Replaceable Inner Drum Separator for Hygienic Centrifugal Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing centrifugal separators face challenges in improving running properties and handling, particularly in maintaining hygiene and reducing the need for extensive cleaning during continuous operation, especially when processing pharmaceutical products like fermentation broths.

Innovation Solution

A centrifugal separator design featuring a rotatable drum with an inner drum and outer support device, where the inner drum is a replaceable module made of plastic or plastic composite material, and the outer drum is made of metal, providing stabilization and ease of assembly/disassembly, allowing for single-use operation without extensive cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the entire drum is designed as a replaceable single-use component made of plastic, then hygiene is improved and cleaning is eliminated, but the running properties and stability of the rotating system deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovehygieneVSAvoidrunning properties
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The drum is divided into two distinct parts: an inner drum made of plastic that can be easily replaced and disposed of after use, and an outer support device made of stable material that remains in the separator. This segmentation allows the plastic inner drum to be discarded for hygiene reasons while the stable outer support device maintains the running properties and structural integrity of the rotating system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the drum is designed as a single integrated unit, then structural stability is improved, but the ease of replacement and handling deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The drum system is segmented into a replaceable inner drum and a permanent outer support device. The inner drum can be independently removed and replaced without affecting the outer support device, significantly improving ease of replacement and handling while the outer support device maintains structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If the inner drum walls are made thin to reduce material usage, then cost-effectiveness is improved, but the mechanical strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecost-effectivenessVSAvoidmechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The outer support device acts as an intermediary structural element that provides the necessary mechanical strength and stability. This allows the inner drum to be constructed with thin walls using minimal plastic material, reducing cost while the outer support device compensates for the reduced strength of the thin-walled inner drum during rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design enhances the rotational stability and handling of the separator, reduces the need for cleaning, ensures hygiene, and minimizes waste by enabling the inner drum to be easily replaced after each batch, while maintaining efficient operation and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

a separator for the centrifugal processing of a flowable product

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3862096B1Separator
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 GEA MECHANICAL EQUIP GMBH
  • EP3862096B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3862096B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3862096B1 patent drawingFigure 1c

AI summary

A separator for the centrifugal processing of a free-flowing product, comprising a rotatable drum (2) which defines a centrifugal chamber (15) and has a means arranged in the drum (2) for clarifying a product to be processed in the centrifugal field, is characterized in that the drum (2) has an outer support device and an inner drum (12) arranged in the outer support device, that the drum (2) is arranged in a housing (1), and that the means for clarifying the product to be processed in the centrifugal field is arranged in the inner drum (12).