Rotatable Carousel Filtration Apparatus for Continuous Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current filtration apparatus in the pharmaceutical industry often rely on batch processes and require large filter elements, which can be inefficient and prone to clogging, and lack the capability for continuous filtration, washing, and drying steps.
Innovation Solution
A filtration apparatus with a rotatable carousel and multiple chambers that allows for continuous filtration, washing, and drying, featuring a movable upper part with a pusher member for material discharge, a washing arrangement for solvent use, a drying arrangement with heated gas, and a pressurizing and reduced pressure system to enhance fluid removal and material processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If batch process filtration is used with large filter elements, then filtration capacity is increased, but device complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is divided into multiple separate filtration chambers (first, second, third chambers) that can operate simultaneously or sequentially. Each chamber contains its own filter element, allowing the system to process multiple batches or continuous streams through parallel operation, thereby increasing overall filtration capacity without requiring a single large filter element
Solution Approach 2:
The carousel assembly enables dynamic repositioning of filtration chambers between different operational positions (filtration position, washing position, drying position). This dynamic movement allows the same hardware to perform multiple functions over time, increasing processing capacity without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Quantity of substance
If batch process filtration is used, then filter elements can be large, but processing time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous filtration processing by having multiple chambers that can operate in sequence or parallel. While one chamber is being filtered, another can be washed or dried, eliminating idle time between batches. The carousel rotation continuously moves chambers through different operational stages, maintaining continuous productive action
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable carousel dynamically transitions chambers between filtration, washing, and drying positions, allowing multiple processing steps to occur in sequence without stopping the overall operation. This dynamic multi-position system increases productivity by eliminating the need to stop and reconfigure between batch operations
3Productivity
If multiple processing stages (filtration, washing, drying) are integrated, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carousel assembly serves multiple functions: it supports filtration chambers, provides washing capability through fluid delivery, enables drying through rotation and positioning, and facilitates material discharge. This single multi-functional component performs what would otherwise require separate dedicated systems, increasing productivity while limiting the growth of device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges filtration, washing, and drying functions into a single integrated carousel-based platform. Multiple chambers share common support structures, fluid delivery systems, and drive mechanisms, combining several processing stages into one unified device that achieves high productivity without proportionally increasing complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient continuous processing of filtered materials through multiple stages, including filtration, washing, and drying, while maintaining a compact design, improving efficiency and flexibility in material handling.
Implementation Method 1
A source of reduced pressure may be provided connected to the lower part beneath the filter member
Implementation Method 2
apparatus for filtering suspended solids from a liquid
Implementation Method 3
A pressurising arrangement may be provided for applying increased pressure to material in a chamber to urge fluid therefrom
Implementation Method 4
A heater may be provided for heating the gas prior to delivery into a respective one of the chambers
Implementation Method 5
A drying arrangement may be provided for drying filtered material in a respective one of the chambers
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 3
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A filtration apparatus (10) with a rotatable carousel (18) including five equispaced cylindrical chambers (22). Beneath the chambers (22) a kidney shaped filter plate (40) is provided, and also a downwardly extending opening (36). The chambers (22) are selectively moveable to be located over the filter (40), or over the opening (36), in which latter position material can be ejected from the respective chamber (22) by a piston and cylinder (34) located spaced above the opening (36).