Flow-through centrifugal separator

Abstract

The present invention relates to a flow-through centrifuge (1) with a rotor (6). The flow-through centrifuge (1) comprises a connecting strand (12) with connecting lines (16, 17) through which the medium in containers (8a, 8b) located in the centrifuge chamber of the rotor (6) can be exchanged. According to the invention, in order to counteract heating of the connecting strand (12) as a result of repeated deformations and friction occurring within the connecting strand (12), a temperature-regulating supply line (14) and a temperature-regulating discharge line (15) for a connecting strand temperature-regulating fluid extend through the connecting strand (12). The temperature-regulating supply line (14) and the temperature-regulating discharge line (15) are passed through by the connecting strand temperature-regulating fluid in opposite flow directions. An electronic control unit (28) has control logic that provides open-loop or closed-loop control of the splice strand temperature control output of the splice strand temperature control circuit (36).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a flow-through centrifuge, wherein at least one type of medium (particularly fluid, liquid, suspension, etc.) is supplied to the centrifugal chamber at least temporarily while the centrifugal chamber is rotating, and / or the medium is discharged from the centrifugal chamber. The medium can in this case be arranged in a container inside the centrifugal chamber. The at least one type of medium is, in particular, the medium to be centrifuged, a purge liquid, a washing solution or buffer solution, a medium that has been extracted and transformed from the medium to be centrifuged, and / or a sediment in the centrifugal chamber.

[0002] Although only some examples are given without limiting the present invention, the flow-through centrifuge may be a blood centrifuge in which the medium to be centrifuged is blood and the extracted and transformed medium or sediment is blood cells or blood particles, or may be a flow-through centrifuge configured to obtain cells, microcarriers or other particles contained in the medium from the medium. It is also possible that the medium to be centrifuged is not a pure liquid, and the medium is a solution or suspension containing particles such as cells, cell debris or cell fragments.

[0003] Flow-through centrifuges are used, for example, in biopharmaceutical companies for producing biopharmaceutical products, or for bioprocessing applications. A flow-through centrifuge can in this case be used, for example, for harvesting and / or clarifying cells or microcarriers, and the cells harvested in this way can also be used for cell therapy. A further field of use of flow-through centrifuges is, for example, the manufacture of vaccines.

Background Art

[0004] The flow-through centrifuges described in the premise are sold, for example, by the company Sartorius AG (Germany, Goettingen 37079, Otto-Brenner-Strasse 20) and its affiliates under the registered trademark "Ksep". An internet page (Non-Patent Literature 1) concerning these flow-through centrifuges explains the functional principle of a flow-through centrifuge, which may also be used in the present invention, based on the linked video, as follows:

[0005] The rotor of a flow-through centrifuge has four centrifugation chambers, which may be formed as blood bags held in the rotor body and evenly distributed around it. The centrifugation chambers are arranged at the same radial distance from the rotor's axis of rotation. A first communication line opens into the centrifugation chamber so as to be radially inward, while a second communication line opens into the centrifugation chamber so as to be radially outward. In the first operating phase, while the centrifugation chamber rotates with the rotor, a first medium, which will be formed as, for example, blood, is supplied to the centrifugation chamber via the second communication line. Within the centrifugation chamber, as a result of centrifugation, particles contained in the blood (e.g., blood cells) settle so as to be radially outward, while the medium residue (i.e., the medium reduced by the amount of particles supplied radially outward and pushed radially outward) is discharged from the centrifugation chamber via the first communication line, which is radially inward. In this first operating phase, the first connecting pipe is the discharge pipe, while the second connecting pipe is the supply pipe. As this operation continues, the proportion and concentration of particles in the centrifugal chamber increase until the centrifugal chamber is mostly, and eventually completely, filled with particles. In a subsequent optional second operating phase, the particles in the centrifugal chamber are washed. For this purpose, a washing solution or buffer solution is introduced into the centrifugal chamber via the second connecting pipe. The washing solution or buffer solution purges the centrifugal chamber and is discharged radially inward through the first connecting pipe. In this operating phase as well, the centrifugal chamber rotates with the rotor, so that particles do not flow out of the centrifugal chamber through the first connecting pipe along with the washing solution or buffer solution as a result of the acting centrifugal force. During the second operating phase, the first connecting pipeline is used as a discharge pipeline for the cleaning solution or buffer solution, while the first connecting pipeline is used as a supply pipeline for the cleaning solution or buffer solution. In the subsequent third operating phase, the centrifugal chamber continues to rotate together with the rotor.In the third operating phase, the direction of flow through the centrifugal chamber is reversed, and the particles are removed from the centrifugal chamber via a second connecting conduit, during which time a washing solution or buffer solution may be supplied to the centrifugal chamber via a first connecting conduit. The third operating phase ends when all particles have been removed from the centrifugal chamber. Thereafter, further cycles having the three operating phases described above can be repeated sequentially.

[0006] Patent Document 1 discloses a media network configuration, which is connected to a communication pipeline and ensures various operating phases. For further information regarding this media network, the pump assembly, process control unit, additional filter assembly, and containers for various media, and for details regarding the process flow, please refer to Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3.

[0007] Patent Document 3 describes problems with fluid connection using rotary feedthroughs to a connecting conduit that rotates with the rotor in a flow-through centrifuge. This is because rotary feedthroughs are prone to leakage and inevitably carry the risk of undesirable contamination of the medium. On the other hand, Patent Documents 4, 5, 6, and 7 describe the use of connecting strands that can incorporate a connecting conduit. One end region of the connecting strand is then fixed to the housing, while the other end region of the connecting strand is attached to the rotor and rotates with the rotor. To avoid increasing twisting of the connecting strand as a result of the rotation of the rotor and the relative rotation of the end region of the connecting strand, the connecting strand is additionally guided in a guide device formed as a guide pipe. The guide pipe has rounded U-shaped subsections, each having side legs of different lengths that easily expand from one another. The opening of the U is then oriented in the direction of the rotor's axis of rotation. The connecting strands begin from an end region fixed to the housing and enter outward with a curvature into one side leg of the U. Within the U-shaped section, the connecting strands are routed around the rotor by a guide pipe. The free end region of the other side leg of the U of the guide pipe is curved in the return direction such that this free end region is coaxial with the rotor's rotation axis and directly adjacent to the entry point of the connecting strands into the rotor. The guide pipe is driven at half the rotor's rotational speed in this case. Patent Document 3 refers to Patent Document 8 to illustrate how increasing torsion of the connecting strands can be avoided by using a rotating guide pipe.

[0008] Patent Document 9 discloses a blood pump capable of extracting blood from a patient, separating the blood into red blood cells and plasma, and then supplying the red blood cells back to the patient while recovering the plasma. This separation is carried out by a centrifugation method resulting in different densities. Patent Document 9 states that supplying blood to a rotating separation chamber via a rotary joint presents problems because undesirable heat is generated within the rotary joint region, which can adversely affect the blood and its components or necessitate additional cooling. A further problem is that blood cells may be destroyed as a result of shear forces within the contact surface region between the joint portions of the rotary joint. The blood pump proposed in Patent Document 9 has a conduit strand through which multiple conduits extend. A blood supply conduit extends from a first end of a conduit strand through the conduit strand to a separation chamber located within the other end region of the conduit strand, and a blood discharge conduit extends in the opposite direction from the separation chamber to the first end of the conduit strand. The first end of the conduit strand extends vertically and is fixedly held in place by a mechanical frame element. Blood reaches the first end region from the patient, and after separation, the blood cells return from the first end region to the patient. A rotating device is rotatable about a rotation axis that extends vertically and coaxially with respect to the first end region of the conduit strand. Within the rotating device, the conduit strand is fixedly clamped adjacent to the first end region and coaxially with respect to the rotation axis. From this fixed clamping section, the pipe strand extends radially outward through a rotating device along a quadrant arc, such that the second end region of the pipe strand is horizontally oriented in a separation chamber formed therein and is at its maximum distance from the axis of rotation. The second end region is clamped within the rotating device so that its orientation is as predetermined. Between the clamping sections in both end regions, the pipe strand extends freely. As the pipe strand rotates around the axis of rotation, a rotational motion of the pipe strand occurs around the horizontal clamping axis in the second end region to allow for compensatory motion.A cooling liquid can be placed within one of the pipe strands, and this cooling liquid can absorb the heat generated by the shear load on the pipe strand as a result of the bending of the pipe strand during rotation.

[0009] Patent documents 10, 11, and 12 describe a flow-through centrifuge comprising a rotor having a centrifugal chamber and a connecting strand guided within a guide device, wherein the guide device rotates at half the rotor speed to avoid twisting of the connecting strand. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 3936601 [Patent Document 2] European Patent No. 2310486 [Patent Document 3] European Patent No. 2485846 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 4216770 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent No. 4419089 [Patent Document 6] U.S. Patent No. 4389206 [Patent Document 7] U.S. Patent No. 5665048 [Patent Document 8] U.S. Patent No. 3,586,413 [Patent Document 9] International Publication No. 80 / 02653 [Patent Document 10] German Patent Application Publication No. 2612988 [Patent Document 11] German Patent Application Publication No. 3504205 Specification [Patent Document 12] U.S. Patent No. 3129174 [Non-patent literature]

[0011] [Non-Patent Document 1] www.sartorius.com / en / products / process-filtration / cell-harvesting / ksep-systems (Accessed: July 6, 2022) [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] The fundamental problem underlying this invention is to improve flow-through centrifuges in terms of guaranteeing predetermined operating conditions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The problems of the present invention are solved by the features of the independent claims. Further preferred configurations of the present invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0014] The present invention relates to a flow-through centrifuge. The flow-through centrifuge comprises a rotor, the rotor having (at least) one centrifugal chamber. A medium to be centrifuged can be placed in the centrifugal chamber, either directly or in a suitable container, and the centrifugal chamber can be purged with another medium, such as a washing solution or a buffer solution. Within the flow-through centrifuge, the rotor is rotated around the rotor axis at any rotor speed. The flow-through centrifuge comprises a connecting strand. The connecting strand has a communication channel that can supply a medium to the centrifugal chamber (particularly the container placed within the centrifugal chamber) during operation of the flow-through centrifuge in which the rotor is rotating. Furthermore, the connecting strand has a communication channel that can discharge the medium from the centrifugal chamber (particularly the container placed within the centrifugal chamber). Depending on the operating phase present, the flow direction through the communication channel can be reversed. One end region of the connecting strand is fixed to the housing, while the other end region of the connecting strand rotates with the rotor. To prevent twisting of the connecting strands, the connecting strands are guided within a guide device, particularly a guide pipe. The guide device rotates around the rotor axis at half the rotor speed. In this respect, the flow-through centrifuge may be constructed similarly to, for example, the conventional flow-through centrifuge described at the beginning.

[0015] In a flow-through centrifuge, it is desirable that the centrifugal separation of the medium in the centrifugal separation chamber, as well as the supply and discharge of the medium, are carried out under defined operating conditions as much as possible; this includes maintaining the temperature of the medium to be centrifuged within a predefined temperature range. For this reason, a rotor chamber temperature control circuit is used in a flow-through centrifuge. In this case, the rotor chamber temperature control circuit conventionally has a rotor chamber temperature control loop incorporated into the wall of the casing of the flow-through centrifuge, and the rotor chamber temperature control loop is in heat exchange relationship with the rotor chamber in which the rotor rotates. In some cases, a temperature sensor also incorporated into the casing of the rotor chamber detects the temperature inside the rotor chamber. Based on the signal from this temperature sensor, closed-loop control of the temperature control output of the rotor chamber temperature control circuit can then be performed such that the temperature inside the rotor chamber is maintained as constant as possible, whereby according to the prior art, the medium to be centrifuged is also assumed to have a constant temperature.

[0016] The consideration underlying the present invention first addresses the cause of temperature changes in a flow-through centrifuge. One cause of heating of the inner chamber of the rotor chamber is that the air disposed in the rotor chamber is accelerated and swirled as a result of the rotational movement of the rotor, which can lead to heating of the air. Furthermore, heat input into the rotor chamber may occur, for example from the centrifuge drive or as a result of friction, for example friction in the bearings of the rotor shaft. Such heating can be addressed by known rotor chamber temperature control circuits.

[0017] As another cause of heat input, based on the consideration underlying the present invention, it is known that the connecting strand is deformed as a result of the boundary conditions of the connecting strand, that is, the fixed connection of one end region to the housing, the rotation together with the rotor at the other end region, and the guiding of the connecting strand by a guide device which is rotated about the rotor axis at half the rotor speed, this leads in particular to repeated deformation movements in the connecting strand, which repeated deformation movements lead to heating of the connecting strand. Furthermore, friction of the connecting strand with the guide device can also lead to heating of the connecting strand.

[0018] Conventionally conventional flow-through centrifuges do not take these different possible heat inputs into account, with the result that the different possible heat inputs are averaged and only taken into account collectively via the rotor chamber temperature regulation circuit. Even though in an ideal case, known open-loop or closed-loop control of the rotor chamber temperature regulation circuit can achieve a predefined temperature at the temperature sensor in the can wall, local deviations in temperature can nevertheless occur. In particular, in the region of the connecting strand, undesirably high temperatures occur as a result of the repeated deformation movements and friction that arise. When medium flows through the connecting line in the connecting strand, undesired heating of the medium occurs.

[0019] Based on this understanding, the present invention proposes that in a flow-through centrifuge according to the present invention, a temperature-controlled supply line and a temperature-controlled discharge line extend through the connecting strand. The temperature-controlled supply line and the temperature-controlled discharge line are passed through by the connecting strand temperature-controlled fluid in opposite flow directions. The temperature-controlled supply line and the temperature-controlled discharge line are thus part of a connecting strand temperature-controlled circuit that can cause targeted cooling within the region of the connecting strand, ideally causing cooling that counteracts the heat generated within the region of the connecting strand as a result of repeated deformation and friction. Thus, the present invention allows for direct addressing of temperature rise at the point of occurrence. This leads to the operating conditions, in this case temperature, being precisely or within a predetermined temperature range within the flow-through centrifuge, i.e., within the region of the connecting strand.

[0020] According to the present invention, a flow-through centrifuge comprises at least one electronic control unit, and if there are multiple electronic control units, these control units may be connected to or networked with each other. The electronic control unit has control logic, which performs open-loop or closed-loop control of the connected strand temperature control output of the connected strand temperature control circuit.

[0021] Temperature-controlled supply lines, temperature-controlled discharge lines, and connecting lines (and any, possibly other components of the connecting strand) may be optionally distributed across the cross-section of the connecting strand, for example, adjacent to or overlapping each other. In one proposed version of the present invention, the temperature-controlled supply lines, temperature-controlled discharge lines, and connecting lines are distributed circumferentially within the cross-section of the connecting strand around the longitudinal axis of the connecting strand, preferably in direct contact with adjacent lines when viewed circumferentially.

[0022] The order of the circumferential arrangement of the listed conduits is basically arbitrary. In one proposed version of the present invention, the temperature control supply conduit, temperature control discharge conduit, and connecting conduit are distributed circumferentially within the cross-section of the connecting strand around the longitudinal axis of the connecting strand, with at least one connecting conduit positioned between the temperature control supply conduit and the temperature control discharge conduit in both circumferential directions around the longitudinal axis. This means that at least one connecting conduit is arranged in a "sandwich-like" manner between the temperature control supply conduit and the temperature control discharge conduit, and as a result, at least one connecting conduit is in a heat exchange relationship with both the temperature control supply conduit and the temperature control discharge conduit. This enables particularly good heat transfer between the temperature control conduit and the connecting conduit.

[0023] Preferably, in the flow-through centrifuge according to the present invention, the temperature-controlled supply line and the temperature-controlled discharge line are connected to each other via a folded connection. In this case, the folded connection can be formed as a U-shaped connecting member. In this case, one leg of the U can be connected to the end region of the temperature-controlled supply line, while the other leg of the U can be connected to the end region of the temperature-controlled discharge line. These connections can be made, for example, by introducing each leg into the temperature-controlled line and holding it within the temperature-controlled line (e.g., by shape coupling and / or friction coupling or clamping; in some cases, also by interposing a seal or sealing means), in which case the temperature-controlled line and the legs of the connecting member may be pressed and plastically deformed from each other. In this case, the folded connection is preferably connected within the end region of the connecting strand and the temperature-controlled line that rotates with the rotor. The folded connection ensures reverse flow through the temperature-controlled line.

[0024] According to one proposed version of the present invention, the connecting strand has a flexible pipe or flexible tube. In this case, the temperature control supply line, temperature control discharge line, and communication line extend through the flexible pipe or flexible tube. The pipe or tube may have a smooth outer surface to keep vortices within the rotor chamber small. A non-smooth outer geometry of the pipe or tube is also possible, in which case, for example, a flexible corrugated pipe can be used. The flexible pipe or flexible tube keeps the temperature control line and communication line compact and also ensures protection of the temperature control line and communication line. The tube or pipe may also be used for temperature encapsulation of the connecting strand.

[0025] The temperature-controlled supply and discharge lines may extend from the housing only over a portion of the longitudinal extension of the connecting strand, and this longitudinal extension preferably coincides with the region of the connecting strand where the aforementioned repeated deformation and / or friction occurs. In this case, the folded connection may be located at the end of the extension of the temperature-controlled line, which results in the folded connection or U-shaped connecting member being located inside the connecting strand, in particular inside a flexible pipe or tube. As one alternative suggestion, the folded connection is located within the extension region of the temperature-controlled supply and discharge lines from a flexible pipe or tube, and as a result the temperature-controlled line extends along the entire length of the connecting strand. The placement of the folded connection within the extension region in this case utilizes a relatively large structural space outside the pipe or tube.

[0026] As another proposal of the present invention, the folded connector is formed in a U-shape. In this case, the U-shaped folded connector can at least partially surround at least one connecting conduit. The connecting conduit may be bent outward by an extension from the pipe or tube. In this case, the extension and the bent portion can at least partially be located inside the U of the U-shaped folded connector, thereby enabling additional guidance and / or protection and positioning of at least one connecting conduit. On the other hand, partial enclosure of the connecting conduit by the folded connector leads to a particularly compact structural form.

[0027] In the flow-through centrifuge according to the present invention, at least one electrical line may extend through the connecting strand. In this case, heating of the connecting strand, and consequently the medium in the connecting conduit, which may occur as a result of heating of the electrical line, can be avoided by closed-loop control of the connecting strand temperature control circuit. Some examples, which are not limiting to the present invention, include any measuring line, an electrical supply line for a sensor located in or attached to the rotor, an electrical control line for a valve in the rotor, and so on.

[0028] In the flow-through centrifuge according to the present invention, open-loop or closed-loop control in the connecting strand temperature control circuit can be performed in any way, taking into account any signals from temperature sensors, flow sensors, and / or any operating parameters of the flow-through centrifuge (rotational speed, external temperature, internal temperature, rotor configuration and / or equipment, centrifugal separation program and centrifugal separation parameters, ...). As one proposal of the present invention, open-loop or closed-loop control of the temperature and / or flow of the connecting strand temperature control fluid (particularly mass flow and / or volume flow) is performed taking into account the temperature of the medium present in and / or being pumped through at least one connecting conduit. Preferably, the open-loop or closed-loop control is performed taking into account the temperature difference in the connecting conduit. For example, if the temperature in the outlet region of a connecting conduit that discharges the medium from the centrifugal chamber is measured, and the temperature in the inlet region of another connecting conduit that supplies the medium to the centrifugal chamber is measured, the temperature difference provides information about the heat supplied to the medium between the two measurement points. As the heat increases, a greater cooling output is required, which can be provided by open-loop or closed-loop control of the temperature and / or flow of the connecting strand temperature-controlled fluid. For example, open-loop or closed-loop control may be performed with the goal of keeping the temperature difference zero or below a threshold. At least one sensor for detecting temperature or both sensors for detecting temperature difference may be located within the housing, within the allocated end region of one or more connecting conduits, and thus fixed in position.

[0029] Preferably, in a flow-through centrifuge, a rotor chamber temperature control circuit is also present in addition to the connecting strand temperature control circuit. Preferably, the rotor chamber temperature control circuit is positioned in a fixed location, in particular having a cooling loop incorporated within the wall of the chamber. On the one hand, the connecting strand temperature control circuit and on the other hand, the rotor chamber temperature control circuit can be independent of each other with respect to the fluid, in which case the coordination of the circuits can be carried out via at least one control unit. However, on the one hand, a fluid connection may exist in the connecting strand temperature control circuit and on the other hand, or common elements may be used in the rotor chamber temperature control circuit. Thus, for example, the same temperature-controlled fluid may be used. Alternatively or cumulatively, the same pressure source, in particular a pump or pressure vessel, can be used to provide the flow of temperature-controlled fluid through both temperature-controlled circuits.

[0030] The present invention also proposes the existence of an electronic control unit, the control unit having control logic, and the control logic controlling the rotor chamber temperature control output of the rotor chamber temperature control circuit in open-loop or closed-loop mode. In this case, this electronic control unit may be formed separately from the control unit of the connecting strand temperature control circuit, or these control units may be integrated into one overall control unit.

[0031] Regarding the configuration of the rotor chamber temperature control circuit, there are various possibilities within the scope of the present invention. One configuration of the present invention involves a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the rotor chamber (directly or indirectly). For example, the temperature sensor may be incorporated into the wall or lid of the flow-through centrifuge can, or it may protrude into the rotor chamber from there, or it may be adjacent to the rotor chamber. The temperature sensor may be located on the rotor and may rotate with the rotor. Preferably, the temperature sensor is located in a region of the rotor chamber where the flow is calmed. The control logic performs closed-loop control of the rotor chamber temperature control circuit, taking into account the temperature signal from the temperature sensor, and preferably, the closed-loop control is performed toward a target temperature value. In this case, any closed-loop control strategy may be used.

[0032] As one proposal of the present invention, the control logic for the open-loop or closed-loop control of the rotor chamber temperature control output of the rotor chamber temperature control circuit, on the one hand, and the control logic for the open-loop or closed-loop control of the connection strand temperature control output of the connection strand temperature control circuit, on the other hand, are not independent of each other but are coordinated with each other. This may mean, for example, that an increase in the rotor chamber temperature control output is automatically coupled by the control logic to an increase in the connection strand temperature control output. However, the control logic may also take care to ensure that the sum of the rotor chamber temperature control output and the connection strand temperature control output remains constant, not falling below and / or exceeding a threshold, or corresponding to a characteristic map or curve profile according to the operating parameters.

[0033] As a special configuration of the control logic, the control logic for open-loop or closed-loop control of the connected strand temperature control output takes into account the heat capacity of the medium flowing through the connecting conduit. For example, when the supply and / or discharge of the medium to be centrifuged and / or the medium residue through the connecting conduit is switched to the supply of a purge solution or buffer solution, the medium and the purge solution or buffer solution may each have different heat capacities. Under the simplified assumption, used for illustrative purposes only, that the same amount of heat is absorbed per unit time by the medium, in this case, the heat absorption of the medium with a higher heat capacity results in a smaller temperature change compared to the medium with a lower heat capacity. Thus, for closed-loop control based on the temperature difference, another amplification factor of the temperature difference must be considered to determine the signal for open-loop or closed-loop control of the connected strand temperature control output. The same principle applies to the flow of a medium through a connecting pipe: when closed-loop control is implemented based on the temperature difference within the connecting pipe, assuming the same heat input, it can be observed that the thermal change is smaller when the flow is large than when the flow is low. In some cases, the rotor speed may also be considered in the open-loop or closed-loop control of the connecting strand temperature control output, because the repeated deformation within the connecting strand depends on the rotor speed.

[0034] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the fact that different heat inputs occur at various points within the connecting strand, and thus heat is generated preferably in areas where repeated deformation occurs, while non-deformable or non-repeatedly loaded sections of the connecting strand are not heated, or are heated only slightly. This observation is taken into consideration by the fact that the connecting strand temperature control circuit is configured such that different cooling outputs are released at different sections of the connecting strand. The following are just a few examples, without limitation.

[0035] This can be caused, in a first form of change, by the cross-sectional area of ​​the temperature control supply pipeline and / or temperature control discharge pipeline changing along its longitudinal extension, thereby resulting in different flow conditions and, consequently, different cooling outputs depending on the cross-sectional area.

[0036] Alternatively, or cumulatively, the cross-sectional geometry of the temperature-controlled supply and / or temperature-controlled discharge pipelines can be varied. For example, in one section, the cross-sectional geometry may be such that a large surface area is generated, thereby ensuring good heat transfer, while in another section, the cross-sectional geometry may be selected to result in a smaller surface area, which in turn results in poorer heat transfer.

[0037] Within this range, branching of temperature-controlled supply lines and / or temperature-controlled discharge lines may be implemented in the region where increased cooling output is desired.

[0038] As an alternative or cumulative alternative suggestion, in various sections, the thermal conductivity of the walls or jackets of the temperature-controlled supply and / or temperature-controlled discharge pipelines may be increased or decreased according to the desired cooling output, which can be achieved by using different wall and / or jacket materials, and / or different wall thicknesses of the walls and / or jackets, in the partial sections.

[0039] In some sections, throttling or other fluid-related components that affect the flow relationship may be used.

[0040] Advantageous developments of the present invention can be seen from the claims, specification and drawings.

[0041] The advantages of individual features and combinations of features described herein are illustrative and may act alternatively or cumulatively, and are not necessarily achieved by embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] With respect to the initial application documents and the disclosures of the patent, except for the scope of protection, the following applies: further features, in particular the geometric shapes shown, and the relative dimensions of multiple components, as well as their relative arrangement and interaction relationships, are observable in the drawings. Combinations of features of different embodiments of the present invention or features of different claims are also possible and recalled, different from the selected references of the claims. This also applies to features shown in or mentioned in separate drawings. These features may also be combined with features of different claims. Similarly, features described in the claims may be omitted for other embodiments of the present invention, but this does not apply to independent claims of a patented patent.

[0043] The features listed in the claims and specification should be understood to exist in that number or a number greater than the listed number, without the need to explicitly use the adverb “at least.” That is, when it is stated that there is one element, for example, it should be understood that there is exactly one element, two elements, or more elements. The features described in the claims may be supplemented by further features, or they may be a single feature possessed by the subject matter of each claim.

[0044] The symbols included in the claims do not limit the scope of what is protected by the claims. The symbols are used solely for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the claims.

[0045] The present invention will be further described below based on preferred embodiments shown in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0046] [Figure 1] This is a highly simplified, three-dimensional, halved longitudinal cross-sectional view of a flow-through centrifuge. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows the main part II of the flow-through centrifuge. [Figure 3]Figures 1 and 2 show one configuration of a cross-sectional view of the connecting strand of a flow-through centrifuge. [Figure 4] Figures 1 and 2 show another configuration of the cross-section of the connecting strands of the flow-through centrifuge. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram relating to the open-loop or closed-loop control of a flow-through centrifuge. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0047] In the diagram, corresponding or similar components or features are partially denoted by the same reference numeral, and these components or features can be distinguished from one another by additional letters a, b, ... In this case, the association of these components or features is possible regardless of the presence or absence of the supplementary letters, and thus, it can be said that one, several, or all of the components or features are being referred to.

[0048] Figure 1 shows a highly simplified three-dimensional half-section of a flow-through centrifuge 1. The flow-through centrifuge 1 comprises a housing 2 and, in particular, a can 3 having walls 4. The walls 4 of the can 3 define a rotor chamber 5, within which a rotor 6 is rotated around a rotor axis 7 at an arbitrary rotor speed. Of the rotor 6, only the containers 8a and 8b arranged within the centrifugation chamber of the rotor 6 are shown in the schematic diagram in Figure 1 (here, there are two containers 8a and 8b; however, any other number of containers 8 may exist). Containers 8 may be, for example, blood bags 9, or any other containers. The containers 8 are evenly distributed circumferentially around the rotor axis 7 and are at the same distance from the rotor axis 7.

[0049] The flow-through centrifuge 1 is equipped with a rotor chamber temperature control circuit 10, and in Figure 1, only the rotor chamber temperature control loop 11 of the rotor chamber temperature control circuit 10 is shown. The rotor chamber temperature control loop 11 is incorporated into the wall 4 of the can 3 and is wound around the rotor axis 7 and the rotor chamber 5 with multiple windings.

[0050] Figure 1 also shows a connecting strand 12. The connecting strand 12 has a flexible tube or pipe 13. Through the tube or pipe 13, one temperature-controlled supply line 14, one temperature-controlled discharge line 15 (although these lines 14 and 15 are sometimes collectively referred to as the "temperature-controlled line") and two connecting lines 16 and 17 extend, and the connecting lines 16 and 17 pass through in different directions during each different operating phase of the centrifugal separation process. In one end region 18, the connecting strand 12 is attached to the wall 4 of the housing 2 or can 3, while in the other end region 19, the connecting strand 12 is attached to the rotor 6 and rotates with the rotor 6. Guide devices, particularly guide pipes, that rotate at half the rotor speed are not shown in the schematic Figure 1 (see the prior art mentioned at the beginning for details).

[0051] Figure 2 shows the main section II shown in Figure 1. In this main section, the end region 19 of the connecting strand 12, the extensions of temperature control lines 14 and 15 from the tube or pipe 13, and their connections to the containers 8a and 8b can be seen. Optionally, it can be seen that the containers 8a and 8b are connected to individual connecting lines 17a and 17b, respectively, through which the medium flows in the same direction, while the containers 8a and 8b are connected to a single common connecting line 16 for the flow of the medium in different directions. If it is possible to individually or variably control the open-loop or closed-loop control of the flow through the connecting lines 17a and 17b via a valve or switching device, the supply of the medium to the containers 8a and 8b can be controlled in a specific and varied manner. In this way, it is possible, for example, to fill only a single container 8a, 8b, or to start and / or end the removal of the centrifuged sediment from containers 8a, 8b at different times.

[0052] By extensions from the pipe or tube 13, the connecting conduit 16 is connected to two connecting conduits 21a and 21b via a branch 20, and the connecting conduits 21a and 21b are, on the other hand, connected to their respective assigned containers 8a and 8b. The connecting conduits 17a and 17b are directly connected to their assigned containers 8a and 8b via their respective assigned connecting conduits 22a and 22b. In the transition regions from the connecting conduits 16 and 17 to the connecting conduits 21 and 22, there are 90° bends in each, and as a result, the connecting conduits 21 and 22 extend in a single plane that extends laterally with respect to the rotor axis 7.

[0053] The temperature control lines 14 and 15 are connected to each other via a folded connection section 23, which is directly adjacent to the end of the pipe or tube 13 and is formed here as a U-shaped connecting member 24. The bent section and transition region between the communication lines 16 and 17 and the connecting lines 21 and 22 extend through the inside of the U-shaped connecting member 24. This ensures that the folded connection section 23 at least partially surrounds at least one of the communication lines 16 and 17. The U-shaped connecting member 24 also ensures the positioning of the bent section and the connecting lines 21 and 22.

[0054] Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the connecting strand 12. Here, it can be seen that the temperature control lines 14, 15 and the connecting lines 16, 17a, 17b are distributed circumferentially on a single arc, and are in direct contact with each other circumferentially, while also contacting the inner surface of the pipe or tube 13 radially outward. Preferably, the circumferential order is selected such that at least one connecting line 16, 17 is arranged between the temperature control lines 14, 15 in each circumferential direction. Thus, in one circumferential direction, the connecting line 16 is arranged between the temperature control lines 14, 15, while in the other circumferential direction, both connecting lines 17a, 17b are arranged between the temperature control lines 14, 15.

[0055] As shown in Figure 4, it is also possible that only four conduits are arranged in the cross-section, namely temperature control conduits 14, 15 and connecting conduits 16, 17. In this case, connecting conduits 16, 17 may each have one branch to different containers 8a, 8b. It is obvious that, using a different configuration of branches and / or a different number of conduits, more than two containers 8 may be present in the rotor 6, each supplied with a different medium.

[0056] Figure 5 schematically shows the control device of the flow-through centrifuge 1.

[0057] The rotor chamber temperature control circuit 10 has a preparation unit 25 in which the rotor chamber temperature control fluid is prepared with the required flow and temperature by open-loop or closed-loop control. The rotor chamber temperature control fluid is then supplied in a closed circuit to a rotor chamber temperature control loop 11 which can be incorporated into the wall 4 of the rotor chamber 5. A temperature sensor 26 detects the temperature inside the rotor chamber 5, and the temperature sensor 26 is preferably incorporated into or held in the wall 4 of the rotor chamber 5. The measurement signal from the temperature sensor 26 is supplied to an electronic control unit 28 via a sensor signal connection 27. The control unit 28 has control logic, which triggers open-loop or closed-loop control signals in a control line 29 to drive and control the preparation unit 25 to ensure a closed-loop controlled flow of the rotor chamber temperature control fluid with a closed-loop controlled temperature.

[0058] The centrifugal separation medium circuit 30 includes a preparation unit 31, which ensures the various operating phases mentioned above within the centrifugal separation medium circuit 30 and prepares the medium, in particular the medium to be centrifuged and the purge solution or buffer solution, with the necessary flow and flow direction for the various operating phases. One temperature sensor 32, 33 is located in the end region 18 of the connecting conduits 16, 17 of the centrifugal separation medium circuit 30, and the temperature sensors 32, 33 detect the temperature of the medium supplied to and discharged from the centrifugal separation chamber or container 8. The temperature signals from the temperature sensors 32, 33 are transmitted to the control unit 28 via sensor signal connections 34, 35. The control unit 28 has control logic, which determines the temperature difference from the temperature signals from the temperature sensors 32, 33. This temperature difference is used for the purpose of open-loop or closed-loop control of the connecting strand temperature control circuit 36, as will be further described below. Through the control line 37, the control unit 28 controls the preparation unit 31 in open-loop or closed-loop mode to ensure the required flow and various operating phases.

[0059] Within the connecting strand temperature control circuit 36, the preparation unit 38 prepares the connecting strand temperature control fluid. The control unit 28 controls the preparation unit 38 via the control line 39 so that the connecting strand temperature control fluid circulating in the temperature control lines 14 and 15 provides the desired cooling output. Preferably, the closed-loop control of the preparation unit 38 by the control unit 28 is performed based on the temperature difference of the temperature signals from the temperature sensors 32 and 33.

[0060] It should be emphasized that Figure 5 is only a highly schematic diagram, and the individual components shown separately in Figure 5 may actually be integrated into a single component. This is already evident from the fact that the connecting strand temperature control circuit 36 ​​is shown separately from the rotor chamber 5 by the temperature control lines 14 and 15, even though the temperature control lines 14 and 15 extend into the rotor chamber 5. Unlike in Figure 5, the two temperature control circuits 10 and 36 are not formed separately; rather, a fluid coupling between the two circuits 10 and 36 is possible. Thus, a single common preparation unit can prepare the same temperature control fluid for the rotor chamber temperature control circuit 10 and the connecting strand temperature control circuit 36, in which case the flow and temperature in both circuits 10 and 36 are ensured through suitable throttling devices, valves, or other fluid components.

[0061] Contrary to the above description and diagram, closed-loop control within the connecting strand temperature control circuit 36 ​​may be performed based on a temperature sensor incorporated within the connecting strand 12.

[0062] The sensor signal connections 27, 34, and 35 described above may be wired or wireless. The sensor signals may also be provided via a bus system. The same applies to control lines 29, 37, and 39.

[0063] Figure 5 shows only one control unit 28, which here ensures open-loop or closed-loop control of the rotor chamber temperature control circuit 10, the centrifugal medium circuit 30, and the connecting strand temperature control circuit 36. These roles can be shared by multiple control units, which in this case can be connected to or networked with each other.

[0064] The heat generated as a result of repeated deformation, and consequently the cooling output to be provided by the connected strand temperature control circuit, may be, for example, 50 watts to 200 watts, and especially 0 watts to 150 watts. When the medium to be centrifuged is blood, the temperature threshold that should not be exceeded may be, for example, 37°C.

[0065] When, in one operating phase, the medium to be centrifuged is pumped through a connecting pipeline, and in another operating phase, the purge fluid is pumped through the same pipeline, different open-loop or closed-loop controls may be implemented for each of these different operating phases. In particular, the handling of temperature differences measured within the connecting pipeline may be carried out differently or with different amplification factors. While this application relates to the invention described in the claims, it also includes the following other aspects. 1. A flow-through centrifuge (1), a) A rotor (6) having a centrifugal chamber, wherein the rotor (6) is rotatable around the rotor axis (7) at any rotor rotation speed, b) During operation of the flow-through centrifuge (1) in which the rotor (6) rotates, the flow-through centrifuge (1) is provided with a connecting strand (12) having a connecting conduit (16;17) that can supply a medium to the centrifugal chamber and a connecting conduit (17;16) that can discharge the medium from the centrifugal chamber, c) One end region (18) of the connecting strand (12) is fixed to the housing, and the other end region (19) of the connecting strand (12) rotates together with the rotor (6), d) In order to avoid twisting of the connecting strand (12), the connecting strand (12) is guided within a guide device, which rotates around the rotor axis (7) at half the rotor rotation speed. In a flow-through centrifuge (1), e) The temperature control supply pipe (14) and the temperature control discharge pipe (15) extend through the connecting strand (12), and the temperature control supply pipe (14) and the temperature control discharge pipe (16) are passed through by the temperature control fluid of the connecting strand in opposite flow directions. f) comprising at least one electronic control unit (28), the control unit (28) having control logic, the control logic controlling the connected strand temperature control output of the connected strand temperature control circuit (36) in an open-loop or closed-loop manner. A flow-through centrifuge (1) characterized by the following: 2. The flow-through centrifugal separator (1) according to claim 1 above, characterized in that the temperature-controlled supply pipeline (14), the temperature-controlled discharge pipeline (15), and the connecting pipelines (16, 17) are dispersed circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the connecting strand (12) within the cross-section of the connecting strand (12). 3. The flow-through centrifugal separator (1) according to item 2 above, characterized in that the temperature-controlled supply line (14), the temperature-controlled discharge line (15), and the connecting lines (16, 17) are dispersed circumferentially within the cross-section of the connecting strand (12) around the longitudinal axis of the connecting strand (12), and at least one connecting line (16, 17) is arranged between the temperature-controlled supply line (14) and the temperature-controlled discharge line (15) in both circumferential directions around the longitudinal axis. 4. A flow-through centrifugal separator (1) according to any one of 1 to 3 above, characterized in that the temperature-controlled supply pipeline (14) and the temperature-controlled discharge pipeline (15) are connected to each other via a return connection section (23). 5. A flow-through centrifuge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the connecting strand (12) has a flexible pipe or flexible tube (13), and at least partially the temperature control supply line (14), the temperature control discharge line (15), and the connecting lines (16, 17) extend through the flexible pipe or flexible tube (13). 6. The flow-through centrifuge (1) according to the above 5, with reference to the above 4, characterized in that the folded connection portion (23) is located within the extension region of the temperature control supply pipeline (14) and the temperature control discharge pipeline (15) from the flexible pipe or tube (13). 7. The flow-through centrifuge (1) according to 6 above, characterized in that the folded connection portion (23) is formed in a U shape and at least partially surrounds at least one connecting pipe (16, 17). 8. A flow-through centrifuge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one electrical line extends through the connecting strand (12). 9. a) Temperature of the connecting strand temperature control fluid and / or b) Flow of the temperature-controlled fluid in the connecting strand A flow-through centrifuge (1) according to any one of 1 to 8 above, characterized in that the open-loop or closed-loop control is performed taking into consideration the temperature of the medium in the connecting pipes (16;17), and in particular taking into consideration the temperature difference in the connecting pipes (16,17). 10. A flow-through centrifuge (1) according to any one of the above 1 to 9, characterized by comprising a rotor chamber temperature control circuit (10). 11. The flow-through centrifuge (1) according to 10, comprising at least one electronic control unit (28), wherein the control unit (28) has control logic, and the control logic controls the rotor chamber temperature control output of the rotor chamber temperature control circuit (10) in an open-loop or closed-loop manner. 12. The flow-through centrifuge (1) according to 11, further comprising a temperature sensor (26) which detects the temperature of the rotor chamber (5), and the control logic which controls the rotor chamber temperature control circuit (10) in an open-loop or closed-loop manner, taking into consideration the temperature signal from the temperature sensor (26). 13. a) Open-loop or closed-loop control of the rotor chamber temperature control output of the rotor chamber temperature control circuit (10) and b) Open-loop or closed-loop control of the connection strand temperature control output of the connection strand temperature control circuit (36) The control logic for the flow-through centrifuge (1) according to 11 or 12 above, referencing any one of 1 to 9 above, is characterized in that the control logic for the flow-through centrifuge (1) is coordinated with each other. 14. The control logic for open-loop or closed-loop control of the connected strand temperature control output is: a) The heat capacity and / or of the medium flowing through the connecting pipes (16, 17) b) The heat capacity and / or of the temperature-controlling fluid of the connecting strands c) Flow of the medium passing through the connecting pipeline (16, 17) and / or d) Rotor rotation speed A flow-through centrifuge (1) according to any one of the above 1 to 9, or any one of the above 10 to 13, which references any one of the above 1 to 9, characterized in that it takes into consideration the above. 15. a) Cross-sectional area of ​​the temperature control supply pipeline (14) and / or the temperature control discharge pipeline (15), b) The cross-sectional geometric shape of the temperature control supply pipe (14) and / or the temperature control discharge pipe (15), c) Heat transfer coefficient of the walls or jackets of the temperature control supply pipe (14) and / or the temperature control discharge pipe (15) A flow-through centrifuge (1) according to any one of 1 to 14, characterized in that at least one of the values ​​is different with respect to the temperature-controlled supply line (14) and the temperature-controlled discharge line (15), or is not constant over the longitudinal extension of the temperature-controlled supply line (14) and / or the temperature-controlled discharge line (15). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 1. Flow-through centrifuge 2 Housing 3 cans 4 walls 5. Rotor Chamber 6 rotors 7. Rotor axis 8 containers 9 Blood bags 10. Rotor chamber temperature control circuit 11. Rotor chamber temperature control loop 12 connecting strands 13 Tubes, pipes 14 Temperature control supply line 15 Temperature control discharge pipe 16 Communication pipeline 17 Communication pipeline 18 End area 19 End area 20 branches 21 Connecting conduits 22 Connecting conduits 23 Folded connection section 24 Connecting Members 25 Preparation Units 26 Temperature Sensor 27 Sensor signal connection 28 Control Unit 29 Control Line 30 Centrifugal Separation Medium Circuit 31 Preparation Unit 32 Temperature Sensors 33 Temperature Sensor 34 Sensor signal connection 35 Sensor signal connection 36. Connection Strand Temperature Control Circuit 37 Control Line 38 Preparation Units 39 Control Line

Claims

1. A flow-through centrifuge (1), a) A rotor (6) having a centrifugal chamber, wherein the rotor (6) is rotatable around the rotor axis (7) at any rotor rotation speed, b) During operation of the flow-through centrifuge (1) in which the rotor (6) rotates, the flow-through centrifuge (1) is provided with a connecting strand (12) having a connecting conduit (16; 17) that can supply a medium to the centrifugal chamber and a connecting conduit (17; 16) that can discharge the medium from the centrifugal chamber, c) One end region (18) of the connecting strand (12) is fixedly positioned in the housing, and the other end region (19) of the connecting strand (12) rotates together with the rotor (6), d) In order to avoid twisting of the connecting strand (12), the connecting strand (12) is guided within a guide device, which rotates around the rotor axis (7) at half the rotor rotation speed. In the flow-through centrifuge (1), e) A temperature control supply pipe (14) and a temperature control discharge pipe (15) extend through the connecting strand (12), and the temperature control supply pipe (14) and the temperature control discharge pipe (15) are passed through by the temperature control fluid of the connecting strand in opposite flow directions. f) comprising at least one electronic control unit (28), the control unit (28) having control logic, the control logic controlling the connected strand temperature control output of the connected strand temperature control circuit (36) in an open-loop or closed-loop manner, The temperature control supply pipeline (14), the temperature control discharge pipeline (15), and the connecting pipelines (16, 17) are distributed circumferentially within the cross-section of the connecting strand (12) around the longitudinal axis of the connecting strand (12), and at least one connecting pipeline (16, 17) is arranged between the temperature control supply pipeline (14) and the temperature control discharge pipeline (15) in both circumferential directions around the longitudinal axis. A flow-through centrifuge (1) characterized by the following:

2. The flow-through centrifugal separator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the temperature-controlled supply pipeline (14) and the temperature-controlled discharge pipeline (15) are connected to each other via a return connection section (23).

3. The flow-through centrifuge (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting strand (12) has a flexible pipe or flexible tube (13), and at least partially the temperature control supply line (14), the temperature control discharge line (15), and the connecting lines (16, 17) extend through the flexible pipe or flexible tube (13).

4. The flow-through centrifuge (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the connecting strand (12) has a flexible pipe or flexible tube (13), and at least partially the temperature control supply line (14), the temperature control discharge line (15), and the connecting lines (16, 17) extend through the flexible pipe or flexible tube (13).

5. The flow-through centrifuge (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the folded connection portion (23) is located within the extension region of the temperature control supply pipeline (14) and the temperature control discharge pipeline (15) from the flexible pipe or tube (13).

6. The flow-through centrifuge (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the folded connection portion (23) is formed in a U shape and at least partially surrounds at least one communication conduit (16, 17).

7. A flow-through centrifuge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one electrical line extends through the connecting strand (12).

8. a) Temperature of the connecting strand temperature control fluid and / or b) Flow of the temperature-regulating fluid in the connecting strand The flow-through centrifuge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the open-loop or closed-loop control is performed taking into consideration the temperature of the medium in the connecting pipes (16; 17), and in particular taking into consideration the temperature difference in the connecting pipes (16, 17).

9. A flow-through centrifuge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by comprising a rotor chamber temperature control circuit (10).

10. The flow-through centrifuge (1) according to claim 9, comprising at least one electronic control unit (28), wherein the control unit (28) has control logic, and the control logic controls the rotor chamber temperature control output of the rotor chamber temperature control circuit (10) in an open-loop or closed-loop manner.

11. The flow-through centrifuge (1) according to claim 10, comprising a temperature sensor (26) which detects the temperature of the rotor chamber (5), and the control logic which controls the rotor chamber temperature control circuit (10) in an open-loop or closed-loop manner taking into consideration the temperature signal from the temperature sensor (26).

12. a) Open-loop or closed-loop control of the rotor chamber temperature control output of the rotor chamber temperature control circuit (10) and b) Open-loop or closed-loop control of the connection strand temperature control output of the connection strand temperature control circuit (36) The flow-through centrifuge (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the control logic for the purpose is coordinated with one another.

13. a) Open-loop or closed-loop control of the rotor chamber temperature control output of the rotor chamber temperature control circuit (10) and b) Open-loop or closed-loop control of the connection strand temperature control output of the connection strand temperature control circuit (36) The flow-through centrifuge (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the control logic for the purpose is coordinated with one another.

14. The control logic for open-loop or closed-loop control of the connected strand temperature control output is: a) The heat capacity and / or of the medium flowing through the connecting pipes (16, 17) b) The heat capacity and / or of the temperature-regulating fluid of the connecting strand c) Flow of the medium passing through the connecting pipes (16, 17) and / or d) Rotational speed of the rotor A flow-through centrifuge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it takes into consideration the following.

15. a) Cross-sectional area of ​​the temperature control supply pipe (14) and / or the temperature control discharge pipe (15), b) The cross-sectional geometric shape of the temperature control supply pipe (14) and / or the temperature control discharge pipe (15), c) Heat transfer coefficient of the walls or jackets of the temperature control supply pipe (14) and / or the temperature control discharge pipe (15) A flow-through centrifuge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one of them is different with respect to the temperature-controlled supply line (14) and the temperature-controlled discharge line (15), or is not constant over the longitudinal extension of the temperature-controlled supply line (14) and / or the temperature-controlled discharge line (15).

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