Fluid Bed Discharge Opening Base Plate Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional pneumatic discharge systems for fluid bed apparatuses in the pharmaceutical industry face challenges related to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements, containment, automation, cleaning in place (CIP), and cost, particularly due to the need for separate conveying air and multiple connections which can lead to contamination.

Innovation Solution

A fluid bed apparatus with a perforated base plate positioned above the discharge opening, allowing process gas to flow directly into the conveying pipe, eliminating the need for separate conveying gas and reducing the number of connections, thereby simplifying the system and enhancing containment and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a separate conveying air supply system is used for pneumatic discharge, then the particulate material can be conveyed through the pipe, but the system complexity increases and contamination risk increases due to multiple connections and openings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepneumatic discharge and transportationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the process gas function with the conveying gas function. The process gas that passes through the perforated base plate during fluidization is directly utilized to convey the processed particulate material through the discharge opening and into the collection container, eliminating the need for a separate conveying air supply system and reducing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The process gas serves multiple functions: it fluidizes the particulate material during processing and subsequently acts as the conveying medium for discharge and transportation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate systems needed and minimizes connections and openings that could lead to contamination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a separate conveying air supply system is used, then material transport is achieved, but contamination risk increases due to multiple connections and openings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial transportVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the process gas with the conveying gas function, the invention reduces the number of separate connections and openings in the system. The process gas already present in the chamber is utilized for conveyance, minimizing additional connection points where contamination could occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The process gas serves itself by performing both fluidization and conveying functions. The gas that is already in the system for processing automatically becomes the conveying medium, eliminating the need for external conveying air supply and reducing potential contamination pathways

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If traditional pneumatic discharge with separate conveying air is used, then material conveyance is achieved, but operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial conveyance efficiencyVSAvoidoperational costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines the process gas and conveying gas into a single system, eliminating the need for separate conveying air supply equipment and operations. This reduces operational complexity and associated costs while maintaining effective material conveyance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The process gas performs dual functions of fluidization during processing and conveyance during discharge. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional energy-consuming conveying air supply systems, reducing operational costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This configuration enables faster and more efficient discharge of processed particulate material, reduces contamination risks, and lowers operational costs by utilizing the process gas for conveying, thus meeting GMP standards and improving system flexibility and maintenance efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the process gas coming from the plenum below the base plate to flow directly into the conveying pipe where it supports the pneumatic product conveying

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic conveying:

Implementation Method 2

the opening area of the discharge opening is divided into an opening area below the base plate and an opening area above the base plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas flow separation:

Data Source

PatentEP2611531B1Fluid bed apparatus and method for processing a particulate material

Publication Date: 2015.01.07 GEA PHARMA SYSTEMS AG

Figure 1
Figure 2~5

AI summary

The fluid bed apparatus has a chamber (1) including a plenum (11) and a perforated base plate (3) is located above the plenum (11). An inlet (2) and an outlet (7) are provided for process gas. A discharge opening (8) has a lower edge (8a) and an upper edge (8b) and defining a height and an opening area, the base plate (3) being positioned above the lower edge (8a) of the discharge opening (8) such that the opening area of the discharge opening (8) is divided into an opening area (Aa) below the base plate (3) and an opening area (Ap) above the base plate (3).