Separation device for separating suspensions

Abstract

A separation device (200) for separating suspensions, comprising a centrifuge (100) for reducing cross-contamination in the processing of products, the centrifuge (100) having a frame (I) or housing (68) and separator inserts (II, III) rotatably mounted relative to the frame (I) or housing (68) and forming a pre-assembled, replaceable unit, the separator inserts being rotatable about an axis of rotation, a rotor (2, 65) having a drum (3, 10, 66) and a drum wall; ii. separation means preferably disposed within the drum (3, 66); iii. at least one iv. the area of the separator insert (II, III) that comes into contact with the product is made partially or completely of plastic, the separation device (200) has at least one container (105, 109) connected to the at least one product discharge line (10, 34), the separation device (200) has a fill level measuring device (104, 108) that determines the liquid level of the suspension in the container (105, 109) and / or at least one limit switch (400) that detects the liquid level reached in the container (105, 109).

Description

[Technical Field] 【0001】 The present invention relates to a separating device for separating suspensions using a disc separator according to the preamble of claim 1 . [Background technology] 【0002】 The disc separator described herein is used to separate a free-flowing suspension as a starting product into phases of different densities in a centrifugal field. Sterility of the separator parts that come into contact with the product is required for a wide range of applications. 【0003】 The main application of this invention is in the field of disc separators with replaceable separator inserts, which are suitable for single-use applications, particularly in sensitive applications such as biotechnology, but also in pharmaceutical or medical applications, where all elements that come into contact with the product must be discarded after a single use to avoid cross-contamination. 【0004】 One of the objects of the present invention is to maintain a defined filling level in containers, such as plastic bags or plastic containers, placed at the drains of the light and / or heavy phases in the separation device, without emptying or overflowing. 【0005】 For this purpose, suitable measuring and discharge systems must be selected and the flows of the individual product phases must be controlled, possibly by means of a control unit, so that the liquid level in the vessel can be kept constant despite fluctuations in the inflow into the vessel. 【0006】 EP 3 885 050 discloses an apparatus and method for separating a suspension into several product streams. In a manner known per se in mechanical separation technology, see also WO 2012 / 125480 and DE 34 30 264 A1, the mass is determined by the scale of the product stream led from the separation device to the vessel. 【0007】 Only if the density of the separated phases is known is it possible to keep the liquid level in the container exactly constant by determining the mass using a scale. 【0008】 However, the density of the separated phase may vary. For example, it may contain bubbles or air pockets, forming a foamed phase. As the density varies, the calculation of the fill level in such a container also changes. Therefore, the suitability of the metering system for level control is limited. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention] 【0009】 Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a separation device having a container in which the liquid level can be maintained at a specified value independently of the medium, i.e., even for media with varying densities, so that, for example, the container does not become full. The filling level is determined directly, rather than indirectly, for example by measuring the weight. [Means for solving the problem] 【0010】 The present invention solves this object by means of a separation device having the features of claim 1 . 【0011】 The separation device according to the present invention is used to separate a suspension using a centrifuge as part of the separation device. The centrifuge has a frame and / or housing. 【0012】 Additionally, the centrifuge has a separator insert with the separator insert rotatably mounted to the frame or housing as a pre-assembled, replaceable unit. 【0013】 The separator insert has at least the following characteristics: i. A rotor having a drum and a drum wall and rotatable around an axis of rotation. 【0014】 In the drum, the suspension is separated in a centrifugal field into a light and a heavy phase, which are discharged separately. It is also possible that one phase, in particular the heavy phase, remains in the drum and only the light phase is discharged. ii. Separation means preferably located within the drum; 【0015】 Such a separating means may for example be a disc pack, preferably having conical separating discs. iii. The separation means has at least one product supply line and at least one product discharge line. 【0016】 The separator may advantageously also have several product supply lines and several product discharge lines. Thus, the solid phase can be discharged through a separate product discharge line as part of the separator insert. In this case, all product supply lines from the drums are part of the supply system, and all product discharge lines from the drums are part of the discharge system. 【0017】 The entire separator insert, including the supply and discharge systems, is advantageously sealed to the frame or housing. This is particularly preferred for replaceable disposable applications. The supply system can have several product supply lines, and the discharge system can have several product discharge lines. Separate product supply lines can be used to supply, for example, flocculants to the suspension. Other substances, such as ascorbic acid, for preserving the product during processing, optionally as a dilute solution, can also be supplied via separate product supply lines. iv. wherein the product contact area of the separator insert is made partly or entirely of plastic. 【0018】 For better recycling, it is recommended or preferred that all components of the separator insert that come into contact with the product are made of plastic, whereas composite materials, such as metal-plastic composites, are more difficult to dispose of. 【0019】 Furthermore, the separation device comprises at least one vessel connected to at least one product discharge line, said vessel preferably having spatially separated feed and discharge openings. 【0020】 Finally, the separating device comprises a fill level measuring device for determining the liquid level of the suspension in the container and / or at least one or more limit switches for detecting the liquid level reached in the container. Furthermore, the separating device may comprise a control unit for receiving and evaluating the fill level measuring signals and generating the necessary signals for controlling one or more discharge pumps and / or any necessary valves. 【0021】 This allows at least a constant filling level to be maintained, which in the case of a measuring device can be determined continuously or precisely as required. This is much more complicated when determining the mass of the leaked liquid, for example using a scale, and involves more measurement errors and / or measurement inaccuracies, especially since the determined mass must first be converted to volume or fill level. Further advantageous configurations of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims. 【0022】 It is advantageous if the fill level measuring device and / or limit switch is arranged non-invasively on the outside of the container so as not to come into direct contact with the product, thereby avoiding surface reactions on measuring or contact surfaces such as sensor elements. Non-invasive sensors can also be reused in disposable systems, since only the components that come into contact with the product are generally used once. Examples of possible principles for such non-invasive measurements are capacitance measurement, optical measurement, measurement of vibration damping, pressure measurement, measurement of shape changes or transit time measurements of ultrasonic or radar signals. 【0023】 The container may have a discharge portion, for example a discharge nozzle, for continuously discharging the liquid. Preferably, the fill level measuring device and / or limit switch has a sensor element for emitting and / or receiving an electromagnetic signal, preferably an ultrasonic signal, a microwave signal and / or an optical signal. These variants have already proven themselves as non-invasive measuring methods in other fields of application. 【0024】 The centrifuge may also have a heavy phase drain and a light phase drain, each preferably having a pump arranged in at least one of the drains as part of the aforementioned drain system. 【0025】 The separating device can advantageously have a device for adjusting the filling level in the container. The pump can be part of this device. The same applies to the filling level measuring device and / or at least one limit switch. The pump is configured to be adjustable based on measurement signals from the filling level measuring device and / or the limit switch. This includes, among other things, signal connections between the elements, optionally via cables or with wireless transmission to the evaluation unit and / or control unit. 【0026】 The filling level measuring device can be configured to measure the filling level continuously, which can be detected in particular by signal reflections and / or sudden signal changes at phase boundaries. 【0027】 The fill level measuring device and / or the at least one limit switch are preferably arranged on the container in an exchangeable manner, which means that the measuring device can be reused when the product contact area is discarded and is therefore not a disposable component of the separation device according to the invention. 【0028】 In particular, the filling level measuring device can be arranged on the container, preferably at the bottom of the container, so that the signal can be transmitted perpendicular to the liquid level. If the signal is reflected by the liquid level, only one sensor element that can be switched between transmitting and receiving mode is required, which simplifies the construction of the device. 【0029】 Alternatively, the separating device, which regulates the fill level within a defined filling area in the container, can have at least two limit switches for detecting the lower and upper fill levels. The limit switches can be, for example, facing the side of the container from the outside or can be in contact with the container. If the upper fill level is exceeded, this is detected by the control unit, which sends a corresponding signal to, for example, the discharge pump. This will then be switched on until the level falls below the lower fill level again. In this way, the fill level can be maintained between the lower and upper fill levels. If additional measuring points are installed between the lower and upper filling levels, the control unit can also determine, for example, the speed at which the bag is filling or emptying. 【0030】 The device for adjusting the discharge volume can optionally comprise a pressure sensor for determining the position pressure of the liquid in the container, preferably located at the bottom of the container and / or at the discharge of the container. The pressure sensor also makes it possible to determine the fill level, since there is a correlation between the height of the liquid column in the container and the pressure generated thereby. 【0031】 The fill level measuring device and / or limit switch can advantageously comprise an ultrasonic sensor element and an evaluation unit configured to monitor the composition of the suspension by comparing the determined sound velocity with a medium-specific set value for the sound velocity, the signal velocity being known to correlate with the composition in the medium. In the case of a known measuring medium in which the composition of the individual components varies, or in the case of bubble formation or air entrainment, a determination can be made by comparing several ultrasonic values of different compositions and optionally interpolating. A clear signal change thus indicates a phase boundary, and by accurate evaluation of the signal velocity it is possible to monitor whether at least the light and / or heavy phases from which they originate have a constant composition. Optionally, it is also possible to not only monitor but also determine the composition of simple mixtures. 【0032】 In particular, the evaluation unit is configured to continuously determine the fill level using a runtime method, and for this purpose the evaluation unit can have a data memory in which a corresponding computer program product is stored. 【0033】 Alternatively, the capacitance change can be detected by a measuring device. For this purpose, a sensor for measuring the capacitance change is attached externally at a distance of a few millimeters from the container or is brought into contact with the container. If the contents of the container cover the measurement point, the value of the capacitive coupling changes, which is determined by the evaluation unit and optionally transferred to the control unit as a measurement signal. As in the variant of the above embodiment, several capacitance sensors can be used to maintain the filling level in the container within a predetermined level. 【0034】 By comparing the empty state of the container, it is first possible to determine how the characteristics of the capacitive container are formed in the unfilled state. A change in the capacitance characteristic as a result of filling results in a signal being output. Modern capacitance sensors can suppress droplets that adhere to the container wall, which can disrupt the fill status indication when the container is empty. Such droplet suppression can be achieved by perfect regulation. Corresponding electronic operating concepts are offered by IFM and other manufacturers. [Brief explanation of the drawings] 【0035】 In the following, the present invention will be described in more detail by way of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings, and further advantageous modifications and configurations will also be described. It should be emphasized that the exemplary embodiments described below are not intended to be exhaustive descriptions of the present invention, and that modifications and equivalents not shown in the drawings are also possible and fall within the scope of the claims. [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a replaceable first separator insert of a separator, together with a schematic diagram of the separator's feed and discharge systems and control unit. [Figure 2] A schematic cross-sectional view of a replaceable second separator insert of the separator is shown, together with a schematic of the separator's feed and discharge systems and control unit. [Figure 3] 2 shows a schematic diagram of a centrifuge with a reusable frame and a replaceable separator insert, where the replaceable separator insert is placed as in FIG. 1 and the hose section is placed thereon. [Figure 4] 4 shows a perspective view of the replaceable separator insert from FIGS. 1 and 3, with the hose section disposed thereon; FIG. [Figure 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] 8 is a perspective view of a variation of the separator and separator insert of FIGS. 1-7 as a further exemplary embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram of a separation apparatus according to the present invention for carrying out a preferred separation process. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a separator insert in a modification of the variant of FIGS. 1 to 8 with an integral drainage drain line. [Figure 11] 10 shows a variation of another embodiment with the rotor as a separator insert and the housing as a fixed, non-replaceable component of the separator. FIG. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B show variants of a further embodiment of a separator insert having at least one connecting part on the housing for the supply or discharge of gas. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 【0036】 Figures 1 to 12 show several centrifuges 100 with a number of reusable frames I and replaceable separator inserts II for centrifugation. The separation process can be realized in particular by a variant of the embodiment of Figures 10 to 12, in which a waste discharge line 120 is provided. A separation device 200 according to the invention is shown in Figure 9. 【0037】 In principle, the separator insert can also be configured as shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, optionally supplemented by a drainage discharge line, not shown. The separator insert II is preferably configured as a pre-fabricated unit, in particular as a disposable separator insert that can be replaced or replaced as a whole, and as a pre-assembled unit made entirely or primarily from plastic or plastic composites. 【0038】 The separator insert (without elements 4a and 5a) is shown separately by way of example in Figures 1 and 2. The separator insert is discarded after processing a product batch and replaced with a new separator insert II. 1 and 2, the separator insert II of the separator comprises a housing 1 and a rotor 2 inserted into the housing 1 and capable of rotating relative to the housing 1 during operation. The rotor 2 has an axis of rotation D, which may be vertically aligned in correspondence with the structure of the frame I. However, the frame may also be arranged differently in space if it is configured accordingly. 【0039】 The rotor 2 of the separator insert II has a rotatable drum 3. The rotor 2 is rotatably mounted at 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 drum 3 is rotatably mounted at both axial ends. The separator insert II has rotor units 4b and 5b of the magnetic bearing devices 4 and 5. Meanwhile, the stator units 4a and 5a of the magnetic bearing devices 4 and 5 are arranged on the frame I-1. 【0040】 Magnetic bearing devices 4, 5 act radially and axially to preferably maintain the rotatably mounted rotor 2 suspended within and spaced from the housing 1. 【0041】 Such separators with easily replaceable separator inserts can be useful and advantageous when processing products in which the possibility of impurities being introduced into the product (fluid suspension or its phases) during centrifugation can be excluded with great certainty, or when cleaning and sanitizing the separator is very time-consuming or not possible at all. 【0042】 The frame I has a bracket I-1, which can be, but does not necessarily have to be, attached to a carriage I-2 with rollers I-3. Receptacles I-4 and I-5 can be formed on the bracket I-1, which serve to accommodate and hold the separator insert II, even during operation. Preferably, the first axial end of the separator insert II projects downward into or toward the upper receptacle I-4, and the lower end of the separator insert II projects upward into or toward the other receptacle I-5, so that the separator insert II is held non-rotatably on the bracket I-1, and thus on the frame I. 【0043】 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 one variant, it may further be provided, for example, that the lower receiving part I-5 is configured to be fixed on the bracket I-1. In that case, it is advantageous if the upper receiving part I-4 is also configured to be height-adjustable on the bracket I-1. 【0044】 In this case, it is advantageous if the bracket I-1 has a vertical extension / length so that the separator insert can be fixed by both height-adjustable receiving parts I-4, I-5 in a first position on the height-adjustable receiving part I-4 and changed to another upper position. 【0045】 Advantageously, the receiving parts I-4 and I-5 carrying the stator units 4a, 5a on the frame I can be moved axially apart and towards each other again in order to change the separator insert II, i.e. to remove the old separator insert II from the frame I and replace it with a new separator insert II. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a rail on the bracket and a slide on the receiver which is height adjustable and can be moved and locked into a sliding position (details not shown). 【0046】 Thus, the relative distance between the receiving parts I-4 and I-5 with the stator units 4a, 4b of the magnetic bearing devices 4, 5 can be adjusted so that the separator insert II can be changed. The stator units 4a, 5a of the two drive and magnetic bearing devices 4 and 5 can be arranged in the receiving parts I-4 and I-5, respectively. The control and power electronics for this can be arranged in or on the frame I, for example in or on the bracket I-1. 【0047】 Corresponding positive locking means are 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, to allow the separator insert II to be inserted into the stator units 4a, 5a in a rotationally fixed manner. The upper and lower stator units 4a, 5a each have aligned axes. 【0048】 According to a particularly simple variant, the housing 1 and the receiving part I-4 or I-5 with the stator unit 4a, 5a can have projections (e.g. pins or webs) and recesses (e.g. holes) as corresponding positive locking means to hold the housing 1 non-rotatably on the stator unit and thus on the frame II. The corresponding positive locking means can also be formed directly on the frame II. 【0049】 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 each other. This applies in particular to the exact centering of the coaxially stacked units 4a, 5a and 4b, 5b. Also, a holding force (from above and below) can be optionally exerted axially on the housing by the receiving part in order to hold the housing in a force-locking manner. 【0050】 According to FIGS. 3 to 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 several axially protruding pins 41a, and each separator insert II can have a corresponding blind hole in the housing 1, for example an axially extending recess 42 or 41b. 【0051】 Here, the receiving part I-4 with the stator unit 4a has pins 41 (not shown) projecting axially, or here vertically, downward, and the separator insert II has corresponding blind-hole-shaped recesses 42 (shown here) vertically upward, and the lower receiving part I-5 with the lower stator unit 5a has corresponding pins 41a (shown here) projecting axially, or here vertically, upward, and the separator insert II has corresponding blind-hole-shaped recesses (not shown here) axially downward. By way of example only, four pins 41a and recesses 41b are respectively distributed and arranged at the corners of an imaginary polygon, in particular a square, and are formed at the top and bottom of the housing 1 of the receiving parts I-4, I-5 and the separator insert II. 【0052】 1 to 7, the corresponding positive locking means 41a, 41b and 42 are arranged circumferentially distributed around the separator insert II, however, instead of several positive locking means, it is also possible that only one positive locking means is provided. However, the corresponding positive locking means may also be arranged asymmetrically to ensure that the separator insert can only be used in a single orientation. 【0053】 The stator units 4a, 5a may each have in particular through openings 43 to accommodate lines such as hoses 44, 45 connected to the separator insert II on the upper and / or lower side. 【0054】 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 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 is therefore sufficient to configure the frame I such that the respective other receiving part I-4 or I-5 is adjustable, in particular arranged and / or configured on the frame I so that it is vertically height adjustable. 【0055】 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 can be moved away from each other to lift the respective separator inserts axially between the two receiving parts with the stator units 4a, 5a (Figures 5, 6), after which the separator insert II is placed in / on the lower receiving part I-5 so that the corresponding positive locking means (here 41, 42) engage with each other (Figures 6 and 7). 【0056】 Furthermore, the hose 45 at the lower end of the housing 1 is guided downwards through the through-opening 43 of the lower (and therefore axially related) stator unit 5a (Fig. 6). The upper receiving part I-4 is now lowered until the corresponding positive locking means of the upper receiving part I-4 and the housing 1 of the separator insert I (here 41, 42) also 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 receiving part I-4. The separator insert II is firmly fixed to the frame I so that it cannot rotate. The centrifugation and separation process for processing the product batch in the centrifugal field can thus begin. After the intended batch has been processed, the upper separator unit is again lifted upwards until it is lifted from the frame I and replaced with a new separator unit. 【0057】 1 and 2, the structure of the separator drive and bearing system, the separator control unit, and the separator supply and discharge system, as well as the further structure of an exemplary separator insert II, are described in more detail below. The present invention is not limited thereto. In particular, the supply and discharge lines can be realized differently on the separator insert II. 【0058】 Firstly, the rotor units 4b, 5b can be configured essentially as inner rings of magnets, in particular permanent magnets, and the interchangeable stator units 4a, 5a can be configured essentially as outer rings, which are used for axial and radial mounting of the rotor 2 (e.g. on the upper side) or also for rotary drive (e.g. on the lower side). 【0059】 As part of the separator drive, the rotor units 4b and / or 5b therefore also form part of the rotation system or rotor, i.e. the rotor of the drive is part of the drum of the centrifuge. 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 support the drum 3 at its ends in a generally axial and radial interaction during operation, and hold and rotate the drum in a generally floating manner during operation. 【0060】 The magnetic bearing devices 4 and 5 have the same or almost the same basic configuration. In particular, only one of the two magnetic bearing devices 4, 5 can be used as a drive device. Corresponding components of the magnetic bearing devices 4, 5 are therefore 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. 【0061】 Each magnetic bearing device 4, 5 may, for example, operate according to a combined electromagnetic and permanent operating principle. Preferably, at least the axially downward acting magnetic bearing device 5 serves to keep the rotor 2 axially suspended in the housing 1 by levitation. For example, one or more first permanent magnets may be disposed on the underside of the rotor, and an electromagnet may be disposed on a receptacle on the frame coaxially surrounding the permanent magnet. The rotor can be driven electromagnetically, but drive via a rotating permanent magnet can also be achieved. 【0062】 Such bearings and drives are used, for example, by 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 a drive, which also magnetically supports the drum radially and axially. Furthermore, a second Levitronix motor of the same structure, except for the operating control unit, can be provided, which can support the rotor 2 radially and axially at its head as a magnetic bearing device 4. 【0063】 The rotor speed can be variably adjusted using the control device 37 (see FIG. 1 or 2) or a separate control device for the magnetic bearing devices 4, 5. The direction of rotation of the rotor 2 can also be specifically changed in this way. 【0064】 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 rpm, preferably 5,000 to 10,000 rpm, and possibly up to 20,000 rpm. The centrifugal force resulting from the rotation leads to the separation of the suspension being processed into different fluid phases LP, HP of different densities, and to the discharge of the fluid phases, 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. 【0065】 This allows the separator insert and housing as a whole to be configured for single use, which in turn makes them particularly interesting and advantageous for the processing of pharmaceutical products such as fermentation broths, since the separator insert can be replaced entirely, eliminating the need for cleaning the drum after the operation of processing the corresponding product batch, preferably after successive operations during the processing of the product batch. Optionally, individual elements such as magnets can be appropriately recycled (see also DE 10 2017 128 027). 【0066】 The housing 1 is preferably made of plastic or a plastic composite material and may be cylindrical, having a cylindrical outer casing at the ends of which are formed two radially extending boundary walls 6, 7 (cover and bottom). The drum 3 is used to centrifuge the fluid suspension S in a centrifugal field into at least two phases LP, HP of different densities, for example a lighter liquid phase and a heavy solid phase or a heavy liquid phase. 【0067】 In the preferred configuration, the rotor 2 and its drum 3 have a vertical axis of rotation D, but the housing 1 and rotor 2 can also be aligned differently in space. The following description refers to the vertical alignment shown (FIG. 3). In the case of a different orientation in space, the alignment changes accordingly. Furthermore, as yet described, one or both outlets may be positioned differently. 【0068】 The rotor 2 of the separator with the drum 3 preferably consists entirely or mainly of plastic or plastic composite material. The drum 3 is preferably at least partly cylindrical and / or conical. The same applies to the other elements of the rotor 2 and the housing 1 (except for the elements of the magnetic bearing devices 4, 5). The housing 1 is configured like a container, which is advantageously hermetically sealed except for some openings / opening areas (described below). 【0069】 1 and 2, in this example, two axial boundary walls 6, 7 located on the upper and lower sides of the container 1 each have an opening formed therein. One of the openings, here the upper axial boundary wall 6, can be or serves as an inlet 8 for feeding the suspension, which is to be separated in the centrifugal field into at least two phases of different densities - LP and HP - through the housing 1 into the drum 3. 【0070】 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—the second, here lower, axial boundary wall 7 —serves as an outlet for the second, heavier phase HP directly from the drum 3 through the housing 1 . 【0071】 The drum 3 also has an opening allocated to the opening of the housing. A supply pipe 12 for the suspension to be treated extends into an upper opening 12a at one axial end of the drum 3. This passes through the housing 1, in particular one of its, here the upper, axial boundary walls 6. At its outer periphery, the supply pipe 12 is sealed against the housing 1 according to Fig. 1 and inserted into the housing 1, for example by welding or gluing, or optionally constructed as a single piece with the housing as a plastic injection-molded part. It is also preferably 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. 【0072】 According to Figure 1 (but also to Figure 2), the supply pipe 12 passes through the housing 1 and one of the magnetic bearing devices 4 concentrically with the axis of rotation of the rotor 2, then extends further axially inside the housing 1 into the rotatable drum 3, where it terminates at its other end - the free outlet end. 【0073】 1 and 2, the feed pipe 12 opens into the drum 3 in a distributor 13 that can rotate together with the drum 3. The distributor 13 has a tubular distributor shaft 14 and distributor legs 15. One or more distributor channels 16 are formed in the distributor legs 15. A stack of separating discs, in this case conical separating discs 17, is arranged on the distributor 13. The distributor 13 and the separating discs 17 are also preferably made of plastic. 【0074】 Furthermore, according to both Figures 1 and 2, a first paring disc 33 is used to discharge the heavier phase HP of the two phases HP and LP from the drum 3. A paring disc shaft or central discharge pipe 34 passes through the second axial boundary wall 7 (see Figures 1 and 2). 【0075】 According to one possible, but not required, configuration, the drum 3 has at least two cylindrical sections 18, 19 of different diameters. Adjacent to the cylindrical sections 18, 19, one or more conical transition regions can be formed on the drum 3. The drum 3 can also have a single or double conical configuration inside its central axial region (not shown here). 【0076】 As shown, the drum 3 can have a lower cylindrical section 20 of smaller diameter on / in which the rotor unit 5b of the lower magnetic bearing device is also formed, the cylindrical section 20 merging into a conical section 20a, which then merges into, for example, a larger diameter cylindrical section 19, then again into a conical section 18a and into a smaller diameter upper cylindrical section 18 on top of which the rotor unit 4b of the upper magnetic bearing 4 is formed. The separator inserts of Figures 1 and 2 differ with respect to the evacuation of the light phase. 【0077】 The openings (which may be circumferentially distributed in the drum 3, so that several openings may be provided in the drum 3) serve as radial or tangential outlets 21 for the light phase LP from the drum 3 according to FIG. 1. An opening in the outer casing is formed during centrifugation and allows the exit of the light product phase LP discharged from the drum 3, according to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, or serves as a discharge 10. 【0078】 The first outlet 21 on the radius ro of the drum 3 is configured in particular as a "nozzle-like" opening in the outer casing of the drum 3. The first outlet 21 is also configured as a so-called "free" discharge from the drum 3. The first outlet 21 is used to discharge the lighter phase LP. The outlet can be configured so that the lighter phase exits radially, or alternatively so that the lighter phase exits tangentially to the direction of rotation of the drum, thus contributing to a reduction in the rotor drive and drive energy. This phase exiting the drum 3 is collected in the housing 1 in a catch ring chamber 23 on the upper side of the housing 1. 【0079】 The trapping ring chamber 23 is configured so that the phase trapped therein is directed towards the discharge 10 of the trapping ring chamber 23. This can be achieved by locating the discharge 10 at the lowest point of the trapping ring chamber 23. The capture ring chambers 23 open radially inward towards the rotating drum 3 and are positioned at a distance such that the liquid ejected from each outlet 21 is sprayed essentially only into the associated capture ring chamber 23 which is at the same axial level during centrifugation. 【0080】 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 leak drain (not shown here). The leak 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. 【0081】 The first capture ring chamber 23 and the chamber 25 can be separated from each other by a first wall 26, which here is conical, starting from the outer casing of the housing 1 and extending conically inward and upward, terminating radially in front of the drum 3 at an internal distance from the housing. 【0082】 Preferably, at the lowest point of the capture ring chamber, the product phase LP is discharged from the housing 1 through the discharge 10. A connecting piece can be provided on the outside of the housing 1 in the area of the discharge 10 to allow easy connection of pipes, hoses, etc. These can then be formed directly on the housing 1 or attached to the housing 1 with adhesive. The connecting pieces 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. 【0083】 As a (here second) outlet for the heavier phase HP from the drum (through the housing 1), a first pairing disc 33 is provided according to Figures 1 and 2, which extends substantially radially and merges into an axially extending discharge pipe 34 as a pairing disc shaft passing through the axially lower boundary wall 7 of the housing 1. The pairing disc 33 has an outer diameter ru, where ru > ro applies. The inlet opening 33a of the pairing disc 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 disc 33 to discharge the heavy phase HP from the drum 3 more than the lighter phase LP. The pairing disc 33 is stationary during operation of the separator, with its outer edge immersed in the heavier phase HP which rotates within the drum 3. 【0084】 The heavy phase HP is pumped inward through channels in the pairing disk 33. Thus, the pairing disk 33 acts like a centripetal pump to pump out the heavy phase HP. The pairing disc 33 can be arranged in a simple and compact way in the drum 3 below the distributor 14 and below the disc pack 17. The radius ru corresponds to the immersion depth of the pairing disc 33. 【0085】 One end of the discharge pipe 34 does not touch the drum 3 but extends downward from the drum to the outside of the housing 1 and penetrates the lower boundary wall 7. The discharge pipe 34 can be formed integrally with the housing 1 or inserted in a sealed state. A hose or the like can be connected to the discharge pipe as a discharge part 35. The discharge pipe passes through the housing 1 and the lower magnetic bearing device 5 concentrically with the axis of rotation D of the rotor 2 and then extends axially further inside the housing 1 into the paring disc 33 . 【0086】 It is provided that a controllable, in particular electrically controllable, control valve 36 is inserted in the outlet for the heavy phase HP, in particular in the heavy phase HP discharge 35. The control valve 36 can be used to throttle the volumetric flow of the heavy phase HP in the discharge 35 and increase the immersion depth of the associated pairing disk. A control device 37 is preferably provided. The control valve 36 is preferably connected to the control device 37 by wireless or wired means. 【0087】 A control device 37 may also be configured and provided to control the magnetic bearing devices 4, 5 and the drive unit. According to Figure 2, the light phase LP is also ejected through the pairing disc. For this purpose, a pairing disc 22 is provided in the upper region of the drum 3, the inlet opening 22a of which for the heavy phase can be located at a radius ru smaller than the inlet radius ru of the first - lower - pairing disc 33. 【0088】 The shaft of this pairing disc 22 can surround the supply pipe 8, like the outer discharge pipe 24, and can be tightly 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 thereof, according to FIG. 2. The discharge pipes 24, 34 also lead out of the housing 1 at both ends thereof. The discharge pipes 24, 34 can be inserted in a sealed manner into the housing 1. However, the discharge pipes 24, 34 can also be made integrally from plastic. The supply pipe 12 can be connected to the upper end of the paring disc shaft 24. A radial or tangential connecting piece 24a can lead out from the paring disc shaft 24. A discharge 40 for discharging the light phase can be connected to the connecting piece 24a, which can lead to a product collection container, for example a bag or a tank. The ends of the pipes 12 and 34 can therefore also be configured as nozzles for connecting hoses or the like (see FIG. 2, but also FIG. 1). 【0089】 A controllable, in particular electrically controllable, control valve 39 may also be provided, installed at the discharge 40 for the light phase LP. The control valve 39 can be used to vary the volumetric flow rate of the light phase LP, in particular to increase or decrease the flow rate to vary the immersion depth of the second paring disc 22. The control valve 39 is connected to the controller 37 wirelessly or by wire and can therefore be controlled by the controller 37. 【0090】 Each pairing disk 22, 33 is a cylindrical, essentially radially aligned disk provided with a plurality of channels, e.g., 1 to 6, and is fixed during operation, and with the channels, forms a kind of centripetal pump. The outer edge of each pairing disc 22 or 33 is immersed in the phase LP or HP rotating in the separator. The respective phases LP and HP are diverted inward through channels in the pairing disc, and the rotational speed of the respective phases LP and HP is converted into pressure. Thus, each pairing disc 22, 33 serves as a discharge pump for the respective phase LP and HP. Thus, each pairing disc acts as a centripetal pump. The pairing discs can be made of plastic. 【0091】 In theory, there could also be a third pairing disc that could be used to discharge a further phase. The operation of the separator according to FIGS. 1 and 2 will now be briefly explained. 【0092】 First, each separator is provided with its reusable or reusable components, which include the frame I and the drive and stator units 4a, 5a of the magnetic bearing device, which also includes a control unit 37. Next, the separator insert II is provided and attached to the frame I. For this, only the stator units 4a and 5a need to move apart. The separator insert is then inserted with a positive fit, and the stator units are moved toward each other. This ensures that the housing is held firmly against rotation. Optionally, a hose is then connected to a nozzle that leads to a container or bag. Thus, each separator insert in FIGS. 1 and 2 may also preferably have at least a hose and a nozzle that can be connected to other lines (not shown here) and a container such as a bag, tank, pump, etc. 【0093】 Then, after connecting pipes, hoses, etc., the suspension is sent to a rotary drum (inlet 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 in the drum 3 in the separation chamber, where it leaves the drum on radius ru through channels in the fixed paring disc 33. 【0094】 The lighter phase LP flows radially inward 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. The control valves 36, 39 can be used to easily influence the separation process, which results in an optimization of the separation process. 【0095】 The main application of the process for operating the separator is cell separation in the pharmaceutical industry. The capacity range is intended for processing broth from fermenters ranging from 100 l to 4000 l, as well as laboratory use. Other areas of industry in which separators are used are also conceivable: chemicals, pharmaceuticals, dairy technology, renewable raw materials, oil and gas, beverage technology, mineral oil, etc. 【0096】 The separator shown allows for the production of separator inserts where all components that come into contact with the product can be made of plastic or other non-magnetic materials that can be disposed of after a single use or put into a recycling process. This eliminates the need for cleaning after use, and therefore the separator and its operation can be implemented cost-effectively. 【0097】 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 provided only on one side between the frame I and the separator insert II, thereby allowing axial and also torsional locking of the separator insert II relative to the frame I. Among other things, this reduces the complexity of the construction. 【0098】 The use of a modular centrifuge with interchangeable separator inserts as shown in Figures 1-8 ensures a sterile interior, i.e., a sterile flow path, within the centrifuge. Suitably, other replaceable components may be used in the separator with a product supply and discharge system comprised of a separator insert, a supply system, and a discharge system to provide a sterile flow path for the supplied suspension and the separated light and heavy phases. An optional discharge system as part of the product discharge system may also be configured accordingly. 【0099】 As mentioned purely by way of example, the pump for the supplied suspension, the feed hose line, the light and heavy phase hose lines, and the heavy phase receiver are interchangeable sterile components, suitably used to separate a single product batch or a limited number of product batches. The drain hose line and the drain container may also be interchangeable sterile components. All these components are connected to each other using sterile connectors, allowing for easy and simultaneous sterile replacement of the components. The separator's product supply system, product discharge system, and waste water discharge system are described in more detail below with reference to Figure 9: 【0100】 For example, a single-use pump 101, preferably in the form of a centrifugal pump, can be used for the feed. This has the advantage of being smaller than an equivalent peristaltic pump with 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 using a non-contact measurement principle, e.g., ultrasonic transit time difference method, which means that it can be simply pushed onto the feed line without coming into contact with the product. 【0101】 Therefore, while the supply hose is a single-use product, the flow meter can always be reused. The measurement signal from the flow meter is used to adjust the speed of the supply pump. In this way, the control device can adjust the speed of the supply pump so that the preselected setpoint for the supply volume matches the measured actual value. The pump and flow meter are located in the rising supply line so that the line is always filled with liquid, resulting in more stable readings from the flow meter 102. 【0102】 The discharge line for the heavy phase is provided with a pump 110 and a flow meter 111. The pump and flow meter are located in the upward discharge line to ensure that the line is always filled with liquid, resulting in more stable readings from the flow meter 111. A flow meter 115 can also be located to discharge in the direction of flow of the light phase, e.g., downstream of the peristaltic pump 107. 【0103】 The discharge pump 110 is preferably configured as a peristaltic pump. One advantage of a peristaltic pump is that it only contacts the outside of the discharge hose but not the product directly. The discharge pump can therefore always be reused, while the discharge hose is a single-use product. Another advantage of peristaltic pumps is that they deliver a defined volume depending on the speed. Unlike centrifugal pumps, they can be used as throttles, i.e., they can generate pressure in the discharge of the heavy phase, the level of which can be adjusted by the control unit. The pressure sensors required for this can be provided individually or, preferably, in all hose lines (not shown in the drawings). 【0104】 A vessel 105 is provided in the light phase discharge line and serves as a buffer vessel. The fill level of the light phase currently in the buffer tank is determined by the fill level measuring device 104 and passed on to the control unit. Alternatively, the fill level can be monitored by a limit switch, in which case the pump control options are reduced. 【0105】 The light phase can be introduced from separator insert II into the upper part of vessel 105 (above the forming liquid level) or into the lower part of the vessel (below the forming liquid level). For products prone to foaming, an upper inlet proves to be the best choice. The outlet of the container 105 is connected to a descending discharge hose, which is guided by an optical sensor 106 and a peristaltic pump 107. 【0106】 Ideally, the pump speed is controlled with the help of the measurement signal from the fill level measuring device 104, so that the container 105 is never completely full or completely empty. This can also be achieved, for example, by installing two limit switches to monitor the minimum and maximum levels. In this way, the discharge hose is always full, resulting in a stable signal from the optical sensor 106. The signal from the optical sensor 106 can be used to evaluate the quality of the light phase. For example, the percentage of remaining residue and suspended solids can be evaluated. 【0107】 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. With the aid of measured values or measurement signals from the filling level measuring device 104, the delivery volume of the pump 107 can be set so that the filling level is maintained approximately in the middle of the container 105. Alternatively, this can be made possible by one or more limit switches. 【0108】 The discharge hose line connected to the discharge of the heavy phase of the separator insert II leads to a further container 109 equipped with a filling level measuring device 108. Alternatively, one or more limit switches can be used here. Both variants are preferably non-invasive in design. This allows the filling level of the heavy phase in the container 109 to be determined and controlled, just like the light phase. 【0109】 Additionally, the separator insert II has an optional waste drain system DS, whereby waste liquid is collected in a waste container 114. The waste liquid essentially accumulates and is emptied through this drain when the drum is brought to a standstill at the end of the batch process. All hose lines in Figure 9 for the supply and discharge lines to and from the separator system, respectively, then lead to sterile fitting 112. Not shown in Figure 9 is the frame for holding the separator insert and drive. 【0110】 In the product supply system PZS shown in FIG. 9, the product discharge system PAS containing the heavy and light phase product discharges and any discharge systems DS belonging to the product discharge system PAS are separated from each other outside the separator insert and are therefore hermetically sealed. 【0111】 A filling level measuring device 108 or 104 is shown by way of example in Fig. 9a. Here, an ultrasonic sensor element 300 is arranged in the bottom region of the container 105 / 109, e.g., below a tank, bottle or bag. The ultrasonic sensor element 300 emits a signal that is reflected at the liquid boundary and received again by the ultrasonic sensor element 300. The filling level can be determined directly from the transit time of the signal. 【0112】 An alternative arrangement of two limit switches 400 arranged on the sides of the container is shown in FIG. 9b as an alternative to FIG. 9a. The limit switches detect upper and lower fill level limits. If the upper fill level is exceeded, the evaluation unit 500 evaluates it and activates the respective pumps 107 / 110. If the fill level falls below the lower fill level, the respective pumps are stopped again. In this way, the fill level of the container is maintained between the lower and upper fill levels. 【0113】 Alternatively, a single fill level can be detected and the respective pumps switched on above this level and switched off below this level. Here, it may be useful to provide a certain minimum run time for the pumps or to apply hysteresis to the set points for the pumps. 【0114】 However, in a further embodiment variant, three or more limit switches 400 may be used that detect at least a lower level S1, an intermediate level S2, and an upper level S3 in the tank. For tank level control, these three level signals are combined with the measurement M1 of the flow meter 102 during supply and the measurement M2 of the flow meter 115 during the discharge of the light phase. If the level S1 in the tank is exceeded, the pump 107 starts in a light phase sequence. The pump set point is calculated. a) Setting value = M1 - M2 - Correction value 【0115】 If the level in the tank S2 is exceeded, the pump setting is then calculated. b) Setting value = M1-M2 【0116】 If the level continues to rise and reaches level S3, the pump setpoint must be recalculated according to formula a) and the correction value must be increased for a while and then decreased again. After a while, such a self-learning system reaches a steady state, so that the fill level in the container also settles to a constant value. 【0117】 9a and 9b is carried out by an evaluation unit 500, which evaluates the measurement signal and thereby determines or monitors the fill level when a limit level is reached. The operation of the pump can also be initiated by this evaluation unit. The measurement principle of the limit switch 400 can be based, for example, on a capacitance measurement, the change in the measured capacitance value being decisive for the evaluation. 【0118】 9a and 9b also have a pressure sensor 113 for determining the position pressure, which can also be used to determine the fill level, since there is a correlation between the height of the liquid column in the container and the pressure generated by said height of the liquid column. This measured pressure value is also evaluated, for example, by an evaluation unit controlling the corresponding pump 107 / 110. 【0119】 Figure 10 shows a modification of the first variant of the separator insert II of Figures 1 to 8, connecting to the drain system of Figure 9. In addition to the standard product supply line 124 and product drain line 125, the separator insert II also has a waste liquid drain line 120, which is located in the bottom region 121 of the separator insert and has liquid drains 122 and 123 both from the drum and from the housing. The remaining configuration may be identical to the variant of the previous embodiment. 【0120】 11 shows a second variant of a separator insert III that can be operated as part of a separation process. This separator insert III has a bottom-side feed to the disc stack 67 via a feed line 61 and a distributor 70. The product feed line 61 extends from the bottom of the housing 68 into the interior of the rotor 65 and is equipped with a feed nozzle 73 that opens into a distribution chamber 78 of a holding device 77 for the disc stack 67. The holding device 77 has a longitudinal axis parallel to the rotational axis of the rotor 65. One or more distribution channels 70 extend from the distribution chamber 78, allowing the supplied starting product to be transported radially to the separation region of the rotor 65. 【0121】 Light phase product discharge 62 is performed in the same manner as in FIGS. The heavy phase product discharge 63 is carried out by being discharged through a channel in the separator disc 69 (here a closed-wall separator disc at the end of the disc pack) and finally by a gripper 64 through the product line of the product discharge section 63. In the separator disc, separation occurs between the heavy and light phases, with the heavy phase being directed around the outside of the disc and the light phase being directed to the inside of the disc and discharged. However, this is only one of many possible variations in product discharge for the heavy phase. 【0122】 The separator insert III can be configured so that the rotor 65, in particular the drum 66 and the disc pack 67, can be removed from the housing 68. In this variant, it is also recommended that the rotor, in particular the drum, be emptied of residual liquid before the rotor is removed as part of the process. In this case, this can be done via the supply line 61. 【0123】 It is recommended that when the separator insert III is replaced, the supply line 61 is also replaced, so as not to expose subsequent batches to cross-contamination. The supply line can therefore be attached to the housing in a replaceable and medium-tight manner using a non-present seal, for example a sealing sleeve. 【0124】 FIG. 11 can be modified in many ways, but in particular shows that this method can also be applied to a separator in which only the rotor with the product supply line and product discharge line is configured as a replaceable separator unit III. The housing 68 can be opened, for example—not shown—by forming part of the housing as a cover, and for this purpose it is preferable to remove at least the upper container from the cover. 【0125】 In Figure 11, the residual liquid is drained via a drainage line 120 into a collection container 74 via a line element 71, in particular a drain element in the form of an attached or plugged hose, which is connected to the collection container 74. The supply line 61, in particular the supply nozzle 73, is connected to a supply element 72, which is connected to a container 75 with a suspension of the starting product. This line element can be equipped with a switching valve (not shown) that switches between the 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 feed element can have a pump, for example a hose squeeze pump, in which only the feed element comes into contact with the starting product. 【0126】 FIG. 12 shows a further variation of a separator insert II that can be used as part of the separation process described above. This separator insert II has at least one connecting piece 76 on its housing 1. The separator insert can be filled with an inert gas through this connecting piece 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 piece 76 can be provided on the housing 1 to evacuate gas from the separator insert, flushing it with the inert gas. 【0127】 Gas can also be extracted from the normally hermetically sealed separator insert through the connecting piece 76, which creates a negative pressure within the separator insert, not only reducing contact with residual oxygen but also reducing the frictional forces of the rotating drum 66 rotating in a less dense atmosphere. 【0128】 Alternatively, in addition to the inert gas, a compressed gas, e.g., compressed air, can also be introduced through one or more of the gas connection pieces 76, which makes it even easier to empty the housing through the exhaust line. [Explanation of symbols] 【0129】 Frame I Bracket I-1 Carriage I-2 Lola I-3 Receptacle 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 walls 6, 7 Product supply line 8 Product discharge line (light phase) 10 Supply pipe 12 Opening 12a distributor 13 Distributor shaft 14 Distributor leg 15 Splitter Channel 16 Separation disc 17 Cylindrical sections 18, 19, 20 Conical Sections 18a, 20a Exit section 21 Pairing Disk 22 Inlet opening 22a Capture ring chamber 23 Drainage pipe 24 Connector piece 24a room 25 Conical Wall 26 Pairing Disk 33 Inlet opening 33a Product discharge line (heavy phase) 34 Discharge section 35 Control valves 36 Control Unit 37 Channel 38 Control Valves 39 Discharge section 40 Pin 41a Recess 41b Recess 42 Through opening 43 Hose 44, 45 Centrifuge 100 Pump 101 flow meter 102 Filling level measuring device 104 container 105 Optical Sensor 106 Peristaltic Pump 107 Fill level measuring device 108 container 109 Pump 110 flow meter 111 Sterile coupling 112 Pressure Sensor 113 Discharge container 114 flow meter 115 Drainage line 120 floor area 121 Liquid discharge part 122 Liquid discharge section 123 Separation device 200 Sensor element 300 Limit Switch 400 Evaluation unit 500 Separator Insert III Supply Line 61 Product discharge section (light phase) 62 Product discharge section (heavy phase) 63 Gripper 64 Rotor 65 Drum 66 Disc Pack 67 Housing 68 Separation disc 69 distributor 70 Line element 71 Supply Factors 72 Supply nozzle 73 Collection container 74 container 75 Connection piece 76 Holding device 77 Distribution room 78 Rotation axis D Suspension S Phase LP, HP radius ro, ru PAS Product Discharge System PZS Product Delivery System DS Discharge System

Claims

[Claim 1] A separation apparatus (200) for separating a suspension, comprising a centrifuge (100) for reducing cross-contamination during processing of the product, wherein the centrifuge (100) is Having a frame (I) or housing (68), The separator insert (II, III) is rotatably mounted to the frame (I) or housing (68) as a pre-assembled, replaceable unit, and the separator insert (II, III) comprises at least: i. A rotor (2, 65) rotatable around a rotation axis (D), comprising a drum (3, 66) and drum walls, ii. Preferably, a separation means arranged within the drum (3, 66), iii. Having at least one product supply line (8) and at least one product discharge line (10, 34), iv. In a separator device (200), the product contact area of ​​the separator insert (II, III) is made partially or entirely of plastic. The separation device (200) has at least one container (105, 109) connected to at least one product discharge line (10, 34), The separation device (200) is characterized by having a filling level measuring device (104, 108) for determining the liquid level of the suspension in the containers (105, 109), and / or at least one limit switch (400) for detecting the liquid level reached in the containers (105, 109). [Claim 2] The separation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the filling level measuring device (104, 108) and / or the limit switch (400) are non-invasively arranged on the container (105, 109). [Claim 3] The separation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container (105, 109) has a discharge section for continuously discharging liquid. [Claim 4] The separation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the filling level measuring device (104, 108) and / or the limit switch (400) have a sensor element (300) for transmitting and / or receiving an electromagnetic signal, preferably an ultrasonic signal, a microwave signal and / or an optical signal. [Claim 5] The separation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the filling level measuring device (104, 108) and / or the limit switch (400) have a sensor element (300), in particular a capacity sensor, for detecting a change in capacity. [Claim 6] The separation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the centrifugal separator (100) has a discharge section for the heavy phase (HP) and a discharge section for the light phase (LP), and a pump (107, 110) is disposed in at least one of the discharge sections. [Claim 7] The separation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the separation device (200) has a device for adjusting the discharge amount from containers (105, 109), and pumps (107, 110) and fill level measuring devices (104, 108) and / or at least one limit switch (400) are part of the device, and the pumps (107, 110) are adjusted based on measurement signals from the fill level measuring devices (104, 108) and / or the limit switch (400). [Claim 8] The separation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the filling level measuring device (104, 108) is configured to continuously determine the filling level. [Claim 9] The separation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the filling level measuring device (104, 108) and / or at least one limit switch (400) are interchangeably arranged on the container (105, 109). [Claim 10] The separation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the filling level measuring devices (104, 108) are positioned on the container (105, 109), preferably at its bottom, such that the signal is introduced perpendicular to the liquid level. [Claim 11] The separation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the separation device (200) has at least two limit switches (400) for detecting the lower and upper filling levels in the containers (105, 109). [Claim 12] The separation apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a device for adjusting the discharge volume has a pressure sensor (113) for determining the position pressure of the liquid in the container (105, 109), the pressure sensor preferably located on the container (105, 109) and / or on the discharge portion of the container (105, 109). [Claim 13] The separation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, comprising an evaluation unit (500) configured to continuously determine the filling level using a runtime method. [Claim 14] The separation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein all product supply lines are part of a supply system (PZS), all product discharge lines are part of a discharge system (PAS), and the entire separator insert (II, III) comprising the supply system and the discharge system is hermetically sealed to a frame (I) or housing (68).

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