Modular Centrifugal Separator With Exchangeable Insert And Tube Kit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-use disposable separation equipment in pharmaceutical and biotechnology fields is manufactured and delivered as a single entity, limiting flexibility and increasing complexity, as both rotating parts and tube connections are integrated into one unit, making it difficult to manage and reuse.
Innovation Solution
A modular centrifugal separator system is designed with an exchangeable separation insert and tube kit, allowing these components to be handled and supplied separately, reducing complexity and enabling different combinations for various applications, with a removable sealing member ensuring sterility and ease of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disposable separation equipment is manufactured as a single entity integrating rotating parts and tube connections, then sterility is maintained and handling is simplified, but flexibility is limited and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable separation equipment is divided into separate modules: an exchangeable separation insert (containing the rotor casing and separation elements) and an exchangeable tube kit (containing fluid connections). This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and enables flexible recombination for different applications while maintaining sterility through separate packaging and assembly protocols.
2Ease of operation
If disposable separation equipment is manufactured as a single entity, then assembly is simplified, but device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the equipment into standardized modules with defined interfaces, the overall system complexity is reduced. Each module can be manufactured independently using optimized processes, and the standardized interfaces simplify assembly instructions and handling procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate different types of separation inserts and tube kits through standardized interfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized devices, thereby reducing overall equipment complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If rotating parts and tube connections are integrated into one unit, then handling is simplified, but manufacturing efficiency decreases and supplier logistics become less flexible
Solution Approach 1:
Separating rotating parts (in the separation insert) from tube connections (in the tube kit) allows parallel manufacturing processes for each module. Different suppliers can manufacture different modules simultaneously, improving overall productivity and enabling more flexible logistics and inventory management.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation insert and tube kit are designed to combine easily through standardized interfaces during final assembly. This merging maintains handling simplicity by creating a complete functional unit at the point of use, while the modular approach upstream improves manufacturing efficiency.
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 modular design simplifies manufacturing, provides flexibility in supplier logistics, and allows for different configurations based on batch requirements, while maintaining sterility and efficiency in separating liquid mixtures into heavy and light phases.
Implementation Method 1
a rotor casing (52) forming a separation space (54), and configured to rotate about a rotational axis (30) extending in an axial direction
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The disclosure concerns a modular centrifugal separator system (2) comprising a base unit (4) and arranged therein an exchangeable separation insert (6), an exchangeable tube kit (8), and an interface (10) for fluid communication between the exchangeable separation insert (6) and the exchangeable tube kit (8). The exchangeable separation insert (6) comprises a rotor casing (52) forming a separation space (54), and a first half (101) of the interface (10). The exchangeable tube kit (8) comprises at least one tube (22, 24, 26) for one of the liquid feed mixture, the heavy phase, and the light phase, and a second half (102) of the interface (10). The modular centrifugal separator system (2) comprises a removable sealing member (12) covering the first and/or second half (101, 102) of the interface (10).