Inflatable Seal Support Cage for CIP-Cleanable Chamber Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separating devices with inflatable seals face challenges in clean-in-place (CIP) cleaning, as the seals and grooves require manual removal and cleaning, limiting the use of automatic, residue-free cleaning in Super Clean (SC) systems, and result in complex constructive solutions.
Innovation Solution
A separating device with a lattice-designed support structure, forming a filigree support cage, allows for automated CIP cleaning and easy insertion/removal of inflatable seals, enabling effective cleaning of sealing seats in fluidization devices without tools, and maintaining high stability and low construction costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a groove is used to mount the inflatable seal, then the seal can be securely held in place, but the groove cannot be cleaned automatically and requires manual removal and cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple lattice elements (struts arranged in a grid pattern) rather than a solid groove, creating open spaces that allow cleaning media to access and clean the sealing surface and inflatable seal during CIP cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The lattice structure functions as a porous framework with open spaces between struts, allowing cleaning solutions to penetrate through and reach the sealing interface, enabling automated cleaning while maintaining structural support for the inflatable seal
2Reliability
If a solid component with a groove is used, then the inflatable seal is securely retained, but the device becomes heavier and more complex to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The solid groove structure is segmented into a lattice framework of thin struts, dramatically reducing material usage and weight while maintaining the necessary support function through the distributed grid pattern
Solution Approach 2:
The lattice structure uses thin-walled struts arranged in a grid pattern that provide sufficient mechanical support with minimal material, reducing weight compared to a solid groove while maintaining structural integrity
3Ease of manufacture
If a lattice-shaped support structure is used, then automated CIP cleaning is enabled and the device is lighter, but the construction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lattice support structure simultaneously performs multiple functions: mechanical support for the inflatable seal, retention during operation, and enables CIP cleaning access, replacing what would otherwise require separate components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a solid continuous form to a discretized lattice pattern with specific geometric parameters (strut spacing, thickness, arrangement) that optimize both mechanical strength and cleaning accessibility
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 lattice structure enables automated CIP cleaning, ensures optimal cleaning of the inflatable seal and separating device, and allows for quick and easy installation/removal of seals, promoting a lightweight, stable, and cost-effective design for CIP-capable systems.
Implementation Method 1
the inflatable seal is in the unpressurized, In its relaxed state, the inflatable seal is loosely arranged in the receiving space and, when pressurized, expands and rests against both the sealing surface and the counter-sealing surface
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a separating device (114) with a separating unit (113) for separating and sealing two chambers (111, 112) of a container (104), said separating unit (113) comprising a main part (102) which has a radial outer circumferential surface (106) designed as a sealing surface (124). The invention is characterized in that the separating unit (113) has a support structure (116) arranged in the region of the outer circumference (115), and the main part (102) together with the support structure (116) define a receiving area (123) which at least partly receives the inflatable seal (105). When installed, the separating unit (113) is arranged in the container (104), which has a container wall (103) that forms a mating sealing surface (109), such that the sealing surface (124) is annularly enclosed by the mating sealing surface (109) so that the inflatable seal (105) is loosely arranged in the receiving area (123) in a deflated, non-pressurized state and in the pressurized state expands and rests against the sealing surface (124) and the mating sealing surface (109) such that the inflatable seal (105) separates the container (104) into two chambers (111, 112) and seals off the chambers from one another.