Exchangeable Separation Insert for Aseptic Single-Use Centrifuges
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for single-use solutions for centrifugal separation that are easy to handle for operators, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry, while maintaining hygienic standards and minimizing cleaning-in-place processes.
Innovation Solution
An exchangeable separation insert for centrifugal separators, comprising a rotor casing with a stack of separation discs, arranged between first and second stationary portions, with feed and discharge outlets at opposite axial ends, and hermetic seals for easy handling and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-use rotor is used for centrifugal separation, then hygiene standards are improved and cleaning-in-place processes are eliminated, but the handling and manoeuvrability for operators deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The centrifugal separator is divided into a stationary housing and an exchangeable rotor assembly. The rotor contains all separation components (separation chamber, discs, outlets) as a self-contained unit that can be easily removed and replaced, combining single-use hygiene benefits with improved handling through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The separation chamber is nested within the rotor casing, which itself is nested within the stationary housing. This nested structure allows the entire separation system to be compact while maintaining easy exchangeability of the rotor assembly, improving both hygiene and operational ease
2Device complexity
If all feed and discharge connections are arranged at one axial end of the rotor, then the structure is simplified, but the handling and insertion manoeuvrability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The feed inlet and discharge outlets are asymmetrically distributed at different axial ends of the rotor. The feed inlet is at the first axial end while discharge outlets are at the second axial end, creating an asymmetric configuration that optimizes both fluid flow paths and physical handling characteristics during insertion and operation
3Device complexity
If air pockets are present in the separation chamber, then the structure is simpler, but aseptic processing and hygiene deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor assembly is pre-filled with liquid medium before insertion into the housing. This preliminary filling action ensures that air pockets are eliminated and the separation chamber is completely filled with liquid, guaranteeing aseptic processing conditions from the start of operation
Solution Approach 2:
Hydraulic pressure is used to fill the separation chamber with liquid medium, ensuring complete filling and elimination of air pockets. The liquid pressure system automatically removes trapped air, maintaining aseptic conditions without complex mechanical structures
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
The insert allows for increased manoeuvrability and handling, enabling single-use operation with reduced shear forces on sensitive materials, and ensures aseptic processing by eliminating air pockets, thus enhancing operational efficiency and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
During operation, fluid mixture that is about to be separated is introduced into a rotating bowl and due to the centrifugal forces, heavy particles or denser liquid, such as water, accumulates at the periphery of the rotating bowl whereas less dense liquid accumulates closer to the central axis of rotation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides an exchangeable separation insert (1) for a centrifugal separator (100) comprising a rotor casing (2) enclosing a separation space (17) in which a stack (19) of separation discs is arranged, and first and second stationary portions (3, 4). A feed inlet (20) supplies a fluid mixture to to said separation space (17). The insert further comprises a light phase outlet (21) and a heavy phase outlet (22). Said feed inlet (20) is arranged at a first axial end (5) of said rotor casing (2). One of said light phase outlet (21) and heavy phase outlet (22) is arranged at a second axial end (6). A first rotatable seal (15) seals and connects said feed inlet (20) and a second rotatable seal (16) seals and connects one of said light phase outlet (21) and heavy phase outlet (22).