0051] The filter drying apparatus 1 has at least one filter connection 3, in particular a first filter connection 3.1, a second filter connection 3.2, a third filter connection 3.3 and a fourth filter connection 3.4. Furthermore, the filter drying apparatus 1 is equipped with a compressed air connection 5, which is not visible in this view. In particular, the compressed air connection 5 can be seen in FIG. 2. The at least one filter connection 3, in particular the first filter connection 3.1, the second filter connection 3.2, the third filter connection 3.3 and the fourth filter connection 3.4, are fluidically connected to the compressed air connection 5 in a first functional state. Furthermore, the filter drying apparatus is adapted to fluidically connect the compressed air connection 5 to the at least one filter connection 3 in the first functional state and to fluidically isolate the compressed air connection 5 from the at least one filter connection 3 in the second functional state.

[0052] In particular, in the first functional state, at least one filter connection 3 selected from the first filter connection 3.1, the second filter connection 3.2, the third filter connection 3.3 and the fourth filter connection 3.4 is fluidly connected to the compressed air connection 5. Furthermore, all filter connections 3 that are not explicitly connected to the compressed air connection 5 in the described manner are fluidly isolated from the compressed air connection 5.

[0053] In particular, in the second functional state, all filter connections 3 are fluidically isolated from the compressed air connections 5 .

[0054] Furthermore, at least one filter connection 3, in particular the first filter connection 3.1, the second filter connection 3.2, the third filter connection 3.3 and the fourth filter connection 3.4, are adapted to receive a filter 7, in particular the first filter 7.1, the second filter 7.2, the third filter 7.3 and the fourth filter 7.4, and to form an airtight connection between the filter drying apparatus 1 and the at least one filter 7.

[0055] In particular, the first opening 9.1 of the at least one filter 7 can be connected, in particular gas-tightly, to the at least one filter connection 3 of the filter drying apparatus 1. Furthermore, the second opening 9.2 of the at least one filter 7 is preferably not connected to the filter drying apparatus 1. For a clearer representation, only the first opening 9.1 and the second opening 9.2 of the first filter 7.1 are numbered.

[0056] The at least one filter 7 is preferably a reusable hydrophobic media filter for compressed air and steam, in particular a reusable ventilation filter. Particularly preferably, the at least one filter 7 is a filter of the manufacturer Pall, in particular a filter of the type NOVASIP C3PFRP1A in the configuration available on the priority date of this patent.

[0057] Particularly preferably, at least one filter connection 3, in particular the first filter connection 3.1, the second filter connection 3.2, the third filter connection 3.3 and the fourth filter connection 3.4, is adapted to receive a filter 7 having a connection, in particular a TC connection, in accordance with DIN 32676:2009-05 in the version available on the date of determining the priority of this patent right, and to form an airtight connection between the filter drying apparatus 1 and such a filter 7.

[0058] Preferably, the filter drying device 1 has at least one operating device 11 adapted to start the filter drying. Particularly preferably, the operating device 11 has at least one operating element 13, in particular a first operating element 13.1, a second operating element 13.2, a third operating element 13.3 and a fourth operating element 13.4. In particular, the at least one operating element 13 is configured as a button. Preferably, the operating device 11, in particular the at least one operating element 13, is configured such that, when the operating device 11, in particular the at least one operating element 13, is operated, compressed air is supplied through the at least one filter connection 3, whereby the filter 7 connected to the at least one filter connection 3 is pressurized with compressed air.

[0059] In particular, the first operating element 13.1 is assigned to the first filter connection 3.1 and thus to the first filter 7.1, such that a drying process of the first filter 7.1 is started when the first operating element 13.1 is operated. Alternatively or additionally, in particular the second operating element 13.2 is assigned to the second filter connection 3.2 and thus to the second filter 7.2, such that a drying process of the second filter 7.2 is started when the second operating element 13.2 is operated. Alternatively or additionally, in particular the third operating element 13.3 is assigned to the third filter connection 3.3 and thus to the third filter 7.3, such that a drying process of the third filter 7.3 is started when the third operating element 13.3 is operated. Alternatively or additionally, in particular a fourth operating element 13.4 is assigned to the fourth filter connection 3.4 and thus to the fourth filter 7.4, such that a drying process of the fourth filter 7.4 is started when the fourth operating element 13.4 is operated.

[0060] Preferably, the filter drying device 1 has a signal output 15 adapted to indicate the progress of the filter drying. Particularly preferably, the signal output 15 has at least one LED device 17, in particular a first LED device 17.1, a second LED device 17.2, a third LED device 17.3 and a fourth LED device 17.4. In particular, the first LED device 17.1 is assigned to the first operating element 13.1, the first LED device 17.1 indicating the progress of the drying process of the first filter 7.1, for example by changing color or by a flashing or continuous light of a signal. Alternatively or additionally, the second LED device 17.2 is assigned to the second operating element 13.2, the second LED device 17.2 indicating the progress of the drying process of the second filter 7.2. Alternatively or additionally, in particular the third LED device 17.3 is assigned to the third operating element 13.3, the third LED device 17.3 indicating the progress of the drying process of the third filter 7.3. Alternatively or additionally, in particular the fourth LED device 17.4 is assigned to the fourth operating element 13.4, the fourth LED device 17.4 indicating the progress of the drying process of the fourth filter 7.4.

[0061] Preferably, the filter drying apparatus 1 comprises a holding device 19 adapted to connect the filter drying apparatus 1 to at least one device, in particular a multiplication device.

[0062] Particularly preferably, the filter drying apparatus 1 comprises a drip tray 21 arranged at a vertical distance from the at least one filter connection 3. The drip tray 21 and the at least one filter connection 3 preferably have a vertical distance of at least 17.5 cm. In particular, the drip tray 21 can be removed from the filter drying apparatus 1 without tools. Furthermore, the drip tray 21 preferably comprises a splash guard screen 23, which is in particular loosely inserted in the drip tray 21. Advantageously, the splash guard screen 23 prevents the residual liquid collected by the drip tray 21 from flying up.

[0063] Furthermore, the filter drying device 1 is equipped with a display device 35 , in particular adapted to display the pressure of the compressed air introduced via the compressed air connection 5 .

[0064] In particular, the filter drying device 1 is adapted to carry out a method for drying at least one filter 7, as shown in FIG.

[0065] FIG. 2 shows a schematic rear view of one embodiment of the filter drying device 1.

[0066] Identical and functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference signs in all figures, so that reference can be made in each case to the previous description.

[0067] The compressed air connection 5 is particularly preferably configured as a sterile compressed air connection, in particular a sterile air connection.

[0068] Preferably, the filter drying device 1 is adapted to split the compressed air introduced by the compressed air connection 5 in such a way that a first part of the compressed air is led to the at least one filter connection 3 and a second part of the compressed air is used as operating air for actuating at least one valve 29 (shown in particular in FIG. 4). In particular, the compressed air can be advantageously utilized for drying the filters 7, for controlling the filter drying device 1, in particular for starting or ending the filter drying.

[0069] In particular, the filter drying device 1 has a control device 25 and / or an energy supply line 27, the control device 25 being preferably adapted to receive and process signals from the operating device 11 and / or to control the signal output unit 15.

[0070] FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of an example embodiment of the filter drying device 1 in a first detailed view.

[0071] The first detailed view shows two filter connections 3, in particular a first filter connection 3.1 and a second filter connection 3.2, where the first filter connection 3.1 is connected to a first filter 7.1 and the second filter connection 3.2 is not connected to any filter 7.

[0072] Preferably, the at least one filter connection 3, in particular the plurality of filter connections 3, are manufactured by means of a 3D printing process. Particularly preferred is that the at least one filter connection 3 is adapted for tool-free operation. In particular, the at least one filter connection 3 is adapted for connecting the filter 7 to the at least one filter connection 3 without tools.

[0073] FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of an example embodiment of the filter drying device 1 in a second detailed view.

[0074] The second detail shows the same cross section of the filter drying apparatus 1 as the first detail in FIG. 3, however in FIG. 4 the cover of the filter drying apparatus 1 is hidden.

[0075] Preferably, the at least one filter connection 3 is fluidly connected to the compressed air connection 5 via at least one valve 29 in a first functional state and is fluidly isolated from the compressed air connection 5 in a second functional state. Thereby, the at least one valve 29 is particularly preferably actuated mechanically, hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically. In particular, the first filter connection 3.1 is fluidly connected to the compressed air connection 5 by means of a first valve 29.1. Alternatively or additionally, in particular the second filter connection 3.2 is fluidly connected to the compressed air connection 5 by means of a second valve 29.2.

[0076] Particularly preferably, the compressed air supply to the first filter connection 3.1 is controlled by a first valve 29.1 and the compressed air supply to the second filter connection 3.2 is controlled by a second valve 29.2. Alternatively or additionally, the first operating element 13.1 of the operating device 11 is preferably assigned to the first filter connection 3.1 and thus in particular to the first valve 29.1, and the second operating element 13.2 of the operating device 11 is preferably assigned to the second filter connection 3.2 and thus in particular to the second valve 29.2. Alternatively or additionally, the control device 25 is preferably adapted to control at least one valve 29, in particular the first valve 29.1 and the second valve 29.2, depending on an input via the respective operating element 13.

[0077] Preferably, the filter drying device 1 comprises a pressure control device 31. The pressure control device 31 is fluidly connected to the compressed air connection 5 and to the at least one filter connection 3, in particular to the first filter connection 3.1 and the second filter connection 3.2, and is fluidly arranged between the compressed air connection 5 and the at least one filter connection 3. In particular, the pressure control device 31 is set to set, in particular to control or regulate, the pressure of the compressed air above a preset first predefined pressure limit value, the first predefined pressure limit value being preferably 1.2 bar. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure control device 31 is set, in particular to set, in particular to control or regulate, the pressure of the compressed air below a preset second predefined pressure limit value, the second predefined pressure limit value being preferably 1.8 bar. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure control device 31 is in particular adapted to set, in particular control or regulate, the pressure of the compressed air to a target pressure, where the target pressure is preferably between 1.2 bar and 1.8 bar, preferably 1.6 bar, and / or the target pressure is adapted to the filter 7 to be dried. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure control device 31 is in particular adapted to cancel the drying if the pressure of the compressed air fulfills a cancellation condition selected from the group consisting of: falling below a first predefined pressure limit, exceeding a second predefined pressure limit and a deviation from the target pressure.

[0078] Particularly preferably, the pressure control device 31 comprises a pressure accumulator 33, in particular configured as a buffer tube. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure control device 31 is adapted to measure the pressure of the compressed air and to display it digitally by means of a display device 35, in particular as shown in FIG.

[0079] Furthermore, the first filter connection 3.1 and the second filter connection 3.2 are particularly preferably fluidly connected to the compressed air connection 5 via a pressure control device 31, in particular via a buffer tube 33.

[0080] FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of an example embodiment of a method for filter drying using an example embodiment of the filter drying apparatus 1.

[0081] In a first step a), the first opening 9.1 of the filter 7 is connected, in particular in an airtight manner, to at least one filter connection 3 of the filter drying apparatus 1. Preferably, the filter 7 is connected to the filter drying apparatus 1 while the second opening 9.2 is not connected to the filter drying apparatus 1. In particular, the filter 7 is connected to the filter drying apparatus 1 against the flow direction of the filter 7.

[0082] In a second step b), compressed air, in particular sterile, is passed from the compressed air connection 5 via the filter connection 3 to the filter 7 and the compressed air leaves the second opening 9.2 of the filter 7 into the surroundings of the filter drying device 1. Preferably, the compressed air, in particular sterile, is passed through the filter 7 connected to the filter connection 3 for a defined time, and the drying process is automatically terminated after the defined time.

[0083] Preferably, in a first second step b1), the operating device 11, in particular the operating element 13 assigned to the filter connection 3, is operated. Then, preferably, in a second second step b2), the valve 29 assigned to the filter connection 3 is opened and compressed air flows through the filter 7. Particularly preferably, in a second second step b2), the filter 7 is pressurized with compressed air, in particular sterile, at a pressure of at least 1.2 bar to a maximum of 1.8 bar, particularly preferably 1.6 bar, this pressure being set in the filter drying device 1. In a third second step b3), the valve 29 assigned to the filter connection 3 is closed, in particular automatically, and compressed air can no longer flow through the filter 7 and thus the drying process is completed. In particular, the second second step b2) is carried out for a predefined time, particularly preferably 15 minutes. Alternatively or additionally, in particular during the second second step b2), the pressure of the in particular sterile compressed air is monitored by the pressure control device 31, and if the pressure is higher than a first predefined pressure limit value or lower than a second predefined pressure limit value, preferably the second second step b2) is canceled and the third second step b3) is started.

[0084] In particular, in the second second step b2), preferably a status indicating that filter drying is being performed is indicated by the signal output 15. Alternatively or additionally, in the third second step b3), a status indicating that filter drying has been successfully completed or that filter drying has been cancelled is indicated by the signal output 15.

[0085] In an optional third step c), the filter 7 is removed from the filter drying apparatus 1 .

[0086] In an optional fourth step d), a status indicating that the filter drying apparatus 1 is ready for filter drying is indicated by the signal output 15. In particular, the first step a) can be performed again after the optional fourth step d) or when the filter 7 to be dried is removed from the filter drying apparatus 1.

[0087] In particular, the filter 7 can be connected to the filter drying device 1 and can be detached again without tools in the first step a) and in the third step c).

Claims

1. A filter drying device (1) comprising a compressed air connection (5) and at least one filter connection (3), the filter drying device (1) is adapted to fluidly connect the compressed air connection (5) to the at least one filter connection (3) in a first functional state and to fluidly disconnect the compressed air connection (5) from the at least one filter connection (3) in a second functional state, The at least one filter connection (3) is adapted to receive a filter (7), in particular a reusable ventilation filter, and to form an airtight connection between the filter drying device (1) and the filter (7).

2. A pressure control device (31) is provided, 2. The filter drying device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the pressure control device (31) is fluidly connected to the compressed air connection (5) and the filter connection (3) and is fluidly arranged between the compressed air connection (5) and the filter connection (3).

3. at least one valve (29); 2. The filter drying device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one valve (29) is simultaneously fluidly connected to the compressed air connection (5) and to the at least one filter connection (3), and the at least one valve (29) is adapted to switch between the first functional state and the second functional state.

4. 4. The filter drying device (1) according to claim 3, wherein said at least one valve (21) is adapted to be actuated mechanically, hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically.

5. at least one operating device (11) adapted to initiate filter drying; 2. A filter drying device (1) according to claim 1, comprising a signal output (15), preferably adapted to indicate the progress of the filter drying.

6. 2. The filter drying device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one filter connection (3) is manufactured by a 3D printing process.

7. 2. The filter drying device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one filter connection (3) is adapted for tool-free operation.

8. at least two filter connections (3, 3.1, 3.2), 2. The filter drying device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least two filter connections (3, 3.1, 3.2) are fluidly connected to the compressed air connection (5) in such a way that a first filter connection (3.1) and a second filter connection (3.2) of the at least two filter connections (3, 3.1, 3.2) can be pressurized with compressed air independently of each other.

9. 2. The filter drying device (1) according to claim 1, comprising a holding device (19) adapted to mechanically connect the filter drying device (1) to at least one device, in particular a media supply filter testing device or a multiplier device.

10. 2. The filter drying device (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a drip tray (21) arranged at a vertical distance from the at least one filter connection (3), the drip tray (21) and the at least one filter connection (3) preferably having a vertical distance of at least 17.5 cm.

11. 2. A method for drying filters by means of a filter drying device (1) according to claim 1, wherein a first opening (9.1) of the filter (7) is connected, in particular in an airtight manner, to the at least one filter connection (3), and wherein compressed air, in particular sterile air, passes from the compressed air connection (5) via the at least one filter connection (3) through the filter (7) and is discharged from a second opening (9.2) of the filter (7) to the surroundings of the filter drying device (1), the second opening (9.2) preferably not being connected to the filter drying device (1).

12. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein during the filter drying a pressure of at least 1.2 bar and up to 1.8 bar, particularly preferably 1.6 bar, is set for the particularly sterile compressed air, and preferably the set pressure is applied to the filter (7).

13. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the particularly sterile compressed air is passed through the filter (7) connected to the at least one filter connection (3) for a predetermined time, after which the method is automatically terminated.

14. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the signal output (15) indicates at least one state selected from the group consisting of: the filter drying device (1) is ready for filter drying, filter drying is running, filter drying has been successfully completed, and filter drying has been canceled.

15. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein during the filter drying, the pressure of the particularly sterile compressed air is monitored by a pressure control device (31), and preferably the filter drying is cancelled if the pressure is higher than a first predetermined pressure limit value or lower than a second predetermined pressure limit value.

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