Isolator Vacuum Filtration Loop for Pressure-Stable Powder Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for using vacuum cleaners within isolators, particularly in explosion-proof designs, are either expensive or require the vacuum cleaner to be disposed of after each use, and they often disrupt the isolator's pressure balance and contamination control.

Innovation Solution

A commercially available vacuum cleaner is operated outside the isolator with the nozzle inside, using a filtered hose and recycling the exhaust air back into the isolator, maintaining pressure balance and using a particle filter to prevent contamination, with optional pharmaceutical-grade materials and components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a commercially available vacuum cleaner is connected to the isolator, then the vacuuming function is available, but the pressure level in the isolator collapses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuuming functionVSAvoidpressure level

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

A pressure compensation connection is introduced as an intermediary element between the isolator and the vacuum cleaner. This connection includes a valve that can be opened or closed independently of the isolator's main valve, allowing pressure equalization when the vacuum cleaner is connected, thus preventing pressure collapse while maintaining isolation integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a commercially available vacuum cleaner is integrated into the isolator, then the vacuuming function is available, but there is no guarantee that all solids will be retained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuuming functionVSAvoidsolid retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filtration system is segmented into multiple independent filter stages. The first filter is integrated with the vacuum cleaner for initial particle capture, while a second filter is integrated with the isolator for final containment. This segmentation ensures that even if one filter fails, the other provides backup protection, guaranteeing solid retention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If an explosion-proof vacuum cleaner is used in the isolator, then safety is improved, but the cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Filter elements are introduced as intermediary containment barriers between the vacuum cleaner and the isolator environment. These filters capture particles and prevent escape into the atmosphere, providing safety through filtration rather than requiring expensive explosion-proof vacuum cleaner design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses replaceable filter elements that can be easily changed and disposed of, rather than requiring expensive explosion-proof vacuum cleaners. The filters serve as sacrificial components that protect the overall system at low cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Reliability

If the vacuum cleaner is disposed of as a whole after each use, then contamination risk is reduced, but the complexity and cost of operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination controlVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum cleaner system is segmented into reusable and disposable components. The main vacuum cleaner unit can be reused across multiple isolators, while only the filter elements and nozzle are disposed of after each use. This segmentation reduces operational complexity and cost while maintaining contamination control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 setup allows for cost-effective, efficient, and safe operation of a vacuum cleaner within an isolator, maintaining the isolator's pressure and preventing contamination, while enabling easy filter changes and reuse of the vacuum cleaner across different isolators.

Implementation Method 1

A suction hose (4) with a nozzle (5) is provided inside the isolator (1), with which material can be sucked up

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

The sucked-up material is fed via a hose (4) into a product filter (6) on which the hose (4) with nozzle (5) is detachably arranged

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

The two HEPA filters (8, 9) work according to the push-push principle, i.e. a possibly contaminated filter element is pushed into the isolator (1) by inserting a new filter element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHEPA filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2248606B1Vacuum cleaner for isolator operation

Publication Date: 2016.06.22 HOSOKAWA ALPINE AG

Figure 1

AI summary

The device has a suction hose (4) comprising a nozzle (5) arranged in an inner area of an insulator (1). Filters e.g. high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters (8, 9) and product filter (6), and a vacuum cleaner (11) are arranged at an outer side of the insulator, where air required for sucking a particle-like material is guided between the insulator, filters and the vacuum cleaner in a circle. The filters are provided as a barrier between the inner area of the insulator and an outer area, where the air filters are designed according to a push-push-principle.