DE102010008524A1 - Method for testing integrity of filter elements arranged in filter housing, involves unloading clusters with filter elements by valves to determine pressure drop at input side of elements, and determining integrity of elements based on drop - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves combining filter elements (2) in clusters, and connecting the clusters to a filtrate spacer (8) over exhaust valves (11-13). Input and output sides of the filter elements are loaded with gas pressure that is supplied by a safety device e.g. virus filter, and the clusters with the filter elements are unloaded by the exhaust valves for determining pressure drop at the input side of the filter elements. The integrity of the filter elements is determined based on the pressure drop, where output valves of the filter elements are closed. An independent claim is also included for a device for testing integrity of filter elements arranged in a filter housing.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a method for checking the integrity of arranged in a filter housing filter elements, which are summarized in clusters of at least one filter element, each cluster is connected via its own outlet valve with a Filtratleitung in which the filter elements wetted with a liquid and exposed to a gas pressure be determined on the input side pressure drop, the integrity of the filter elements of the cluster.

The invention further relates to a device for checking the integrity of filter elements arranged in a filter housing filter elements, which are summarized in clusters of at least one filter element, each cluster is connected via its own outlet valve with a filtrate, wherein the interior of the filter housing connected to a Unfiltratleitung and wherein the interior of a gas with a predetermined gas pressure can be supplied.

State of the art

From the EP 0 586 659 B1 For example, a method and an apparatus for checking the integrity of filter elements are known. In this case, a plurality of filter elements is arranged in a filter housing. Several filter elements are combined in sections or clusters, each cluster being connected to a filtrate line via its own outlet valve. The interior of the filter housing is connected to a non-filtrate, can be supplied via the liquid to be filtered or an aqueous liquid for wetting the filter elements with subsequent integrity check.

The disadvantage here is that the pressure required for integrity testing in the housing interior gas pressure is readjusted relatively expensive during the pressure test. In order to be able to determine the pressure drop in the respective cluster, it is necessary to provide each outlet valve with an upstream pressure measuring device. A further disadvantage is that not only in the cluster to be tested on the input and output side, there is a pressure difference, but also in the filter elements of the remaining clusters. This leads to an undesirable diffusive flow through all filter elements and thus to a falsification of results.

Furthermore, from the EP 0 518 250 B2 a method and an apparatus for checking the integrity of filter elements are known, which have substantially the same disadvantages described above.

task

It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve the known methods and devices in such a way that the method for checking the integrity of filter elements can be carried out in a simpler, cheaper and safer manner. In particular, a diffusive flow should be avoided in the filter elements not to be tested.

Presentation of the invention

The object with respect to the method is achieved in conjunction with the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the filter elements are acted upon at the input and output side with one and the same gas pressure that relaxes the cluster with the filter elements to be tested for determining the input-side pressure drop on the output side via its outlet valve with the output valves of the remaining clusters closed.

By applying the filter elements of the remaining clusters both on the input side and on the output side with the gas pressure, only the cluster with the filter elements to be tested passes through its open outlet valve to an input-side pressure drop to be measured. Since there is no pressure difference in the remaining filter elements, unwanted diffusive flow between or in the filter elements is reliably avoided. Since the gas pressure in the housing interior is not kept constant, the pressure drop caused by the filter elements of the cluster to be tested on the change in the gas pressure in the housing interior by a single pressure gauge, which is connected to the housing interior, can be determined. The process becomes simpler, cheaper and safer than the known methods.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, after the filter elements of the first cluster have been tested, the filter elements are again supplied with the gas pressure on the input and output side, and subsequently the second cluster with the filter elements to be tested is decoupled on the output side by opening its outlet valve to determine an inlet-side pressure drop with the exhaust valves of the remaining clusters closed.

In accordance with the steps described above, in subsequent steps the filter elements of the remaining clusters are checked for their integrity. For the test of the filter elements of the following cluster, the tested filter elements of the respective cluster are re-pressurized with gas, which can be done in a much shorter time, as the Filter elements of the remaining clusters are still substantially pressurized.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, an inlet-side head space of the filter housing via a head space valve and a headspace valve upstream pressure line valve, the gas pressure is supplied, wherein the head space and the filtrate are connected to each other via a short-circuit valve. For generating the gas pressure, for example, sterile air at a pressure of 4500 mbar is supplied via the head space valve to the head space or the associated housing interior, and the sterile air is supplied to the clusters at the same pressure via the short-circuit valve via the filtrate line and the outlet valves. so that the filter elements of the cluster input and output side are subjected to the same pressure.

To avoid cross-contamination, it has been proven to install a safety unit in front of the short-circuit valve. The safety device is intended to prevent the passage of microorganisms, in particular bacteria and / or viruses, between the inlet and outlet sides. Such safety devices can be designed as sterile or virus filters.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, after the filter elements have been wetted, the filter housing is emptied on the input side via the unfiltrate line and on the output side via the filtrate line, wherein residual liquid can be discharged from the filter elements of the cluster into a collecting vessel. The collection vessel, which communicates with the environment via a sterile or viral filter and a subsequent valve, can ensure permanent "sterile or viral sterility" on the filtrate side.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, gas is discharged via the headspace valve and a first gas filter with a downstream gas filter valve for the pressure relief on the input side.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, gas is discharged via the filtrate line, the collecting vessel and a second gas filter with downstream second gas filter valve for the output side pressure relief. In particular, through the collecting vessel and the second gas filter with downstream gas filter valve, the safety can be ensured on the filtrate side.

The object with respect to the device is achieved in conjunction with the preamble of claim 8, characterized in that the housing interior is in communication with a pressure gauge and that the housing interior is connected via a short-circuit valve with the filtrate line.

To avoid cross-contamination, it has proven in a preferred embodiment of the invention that a safety unit is installed in front of the short-circuit valve. The safety device is intended to prevent the passage of microorganisms, in particular bacteria and / or viruses, between the inlet and outlet sides. Such safety devices can be designed as sterile or virus filters.

Through the connection of the housing interior via a short-circuit valve with the filtrate line, the filter elements or clusters can also be pressurized on the output side via the outlet valves. To measure the input-side pressure drop in each case to be tested filter elements of the cluster is sufficient for all clusters a single connected to the housing interior pressure gauge.

The device is suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention and insofar has the abovementioned advantages.

In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing interior merges into a head space, which is connected via a head space valve and via the short-circuit valve to the filtrate line. On the headspace or housing interior to a gas with the necessary gas pressure can be supplied via the headspace valve and on the other hand can be relaxed by discharging gas on the headspace valve and a downstream gas filter of the housing interior. Furthermore, on the output side of the headspace valve branch, which is connected via the short-circuit valve with the filtrate, the filter elements supplied on the gas side with the necessary gas pressure.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the clusters are connected via the outlet valves and the filtrate line to a collecting vessel, which can be degassed via a gas filter with a gas filter valve. As a result, the gas pressure in the housing interior and in the filter elements can be reduced quickly and easily.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the headspace via the headspace valve with a first gas filter and a downstream first gas filter valve is degassed. The gas filter ensures that the environment is not undesirably contaminated during degassing.

Further details of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example.

Brief description of the drawings

In the drawings show:

1 : A block diagram of a device for checking the integrity of filter elements, in which the filter elements are supplied with a gas pressure on the inlet and outlet sides,

2 : a block diagram of the device of 1 with prestressed housing interior and prestressed filter elements of the remaining clusters in the step "tempering",

3 : a block diagram of the device of 2 with open pressure line valve, open headspace valve and open outlet valve of the cluster with the filter elements to be tested in the step "Stabilize",

4 : a block diagram of the device of 3 with closed headspace valve and open outlet valve of the cluster with the filter elements to be tested in the step "Testing",

5 : a block diagram of the device of 4 with opened pressure line valve, open headspace valve and opened outlet valve of the cluster with the filter elements to be tested in the step "Switchover 1",

6 : a block diagram of the device of 5 with opened pressure line valve, open headspace valve, opened outlet valve of the cluster with the tested filter elements and open short-circuit valve in the step "switching 2",

7 : a block diagram of the device of 6 with opened pressure line valve, open headspace valve, open short-circuit valve and open outlet valves of the clusters in the step "Switchover 3",

8th : a block diagram of the device of 7 with open pressure line valve, open headspace valve and open outlet valve of the next cluster with the filter elements to be tested in the step "Stabilize",

9 : a block diagram of the device of 8th with closed headspace valve and opened outlet valve of the cluster with the filter elements to be tested in the step "Test" and

10 : a block diagram of the device of 1 after the integrity test of the last cluster with filter elements to be tested with open headspace valve, opened filter valve, open outlet valves of the clusters, opened branch valve, opened vent valve and opened filter valve in step "Relax".

Description of the embodiments

A device 1 for checking the integrity of filter elements 2 consists essentially of a filter housing 3 , Clusters 4 . 5 . 6 , a non-filtrate line 7 , a filtrate line 8th and a pressure line 9 ,

The filter housing 3 has a housing interior 10 on, in which the filter elements 2 summarized in the clusters 4 . 5 . 6 are arranged. There is every cluster 4 . 5 . 6 each of at least one filter element 2 , In the embodiment of two filter elements 2 , wherein in the figures each symbolically only one filter element is shown.

The clusters 4 . 5 . 6 each have their own outlet valve on the output side 11 . 12 . 13 on, over the filter elements 2 or the clusters 4 . 5 . 6 with the filtrate line 8th are connected. The unfiltrate line 7 is via an inlet valve 14 with the housing interior 10 connected. The housing interior 10 has a headspace in the vertical direction at the top 15 on top of a headspace valve 16 with the pressure line 9 connected is.

The pressure line 9 has upstream a pressure line valve 17 on. Between the headspace valve 16 and the pressure line valve 17 is a gas filter 18 arranged over which the pressure line 9 with the environment via a filter valve 19 is connectable. The pressure line 9 leads on the one hand via the headspace valve 16 in the headspace 15 or the housing interior 10 , and on the other hand is the pressure line 9 via a short circuit line 20 and a short-circuit valve 21 with the filtrate line 8th and thus about the exhaust valves 11 . 12 . 13 on the output side with the clusters 4 . 5 . 6 connected. Upstream is the filtrate line 8th via a filtrate line valve 22 shut off. Between the first exhaust valve 11 and the filtrate line valve 22 is a branch line 23 with a branch valve 24 arranged, leading to a sterile collection vessel 25 leads. The collection vessel 25 is via a degassing valve 26 , a gas filter 27 and a downstream filter valve 28 connected to the environment.

A pressure gauge 29 is with the housing interior to measure the pressure drop in the housing interior (input-side pressure drop) 10 connected.

To avoid cross-contamination is before the short-circuit valve 21 a security unit 30 Installed. The security unit 30 Prevents or reduces to an acceptable level the passage of microorganisms, especially bacteria and / or viruses between the inlet and outlet side. The security unit 30 can be designed as a sterile or virus filter.

A known from the prior art control and control unit and existing control lines are not shown.

According to one embodiment, an automatic device 1 for checking the integrity of filter elements 2 used, for example, as 20 '' - filter candles are formed. Every cluster 4 is for example with two filter elements 2 occupied. The necessary gas pressure for the pressure test can be, for example, 4,500 mbar, with sterile air being used as the test gas. The filter elements 2 the cluster 4 . 5 . 6 At the beginning of the test procedure, use an aqueous solution passing through the unfiltrate line 7 fed and over the filtrate line 8th is discharged, wetted. Anschießend is the filter housing 3 Static emptied on the input and output side.

Corresponding 2 follows in a first test step a "biasing". This is done via the pressure line 9 sterile air at a pressure of 4,500 mbar via the pressure line 9 , the pressure line valve 17 and the headspace valve 16 the headspace 15 of the filter housing 3 fed. At the same time via the pressure line 9 , the short circuit line 20 and the short-circuit valve 21 and the exhaust valves 12 . 13 the clusters 5 . 6 with the filter elements not to be tested 2 On the output side, the predetermined gas pressure of 4,500 mbar supplied.

In a second step takes place accordingly 3 a "stabilization". In the process, the short-circuit valve becomes 21 and the exhaust valves 12 . 13 the remaining clusters 5 . 6 with the filter elements not to be tested 2 closed. Furthermore, the way through the branch valve 24 , the collection vessel 25 , the vent valve 26 and the filter valve 28 open. In a next sub-step, the opening of the exhaust valve takes place 11 of the first cluster 4 with the filter elements to be tested 2 ,

In one step 3 takes place accordingly 4 the actual pressure drop test of the filter elements 2 of the first cluster 4 , For this purpose, the headspace valve 16 closed and the pressure drop in the housing interior 10 is via the pressure gauge 29 determined. When the pressure drop moves within the allowed range, the integrity test of the filter elements applies 2 of the first cluster 4 as successful and the test will continue.

Corresponding 5 takes place in one step 4 a switching, wherein first the headspace valve 16 opened and the way to the collection vessel 25 by closing the branch valve 24 is closed.

Corresponding 6 In a fifth step, another switching takes place, the short-circuit valve 21 is opened.

Corresponding 7 In a sixth step, a further switching takes place, in which additionally the exhaust valves 12 . 13 be opened.

Corresponding 8th a "stabilization" of the next cluster takes place in a seventh step 5 with the filter elements to be tested 2 , where the short-circuit valve 21 is closed and the way through the collection vessel 25 by opening the branch valve 24 with additional opening of the exhaust valve 12 is released.

Corresponding 9 In an eighth step, the integrity check of the filter elements takes place 2 of the second cluster 5 , For this purpose, the headspace valve 16 closed and the pressure drop in the housing interior 10 via the pressure gauge 29 measured.

As far as the measured pressure drop is in the predetermined frame, the second cluster becomes 5 released and the integrity test continued accordingly.

After the filter elements 2 of the last cluster 6 has been tested and released in accordance with the previous steps 10 an input and output side relaxation. For this purpose, the exhaust valves 11 . 12 . 13 all clusters 4 . 5 . 6 opened and over the collection vessel 25 vented. On the input side, the pressure line valve 17 closed and the housing interior 10 over the headspace valve 16 , the air filter 18 and the filter valve 19 vented or relaxed.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 0586659 B1 [0003]
• EP 0518250 B2 [0005]

Claims (15)

Method for Integrity Testing in a Filter Housing ( 3 ) arranged filter elements ( 2 ) in clusters ( 4 . 5 . 6 ) of at least one filter element each ( 2 ), each cluster ( 4 . 5 . 6 ) via its own outlet valve ( 11 . 12 . 13 ) with a filtrate line ( 8th ), in which the filter elements ( 2 ) are wetted with a liquid and exposed to a predetermined gas pressure and the pressure drop over the integrity of the filter elements ( 2 ) the cluster ( 4 . 5 . 6 ), characterized in that the filter elements ( 2 ) are acted upon on the input and output side with the gas pressure that the cluster ( 4 . 5 . 6 ) with the filter elements to be tested ( 2 ) for determining the input-side pressure drop on the output side via its outlet valve ( 11 . 12 . 13 ), the output valves ( 11 . 12 . 13 ) of the remaining clusters ( 4 . 5 . 6 ) are closed. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that after the test of the filter elements ( 2 ) of the first cluster ( 4 . 5 . 6 ) the filter elements ( 2 ) are again acted upon on the input and output side with the gas pressure and that subsequently the second cluster ( 4 . 5 . 6 ) with the filter elements to be tested ( 2 ) is relaxed on the output side to determine an input-side pressure drop, the output valves ( 11 . 12 . 13 ) of the remaining clusters ( 4 . 5 . 6 ) are closed. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in subsequent steps the filter elements ( 2 ) of the remaining clusters ( 4 . 5 . 6 ) are checked for integrity. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that an input-side headspace ( 15 ) of the filter housing ( 3 ) via a headspace valve ( 16 ) and a headspace valve ( 16 ) upstream pressure line valve ( 17 ) the gas pressure is supplied, and that the head space ( 15 ) and the filtrate line ( 8th ) via a short-circuit valve ( 21 ). A method according to claim 4, characterized in that the supply of the output-side gas pressure to avoid cross-contamination via a front of the short-circuit valve ( 21 ) installed security unit ( 30 ) he follows. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the safety device ( 30 ) is designed as a sterile or virus filter. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that after wetting the filter elements ( 2 ) the filter housing ( 3 ) on the input side via the unfiltrate line ( 7 ) and on the output side via the filtrate line ( 8th ), whereby residual liquid from the filter elements ( 2 ) the cluster ( 4 . 5 . 6 ) into a collecting vessel ( 25 ) can be derived. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4 and 7, characterized in that the input side pressure relief gas via the headspace valve ( 16 ) and a first gas filter ( 18 ) with downstream gas filter valve ( 19 ) is derived. A method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the output side pressure relief gas via the filtrate ( 8th ), the collecting vessel ( 25 ) and a second gas filter ( 27 ) with downstream second gas filter valve ( 28 ) is derived. Apparatus for checking the integrity of filter elements ( 2 ) in a filter housing ( 3 ) arranged filter elements ( 2 ) in clusters ( 4 . 5 . 6 ) of at least one filter element each ( 2 ), each cluster ( 4 . 5 . 6 ) via its own outlet valve ( 11 . 12 . 13 ) with a filtrate line ( 8th ), the interior ( 10 ) of the filter housing ( 3 ) with an unfiltrate line ( 7 ), and wherein the interior ( 10 ) a gas with a predetermined gas pressure can be supplied, characterized in that the housing interior ( 10 ) with a pressure gauge ( 29 ) and that the housing interior ( 10 ) via a short-circuit valve ( 21 ) with the filtrate line ( 8th ) connected is. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that in order to avoid cross-contamination before the short-circuit valve ( 21 ) a security unit ( 30 ) is installed. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the security unit ( 30 ) is designed as a sterile or virus filter. Device according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the housing interior ( 10 ) into a headspace ( 15 ) passing over a headspace valve ( 16 ) and via the short-circuit valve ( 21 ) with the filtrate line ( 8th ) connected is. Device according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the clusters ( 4 . 5 . 6 ) via the exhaust valves ( 11 . 12 . 13 ) and the filtrate line ( 8th ) with a collecting vessel ( 25 ) connected via a gas filter ( 27 ) with gas filter valve ( 28 ) is degassable. Apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the head space ( 15 ) via the headspace valve ( 16 ) with a first gas filter ( 18 ) and a downstream first gas filter valve ( 19 ) is degassable.

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