Exchangeable Centrifugal Separator Insert With Integrated Seal Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for compact and easily maneuverable single-use centrifugal separation solutions that eliminate the need for cleaning-in-place processes, particularly in pharmaceutical processing, where traditional centrifugal separators are cumbersome and difficult to handle.
Innovation Solution
An exchangeable separation insert for centrifugal separators featuring a rotor casing with a stack of separation discs, a feed inlet, light phase outlet, and heavy phase outlet, sealed by a rotatable and stationary seal assembly, allowing for compact design and easy handling, with a closed fluid circulation system for sealing and cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional centrifugal separator is used, then separation function is achieved, but the device is cumbersome and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The centrifugal separator is divided into modular components: a reusable drive unit and exchangeable separation inserts. Each insert contains a rotor casing, separation discs, and integrated sealing, allowing individual handling and replacement without moving the entire separator system.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation insert is designed with nested components where the rotor casing encloses the separation space containing stacked separation discs. The seal assembly is integrated within the rotor casing structure, creating a compact nested arrangement that reduces overall device footprint.
2Reliability
If cleaning-in-place processes are implemented, then hygienic operation is maintained, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separation insert is designed as a single-use disposable component. After separation operations, the entire insert is discarded rather than cleaned, eliminating complex cleaning-in-place systems while ensuring hygienic operation for pharmaceutical applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation insert is extracted as a removable unit from the drive mechanism. This extraction allows the insert to be easily replaced with a fresh insert, providing a simple solution for maintaining hygienic standards without requiring in-place cleaning processes.
3Productivity
If multiple outlets are arranged at different axial positions, then separation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple outlet functions (light phase outlet and heavy phase outlet) are merged into a single axial end of the rotor casing. The seal assembly integrates sealing for both outlets along with the feed inlet at the same axial position, reducing structural complexity while maintaining separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The first axial end of the rotor casing serves multiple functions: it contains the feed inlet for material introduction, the light phase outlet for separated liquid discharge, and the heavy phase outlet for separated solid discharge. This multi-functional arrangement at a single axial position simplifies the overall structure.
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 compact design enhances maneuverability and handling while ensuring hygienic operation by eliminating the need for cleaning-in-place processes, facilitating efficient separation of fluid mixtures with reduced operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
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
Implementation Method 2
A first seal assembly is sealing and connecting said two of said feed inlet, light phase outlet and heavy phase outlet to corresponding inlet conduit and/or outlet conduits in said first stationary portion
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
Thus, an exchangeable separation insert for a centrifugal separator comprises a rotor casing enclosing a separation space in which a stack of separation discs is arranged to rotate around an axis of rotation. Said rotor casing is axially arranged between a first and a second stationary portion. The insert comprises further a feed inlet for supply of the fluid mixture to be separated to said separation space, a light phase outlet for discharge of a separated phase of a first density, and a heavy phase outlet for discharge of a separated phase of a second density higher than said first density. Two of said feed inlet, light phase outlet and heavy phase outlet are arranged at a first axial end of said rotor casing. A first seal assembly is sealing and connecting said two of said feed inlet, light phase outlet and heavy phase outlet to corresponding inlet conduit and/or outlet conduits in said first stationary portion. Said first seal assembly comprises a rotatable part attached to said rotor casing and a stationary part attached to said stationary portion. Said rotatable part and said stationary part are axially aligned and seal against each other. A first of said two of said feed inlet, light phase outlet and heavy phase outlet is arranged axially at the axis of rotation and a second of said two of said feed inlet, light phase outlet and heavy phase outlet is arranged axially outside of said first of said two of said feed inlet, light phase outlet and heavy phase outlet in such a manner that both said first and second of said two of said feed inlet, light phase outlet and heavy phase outlet are led through said rotatable part and said corresponding inlet conduit and/or outlet conduits are led through said stationary part of said first seal assembly.