Separator

Abstract

The invention relates to a separator comprising a frame (I) having receiving parts (I-4, I-5) for rotatably supporting separator inserts (II, III), each receiving part comprising a stator arrangement (4a, 4b) as a sub-element of a magnetic bearing arrangement (4, 5), the separator inserts (II, III) being replaceable units preassembled for insertion into the stator units (4a, 4b) on the frame (I) or in the housing (68) of the separator. The separator insert (II, III) comprises at least i) a rotor (2, 65) which can rotate about a rotation axis (D) and which has a drum (3, 66) and a drum wall, and ii) at least two rotor units (4b, 5b) as sub-elements of magnetic bearing devices (4, 5) at two axially spaced positions of the rotor (2) with the drum, the rotor (2) with the drum (3) being in suspension and rotated in the housing during the separation operation, the separator having at least one linear drive part (50) for linear movement of at least one of the two receiving parts relative to the separator insert (II, III).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a separator having a separator insert. [Background technology]

[0002] The separators defined in this specification are used to separate a free-flowing suspension as starting product into phases of different density in a centrifugal field. Steam sterilization of the separators used is required for a wide variety of applications. A relatively "compact" steam sterilizable separator with a disc stack introduced on the market by the Applicant has a capacity of 6000 m 3 A separator with a clarification surface of equivalent weight is the "CSC 6". However, in some situations, such as in laboratories, this machine is still relatively large. The known separator with a disc stack, which is commercially available, is driven by a spindle, which is driven by a motor, either directly or via a gear. Furthermore, the known machine is made of stainless steel. For these reasons, filters are now very often used in laboratories instead of centrifuges. Steam sterilization (SIP - Sterilization In Place) is not necessary for separators with disc stacks and disposable plastic parts (Disposable Technology - Disposable of Certified Plastic Parts). It may be particularly suitable for use in biotechnology.

[0003] A separator for separating a flowable product into different phases is known from WO 2014 / 000829, which comprises a rotating drum with a lower drum part and an upper drum part and means for treating a suspension in a centrifugal field of solids or for separating a heavy solid-like phase from a light phase in the centrifugal field, where one, several or all of the lower drum part, the upper drum part and the clarification means are made of plastic or a plastic composite material.

[0004] In this way, it is possible to configure a part of the drum, or preferably the entire drum, preferably with an inlet and outlet system or area, for one-time use, which is particularly interesting and advantageous for the treatment of pharmaceutical products such as fermentation broths, since after the operation of treating the corresponding product batch, preferably during the continuous operation during the treatment of the product batch, the entire drum can be replaced without having to carry out cleaning of the parts of the drum that come into contact with the product. This separator is therefore very advantageous, especially from a hygienic point of view. To achieve this physical separation between the disposable drum and the drive, a contact-free connection between the drive and the drum is advantageous.

[0005] A further development is shown in DE 10 2017 128 027 A1, in which the bearing arrangements are configured as magnetic bearings, one of which is preferably also used as a drive for rotating a drum, which is held in suspension during operation. This eliminates the need for mechanical parts for rotating and supporting the drum, which facilitates the configuration of the separator with a separator insert for one-off use, since the separator insert can be replaced very simply. The present invention also exploits these advantages. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to optimize the exchange of the separator insert of the separator in order to benefit of a subsequent processing that is as uncomplicated as possible, in particular the separator insert can be used or configured as a disposable element so that the separation process can be better controlled. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention solves this object by means of a separator having the features of claim 1. The separator configuration is intended to reduce cross-contamination during product processing.

[0008] For this purpose, the separator insert is used as a preassembled, replaceable unit in the separator. At the same time, the replaceable separator insert should be disposed of in a simple and uncomplicated manner. In particular, it should be possible to dispose of the separator insert and the residual liquid in the separator insert separately.

[0009] In a first variant, a separator insert can be provided that is inserted into the stator unit on the frame of the separator, in which the separator insert comprises both a rotatably mounted drum and a housing that is stationary during the separation operation as a preassembled replaceable unit.

[0010] In a second variant, the separator insert can be configured as a rotor with a rotatably mounted drum, preferably with an integrated separating means, in particular a separating disk stack, for insertion into the separator housing. The entire supply and discharge system, i.e. all supply and discharge lines, are preferably and advantageously at least partially or completely part of the separator insert, so that a hermetically sealed supply and discharge is guaranteed with respect to the separator housing. In contrast to the previous variant, the housing of this variant remains part of the separator when the separator insert is replaced.

[0011] A disadvantage compared to the first variant is that the seal between the rotating and non-rotating parts is more complicated. Examples of such seals and corresponding axially arranged inlet and outlet systems are known, for example, from EP 2 864 053. For the supply lines from below, so-called mechanical seals can be used, which allow the replacement of the separator insert. Such seals are known, for example, from WO 2020 / 120358.

[0012] In both of the aforementioned variants, the separator insert has at least the following features: i. A rotor rotatable about an axis of rotation comprising a drum and a drum wall, which in a preferred embodiment may have a closing wall in a central region of the drum.

[0013] In the context of the present invention, said central region is preferably defined as an area between 20% and 80% of the axial extension of the drum. ii. at least two rotor units as partial elements of a magnetic bearing device in two axially spaced positions of a rotor with a drum, the rotor with a drum being held in a suspended state, rotatably mounted and set in rotation in a housing during a separation operation, the separator having at least one linear drive for linear movement of at least one of the two receiving parts relative to the separator insert (II, III).

[0014] When the separator insert is separated from the magnetic bearing device during replacement, an additional force is required. If the separator insert has a corresponding weight, the linear drive supports the separation and thus the replacement of the separator insert.

[0015] The separator may also have other components, including: iii. A separating means preferably located within the drum. A disc stack comprising a separating disc can be used as the separating means. iv. At least one product supply line and two product discharge lines from the separator insert.

[0016] Advantageously, in order to further reduce cross-contamination, a separate drainage discharge line can be provided, which in the context of the present invention is preferably not assigned to the discharge system. v. The product contact area of ​​the separator insert is made partially or completely of plastic.

[0017] For the disposable feature, the use of plastic for the separator insert makes it ideal for subsequent disposal of the separator insert, or at least the area that comes into contact with the product. This is advantageous for processing many different products in pharmacology, radioactive tracer analysis or biotechnology, e.g. in the extraction of phytotoxic substances, where contamination should be kept to a minimum even when changing the separator insert.

[0018] The exchange method may include at least the following steps: a) providing a separator with a first separator insert (II) mounted in a frame (I) or housing;

[0019] This first separator insert is replaced after use with a second separator insert that is uncontaminated and is preferably otherwise identical, although the separator insert, and preferably the separation means of the separator insert, can also be changed depending on the separation task. b) introducing the starting products to be separated into a separator; c) discharging first and second product streams separated from the product mixture through two separate product discharge lines from the separator during a separating operation of the separator.

[0020] In the following, the separation operation will also be called "operation" for short. The products are separated according to density in the centrifugal field of the separator. d) Stop the separation operation and drain any residual liquid remaining in the drum.

[0021] When the separation operation is stopped or halted, any residual liquid remaining in the drum is allowed to drain, preferably by gravity. The drum can still move a small amount once the separation action has stopped, but gravity takes precedence and determines the discharge direction. If a separate drain line is used, it is preferably located along the bottom surface of the separator insert so that the separator insert is emptied as completely as possible.

[0022] If step d) is carried out with a separator insert in which the housing and the rotor are combined in a pre-assembled unit, the drainage discharge lines may be arranged so that both the drum and the housing drain residual liquid via the drainage discharge lines. For this purpose, two or more drainage lines may also be provided. e) Emptying the contaminated separator insert from the separator frame or housing and replacing it with a fresh separator insert.

[0023] The empty, contaminated separator insert can then be disposed of without the need to drain the residual liquid. When processing particularly problematic products, e.g. hazardous substances of different hazard classes, it is recommended to immediately pack the separator insert in a contamination-proof packaging. Draining the residual liquid when the separator insert is disassembled is not practical and requires increased safety standards.

[0024] In a particularly preferred embodiment variant of the invention, the processing of the starting product, e.g. a suspension, is handled by a separator having a frame and a separator insert replaceably arranged on the frame, the separator insert being configured to separate the fluid suspension in the centrifugal field into at least two fluid phases of different densities and to form a preassembled replaceable unit that is inserted into a stator unit on the frame of the separator and has at least the following: a housing configured like a container which is fixed during operation and closed except for a number of openings, a rotor arranged in the housing and equipped with a drum having one or more openings, preferably with a separating means arranged in the drum and rotatable about a rotation axis, and at least two rotor units for a magnetic bearing device at two positions spaced apart in the axial direction of the rotor with the drum, the two rotor units being capable of holding the rotor with the drum in a suspended state in the housing during operation, being rotatably mounted and being rotatable within the housing during operation, Further, spaced receptacles having a stator unit of the bearing device are formed on the frame, between which the housing of the separator insert is held non-rotatably, so that the rotor remains rotatable and the relative position of the receptacle with the stator unit of the bearing device can be changed to allow the separator insert to be replaced, and the housing and the receptacle have corresponding positive locking means for holding the housing non-rotatably on the receptacle.

[0025] "In operation" refers to the centrifugation process when the rotor is spinning. It is thus possible to create a separator with a disposable module with disposable components "drum" and "housing", while at least the frame and parts of the bearing arrangement and drive arrangement are reusable. By changing the position, the corresponding positive locking means can be engaged and disengaged to exchange the separator insert.

[0026] The invention makes it possible to manufacture a separator that can use a disposable separator insert, which is preferably constructed so that all components in contact with the product are made of plastic or other non-magnetic materials that can be disposed of after one use. This makes cleaning after use unnecessary. The machine and its operation can therefore be significantly cheaper. The magnets can be optionally recycled.

[0027] It is simple and safe to have spaced receptacles for the bearing arrangements on the frame, between which the separator inserts can be inserted in a replaceable, rotatably fixed manner. The separator insert may also be rotatably fixedly attached to the frame in a form-fit and force-fit manner.

[0028] According to a particularly simple variant, the receiving part and the housing can have corresponding pins and recesses as corresponding positive locking means, which hold the housing on the receiving part so that it cannot rotate. It is particularly simple if the receiving part and the pin each extend axially.

[0029] Also, the location of the receiver, particularly on the bracket, can be adjusted to allow for replacement of the separator insert. For this purpose, the relative distance between the receivers is adjustable, but one or both receivers can also be hinged, swivelling, rotating or displacing so that the separator insert can be placed between them. Preferably, according to one variant, the relative vertical spacing of the receivers can be adjusted together with the stator unit of the bearing arrangement in such a way that the separator insert can be replaced, thereby changing the relative vertical position, whereby the corresponding positive locking means can be adjusted into or out of engagement.

[0030] This allows for quick and easy replacement of the separator insert after processing a batch. According to a first particularly simple variant, only one of the two receiving parts can be arranged on the frame, in particular on the bracket, in an adjustable manner, in particular in a height-adjustable manner, and the other receiving part can be arranged in a fixed position on the frame, in particular on the bracket, or it is possible for both receiving parts to be arranged on the frame, in particular on the bracket, in an adjustable manner, in particular in a height-adjustable manner.

[0031] Further advantageous configurations of the separator are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0032] As mentioned above, the separator insert can have an additional drain line to drain the residual liquid remaining in the drum in step d), in particular in addition to the inlet and outlet systems of the separator insert, which, in contrast to draining via the bottom inlet, makes additional bypass and adjustment elements unnecessary.

[0033] Draining the residual liquid remaining in the drum in step d) includes collecting the residual liquid outside the separator insert in a collection container, preferably a drain bag. In this way, residual liquid can be transferred from the preferably airtight environment of the separator insert to a contaminant-sealed collection container in a similarly airtight environment immediately prior to replacement. The contents of the collection container can be determined by weighing the empty and filled containers, so that the weight of the residual liquid can be determined very accurately. In the case of hazardous substances such as plant toxins or radionuclides, precise measurements of the residual amounts may be required by regulations in various countries.

[0034] Residual liquid remaining in the drum may also be drained via the product feed line as an alternative to the waste discharge line by draining in step d). If the product supply line is part of a replaceable separator insert, it may be replaced automatically. If part of the product supply line or part of the supply system having the product contact surface is part of the housing, this part is preferably configured to be replaceable so that it can be disposed of together with the separator insert, although this may require an additional disassembly step.

[0035] The product supply line or downstream line elements connected thereto, preferably hoses or pipes, can have a switching valve between the retentate collecting container and the output product container, which switching valve is activated during the draining of step d).The control unit can implement both the operating sequence of the described steps and the operation of the switching valve as well as any other components for operating the separator, e.g. a peristaltic pump.

[0036] In a variant of the invention, the separator insert can be configured as an exchangeable, rotatably mounted rotor with an inlet system and an outlet system integrated in the separator housing, in which case the introduction of the starting product in step b) and the discharge of the residual liquid in step d) are carried out via a product supply line of the supply system, and prior to the discharge of the residual liquid in step d), the inlet element connected to the product supply line is replaced by a discharge element with a collection container.

[0037] The central closed wall area of ​​the drum may advantageously extend over 20% to 80% of the axial extension of the drum.

[0038] In particular in the first variant in which the separator insert comprises a housing and a rotor, it is advantageous if at least one product discharge line, in particular the product discharge line of the heavy product stream, is connected to a pump, such as a peristaltic pump, in particular a peristaltic squeeze pump, which is used to regulate the pressure in the product discharge line, whereby the pump can generate a counter pressure on the product discharge of the heavy phase in the separator insert, which is configured as a gripper, for example by reducing the flow rate.

[0039] During drainage in step d), the pump can be turned off or operated at a lower pressure compared to step c) to allow residual liquid to drain by gravity. Alternatively, the product discharge line can also have a regulating element for reducing the pressure, preferably a valve, particularly preferably a stop valve, which ensures that the liquid is discharged via the waste discharge line. Alternatively or additionally, the residual liquid can also be discharged via this waste discharge line by means of negative pressure.

[0040] Furthermore, residual liquid can advantageously be drained from both the drum and the housing in step d), this is particularly true for the first variant in which the housing and the drum are part of the separator insert.

[0041] The removal of the contaminated first separator insert in step e) for replacing it with a new second separator insert can advantageously be performed by changing the relative position of the receiver with the stator unit of the bearing arrangement.

[0042] The advantageous and simple method for exchanging the first separator insert of the separator for the second separator insert in step e) can particularly preferably be carried out using the following steps. a) providing a separator with a first separator insert attached to a frame; b) adjusting the relative positions, particularly the relative distances, of the receiving parts to release the positive lock between the frame and the separator insert, and removing the first separator insert from the receiving parts; c) providing a second separator insert before, during, or after (steps a) and b); d) inserting another second separator insert into one of the receptacles and engaging corresponding positive locking means on one end of the housing and one of the receptacles; e) adjusting the relative positions, in particular the relative distances, of the receiving parts until the opposite housing ends of the separator insert and the corresponding positive locking means on the two receiving parts engage with each other in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0043] During the separation operation of the separator, the discharge of the first and second product streams separated from the product mixture via two separate product discharge lines from the separator can advantageously be carried out outside the separator insert, in such a way that there is no connection between the product supply system and the product discharge system, thereby ensuring an airtight and contamination-free discharge of the product supply and discharge streams.

[0044] Furthermore, during the separation operation of the separator, the first and second product streams separated from the product mixture can be discharged from the separator via two separate product discharge lines in such a way that there is no connection between the product discharge system and a waste discharge system outside the separator insert. The drainage system preferably comprises said drainage line and optionally a further pipe or hose line connected to the separator insert and to the drainage line outside the collecting container.

[0045] Furthermore, when the separator stops separating in step d), it is preferred that residual liquid is drained from the separator with no connection between the product supply system and the waste discharge system outside the separator insert. This means that the product feed and / or product drain are also hermetically sealed from the drainage system to prevent cross contamination.

[0046] The drainage discharge line consists of a connection part integrally formed on the housing, with a moderately tight, product-contacting surface and a preferably hermetically connected pipe or hose for draining residual liquid into a collection container, the connection part protruding outwardly from the housing, preferably protruding from the adjacent outer wall of the housing.

[0047] The housing has a product supply having a supply line and first and second product outlets, the waste discharge line being preferably arranged as a separate line opposite the product supply and product outlets.

[0048] The supply line may be equipped with a supply connection part that protrudes into the interior of the housing, which creates a height difference between the supply opening and the drain opening, making it unnecessary to close the product supply to drain residual liquid. The hose or pipeline may have sterile fittings at the ends.

[0049] The product feed system advantageously comprises a pump, preferably a centrifugal pump, which is preferably replaced after the shutdown in step d). The product supply system, product discharge system and drainage system preferably comprise replaceable systems, in particular hoses or pipes attached to the product supply line, product discharge line and / or drainage line.

[0050] Advantageously, in particular by a non-contact measurement of the medium, the flow rate of the product feed or a physical measurement value corresponding to the flow rate can be determined and the pump output can be adjusted. The pump and flow meter can be placed on a ridge in the product delivery system to obtain optimal measurements.

[0051] The heavy phase drain of the product drain system may comprise a pump, preferably a peristaltic pump, which after shut down in step d) remains part of the separator while the line elements connected to the pump are replaced. The heavy phase discharge is provided with a flow meter and / or pressure sensor for regulating the pressure in the heavy phase discharge based on the speed of the pump, with at least the flow meter being located along the ridge.

[0052] The container in which the light phase is temporarily stored is advantageously located in the discharge of the light phase. An optical sensor for quality control, preferably arranged hydromechanically behind the container, is preferably arranged in the discharge of the light phase. The pump is also preferably hydromechanically positioned behind the container at the light phase discharge. The pump output can be adjusted by measuring the weight of the container, preferably using a load cell. The amount of residual liquid drained in step d) can also be measured, inter alia, for balancing reasons.

[0053] Before or during steps b) and c), it is advantageous to introduce a protective gas, preferably nitrogen or an inert gas, into the separator insert, in particular through one or more connection parts arranged separately from the product feed and the outlet on the housing of the separator insert. Furthermore, it may be advantageous to extract air from the separator insert via the connection piece prior to step b), so that, for example, the separator insert can then be flushed with inert gas.

[0054] Finally, during the emptying of the separator insert according to step c), air can be introduced into the separator insert via the connecting piece to speed up the emptying and ensure complete emptying. The following are further advantageous configurations, in particular relating to the first variant of the separator insert of the separator according to the invention.

[0055] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous and simple in terms of construction if one or both receiving parts are slidably arranged on the frame, in particular on the bracket. It is also advantageous if, when inserting the separator insert into one or both of the receiving parts, one or more axially extending hoses are guided on the separator insert through respective through-holes in the respective receiving parts.

[0056] It is preferable, because it is simple and practical, that the rotor units are arranged at the two axial ends of the drum, and the two corresponding stator units are formed on the frame of the separator, so that the magnetic bearing devices are formed at both axial ends of the drum. It is particularly advantageous here that the functionally required position of the stator unit and the rotor unit relative to one another is ensured mechanically according to the invention, which applies in particular to the exact axial and radial centering of the stator and rotor units which are located coaxially one inside the other.

[0057] The present invention also provides a separator insert for separating a fluid suspension in a centrifugal field into at least two fluid phases of different densities, the separator insert forming a preassembled replaceable unit for insertion into a stator unit on a separator frame and comprising at least: A separator insert is provided comprising a housing in the manner of a container that is stationary during operation and closed except for one or more openings, a rotor arranged inside the housing and having a drum that can rotate about its axis of rotation and has one or more openings, a separating means arranged in the drum, at least two rotor units for magnetic bearing devices at two axially spaced positions of the drum, with which the rotor is held in suspension together with the drum, rotatably mounted and that, during operation, can be set to rotate in the housing, the housing having positive locking means for holding the housing non-rotatably on the abutment. This separator insert is particularly suitable for a frame, in particular a separator as a replaceable module whose receiving part forms the abutment.

[0058] According to an advantageous variant, at least one of the two magnetic bearing devices preferably also represents a rotary drive for the drum, which drive is also suitable for driving the drum at a freely adjustable speed or in a freely selectable direction of rotation. One or both magnetic bearing devices preferably act as radial and axial bearings, keeping the rotor suspended within and away from the container during operation.

[0059] The rotor unit and the stator unit together form a magnetic bearing unit, which can be used to support the drum axially and radially and keep the drum suspended. According to another advantageous and structurally particularly easy to implement variant, the further opening in the drum is configured as a free radial outlet for the second flowable phase from the drum into the housing, from which the second flowable phase can be discharged. It is also advantageous and simple to provide a catch ring chamber in the housing associated with a free outlet with a discharge port from the housing.

[0060] However, according to another advantageous variant, which is particularly easy to implement in terms of construction, it can additionally be provided that a further opening of the drum for discharging the further fluid phase from the drum is formed as a paring disc. The paring disc is then advantageously provided with a discharge pipe which is formed coaxially with the feed pipe and which leaves the drum and is led coaxially with the feed pipe through an opening in the first axial boundary wall of the housing.

[0061] In order to better control the separation process, i.e. to be able to control or regulate the separation process, an adjusting valve may also be provided downstream of the first pairing disk and / or the second pairing disk, connected on the flow side, i.e. possibly on the outlet side in each case, and which may be controlled by the control device.

[0062] It is also preferably provided that a disc stack is arranged in the drum as a separating means, and that a pairing disc is arranged in the drum below the distributor and below the disc stack in a space-saving and simple arrangement, i.e. in the area often required for fixing the drive spindle, which pairing disc is used to discharge the first fluid phase from the drum.

[0063] It is preferred, as this is simple and safe to arrange the rotor units of the magnetic bearing device at the two axial ends of the drum and for the supply pipe and discharge pipe of the first pairing disk to pass axially through one of these two rotor units, respectively.

[0064] It is particularly advantageous and practical for the separator insert to be configured as a preassembled unit, in particular it can be provided that all product-contacting elements of this separator insert are made from plastic or another non-magnetic material and can be replaced as a whole and can be completely disposed of after use, cleaning and possibly steam sterilization of the separator insert is therefore no longer necessary.

[0065] The respective bearing arrangement serves, in addition to the radial bearing, also the axial bearing of the drum and / or the rotary drive and can operate permanently and / or electromagnetically. The supply pipe or the paring disc shaft which surrounds the supply pipe on its outer periphery is preferably inserted in a sealed manner into the housing or formed integrally with the housing.

[0066] The drum may be single or double conical. Additionally or alternatively, it may also have one or more cylindrical sections. It may also be composed of several parts, in particular an upper part and a lower part, which are preferably joined together after installation of the internal components and their assembly (e.g. by gluing or welding). Similarly, the housing may be composed of several parts, in particular an upper part and a lower part, which are preferably joined together after installation of the internal components - in particular the rotor and their assembly (e.g. by gluing or welding).

[0067] The drain can have a connection piece on the outside of the housing, which is sealed to the outer periphery of the housing to allow easy connection of a hose or the like. The hose can also be pre-assembled onto the connection piece, if desired, so that it is completely sealed and sterile. The connection piece can run, for example, radially, tangentially, or at an angle to the radial direction.

[0068] After production of the separator insert, the entire separator insert can also be provided as a sealed unit that impurities cannot get in. For this purpose, the connection parts in the opening of the housing are sealed and can be releasably closed. For example, a hose section can be arranged on the connection piece, the hose section having an openable connector by means of which the separator insert can be connected to other elements of the supply and discharge system, such as a bag or a tank or a hose or a pipeline.

[0069] These separators are suitable for variable operation, even at relatively high speeds. They can also be used for one-off processing (e.g. centrifugation of product batches of fluid fermentation broth as suspension) of different phases, e.g. from 100 l to several thousand liters, e.g. 4000 l, and then disposed of. A particular advantage here is that all product-contacting components of the separator can be installed, operated and disposed of as a pre-manufactured, sterile unit. This pre-manufactured unit consists at least of the rotor with drum, the separator disks, the inlet distributor and the rotor magnet or rotor unit, as well as the housing with the feed and discharge. Furthermore, the unit may also include feed and discharge lines (hoses etc.) as well as measuring equipment or other components that come into contact with the product. These are intended for single use and are disposed of together with the separator unit after use.

[0070] Finally, it may be advantageous for the housing to only have openings for the supply pipes and the outlet, and to be otherwise sealed off, for which purpose the supply pipes and the outlet project outwards from the housing as connecting parts which may be sealingly connected to the housing or may be formed integrally therewith. Each receiver can have a separate linear drive for linearly moving one of the two receivers relative to the separator insert.

[0071] Alternatively, only one of the two receiving parts can be provided with a linear drive, which allows the two receiving parts to be moved simultaneously, preferably synchronously. The simultaneous or synchronous movable capability can be particularly preferably achieved by means of a gear, for example a toothed gear, which is part of the separator. The frame can have a support plate that can temporarily support the separator insert as it is inserted into the frame.

[0072] The support plate may have support devices, preferably support struts, particularly preferably telescopic rods, in particular spring-loaded telescopic rods. In particular, the support plate has a recess for receiving the separator insert, which allows the separator insert to be fully or partially gripped, for example by two legs, without the recess having to be completely closed.

[0073] At least one receptacle, preferably each receptacle, has a through opening through which a hose for feeding and / or discharging the product is guided, the receptacle being mounted so as to be linearly movable relative to the hose. A drive, for example a motor, is preferably arranged around the through opening. In particular, the linear drive may have a driver and a stator, the driver being preferably configured as a carriage and mounted to one of the receivers, and the stator being preferably configured as a guide rail and mounted to a bracket of the frame.

[0074] The driver can be securely mounted in one of the receptacles. The separator insert may have one or more circumferential stops for resting on the support plate, which may be, for example, a circumferential collar that provides support over a wide area. In particular, the receiving parts are configured to move by the same amount to optimally absorb forces during disassembly. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0075] In the following, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings by way of exemplary embodiments, and further advantageous modifications and configurations will also be described. It should be emphasized that the exemplary embodiments described below are not intended to exhaustively describe the present invention, and modifications and equivalents not shown in the drawings are also possible and are included in the scope of the claims. [Figure 1]FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first replaceable separator insert of the separator, together with a schematic diagram of the feed and discharge system and the separator's control unit. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second replaceable separator insert of the separator, together with a schematic diagram of the feed and discharge system and the separator's control unit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a separator with a reusable frame and a replaceable separator insert, the separator insert being of the type shown in FIG. 1, in which a hose section is disposed. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the replaceable separator insert from FIGS. 1 and 3, with the hose section disposed thereon; [Diagram 5] 5 shows three successive steps in inserting the replaceable separator insert of FIG. 4 into the frame of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 5 shows three successive steps in inserting the replaceable separator insert of FIG. 4 into the frame of FIG. 3. [Figure 7] 5 shows three successive steps in inserting the replaceable separator insert of FIG. 4 into the frame of FIG. 3. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a variation of the separator and separator insert of FIGS. 1-7 as a further exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an equipment for carrying out a process for replacing a separator insert. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a modified separator insert of FIGS. 1-8 with an integral drain line. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 shows a variant of another embodiment with the rotor as a separator insert and the housing as a fixed, non-replaceable component of the separator. [Figure 12] 1 shows a further embodiment variant of the separator insert having at least one connection part on the housing for supplying or discharging gas. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 shows the configuration of another variant of the separator according to the present invention having a separator insert. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0076] Figures 1 to 13 show several separators with a reusable frame I and with a replaceable separator insert II for centrifugation, which can be replaced in particular by the variant of the embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 12, in which a drainage discharge line 120 is provided.

[0077] In principle, the separator insert can be constructed similarly to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 and can optionally be supplemented by a drainage discharge line, not shown. The separator insert II is preferably configured as a preassembled unit, in particular as a disposable separator insert that can be replaced or exchanged as a whole, and is configured as a preassembled unit that is made entirely or mainly from a plastic or plastic composite material.

[0078] The separator insert (without elements 4a and 5a) is shown separately as an example in Figures 1 and 2. The separator insert can be discarded after processing a product batch and replaced with a new separator insert II. According to figures 1 and 2, the separator insert II of the separator has a housing 1 and a rotor 2 which is inserted into the housing 1 and which can rotate relative to the housing 1 during operation. The rotor 2 has an axis of rotation D, which can be aligned vertically, corresponding to the construction of the frame I. However, the frame can also be aligned differently in space, if it is configured accordingly.

[0079] The rotor 2 of the separator insert II has a rotatable drum 3. The rotor 2 is rotatably mounted in two locations axially spaced apart from each other in the direction of the rotation axis by means of respective magnetic bearing devices 4, 5. Preferably, the rotor 2 or the drum 3 is rotatably mounted at both ends in the axial direction. The separator insert II has rotor units 4b, 5b of the magnetic bearing devices 4, 5. Meanwhile, the stator units 4a, 5a of the magnetic bearing devices 4, 5 are arranged on the frame I-1.

[0080] The magnetic bearing devices 4, 5 preferably act radially and axially and maintain the rotatably mounted rotor 2 suspended within but spaced from the housing 1. Such separators with easily replaceable separator inserts are useful and advantageous when processing products where the possibility of impurities getting into the product (the fluid suspension or its phases) during the centrifugation process can be excluded with very high probability and where cleaning and disinfecting the separator is very time-consuming or not possible at all.

[0081] The frame I has a bracket I-1, which can, but does not necessarily have to, be attached to a carriage I-2 with rollers I-3. Receiving portions I-4 and I-5 can be formed on the bracket I-1, which serve to receive and hold the separator insert II, even during operation. Preferably, a first axial end of the separator insert II projects from below into or towards the upper receiving portion I-4, and a lower end of the separator insert II projects from above into or towards the other receiving portion I-5, such that the separator insert II is held non-rotatably on the bracket I-1, and thus on the frame I.

[0082] One or both of the receiving parts I-4 and / or I-5 can be arranged laterally on the frame I, in particular on the bracket I-1. According to a variant, it may furthermore be provided, for example, that the lower receiving part I-5 is arranged to rest on the bracket I-1. It is then advantageous for the further upper receiving part I-4 to be arranged height-adjustable on the bracket I-1. In this case, it is advantageous if the bracket I-1 has a vertical extension / longitudinal portion so that the separator insert can be held stationary by both height-adjustable receiving parts I-4, I-5 in a first position of the height-adjustable receiving part I-4 and can be changed to another upper position.

[0083] Advantageously, the receiving parts I-4 and I-5 carrying the stator units 4a, 5a on the frame I can be moved axially away and towards each other again in order to exchange the separator insert II, i.e. to enable the old separator insert II to be removed from the frame I and replaced with a new separator insert II. This can be achieved, for example, by one or more electric linear drives 50, as shown in detail in Figure 13, with their stators 55, 56 mounted respectively on brackets I-1 and their drivers 53, 54 connected to respective receivers I-4 and I-5. Such linear drives 50 are necessary for larger drive and magnetic bearing devices, since a significant force is required to separate the rotor unit with the permanent magnets from the stator unit.

[0084] The stators 55, 56 are configured as guide rails. Both receivers I-4 and I-5 can also be moved via a single linear drive with the aid of additional linear guides. In this case, the movements of both receivers can be synchronized in a particularly preferred manner. The drivers 53, 54 can be configured as carriages. The drivers 53, 54 are connected via mechanical interfaces 51, 52, for example via flange connections, to the remaining receivers I-4 or I-5.

[0085] Thus, the relative distance between the receiving parts I-4 and I-5 and the stator units 4a, 4b of the magnetic bearing devices 4, 5 can be adjusted by the linear drives to change the separator insert II. To remove the separator insert II, the upper receiving part I-4 is first raised using a linear actuator of a linear drive, for example a linear motor. The separator insert II is placed on a support plate 57. For this purpose, the separator insert II can have a circumferential collar 59 as a stop element. The support plate 57 preferably has two legs, in particular symmetrical legs, which partially surround the separator insert II. Alternatively, the support plate 57 can also completely surround the separator insert II. The support plate 57 is supported on the bracket I-1 by a support strut 58. This support strut 58 is preferably configured as a telescopic rod.

[0086] Due to the weight of the separator insert II and the holding force of the drive and magnetic bearing devices below, the separator insert II does not rise and remains on the support plate. The lower receiver I-5 is then lowered with the aid of a linear motor, the support plate 57 serving as an abutment against the force applied to separate the stator unit of the lower drive and magnetic bearing device from the rotor unit with permanent magnets. As soon as receivers I-4 and I-5 are thus separated, the separator unit II can be removed.

[0087] A new separator unit II is inserted in the reverse order. When receivers I-4 and I-5 move apart, separator unit II rests on support plate 57. Appropriate positive locking means between support plate 57 and separator unit II prevent incorrect positioning of the separator unit. The lower receiver I-5 is then raised with the linear drive until the permanent magnets of the stator unit and rotor unit are correctly aligned with each other. The upper receiver I-4 is then lowered with the linear drive until the permanent magnets of the stator unit and rotor unit are correctly positioned with each other.

[0088] The stator units 4a, 5a of the two drive and magnetic bearing devices 4 and 5 respectively can be arranged in the respective receiving parts I-4 and I-5. The control and power electronics therefor can be arranged in or on the frame I, for example on the inside, upper side of the bracket I-1. Corresponding positive locking means can be formed on the receiving parts I-4 and I-5 and on the housing 1 of the separator insert II, which does not rotate during operation, so that the separator insert II can be inserted in the stator units 4a, 5a in a rotatably fixed state. The upper and lower stator units 4a, 5a each have aligned axes.

[0089] According to a particularly simple variant, the housing 1 and the receiving part I-4 or I-5 with the stator unit 4a, 5a have projections (e.g. pins or webs) and recesses (e.g. holes) as corresponding positive locking means, which hold the housing 1 on the stator unit and thus on the frame II in a rotatably fixed manner. The corresponding positive locking means can also be formed directly on the frame II.

[0090] The positions of these corresponding positive locking means also define the functionally required positions of the stator units 4a, 5a and rotor units 4b, 5b relative to one another. This applies in particular to the exact centering of the stator units 4a, 5a and rotor units 4b, 5b which are coaxially stacked on top of one another. If necessary, the receiving parts can also exert a holding force (from above and below) on the housing in the axial direction, which allows a force-locking holding.

[0091] According to FIG. 3 to FIG. 7, the above measures are implemented as follows, for example. The receiving parts I-4 and I-5 with the stator units 4a, 5a of the frame I each have a number of pins 41a protruding in the axial direction, and each separator insert II can have a corresponding blind hole in the housing 1 extending, for example, in the axial direction, as a recess 42 or 41b.

[0092] Here, the receiving part I-4 with the stator unit 4a has a pin 41 (not seen here) projecting axially or here vertically downwards, the separator insert II has a corresponding blind hole-like recess 42 (seen here) vertically upwards, and the lower receiving part I-5 with the lower stator unit 5a has a corresponding pin 41a (seen here) projecting axially or here vertically upwards, and the separator insert II has a corresponding blind hole-like recess (not seen here) axially downwards. By way of example only, four pins 41a and recesses 41b are arranged distributed at the corners of an imaginary polygon, in particular a square, formed in the top and bottom of the housing 1 of the receiving parts I-4, I-5 and the separator insert II. 1 to 7, the corresponding positive locking means 41a, 41b and 42 are arranged distributed circumferentially around the separator insert II, however, it is also possible that instead of several positive locking means only one positive locking means is provided.

[0093] However, the corresponding positive locking means may also be arranged asymmetrically to ensure that the separator insert can only be used in one orientation. The stator units 4a, 5a may also each have in particular through openings 43 for accommodating lines such as hoses 44, 45 which are connected to the separator insert II at the top and / or bottom, these being similarly shown in FIG.

[0094] One or both of the receiving parts I-4 and I-5 are configured to be vertically adjustable. One of the two receiving parts I-4 or I-5 can therefore also be fixed to the frame I. It is therefore also conceivable that one of the two receiving parts I-4 or I-5, for example the lower side, is formed on a wall of the frame I and is not adjustable. It then suffices to configure the frame I such that each other receiving part I-4 or I-5 is adjustable, in particular arranged and / or configured vertically height-adjustable on the frame I.

[0095] This is evident from the interaction of FIGS. FIG. 5 shows the frame I before the separator insert II is inserted. The two stator units 4a, 5a have been moved far away from each other so that the respective separator inserts can be lifted axially between the two receivers with the stator units 4a, 5a (Figs. 5, 6), and the separator insert II is then placed in / on the lower receiver I-5 (Figs. 6 and 7) so that the corresponding positive locking means - here 41, 42 - engage with each other. Furthermore, the hose 45 at the lower end of the housing 1 is guided downwards through the lower through-opening 43 and thus axially through the associated stator unit 5a (Fig. 6).

[0096] Now the upper receiving part I-4 is lowered until the corresponding positive locking means of the upper receiving part I-4 and the housing 1 (here 41, 42) of the separator insert I firmly engage with each other (FIG. 7). The upper hose 44 of the housing 1 is guided through the through-opening 43 of the upper receiver I-4. The separator insert II is now held firmly on the frame I such that it cannot rotate. The centrifugation process for processing a product batch in the centrifugal field can therefore be started. After the intended batch has been processed, the upper separator unit is lifted upwards again until the separator unit is lifted out of the frame I and replaced with a new separator unit.

[0097] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the structure of the separator drive and bearing system, the separator control system, and the separator supply and discharge system, as well as the further structure of the preferred separator insert II, are described in more detail below. The invention is not limited thereto. In particular, the inlet and outlet lines can also be realized differently on the separator insert II.

[0098] Firstly, the rotor unit 4b, 5b can be configured essentially as an inner ring of magnets, in particular permanent magnets, and the reusable stator unit 4a, 5a can be configured essentially as an outer ring, which is used for the axial and radial mounting of the rotor 2 (e.g. at the top) or also for the rotary drive (e.g. at the bottom). As part of the separator drive, the rotor units 4b and / or 5b therefore also form part of the rotation system or rotor, in other words the rotor of the drive is part of the drum of the centrifugal separator.

[0099] Thus, one or both of the magnetic bearing devices 4, 5 are preferably also used as a drive device for rotating the rotor 2 together with the drum 3 within the housing 1. In this case, each magnetic bearing device forms a combined magnetic bearing and drive device. The magnetic bearing devices 4, 5 may be configured as axial and / or radial bearings, which during operation support the drum 3 at its ends in generally axial and radial interaction and keep the drum generally suspended and rotating during operation.

[0100] The magnetic bearing devices 4 and 5 have the same or almost the same basic construction. In particular, only one of the two magnetic bearing devices 4, 5 can be used as a drive device. Accordingly, corresponding components of the magnetic bearing devices 4, 5 are formed on the separator insert II, on its rotor 2 and on other corresponding parts on the frame I. One or both stator units 4a, 5a can also be electrically connected to control and power electronics for controlling the electromagnetic components of the magnetic bearing devices.

[0101] Each magnetic bearing device 4, 5 may for example operate according to a combined electromagnetic and permanent magnetic operating principle. Preferably, at least a lower, axially acting magnetic bearing device 5 serves to keep the rotor 2 axially suspended within the housing 1 by levitation. It can have one or more first permanent magnets, for example on the underside of the rotor, and furthermore, on a receiving part on the frame, an electromagnet coaxially surrounding the permanent magnets. The rotor can be driven electromagnetically. However, drive via rotating permanent magnets can also be realized.

[0102] Such bearings and drives are used, for example, by the company Levitronix™ to drive centrifugal pumps (EP 2 273 124). They can also be used in the context of this document. For example, a first Levitronix motor “bottom” can be used as the drive, which also magnetically supports the drum radially and axially. Furthermore, a second Levitronix motor, identical in structure except for, for example, the control system in operation, can be provided, which supports the rotor 2 radially and axially at the head as a magnetic bearing device 4. The rotor speed can be variably adjusted by means of the control device 37 (see FIG. 1 or FIG. 2) or a separate control device for the magnetic bearing devices 4, 5. The direction of rotation of the rotor 2 can also be specified and changed in this way.

[0103] During operation, the rotor 2 rotates and remains axially suspended and radially centered. Preferably, the rotor 2 with the drum 3 is operated at a speed of 1,000 revolutions per minute, preferably 5000 to 10,000 revolutions per minute, possibly up to 20,000 revolutions per minute. The centrifugal forces resulting from the rotation result in the separation of the suspension to be processed into differently mobile phases LP, HP of different densities and their discharge, as described in more detail below. The product batch is processed in a continuous operation, which means that the phases separated from the suspension are completely discharged from the drum during operation.

[0104] This allows the separator insert and the separator housing to be constructed entirely disposable, which is particularly interesting and advantageous for the processing of pharmaceutical products such as fermentation broths, since the separator insert can be replaced in its entirety, eliminating the need for cleaning of the drum during the processing of a product batch, preferably after the operation of processing the corresponding product batch in a continuous operation. Optionally, individual elements such as magnets can be recycled accordingly (see also DE 10 2017 128 027).

[0105] The housing 1 is preferably made of plastic or a plastic composite material. It may be cylindrical and has a cylindrical outer casing, at the ends of which are formed two radially extending boundary walls 6, 7 (cover and base). The drum 3 is used to centrifuge the fluid suspension S in a centrifugal field into at least two phases LP, HP of different density, for example a lighter liquid phase and a heavy solid phase or a heavy liquid phase.

[0106] In the preferred configuration, the rotor 2 and its drum 3 have a vertical axis of rotation D, however the housing 1 and rotor 2 can be spatially aligned differently. In the following description, a vertical alignment is shown (Figure 3). If the orientation in space is different, the arrangement will change according to the new orientation. Additionally, although not yet discussed, one or both outlets may be positioned differently. The rotor 2 of the separator with its drum 3 preferably consists entirely or mainly of plastic or plastic composite material.

[0107] The drum 3 is preferably at least partially cylindrical and / or conical. The same applies to the other elements of the rotor 2 and the housing 1 (with the exception of the elements of the magnetic bearing devices 4, 5). The housing 1 is constructed like a container, which is advantageously hermetically sealed except for some openings / opening areas (described below). According to figures 1 and 2, in this example two axial boundary walls 6, 7 located at the top and bottom of the housing 1 each have an opening formed therein. One of the openings - here the first upper axial boundary wall 6 - allows or serves as a feed 8 for feeding the suspension, which is to be separated in a centrifugal field into at least two phases of different densities (LP and HP), through the housing 1 to the drum 3.

[0108] Here, the first phase is a lighter phase LP and the second phase is a denser, heavier phase HP compared to the first phase. A second opening, in the second, here lower, axial boundary wall 7 , serves as an outlet for the second, heavier phase HP from the drum 3 directly through the housing 1 . The drum 3 also has an opening allocated to the opening of the housing.

[0109] A supply pipe 12 for the suspension to be treated extends into an upper opening 12a at one axial end of the drum 3. It passes through the housing 1, in particular one of its, here the upper, axial boundary walls 6. At the outer periphery, the supply pipe 12 is sealed towards the housing 1 according to FIG. 1 and inserted into it (for example by welding or gluing), or, optionally, is constructed integrally with the housing as a plastic injection-molded part. It is preferably also made of plastic. One end of the supply pipe 12 projects outward from the top of the housing 1 and extends into the drum 3 through the upper boundary wall 6 without touching the drum 3.

[0110] According to FIG. 1 (but also FIG. 2), the supply pipe 12 passes through the housing 1 and one of the magnetic bearing devices 4 concentrically about the axis of rotation of the rotor 2, then extends axially inside the housing 1 further into the rotatable drum 3 and terminates at its other end - the free outlet end. According to figures 1 and 2, the feed pipe 12 opens into the drum 3 in a distributor 13 which can rotate together with the drum 3. The distributor 13 has a tubular distributor shaft 14 and a distributor leg 15. One or more distributor channels 16 are formed in the distributor leg 15. A stack of separating discs, in this case conical separating discs 17, can be arranged on the distributor 13. The distributor 13 and the separating discs 17 are preferably also made of plastic.

[0111] Furthermore, according to both figures 1 and 2, a first pairing disc 33 is used to discharge the heavier of the two phases HP and LP from the drum 3. A pairing disc shaft or central discharge pipe 34 passes through the second axial boundary wall 7 (see figures 1 and 2). According to one possible - but not essential - configuration, the drum 3 has at least two cylindrical sections 18, 19 of different diameters. Adjacent to these one or more conical transition regions may be formed on the drum 3. Also, the drum 3 may have one or a double conical configuration inside its central axial region (not shown here).

[0112] As shown, the drum 3 can have a smaller diameter lower cylindrical section 20 on / in which the rotor unit 5b of the lower magnetic bearing is also formed, which merges into a conical section 20a, which then merges into, for example, a larger diameter cylindrical section 19, which then merges again into a conical section 18a and an upper cylindrical section 18 of smaller diameter on which the rotor unit 4b of the upper magnetic bearing device 4 is formed. The separator inserts of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 differ with regard to the evacuation of the lighter phase.

[0113] The openings, which may be provided in the drum 3 distributed in the circumferential direction, so that several openings may be provided in each drum 3, serve as radial or tangential outlets 21 for the light phase LP from the drum 3 according to FIG. 1. According to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, an opening in the outer casing of the housing is formed during centrifugation and serves as an outlet 10 or discharge for the lighter product phase LP discharged from the drum 3 .

[0114] The first outlets 21 on the radius ro of the drum 3 are configured in particular as "nozzle-like" openings in the outer casing of the drum 3. They are also configured as so-called "free" discharges from the drum 3. The first outlets 21 are used to discharge the lighter phase LP. The outlets can be configured so that the light phase exits radially or, alternatively, so that the light phase exits tangentially to the direction of rotation of the drum, thus contributing to the drive of the rotor and to the reduction of the drive energy. This phase emerging from the drum 3 is collected in the housing 1 in the upper capture ring chamber 23 of the housing 1.

[0115] The capture ring chamber 23 is configured such that the phase trapped therein is directed towards the discharge 10 of the capture ring chamber 23. This can be achieved by locating the discharge 10 at the lowest point of the capture ring chamber 23. The capture ring chambers 23 open radially inwardly towards the rotating drum 3 and are spaced such that liquid ejecting from each outlet 21 is sprayed essentially only into the associated capture ring chamber 23 which is at the same axial level during centrifugation.

[0116] A chamber 25 not used for draining the phases can optionally be formed below the capture ring chamber 23. This chamber 25 can optionally have a leakage drain (not shown here). The leakage can flow freely. However, it can also be extracted by negative pressure if the chamber 25 has a negative pressure connection for connecting a device that generates negative pressure. The first capture ring chamber 23 and the chamber 25 are here conical in shape and can be separated from each other by a first wall 26 which starts from the outer casing of the housing 1, extends conically inwards and upwards and terminates radially in front of the drum 3 at an inner distance from the chamber 25.

[0117] At the lowest point of the capture ring chamber, the product phase LP is preferably discharged from the housing 1 through the discharge 10. Connections can be provided on the outside of the housing 1 in the region of the discharge 10 to allow easy connection of lines, hoses etc. These can then be formed directly on the housing 1 or attached to it with adhesive. The connecting parts are also preferably made of plastic. The housing 1 can be made up of several plastic parts that are sealed together, for example, by adhesive or welding.

[0118] As a (here second) outlet for discharging the heavier phase HP from the drum (through the housing 1), a first pairing disc 33 is provided, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, which extends essentially radially and merges into a discharge pipe 34 which extends axially as a pairing disc shaft and passes through the lower axial boundary wall 7 of the housing 1. The pairing disk 33 has an outer diameter ru, where ru>ro applies. The inlet opening 33a of the pairing disk 33 is therefore on a larger diameter or radius ru than the outlet 21 for the light phase LP on radius ro. This allows the pairing disk 33 to be used to discharge the heavier phase HP from the drum 3 more than the lighter phase LP. The pairing disk 33 is stationary during operation of the separator and is immersed with its outer edge in the heavier phase HP rotating in the drum 3.

[0119] The phase HP is expelled inward through channels in the pairing disk 33. The pairing disk 33 thus acts like a centripetal pump to expel the phase HP. The pairing disk 33 can be arranged in a simple and compact manner in the drum 3 below the distributor 13 and below the disk stack 17. The radius ru corresponds to the immersion depth of the pairing disk 33.

[0120] One end of the discharge pipe 34 does not touch the drum 3 but is led downward from the drum to the outside of the housing 1 and is drawn out through the lower boundary wall 7. The discharge pipe 34 can be formed integrally with the housing 1 or can be inserted in a sealed state. A hose or the like can be connected to the discharge pipe as a drainage part 35. The discharge pipe passes through the housing 1 and the lower magnetic bearing device 5 concentrically with respect to the axis of rotation D of the rotor 2 and then extends axially further inside the housing 1 into the pairing disc 33 .

[0121] It can be provided that a controllable, in particular an electrically controllable, regulating valve 36 is inserted at the outlet of the drain 35 for the heavy phase HP, in particular for the heavy phase HP. The regulating valve 36 can be used to throttle the volumetric flow rate of the heavy phase HP in the drain 35 and to increase the immersion depth of the associated pairing disk. A control device 37 is preferably provided. The regulating valve 36 is preferably connected to the control device 37 by a wireless or wired connection.

[0122] A control device 37 may also be configured and provided for controlling the magnetic bearing devices 4, 5 and the drive device. According to FIG. 2, the light phase LP is also ejected via the pairing disc. For this purpose, in the upper region of the drum 3 a pairing disk 22 is provided, the inlet opening 22 a of which is located at a radius ru which is smaller than the inlet radius ru of the first—lower—pairing disk 33 .

[0123] The shaft of this pairing disc 22 can surround the supply pipe 8 like the external discharge pipe 24 and can be hermetically connected to the housing 1 instead of the supply pipe 8 or can be formed integrally with the housing 1. The discharge pipes 24, 34 of the two pairing discs 22, 33 are therefore led out of the drum 3 at both ends according to FIG. 2. The discharge pipes 24, 34 are also led out of the housing 1 at both ends. The discharge pipes 24, 34 can be inserted in a hermetically sealed manner into the housing 1. However, the discharge pipes 24, 34 can also be manufactured integrally from plastic. The water supply pipe 12 is connected to the upper end of the pairing disc shaft 24. A radial or tangential connecting piece 24a can be led out of the pairing disc shaft 24. To this can be connected a discharge line 40 for discharging the light phase, which can be led, for example, to a bag or a tank or the like. The ends of the pipes 12, 34 can therefore also be configured as connecting pieces (FIG. 2, FIG. 1) for connecting hoses or the like.

[0124] A controllable, in particular electrically controllable, regulating valve 39 can also be installed in the discharge line 40 for the light phase LP. The regulating valve 39 can be used to vary the volumetric flow rate of the light phase LP, in particular to throttle it more or less, and thus to vary the immersion depth of the second pairing disc 22. The regulating valve 39 can also be controlled by the control device 37, as it is connected to the control device 37 wirelessly or by wire.

[0125] Each pairing disk 22, 33 is in each case a cylindrical, essentially radially aligned disk, provided with several, for example 1 to 6, channels, which are stationary during operation and, since they have channels, a kind of centripetal pump is formed. The outer edge of each pairing disk 22, 33 is immersed in the phase LP or HP rotating in the separator. The respective phase LP, HP is redirected inwards through the channels in the pairing disk, and the rotation speed of the respective phase LP, HP is converted into pressure. Each pairing disk 22, 33 thus replaces a drainage pump for the respective phase LP, HP. Each pairing disk therefore acts as a centripetal pump. The pairing disks can be made of plastic.

[0126] In theory, a third pairing disk could also be provided which could be used to eject a further phase. The operation of the separator according to FIGS. 1 and 2 will now be briefly explained.

[0127] Firstly, each separator is provided with its multiple use or reusable components. This includes the frame I and the drive and stator units 4a, 5a of the magnetic bearing device. This also includes a control unit 37. The separator insert II is then provided and attached to the frame I. To do this, it is necessary to move only the stator units 4a and 5a apart. The separator insert is then inserted with a positive fit, moving the stator units towards each other. This ensures that the housing is held tight against rotation. Concomitantly, a hose is connected to the connection piece leading to the tank or bag. Thus, each separator insert of Figures 1 and 2 can also preferably have at least hoses and fittings that can be connected to other lines (not shown here) and containers such as bags, tanks, pumps, etc.

[0128] Then, after connecting pipes, hoses, etc., the suspension is sent to a rotating drum (supply section 8) where it is centrifuged to separate a light phase LP and a heavy phase HP. The heavier phase HP, of greater density, flows radially outwards within the drum 3 in the separation chamber, where it exits the drum on radius ru through channels in the fixed pairing disc 33. The lighter phase LP flows radially inwards in the drum 3 in the separation chamber and rises upwards through a channel 38 on the shaft of the distributor, where it leaves the drum at a radius ro according to Figures 1 and 2.

[0129] Adjustment valves 36, 39 are used to easily influence the separation process, which results in an optimization of the separation process. The main application of the separator is cell separation in the pharmaceutical industry. The volume range is intended for processing culture broth from fermenters ranging from 100 l to 4000 l, as well as laboratory applications. Other areas of industry in which separators are used include chemicals, pharmaceuticals, dairy technology, renewable raw materials, oil and gas, beverage technology, mineral oils, etc.

[0130] The separator shown allows the production of a separator insert in which all components in contact with the product are preferably made from plastic or other non-magnetic materials and can be disposed of after one use or fed to a recycling process. This makes cleaning after use unnecessary. The separator and its operation can therefore be implemented cost-effectively.

[0131] Figure 8 shows a variant of the separator insert II of figures 1 to 7 in a second embodiment variant, where identical features are similarly numbered. A special feature of this second embodiment variant is that the positive locking means 41a and the corresponding positive locking means 41b on the frame I are only provided on one side between the frame I and the separator insert II, thereby allowing also axial and torsional locking of the separator insert II to the frame I. Among other things, this reduces the complexity of the construction.

[0132] The use of a modular centrifuge with replaceable separator inserts as shown in Figures 1-8 ensures a sterile interior, i.e., a sterile flow path within the centrifuge. Suitably in a separator having a product supply and discharge and drainage systems, consisting of a separator insert, a feed system and a discharge system, other replaceable components may also be used to provide a sterile flow path for the supplied suspension and the separated light and heavy phases.

[0133] Purely by way of example, the pump for the feeding suspension, the feeding hose lines, the light and heavy phase hose lines and the heavy phase container are interchangeable sterile components suitable for separating a single product culture or a limited number of product cultures. The drain tubing and drain container are also replaceable, sterile components. All of these components are interconnected with sterile connectors, allowing easy and sterile replacement of the components. The separator product supply system, product discharge system and waste outlet system are described in further detail below with reference to Figure 9.

[0134] For example, a single-use centrifugal pump 101 can be used at the inlet. This has the advantage that it is smaller than an equivalent peristaltic pump of the same flow rate. The pump delivers a fixed volume depending on its speed and the existing back pressure. The flow meter 102, which is also placed in the feed line between the pump 101 and the separator insert II, preferably works according to a non-contact measurement principle, for example the ultrasonic transit time difference method, which means that it can simply be pushed onto the feed line without coming into contact with the product.

[0135] Therefore, it can always be reused, whereas the supply hose is a one-time use product. The measurement signal from the flow meter is used to adjust the speed of the supply pump. In this way, the controller can set the speed of the supply pump so that a preselected set point for the supply volume matches the measured actual value. The pump and flow meter are placed in a rising supply line so that the line is always full of liquid, resulting in a more stable reading from the flow meter 102.

[0136] In the discharge line for the heavy phase is placed a pump 110 and a flow meter 111. The pump and flow meter are placed in the rising discharge line to ensure that the line is always filled with liquid, resulting in a more stable reading of the flow meter 111. The drain pump 110 is preferably configured as a peristaltic pump. One advantage of a peristaltic pump is that it only contacts the outside of the drain hose, but does not directly contact the product.

[0137] Thus, the peristaltic pump can always be reused, whereas the drain hose is a one-time use product. Another advantage of the peristaltic pump is that it delivers a defined volume depending on the speed. Unlike centrifugal pumps, it can be used as a throttle, i.e. it can generate pressure on the discharge of the heavy phase, the level of which can be regulated by the control system. The pressure sensors required for this can be provided individually or preferably in all hose lines (not shown in the photo). A container 105 is provided in the light phase discharge line, which acts as a buffer container. The amount of light phase currently in the buffer tank is determined by a load cell 104 and passed to the control system.

[0138] The light phase can be introduced into the container 105 through the separator insert II at the top of the container 105 (above the forming liquid level) or at the bottom of the container (below the forming liquid level). For products prone to foaming, a top inlet proves to be the best choice. The outlet of the container 105 is connected to a descending drain hose, which is guided by an optical sensor 106 and a peristaltic pump 107.

[0139] The speed of the pump is optimally adjusted with the help of the measurement signal from the load cell 104, so that the container 105 is never completely full and never completely empty. In this way the drainage hose is always full, which results in a stable signal from the optical sensor 106. The signal from the optical sensor 106 is used to evaluate the quality of the light phase. For example, the amount of remaining sediment and suspended solids can be evaluated. The pump 107 can be configured as a centrifugal pump or as a peristaltic pump. The volume of the container 105 must be selected so that the residence time of the light phase in the container is long enough for the gas bubbles to separate from the liquid. Using measurements from the load cell 104, the delivery rate of the pump 107 can be set so that a constant fill level is maintained approximately in the middle of the container 105.

[0140] A descending drain hose connected to the drain outlet of the Separator Insert II is threaded to a container 109 which is in turn suspended from a load cell 108. This can be used to determine the amount of drain being drained. Drain is essentially generated when the drum is stopped at the end of the batch process and emptied through this drain. All hose lines in Figure 9 then each lead to a sterile connection 112. Not shown in Figure 9 is the frame for holding the separator insert and the drive.

[0141] In the product supply system PZS shown in FIG. 9, the product discharge system PAS constituting the discharge sections for the heavy and light phase products, and the drainage system PS are separated from each other outside the separator insert and are therefore hermetically sealed. Figure 10 shows a first variant of the separator insert II of Figures 1 to 8 for connection to the drainage system of Figure 9. The separator insert II has a drainage discharge line 120, which is located in the base area 121 of the separator insert and has liquid drains 122 and 123 from both the drum and the housing. The remaining parts may be of the same construction as the variant of the previous embodiment.

[0142] 11 shows a second variant of the replaceable separator insert III. This separator insert III has a bottom-side feed to the disk stack 67 via a feed line 61 and a distributor 70. The product feed line 61 extends from the base of the housing 68 into the interior of the rotor 65 and is equipped with a feed nozzle 73 opening into a distribution chamber 78 of a holding device 77 for the disk stack 67. The holding device 77 can have a longitudinal axis parallel to the rotation axis of the rotor 65. A channel-like distributor 70 extends from the distribution chamber 78 and can pass the fed starting product radially into the separation area of ​​the rotor 65.

[0143] Light phase product discharge 62 occurs similarly to FIGS. 1-10. The product discharge 63 of the heavy phase is discharged via a channel in the separation disc 69 (here a closed-wall separation disc at the end of the disc stack) and finally by a gripper 64 to the discharge through the product line of the product discharge 63. In the separation disc, a separation takes place between the heavy and the light phase, the heavy phase being led around the outside of the plate and the light phase being led to the inside of the plate and discharged. However, this is only one of many possible variants of the product discharge for the heavy phase.

[0144] The separator insert III can be configured so that the rotor 65, in particular the drum 66 and the disk stack 67, can be removed from the housing 68. In this variant, it is also recommended to drain any residual liquid in the rotor, in particular the drum, before removing the rotor as part of the process. In this case, this is done via the supply line 61. It is then recommended that when the separator insert III is replaced, the supply line 61 is also replaced, in order not to expose subsequent batches to cross contamination. The supply line can therefore be attached to the housing in a replaceable and tight manner, using a seal not presented, for example a sealing sleeve.

[0145] FIG. 11 can be modified in many ways, but in particular shows the replacement of the separator insert, which can also be applied to a separator configured as separator unit III in which only the rotor with its product supply and discharge lines is replaceable. The housing 68 can be opened, not shown, for example by forming part of the housing as a cover, for this purpose it is preferred to remove at least the upper container from the cover.

[0146] In FIG. 11, the residual liquid is drained via a drainage discharge line 120 into a collection container 74 via a line element 71 connected thereto, in particular a drainage element in the form of an attached or plugged hose. The feed line 61, in particular the feed connection piece, is connected to a feed element 72, which is in turn connected to a container 75 with a suspension of the starting product. This line element can be equipped with a changeover valve (not shown), which can be switched between two containers 75, for example to supply a demulsifier to improve the suspension. Alternatively, the valve can be closed and the line element can be replaced with a container. Furthermore, the supply element may have a pump, for example a squeeze hose pump, so that the liquid in the supply element is not forced through the pump itself.

[0147] FIG. 12 shows a further variant of the separator insert II, which can be provided as part of a method for replacing the separator insert II. This separator insert II has at least one connecting part 76 on its housing 1. The separator insert can be filled with an inert gas through this connecting part before the product to be separated enters the separator insert. In this way, the product to be separated is prevented from coming into contact with air or oxygen. A second connecting part 76 can be provided on the housing 1, which is provided for evacuating gas from the separator insert, allowing the separator insert to be flushed with an inert gas.

[0148] It is also possible to extract gas from the hermetically sealed separator insert via the connecting piece 76, which creates a negative pressure within the separator insert, which not only reduces contact with residual oxygen but also reduces the frictional forces of the rotating drum 66, which rotates in a less dense atmosphere. Alternatively, in addition to the inert gas, a compressed gas, such as compressed air, can also be introduced via one or more gas connections 76, which makes it even easier to evacuate the housing via the drain line. [Explanation of symbols]

[0149] Code list Frame I Bracket I-1 Carriage I-2 Lola I-3 Receiving part I-4, I-5 Separator Insert II Housing 1 Rotor 2 Drums 3 Magnetic bearing device 4,5 Stator unit 4a, 5a Rotor unit 4b,5b Radial boundary wall 6,7 Supply section 8 Discharge section 10 Supply Pipe 12 Opening 12a distributor 13 Distributor shaft 14 Distributor leg 15 Distribution Channel 16 Separation disc 17 Cylindrical section 18, 19, 20 Cone-shaped section 18a, 20a exit 21 Pairing Disk 22 Inlet opening 22a Capture ring chamber 23 Exhaust pipe 24 Connection part 24a room 25 Cone Wall 26 Pairing Disk 33 Inlet opening 33a Exhaust pipe 34 Drain 35 Adjustment valve 36 Control device 37 Channel 38 Regulating valve 39 Discharge Line 40 Pin 41a Recess 41b Recess 42 Through hole 43 Hose 44,45 Linear drive 50 Mechanical Interface 51,52 Driver 53,54 Stator 55,56 Support plate 57 Support strut 58 Circumference Color 59 Pump 101 flow meter 102 Load Cell 104 Container 105 Optical Sensor 106 Peristaltic Pump 107 Load Cell 108 Container 109 Pump 110 flow meter 111 Sterile connection 112 Drainage line 120 Base Area 121 Liquid drainage 122 Liquid drainage 123 Separator Insert III Supply Line 61 Product discharge (light phase) 62 Product discharge (heavy phase) 63 Gripper 64 Rotor 65 Drums 66 Disk Stack 67 Housing 68 Separation disc 69 distributor 70 Linear elements 71 Supply Factor 72 Nozzle 73 Collection container 74 Container 75 Connection parts 76 Holding device 77 Distribution room 78 Rotation axis D Suspension S Phase LP, HP radius ro, ru PAS Product Release System PZS Product Delivery System DS Drainage System

Claims

1. A separator, The separator includes a frame (I) having receiving portions (I-4, I-5) for rotatably mounting separator inserts (II, III), each receiving portion having a stator unit (4a, 4b) as a partial element of a magnetic bearing device (4 or 5), the separator inserts (II, III) being provided as pre-assembled, replaceable units for insertion into the stator units (4a, 4b) on the separator frame (I) or in the housing (68), the separator inserts (II, III) comprising at least i. a rotor (2, 65) having a drum (3, 66) and a drum wall, rotatable about an axis of rotation (D); ii. at least two rotor units (4b, 5b) arranged as part of magnetic bearing devices (4, 5) at two axially spaced locations on the rotor (2) with the drum, by which the rotor (2) with the drum (3) is suspended and rotatably mounted and configured to rotate within the housing during the separation operation; The separator is characterized in that it has at least one linear drive part (50) for the linear movement of at least one of the two receiving parts (I-4 and I-5) relative to the separator insert (II, III).

2. 2. The separator according to claim 1, wherein the separator insert (II, III) has at least one product supply line and two product discharge lines.

3. 3. A separator according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a separating means arranged on the drum (3).

4. 3. The separator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the area of ​​the separator insert (II) that comes into contact with the product is made partly or entirely of plastic.

5. 3. A separator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the drum wall is a closed wall configuration in the central region of the drum (3, 66).

6. 3. A separator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the receiving parts (I-4 and I-5) has a linear drive (50) for linear movement of one of the two receiving parts (I-4 and I-5) relative to the separator insert (II, III).

7. 3. A separator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein only one of the two receiving parts (I-4 and I-5) has a linear drive (50), and the two receiving parts (I-4 and I-5) can move simultaneously, preferably synchronously, and the separator particularly preferably has a gear for simultaneous movement.

8. 3. A separator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the frame (I) has a support plate (57) for temporarily supporting the separator insert (II).

9. 9. A separator according to claim 8, wherein the support plate (57) has support devices, preferably support struts (58), particularly preferably telescopic rods.

10. 9. A separator according to claim 8, wherein the support plate (57) has a recess for receiving the separator insert (II).

11. 3. A separator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the receiving parts (I-4 or I-5), preferably each of the receiving parts (I-4 and I-5), has a through opening (43) through which a hose (44, 45) for feeding and / or discharging the product is guided, and wherein the receiving part (I-4 or I-5) is mounted so as to be linearly movable relative to the hose (44, 45).

12. 3. A separator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the linear drive comprises a driver (53, 54) and a stator (55, 56), the driver (53, 54) being configured as a carriage and fixed to one of the receiving parts (I-4 or I-5), and the stator (55, 56) being configured as a guide rail and fixed to the frame (I), preferably to a bracket (I-1) of the frame.

13. 3. A separator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the drivers (53, 54) are in each case mounted in one of the receiving parts (I-4 or I-5).

14. 3. A separator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the separator insert (II) has one or more circumferential stops mounted on the support plate (57), in particular on a circumferential collar (59).

15. 3. The separator according to claim 1, wherein the receiving portions (I-4 or I-5) are configured to be movable by the same amount.

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