Flexible Container Filtration Device for Sterile Solid Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filtration systems with flexible containers are limited in their ability to discharge solid materials without contaminating them, as they are not designed for sterile discharge and reuse, leading to increased costs and reduced flexibility in product changes.
Innovation Solution
A device with a pressure vessel and flexible plastic container that includes a discharge mechanism, allowing for the sterile separation and discharge of solid materials from liquids and gases, enabling the regeneration of the filtration system for repeated use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a disposable flexible container system is used, then sterility and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity and loss of substance increase due to inability to discharge solids
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a reusable pressure vessel and a disposable flexible container. The flexible container can be removed and replaced after filtration, while the pressure vessel remains in place. This segmentation allows the expensive reusable component to be cleaned and sterilized while the disposable component handles sterility and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible container is designed to be discarded after a single use, while the pressure vessel is recovered, cleaned, and reused. The discharge mechanism allows solid materials to be removed from the flexible container, enabling the system to recover the reusable components for continued operation.
2Reliability
If the flexible container is tightly sealed, then sterility is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for discharge mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge mechanism is extracted as a separate component that interfaces with the flexible container. This allows the main filtration system to remain tightly sealed and sterile, while the discharge function is handled by a dedicated mechanism that can be opened when needed without compromising the overall sterility of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
A closure mechanism acts as an intermediary between the sealed flexible container and the external environment. This closure mechanism can be opened to discharge solids while maintaining the integrity of the sealed filtration system, allowing sterility to be preserved during operation while enabling discharge when necessary.
3Reliability
If filter elements are tightly wrapped in flexible container, then sterility is improved, but productivity decreases due to limited filtration area
Solution Approach 1:
The filter elements are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration within the flexible container, utilizing vertical space and multiple layers. This dimensional arrangement increases the total filtration surface area within the same container volume, thereby improving productivity while maintaining sterility through the sealed flexible container.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible container serves multiple functions: it provides sterile containment, supports filter elements, enables discharge of solids, and allows pressure differential application. This multi-functionality increases productivity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function, while maintaining sterility through its sealed design.
4Ease of manufacture
If disposable system is used, then cleaning costs are reduced, but loss of substance increases due to inability to regenerate filtration system
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers the pressure vessel and filter elements for regeneration and reuse, while discarding only the flexible container. This selective discarding approach reduces cleaning costs by minimizing the amount of material that needs to be cleaned and sterilized, while preventing loss of valuable filtration components through the discharge mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter changes in the filtration process, such as adjusting pressure differentials, flow rates, and discharge timing. These parameter changes enable optimization of filtration efficiency and solid discharge, thereby reducing material loss and improving the economic viability of the system.
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 device facilitates efficient and cost-effective filtration with reduced cleaning costs, high flow rates, and minimized product changeover times by allowing for the discharge and reuse of solid materials, maintaining sterility and reducing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
filter elements in a flexible container... for separating solid materials from liquids and gases
Implementation Method 2
pressure vessel... consisting of a pressure vessel, one or more filter elements in a flexible container... and a discharge mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for separating solid materials out of liquids or gases and for discharging solid material. The device comprises a pressurised container and at least one filter element, the at least one filter element being arranged in a flexible container which is arranged in the pressurised container and is sealed tightly relative thereto. The pressurised container comprises at least one outlet for discharging the solid material and the flexible container comprises at least one discharge connection, the discharge connection of the flexible container being guided through the outlet of the pressurised container and sealed tightly relative to the pressurised container. In this case the outlet and the discharge connection of the flexible container can be closed and sealed by means of a closure mechanism relative to the environment outside the flexible container and the pressurised container.