Hermetic Centrifugal Separator With Pumped Phase Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal separators face challenges in processing cell culture mixtures due to excessive cell breakage from shear forces and the need for improved flow control to prevent product loss and accumulation of separated phases.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal separator design with a rotatable assembly and positive displacement pumps downstream of the outlets to stabilize flow, reduce feed pressure, and enhance control, featuring a solid rotor casing and hermetically sealed inlets and outlets, along with exchangeable separation inserts for single-use applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional centrifugal separators are used for cell culture mixtures, then separation of liquid phases is achieved, but excessive cell breakage occurs due to shear forces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs dynamic flow control through variable speed pumps that can adjust their operation based on process conditions. The first pump controlling light phase discharge and the second pump controlling heavy phase discharge can independently adjust their speeds to optimize flow conditions, thereby reducing shear forces on sensitive cell cultures while maintaining effective separation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by using variable speed pumps instead of fixed flow rate systems. The pumps can operate at different speeds to control the discharge rates of light and heavy phases independently, allowing optimization of flow conditions to minimize shear forces on cells while maintaining separation efficiency
2Reliability
If conventional flow control is used in centrifugal separators, then separation occurs, but flow instability and product loss occur due to poor flow control
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements feedback control through sensors that monitor the flow conditions and the operational status of the variable speed pumps. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust pump speeds in real-time to maintain stable flow conditions, preventing flow instability that could lead to product loss or contamination between phases
Solution Approach 2:
The variable speed pumps provide dynamic flow control, allowing the system to adapt flow rates to changing conditions. This dynamic control prevents flow instability and ensures that the light phase does not escape through the heavy phase outlet, thereby preventing product loss
3Reliability
If additional feed pumps are added to improve flow control, then flow stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The variable speed pumps serve multiple functions: they control the discharge of both light and heavy phases, provide flow stabilization, and can operate at variable speeds to optimize different process conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving flow control precision
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
Stabilizes flow, reduces cell breakage, and prevents product loss by ensuring precise separation and discharge of phases, allowing for gentle handling of sensitive cell cultures and efficient operation without additional feed pumps.
Implementation Method 1
at least one positive displacement pump arranged downstream of the second liquid outlet for transporting the separated heavy phase from said separation space; at least one positive displacement pump arranged downstream of the first liquid outlet for transporting the separated liquid phase from the separation space
Implementation Method 2
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 1a~1d
Figure 1e~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention provides a centrifugal separator (100) for separation of a liquid mixture. The separator comprises a stationary frame (30), a rotatable assembly (101) and a drive unit (34) for rotating the rotatable assembly (101) relative the frame (30) around an axis of rotation (X), wherein the rotatable assembly (101) comprises a rotor casing (2) enclosing a separation space (17) in which a stack (19) of separation discs is arranged to rotate around a vertical axis (X) of rotation. The rotor casing (2) further comprises a mechanically hermetically sealed inlet (20) for supply of said liquid mixture to said separation space (17); a first liquid outlet (21) that is mechanically hermetically sealed and arranged for discharge of a separated liquid phase and a second liquid outlet (22) that is mechanically hermetically sealed and arranged for discharge of a separated heavy phase; said heavy phase having a density that is higher than said liquid phase. The separator (100) further comprises at least one positive displacement pump (50) arranged downstream of said second liquid outlet (22) for transporting the separated heavy phase from said separation space (17) and at least one positive displacement pump (60) arranged downstream of said first liquid outlet (21) for transporting the separated liquid phase from said separation space (17).