Vacuum Conveying Apparatus with Rotary Filter Cleaning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pneumatic conveying systems for powder products in pharmaceutical applications lack the ability to be easily disassembled, washed, dried, and sterilized, which is crucial for meeting pharmaceutical standards.

Innovation Solution

A modular vacuum-assisted pneumatic conveying apparatus with quick-action coupling means, a sanitary butterfly discharge valve, and an integrated air storage chamber for efficient cleaning, along with adjustable suction and unloading times and filter cleaning pressure, ensuring all components can be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional pneumatic conveying systems are used, then powder products can be conveyed, but the systems cannot be easily disassembled, washed, dried, and sterilized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of cleaning and sterilizationVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveying system is divided into modular components including a conveying line with quick-connect couplings, a separate vacuum generator, filter units, and discharge mechanisms. Each module can be independently disassembled, cleaned, and sterilized, transforming a complex integrated system into manageable segments that meet pharmaceutical cleaning requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates quick-action coupling means that allow dynamic reconfiguration and rapid disassembly of components. The sanitary butterfly valve and adjustable timing mechanisms enable flexible operation modes, allowing the system to transition between conveying and cleaning states efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the apparatus is designed for easy disassembly and cleaning, then pharmaceutical standards are met, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepharmaceutical standard complianceVSAvoidmodular component structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum conveying apparatus is designed with universal sanitary fittings and quick-connect interfaces that serve multiple functions: conveying powder, enabling rapid disassembly for cleaning, and facilitating sterilization. The same modular structure that appears complex initially provides universal applicability across different pharmaceutical conveying needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates self-cleaning capabilities through integrated filter units with removable elements and design features that allow cleaning solutions to reach all surfaces. The modular architecture enables components to be easily serviced and maintained without requiring complex external equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If quick-action coupling means are used for easy cleaning, then cleaning efficiency improves, but connection reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning speedVSAvoidconnection tightness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism extracts the essential function of rapid connection and disconnection while incorporating sanitary sealing elements that maintain vacuum integrity. The quick-connect design separates the convenience of rapid assembly from potential reliability issues by integrating specialized sealing features specifically designed for pharmaceutical applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 apparatus allows for efficient and complete cleaning and sterilization of all components, enhancing its suitability for pharmaceutical applications by preventing clogging and ensuring high vacuum and pressure tightness, thus meeting pharmaceutical standards.

Implementation Method 1

apparatus for vacuum-assisted pneumatic conveying of powder products

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

means for introducing said product inside said container; means for discharging said product from said container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic conveying: Suction

Implementation Method 3

filtering unit which has been designed in a modular way and comprises a filtering element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2512961B1Apparatus and process for vacuum conveying of powder products or the like

Publication Date: 2017.02.15 AGIERRE S A S DI RUGGERO VINCENZO & C

AI summary

The present description relates to an apparatus and a process for vacuum-assisted pneumatic conveying of powder products, granules or the like. The apparatus comprises a container, a filtering unit (4) in the container and a rotary head with a nozzle (108) for washing the external wall of the filter unit (4). The apparatus provides a more immediate and efficient internal cleaning, allowing sterilization thus making the apparatus suitable for use also in the pharmaceutical sector.