DE3805361A1 - Integral filter for fluids made of a plurality of filter elements stacked one inside the other having different retention capacities and housing therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

In an integral filter (F) which can be enclosed in a surrounding housing (1, 2) having fluid connections (A1 to A6), which integral filter is for separating off fluid constituents and the permeable tube shell of which is composed of a plurality of tubular filter elements (K1, K2) having different filtering properties, the cross-sections of which are graded in such a way that a smaller filter element is surrounded by a larger filter element, with or without formation of an intermediate space (Z1), and in which the two tube ends are surrounded by sealing adaptors and connection adaptors and can be adapted to fluid spaces of the housing (1, 2), sections of the total filter (F) can, as desired, be monitored for integrity, charged with fluid and packings, emptied of fluid and packings and can have flow directed over them by means of an intermediate space (Z1 to Z2) between two filter elements (K1, K2, K3), which intermediate space can be externally separately guided and impinged (Fig. 27). <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to integral filters with specific and graduated separation characteristics for fluid components after the main claim and a Filter housing for it.

It is known for fuel and oil filters (DE-OS 31 03 723, DE-OS 28 40 117 and US-PS 42 53 954), spaces to be arranged between filter elements in order to first filter stage separated substances, e.g. B. water or a Remove the first filtrate from the gap.

The terms filter unit, filter element (basic filter element, Large filter element), filter housing and filter device are in accordance with the state of the art in the text uses the following definitions:

The sum of the filter-effective individual layers, including the protective filter layers (protection during processing and during use in the device) and drainage layers, an individual filter element is shown below FILTER UNIT called.  

One with safety elements (e.g. backflow protection and The core of filter cartridges) equipped filter unit that processed (e.g. encapsulation of the end faces, attachment of Adapters) that they can be used directly (as a basic filter element) or after merging several basic filter elements to large filter elements in a filter housing can be used for filtration, in Hereinafter called FILTER ELEMENT.

One or more filter elements are in one FILTER HOUSING inserted and described in parallel.

In a filtration device, for. B. several Filter housing connected in series. With appropriate Faucets, peripherals and media and energy sources the filtration process is controlled.

In the invention, it is z. B. integrated tubular filter elements for the filtration of various fluids (liquids and / or gases with various ingredients; from real to colloidal Solution via the suspension, the emulsion, the aerosol, the Smoke etc. up to the liquid or gas mixture).

In the case of known filter elements, the filtration target is the separation of all or certain ingredients of the fluid. Depending on the application, the permeate (filtrate) or the retentate (concentrate) or both of Interest.

The quality and quantity of the deposition is in the direct connection with the filter media used and Filtration methods.  

The filter media can be adsorptive, absorptive, electrochemical, chemical, catalytic and mechanical (deep, Sieve effect). Such filter media are available today in various forms of use as powder, granules, Staple fiber or monofilament tangle, threads, plane filters (Round filters, sheets, rolls), filter mats, filter layers and sintered, milled or otherwise produced Filtration body.

A further distinction is made between depth filters and Screen filters. The former are characterized in that the Exclusion size is not considered absolutely and physical Parameters the separation quality crucial influence. The classic screen filters also include defined fabrics (in contrast to nonwovens) so-called membrane filters of the separation quality of microfilters, Ulfra filters and filters for reverse osmosis. Filters belong to the class of "dense" membrane filters Gas separation, pervaporation, ion exchange membranes and the like.

The use of this filter media has been in the past Years has grown by leaps and bounds. This applies in particular to the group of membrane filters that are so stable today that can be manufactured and processed that filter elements can be realized with sufficient filter area and combined in modular construction to form larger systems can be. These are often used in combination with Depth filter systems are used, in most Cut the depth filters be used in the or the pre-filtration stages and have the task of the fluid pre-cleaning so that the safety level (s) or final filtration level (s) be used economically can.  

Through staged and specific pre-filtration and corresponding The gradation in the final filtration can be Service life (flow rate until irreversible blocking) and thus the economy of the overall filtration system optimize application-specific. The The field of application of the filter elements mentioned above is very widely spread. They are essential in pharmaceutical, the electrical and semiconductor industry, the Biotechnology, medical technology, chemical Industry, the energy supply industry, environmental protection and in the food industry (dairies, Beverages, food raw materials).

Such tubular filter elements, also in the field referred to as filter cartridges are in a wide variety Embodiments, in pleated, wrapped form with the various graduated multi-layer filter materials known. The publications listed below on State of the art form examples of such filter cartridges:

DE-OS 19 50 068
U.S. Patent No. 3,452,877
DE-AS 10 29 345
DE-OS 33 18 940
DE-OS 26 45 634
GB-OS 21 52 471

For specific pre-filtration or staged Filtration is used today so that different Filtration stages discontinuous or continuous be connected in series. For example, at the production of wine often a rough or fine separation  using a centrifuge and a discontinuous Finished wine and then the wine over a so-called layer filter (open system with Layered filter plates in a layered filter press or closed system with lampion-like arrangement "Plates" from layer filter units) filtered before the so-called final or sterile filtration via membrane filter cartridges he follows. Through different dimensions the series-connected housing and variation of the Housing equipment can be the number of each necessary Filter units can be coordinated.

The disadvantage of such more specific and graded Filtration is discontinuity on the one hand and on the other the variety of systems and processes a variety of Devices, especially filter housings, which the diverse Include filter elements, required. With every additional The device or housing not only increases the space requirement but above all increase the investment costs for Devices, fittings and peripherals as well as the cost of the condition and maintenance (set-up times, time required for Rinsing, wetting, checking, sterilizing, cleaning). The Risk of secondary contamination and process disturbances and associated product loss and / or product damage grows disproportionately.

A first attempt at specific and staged filtration To make more economical z. B. filter cartridges in their Filter unit depth filter in front of membrane filter multilayer, are arranged flat one above the other and / or membrane filter with different separation characteristics (pore size, Cut-Off) arranged in series within an element will.  

A disadvantage of this solution is e.g. B. in the case of pleating, that the various filter-effective layers of a Always work together in a 1: 1 ratio. It is correspondingly difficult to find filter media that optimal use of filter capacity (all Block layers alike) allowed. On the other hand is the maximum number of integrally interacting Layers already limited purely in terms of production technology. With the Number of filter layers interacting in a filter unit the risk continues to grow that if the Filter effectiveness of the filter element is already a small one Defect of a single filter layer is valuable in itself integrity material that must be discarded. Furthermore, with increasing number of filter effective Components more difficult, the effectiveness of the individual components in the association of the finished filter unit to review and interpret the test results.

This test problem can be solved using the example of pleated membrane filters are explained.

Microfilter systems in particular for sterile filtration subjected to so-called integrity tests before and after filtration, that should ensure filtration safety. This includes the bubble point or bladder pressure test, the Pressure maintenance test and the diffusion test. These tests correlate with destructive stress tests, the so-called Bacteria challenge tests, using standardized Test germs according to standardized test method performance of membrane filters or membrane filter products is detected.  

Despite automating these physical integrity checks this type of examination involves considerable Uncertainties. This uncertainty is growing disproportionately with the enlargement of the filter area.

Large (individually testable) filter areas are used today created by making small basic elements individually checked and then combined axially into larger units (welded, glued, sealed ...). These large filter units will be tested again subject. Defect tested or not working Filter units are discarded.

Another area (performance) enlargement takes place through Connecting several such large filter units in parallel (e.g. multiple candles) in large housings.

Apart from the large amount of testing, the big disadvantage is this concept that despite automation only one Collective measurement is carried out, d. H. between individual defects of individual filter elements in one Large or multiple housings can also not be distinguished become like between individual defects of individual Basic elements that make up a large filter element is. For large areas, apart from the fact that profitability even at low reject rates is no longer given, at least for the pressure maintenance and Diffusion test an interpretation of the test result increasingly difficult and critical.  

With these methods, the volume of the filter unit of the filter element to be tested diffusing Test gas or the resulting pressure drop on the Upstream side determined. The permissible diffusion volume theoretically grows proportionally with the filter area. The Practice shows, however, that this diffusion volume also through other parameters are significantly affected. These include Temperature, thickness, wetting behavior, the chemical nature of the filter media, the chemical nature of the Media with which the filter unit is processed. The Diffusion volume is made up of a wide variety Share together. While due to real defects caused diffusion due to the order of magnitude small-area systems can be clearly recognized, this is no longer possible with large-area systems because permissible diffusion and by small but harmful Defective diffusion of the same order of magnitude are. This is also the reason why a visual determination of the bubble point in large housings is extremely difficult.

It can be said that all suggestions, Filter elements in a large housing individually and to check economically, have not enforced.

If the integrity test is failed and after a breakdown during production (filtration) it is therefore often necessary, the functionality of the individual Check filter elements. This usually requires the filter housing emptied, the filter elements removed and individually being checked. The number of filter housings grows of course the time, personnel and cost and equally the amount of product loss and the risk product damage and secondary contamination.  

Another disadvantage of in different housings Series connected filter units of known type is that in case of failure or defect of only one upstream element often the entire downstream filter housing is affected is pulled, d. H. all elements of this Housing block prematurely.

Large filter areas are becoming indispensable today, though Filtration as a separation method economically or wants to survive competitively.

In addition to the separation quality, three criteria determine the Economy and safety of filtration systems:

• - service life
• - Flow per area and time
• - verifiability

The issue of verifiability has been described several times been.

In addition, the problem of service life became in-depth explained. It should be noted here that increased today "blocked" or no longer effective filter is tried Regenerate filter units. this happens e.g. B. by using chemical cleaning agents naturally due to the chemical compatibility of the system is limited as well as by flushing processes with effective Flushing media in or against the direction of filtration.

The disadvantages of the flushing methods are that Flushing downstream filter units or devices are unduly charged can, if not expensive in terms of equipment and usually also expensive  By-pass lines can be installed. On the other hand contains backwashing (against the direction of filtration) always the risk of destroying the filter element. This is particularly critical at the end point and should be before everything can be avoided if the terminal itself is not blocked but an upstream filter element, which cannot be controlled individually.

The problem area is flow per time and area of course also on the separation characteristics, the test problems and service life problems coupled. Mostly this problem due to high freely accessible area appropriate dimensioning and design of access and Processes and flow management solved. In case of This is called gas filtration for commercially available filter cartridges enlarged core inside diameter (loss of area!) and many individual units of low overall height (testability, Device costs!) On one housing level.

The disadvantage of this problem solution is congruent to that above statements.

The invention is therefore based on the object simple means the disadvantages of the known filter units or to remove filter elements, d. H. for the specifically graduated filtration (multiple filtration) one compact, the given filtration space in a surrounding Housing well exploited and used Integral filter that optimally uses filter materials create that allows targeted problem solving, is economically producible and easy to use, without having to solve the subtasks mentioned above Integral filter compared to common individual filter elements according to the prior art deterioration with regard to its possible verifiability according to the most varied  Undergoes test criteria and without any deterioration the supply and disposal options of the integral filter is thus bought.

This object is achieved by the main claim specified features solved by namely at least two filter elements with their diameters like this are graded so that the one enclosed by the tubular jacket Cavity of the larger filter element (main filter element) to accommodate at least one smaller one Filter element (subfilter element) serves and at least one of these multiple filter elements on integrity tested or testable filter element (integrity filter) forms. This means that one enclosed by the inner jacket Cavity for receiving at least one independent Basic filter element, which is the next one or filter stage connected in parallel.

By arranging a filter element in the filter element the area requirement can be different different and differently expensive filter elements actual filtration needs of the most varied Adapt media by combining different media standardized units. Since the filter elements in the individual filter stages functionally independent elements form, they can also independently at the manufacturer and also with the user within a common Housing in situ z. B. be checked for integrity if either the space between two filter elements or the internal cavity individually controlled or flowed to and the pressure conditions upstream or are controllable downstream or certain filter layers are switched so that downstream or upstream elements can be individually checked. Here  it is beneficial and sufficient that within the various Filtration levels only the filter elements a filtration stage, preferably the so-called Security filtration level (integrity filter) and smallest filter element in terms of area, tested will. The committee and testing effort can be done through testing assembly can be significantly reduced. Through integration various specific and graduated filter elements to an integral filter is also the handling when and expansion into surrounding large stainless steel housing simplified.

The inventive concept is in several embodiments explained with the accompanying drawing. It shows:

Fig. 1 shows schematically a vertical section through a filter housing integral with an inserted filter element according to the invention,

FIG. 2 is a variant of this,

Fig. 3 in a simplified schematic representation of a vertical section through a filter housing with an integral filter of four individual filter elements in parallel and series connection of the Filterelmente,

Fig. 4 in a representation corresponding to a housing with integral filters of four individual filter elements in series connection of the filter elements,

Fig. 5 to 16 in schematiscch and simplified representation of cross-sections through different filter combinations related to the number of filter stages, geometries, materials and types of filters and

Fig. 17 to 33 are schematic vertical sections through the housing and integral filter in a plurality of variations for different applications.

A housing made of stainless steel suitable for use in the beverage industry using the integral filter F according to the invention consists, according to FIG. 1, of the housing base 1 with three connections A 1 , A 2 , A 3 for the supply and disposal of the housing 1 to which is supported on housing legs 5 12 . The bell-shaped upper housing part 2 with a reinforcing ring 8 is connected to the housing base 1 with the interposition of elastic O-ring seals 23 with the aid of clamping elements 6 distributed over the circumference. The upper part of the housing 2 has a ventilation nozzle 10 with a valve arrangement 11 at its highest point. The housing upper part 2 can be completely removed from the housing base 1 with the help of the handles 12 after loosening the tensioning elements 6 , so that the housing base 1 is also freely accessible from the inside for the fitting and removal of the integral filter F. The centrally arranged connection A 2 merges into a housing opening, which forms the actual sterile space 14 , and the integral filter F , which is described in more detail below, engages in this housing opening with a connection adapter 27 with connecting piece 15 by means of O-ring seals 23 . A plurality of locking elements 7 arranged over the circumference of the housing base 1 can be brought into engagement with locking lugs 30 on the connecting adapter 27 , so that the integral filter F is locked overall in the axial direction and is secured against backflow from the connections A 2 to A 3 . The housing 1, 2 has z. B. an inner diameter of 317 mm and an inner height of about 1300 mm, so that an integral filter of 260 mm in diameter and 1050 mm in length can be positioned in the housing.

With regard to their basic elements, with the exception of their size and filter materials, the two filter candles K 1 and K 2 are essentially composed of corresponding components. Each of the two filter cartridges K 1 and K 2 consists of an annular, cross-sectionally U-shaped end adapter 21, 21 ' and 20, 31, 20', 31 ' the actual tubular filter elements F 1 and F 2 which on the end faces by means Sealing means 22 with the end adapters 21, 21 ' and 20, 31, 20', 31 ' are connected leak-tight. Lattice-shaped or perforated outer securing members 24 and 24 ' and inner securing members 25 and 25' give the filter cartridges K 1 and K 2 and the corresponding filter elements F 1 , F 2 the necessary radial and axial stability for the pressure and tensile loads that occur in the housing 1, 2 during the test and during the filtration process. These perforated securing members 24, 24 ' form even with the tightest arrangement of the integrated filter candle in themselves fluidic gaps Z, (Z 1 - Z 4 ), which fill with fluid (gas or liquid) during operation of the filter unit.

In this exemplary embodiment, the end adapter 20, 31 of the outer filter candle K 1 is constructed in two parts, that is to say the annular end adapter 20 is closed on the upper side with the aid of a welded-on closure plate 31 or with the aid of a closure adapter. The closure element 31 (closure adapter) can also serve as a filling opening for filter aids, not shown, which can be stored in the space Z 1 between the filter candle K 1 and K 2 . Accordingly, the front adapter 20 'has a closure element 31' .

The two filter cartridges K 1 and K 2 can of course have the same overall height and a common closure plate 31 , centering elements and grooves for receiving welding or adhesive also making assembly and integration easier here.

The connection adapter 27 has on its upper side facing the filter cartridges K 1 , K 2 a centering element 29 which extends into the space Z 1 and facilitates the centering and assembly of the filter cartridges K 1 , K 2 with the connection adapter 27 . The end adapters 21, 21 ' are leak-tightly connected by gluing, mirror welding or ultrasonic welding in the zone indicated at 28 with the connection adapter 27 , so that fluid introduced into the turbidity chamber 13 of the housing via the connection A 1 is intended only through the filter element F 1 in the Gap Z 1 and from there through the filter element F 2 in the core 14 ' and from there into the sterile room 14 can penetrate. Instead of the permanent connection, a connection with an adapter with O-ring seals is also possible.

To supply and dispose of the space Z 1 between the filter candle K 1 and K 2 with test media (gas or liquid), flushing media, cleaning media, sterilization media, filter aids, this space Z 1 is connected to the connection A 3 by means of an adapter piece 32 . All connections or supply lines are usually equipped with shut-off valves 11 in order to enable individual regulation.

For certain applications in the filtration of liquids, it may be necessary to degas the intermediate space Z 1 into the turbid space 13 . For this purpose, a hydrophobic ventilation filter B 1 is arranged in the closure element 31 or the filter element has a hydrophobic, gas-permeable surface portion.

If you want to do without the relatively large space Z 1 , the filter cartridge K 2 can be directly connected to the adapter of the filter cartridge K 1 in a leak-tight manner using modified end adapters 20, 31, 21 . In this case, either the pleating height of the filter element F 1 or F 2 , that is to say the pleat depth and thus the filter area, can be increased so that the outer surface of the filter element F 2 directly to the inner securing element 25 of the filter candle K 1, with its outer securing element 24 'being eliminated can put on. The individual testability before and after the assembly of the filter candle K 2 is still fully retained, since a smaller free space is retained by the perforated support members 24, 25 themselves.

The variant shown in Fig. 2 corresponds in construction to the embodiment of Fig. 1. Deviating from the connection A 3 of the housing in the form of a tube 17 in a space between the integral filter F and the inside of the upper housing part 2 to its upper free space and with a flexible pipe section 17 ' and coupling piece 18 with an adapter 32' of the integral filter F releasably connected. When the upper part 2 is removed, this can be locked to the housing base 1 via a type of bayonet lock 7, 30 and connected to the coupling piece 18 .

The filter candle K 1 is made up of two pleated filter elements F 1 of approximately the same size filter area. The space Z formed in this case cannot be controlled separately in this embodiment.

The filter device shown schematically in FIG. 3, consisting of the housing and integral filter F, corresponds correspondingly to the device as shown and described in FIG. 1. Corresponding parts are provided with corresponding reference symbols. These are four filter cartridges K 1 to K 4 mechanically connected to one another and integrated into one unit with the filter elements F 1 to F 4 , which are connected in series in terms of flow technology and both pairs are connected in parallel in terms of flow technology. This is an integral filter F , which can preferably be used for gas filtration, and in view of a small number of filter stages, but requires a large filter area.

Here too, of course, the filter cartridges K 1 to K 4 can have the same overall height in order to make optimum use of the space available. This graphic representation was only chosen to illustrate the different possible variations. The filter cartridges K 2 and K 3 are the elements tested for integrity or can be checked in situ if the flow is overflow as shown.

The spaces Z 1 to Z 3 are also selected with regard to their size according to filtration requirements.

The mutatis mutandis constructed filter device with integral filter F of FIG. 4 shows an integral filter F of four nested cartridges K 1 to K 4, which are fluidly connected in series, wherein the interspaces Z 1 to Z 3 and the hollow core 14 'through the terminal adapter 27 can be supplied and disposed of with a wide variety of media through connections A 1 to A 5 and controlled by filtration technology.

All flow directions indicated by arrows in FIGS. 1 to 4 are of course reversible or freely selectable according to the respective filtration and test conditions. If necessary, the spaces Z 1 to Z 3 and others can be vented through ventilation filter B 1 according to FIG. 1 and controlled by pipe connections 17, 17 ' , so that a certain axial overflow can also be achieved. The circumferential intermediate space Z can be equipped with an upper connection and a connection arranged offset in the circumferential direction, so that a kind of tangential flow of the introduced medium is forced. By helical flow director, which can also act as spacers, this flow guide can be enhanced - see Figures 27 and 31 to 33...

Large housings for receiving more than one filter element are known for. B. by DE-PS 33 35 938. To accommodate an integral filter according to FIG. 1, the connection A 3 for the adapter connection 32 is passed through the sterile room to the outside of the housing. The candle stubs 15 of all filter candles open into the common sterile room. Each integral filter F can therefore be controlled via the associated nozzle A 3 , 32 and space Z 1 .

The cross sections of the individual filter candles shown schematically in FIGS. 5 to 16 are constructed structurally analogous to the integral filter F described above according to FIG. 1 or the modification described. Fig. 5 and 6 show this gradations with respect to the cartridge diameter. FIGS. 7 and 8 show variants with respect to a plurality of filtration steps. FIGS. 9 and 10 show variations in a filter stage with respect to the arrangement of a plurality of identical filter candles. Fig. 11 shows variations of several filter levels with respect to the filter materials. FIGS. 12 and 13 show polygonal tube shells in pleated form. FIGS. 14 and 16 show variants with respect to the matching of surface and filter material in the various stages. Similarly, the variants relate to filter cartridges with different materials in the individual filter stages, with different filter material combinations in individual filter stages, with different pore sizes and tested or untested filter elements (integrity filters) in the last stage.

The abbreviations used in Figs. Have the following meanings.

Fig. 5 K 1 - (filter) candle 1 and
Fig. 6 K 2 - Candle 2
Fig. 7 TF depth filter
Fig. 8 K 3 - candle 3
Fig. 9 K 2 a - candle 2 a within a stage
Fig. 10 K 2 b - candle 2 b ; K 2 c - candle 2 c ; FH - filter aids in the space Z
Fig. 7 TF-M depth filter material in the space Z 1
Fig. 9, 10 FH filter aids
Fig. 11 K 1 TF - candle 1, depth filter; TF-M 1 - depth filter material 1; K 2 TF - Candle 2, depth filter; TF-M 2 - depth filter material 2; K 3 MF - candle 3, membrane filter
Fig. 14 TF I - depth filter I and
Fig. 15 TF II - depth filter II
Fig. 16 TF / MF I - depth filter / membrane filter I tested; TF / MF II coarse depth filter / membrane filter II coarse

Like the systematic breakdown that does not claim raises to completeness, shows are with the invention the most diverse combinations of those on the market today filter materials and future filter materials possible. The innermost filter cartridge can also be made a bundle of capillary membranes that match with end adapters are equipped, be formed.

The terms depth filter, membrane filter, ultrafilter, Microfilters have the one defined in the specialist literature Importance. Among filter aids are in particular Diatomaceous earth, perlite, asbestos, cellulose, ion exchange media, Desiccant, catalytic media and Understand activated carbon.

Active substances and catalytic substances are also to be understood as yeasts and other microorganisms and substances which promote the respective special filtration process, which are either stored in the space Z 1 between two filter candles or are arranged between two filter layers of a filter candle or as real estate within a filter membrane and the like Affect filtration process favorably.

Below are some practical examples for special sample solutions described.

Example 1

The arrangement of the described candle corresponds to FIG. 1. The radius and area relationships can be described with FIG. 5.

It is an integral filter F for the production of low-particle and colloidal water of low conductivity, as z. B. in the laboratory, in the chemical industry and as a preliminary stage in the semiconductor industry. K 1 contains z. B. filter layers of glass fiber filters for the deposition of colloids.

The space Z 1 is filled with an ion exchange medium (FH) , which can be selected depending on the application. In-situ regeneration is also possible, as is the exchange via connection A 3 .

K 2 acts as a particle catcher and contains polypropylene filter fleeces.

K 1 and K 2 can be individually tested before assembly.

Example 2

The arrangement of the described candle corresponds to FIG. 1. The radius and area relationships can be described with FIG. 5 or FIG. 6.

Depth filter media such as glass fiber media, diatomaceous earth, paper filters and the like are often sufficient for the clear filtration of spirits. However, if the filter system is in a filling line, colloid breakthroughs often occur in the event of process interruptions, pressure surges, etc., which lead to clouding of the filtrate. The turbidity of the filtrate is permanently checked optically in automated systems. Every fault leads to the bottling plant being switched off. However, start-up and shutdown processes always cause the risk of "breakthroughs" with depth filters. Of this depth filter candle containing K 1 is therefore a real screen filter downstream within the integral filter element in the filter cartridge K 2 which allows no breakthrough of clouding substances even when pressure surges. The area of this candle is dimensioned such that it does not represent the limiting factor for the flow per time even with partial blocking. Such real screen filter units preferably contain microfilters (membrane filters) in the pore size range around 1 µm.

The clarity can be brought in by z. B. of diatomaceous earth (FH) in the space Z 1 can also be increased. In particular, the membrane filter cartridge K 2 can be subjected to an integrity test before assembly (ex situ). Testing in the housing in situ is also possible. This can e.g. B. done collectively by means of a pressure maintenance test in a large housing that contains several integral filters. The minimized filter area of the safety and test element already ensures excellent safety.

However, with a suitable pressure control, the integral filters can also be individually controlled and checked without the housing having to be emptied. Only the space Z 1 is emptied.

Furthermore, running a candle K 1 cloudy only leads to individual blocking of this integral filter by blocking K 2 . The other integral filters in a large housing continue to filter without interference. Downstream candle housings are not loaded due to defects, as long as all K 2 candles are integer.

Example 3

The arrangement of the described candle corresponds to FIG. 1. The radius and area relationships can be described with FIG. 5.

Certain liquids, e.g. B. beer, despite Pre-clarification and pre-filtration in the so-called sterilization stage (Cold sterilization by separation of medium damaging Microorganisms using microfilters) "colloidal proportions" that economic filtration is hardly possible conventionally. This applies e.g. B. also for the Serum filtration, if applicable, mycoplasmas in the area Separate 0.1 µm.

One way is by cascading several, with regard to their deposition characteristics Similar filters gradually reduce germs to effect without the "first" filter elements early block. This is often done with several in a row switched filter housings worked and at Blocking or partial blocking of "first filter stages" the equipment of the housing exchanged or the blocked Level removed and everyone else by one level advanced or the blocked stage exclusively through replaced with a new assembly.  

This leads to mixed configurations that can no longer be defined and often contradicts legal provisions that only allow one-time use. Mixed assembly, ie some filter elements are exposed to sterilization cycles far more often than others, other elements are exposed to a permanent differential pressure because they are partially or completely blocked. Both lead to (sometimes latent) damage, which greatly reduces filtration safety. Contain the large-area filter element K 1 and the small area, the flow per time not limiting, the filter element K 2 and integrity filter K 2 with regard to their deposition characteristics similar filtering elements, so an economical can be performed "homogeneous" series filtration without the above described disadvantages. Blocked filter elements are discarded. In particular, the membrane filter cartridge K 2 can be subjected to an integrity check before assembly. Testing in the housing in situ is also possible. This can e.g. B. done collectively by means of a pressure maintenance test in a large housing that contains several integral filters. If only the membrane filter cartridges are tested K 2, then K 1 must contain hydrophobic edge zones or pleats or the gap Z 1 may be integrated in the loading through a closure member 31 breather filter B 1 or vented.

The minimized filter area of the safety and test element K 2 already provides excellent safety. However, with a suitable pressure control, the integral filters can also be individually controlled and checked without the housing having to be emptied. Only the space Z 1 is emptied.

Furthermore, a defect in a candle K 1 only leads to individual blocking of this integral filter by blocking K 2 . The other integral filters of a large housing continue to filter without interference. Downstream candle housings are not loaded due to defects, as long as all K 2 candles are integer.

Example 4

The arrangement of the described candle corresponds to FIG. 4. Example 4 differs from Example 3 in that solutions should be filtered which contain colloids and / or particles with a highly differentiated size distribution. For this, a diverse stage filtration is necessary. This is only economically feasible if the individually testable safety element K 4 can be tested separately from the actually filter-effective elements before assembly and in situ. This is possible using the integral filter.

K 1 to K 3 form the large-area filter-effective elements containing numerous membrane filter stages (separation stages), while K 4 represents the area-minimized test and safety element. In the spaces F 1 to F 3 , application-specific filter media can be introduced, K 2 and K 3 can be omitted depending on the application.

In particular, the membrane filter cartridge K 4 can also be subjected to an integrity check before assembly (ex situ). Testing in the housing in situ is also possible. This can e.g. B. done collectively by means of a pressure maintenance test in a large housing that contains several integral filters. If only the membrane filter cartridges K are tested 4, so K 1 to K must contain 4 hydrophobic edge zones or pleats or the spaces Z 1 to Z 3 may be integrated in the loading through a closure member 31 breather filter B 1 or vented. The minimized filter area of the safety and test element K 4 already provides excellent safety. However, with a suitable pressure control, the integral filters can also be individually controlled and checked without the housing having to be emptied. Only the space Z 3 in front of the test element is emptied. Furthermore, a defect in a candle K 1 to K 3 only leads to individual blocking of this integral filter by blocking K 4 . The other integral filters in a large housing continue to filter without interference. Downstream candle housings are not loaded due to defects, as long as all K 4 candles are integer.

Example 5

The arrangement of the described candle corresponds to FIG. 1. The radius and area relationships can be described with FIG. 6.

The integral filter element described here contains one Microfilter unit and ultrafilter unit. This integral Filter element becomes against the normal direction of filtration operated. The filter units are corresponding switched.

This integral filter can be used to produce high-purity rinse water for microchip production. Candle K 1 contains the microfilter unit. Candle K 2 contains the ultrafilter unit, which is much larger in area due to the reduced permeability. K 1 serves for the separation of microorganisms, while the ultrafilter unit is intended to separate even smaller particles or molecules up to pyrogens. If there is little or no decrease (low consumption) of the ultrafiltrate via connection A 1 , the microfiltrate can be recirculated via the housing connector and via upstream filter elements and K 2 . As a result, the system always remains in balance, growth of microorganisms is prevented and a certain cross-flow cleaning effect for the surface of the ultrafilter unit can also be assumed.

Both membrane filter elements can be subjected to an integrity check before assembly. A check in the housing is also possible. This can e.g. B. done collectively by means of a pressure maintenance test in a large housing that contains several integral filter elements. If only the K 2 membrane filter cartridges are to be tested, the test medium (compressed air during the pressure maintenance test) is fed through the inner core of the integral filter. The minimized filter area of the safety and test element K 2 already provides excellent safety. However, with suitable pressure control, the K 1 and K 2 elements of the integral filter can also be individually controlled and checked without the housing having to be emptied. Only the space Z 1 is emptied.

Furthermore, the defect of a candle K 2 only leads to individual blocking of this integral filter by blocking K 1 . The other integral filters in a large housing continue to filter without interference. Downstream candle housings are not loaded due to defects, as long as all K 1 candles are integer.

Example 6

The arrangement of the described candle corresponds to Fig. 3. The radius and area ratios are chosen so that K 1 and K 4 , K 2 and K 3 each have the same order of magnitude.

The filter media or filter units from K 1 to K 4 are permanently hydrophobic (e.g. PTFE. Polypropylene). K 1 and K 2 as well as K 4 and K 3 are connected in series. The spaces Z 1 and Z 2 between K 1 and K 2 and K 4 and K 3 are free or z. B. filled with drying media or activated carbon. Of course, the elements K 2 and K 3 and thus the gaps can be omitted if the main focus is on a large filtration area.

The single item test from K 2 to K 3 before assembly saves costs and increases safety. For the in-situ test, compare the previous examples.

The element is still constructed so that it is in both Flow directions can be operated equally, that all flow channels are optimally coordinated are and the formation of condensation zones entirely is excluded.

The following schematically listed exemplary embodiments in connection with the schemes of integral filter and housing according to FIGS. 17 to 33 make the versatile variants of the inventive concept in the form of particle prefilter, colloid prefilter, prefilter micro final filter, microfilter, ultrafilter filter. , Pervaporation and chromotography candles clearly.

Claims (26)

1. Integral filter for fluids from several nested filter elements with different retention capacities, the ends of which are equipped with closure and connection adapters and can be enclosed in a housing with supply and disposal connections for fluids in such a way that fluid flows as intended through filter material from one fluid space into another fluid space , characterized in that of the filter elements (K 1 to K 4 ) integrated into an overall filter (F), one filter integrity tested before mechanical integration and downstream in the filtration direction in one of the last filtration stages within the overall filter ( F) adapted (integrity filter K 1 ; K 2 ; K 3 ; K 4 ). 2. In a surrounding housing with fluid connections include integral filter for the separation of fluid constituents, the permeable tube jacket consists of several tubular filter elements with different filter properties, the cross sections of which are graded so that a smaller of the larger filter element, possibly with the formation of a space, is encompassed and in which the two pipe ends bordered by closure and terminal adapter and are adaptable to fluid chambers of the housing, characterized in that, of the integrated to a total filter (F) filter elements (K 1 to K 4), at least one of an adapted within the overall filter (F) and in forms this filter that can be checked for integrity in situ (integrity filter K 1 ; K 2 ; K 3 ; K 4 ). 3. In a surrounding housing with fluid connections include integral filter for the separation of fluid constituents, the permeable tube jacket consists of several tubular filter elements with different filter properties, the cross sections of which are graded so that a smaller one from the larger filter element is possibly formed with a gap, and in which the two pipe ends bordered by closure and terminal adapter and are adaptable to fluid chambers of the housing, characterized in that drivable by an external separately pressurizable space (Z 1 to Z 3) between two filter elements (K 1 to K 4) sections of the overall filter (F) can optionally be checked for integrity, can be supplied with fluid and fillers and can be disposed of. 4. In a surrounding housing with fluid connections include integral filter for the separation of fluid constituents, the permeable tube jacket consists of several tubular filter elements with different filter properties, the cross sections of which are graded so that a smaller of the larger filter element, possibly with the formation of a space, is encompassed and in which the two pipe ends are bordered by closure and connection adapters and can be adapted to fluid spaces of the housing, characterized in that at least one of the filter elements has a filter element which has been checked or testable for integrity (integrity filter ( K 1 ; K 2 ; K 3 ; K 4 ) and that between the integrity filter ( K 1 ; K 2 ; K 3 ; K 4 ) and an upstream, preferably next filter element, a circumferential space ( Z 1 to Z 3 ) is arranged, which is connected via a hydrophobic gas filter (B 1 ) to an upstream Fluid space ( 13 ) of an enclosing filter element and / or housing ( 1,2 ). 5. Filter according to claim 1, characterized in that several filter elements ( K 1 , K 2 ; K 3 , K 4 ; K 2 a , K 2 b , K 2 c) form common filter stages and are arranged in parallel in terms of flow technology. 6. Filter according to claim 1, characterized in that several filter elements ( K 1 to K 4 ) are arranged in series in terms of flow. 7. Filter according to claim 3, characterized in that the space (Z 1 ) between interlocking filter elements (K 1 to K 4 , K 2 a , K 2 b , K 2 c ) optionally incorporated filter-active agents, active ingredients, catalysts and / or Has heat exchange media or can be loaded with such. 8. Filter according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the tubular jacket (F 1 , F 2 ) inside and outside is enclosed by perforated securing members ( 24, 24 ', 25, 25' ). 9. Filter according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the perforated securing members ( 24, 24 ', 25, 25' ) on the outer surfaces of the filter elements (K 1 , K 2 ) in each case the support members according to the pressure gradient determined by the fluid flow form the filter element of the adjacent filter stage. 10. Filter according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the filter elements forming the individual filter stages (K 1 , K 2 , K 3 , K 4 ) by means of adapters ( 21, 21 ', 27, 31 ) arranged on their end faces. are inextricably linked to form a unit. 11. Filter according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the filter elements forming the individual filter stages (K 1, K 2, K 3, K 4 ) by means of adapters ( 20, 20 ', 21, 21' ) arranged on their end faces. ) are releasably connected to each other. 12. Filter according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the tubular filter elements (K 1 to K 4 ) are designed in cross section as a round tube or polygonal tube. 13. Filter according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the tubular jacket (F 1 , F 2 , F 3 , F 4 ) is combined from several filter layers. 14. Filter according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the tubular jacket (F 1 , F 2 , F 3 , F 4 ) is formed from pleated filter layers. 15. Filter according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the tubular jacket (F 1 , F 2 , F 3 , F 4 ) is formed from wound filter materials. 16. Filter according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized by filter layers made of glass fiber filters for separating colloids in an upstream first filter stage (K 1 ), a subsequent one, in the space ( Z 1 ) between the first and second filter stages (K 2 ) arranged ion exchange medium (FH) and a filter stage (K 2 ) as a particle catcher made of polypropylene filter fleece. 17. Filter according to one of claims 1 to 16, for clear filtration (z. B. of spirits) characterized by depth filter medium made of glass fiber filters, diatomaceous earth and / or paper filters in an upstream first filter stage (K 1 ), a subsequent screen filter unit (K 2 ) in the form of membrane filters with a pore size around 1 µm. 18. Supply and disposal connections having a filter housing with a housing base and a bell-shaped upper part which can be connected thereto for receiving a tubular integral filter made of a plurality of nested filter elements with circumferential gaps between filter sections, the ends of which have closure and connection adapters to form fluid spaces separated in the housing, characterized in that that at least two detachable with the integral filter (F) and drivable housing connections (A 2, A 3, A 4, A 5) inside for the selective supply and / or disposal of the integral filter (F) with test equipment, sterilization agents, heat exchanger means, fluid to be filtered , Filter detergent and fillers and at least two housing connections (A 1 and 10 ) for supplying and or disposing of a housing space ( 13 ) which can be separated from the integral filter (F) are provided. 19. Filter housing according to claim 18, characterized in that the housing connections (A 2 , A 3 , A 3 , A 4 ) for the internal supply and disposal of the integral filter (F) are arranged in the base part ( 1 ). 20. Filter housing according to claim 19, characterized in that a housing connection for the circumferential space (Z 1 to Z 3 ) with one end and a further housing connection with the other end of the integral filter (F) can be coupled. 21. Filter housing according to claim 18, characterized in that a housing connection (A 2 ) for the main disposal or supply of the integral filter (F) arranged in the housing base ( 1 ) and a connection (A 3 ) for the optional control of a space (Z 1 ) of the integral filter (F) from the housing base ( 1 ) by a pipe ( 17, 17 ' ) which is guided between the outside of the integral filter (F) and the inside of the housing upper part ( 2 ), which is in its in the upper free space (13) of the housing ( 1, 2 ) guided end a coupling piece ( 18 ) for adapting with a at the upper pipe end ( 17 ' ) of the integral filter (F) lying connection ( 32' ) for the space (Z 1 ) can be coupled. 22. Filter housing according to claim 21, characterized in that in the housing base ( 1 ) concentrically to the main connection (A 2 ) for the associated integral filter (F) with locking elements ( 30 ) of the integral filter (F) corresponding locking elements ( 7 ) for axial securing and if necessary arranged against unwanted rotation of the integral filter (F) . 23. Filter housing according to claim 21, characterized in that a housing connection (A 2 ) for the main disposal or supply of the integral filter (F) is arranged approximately in the center of the latter in the housing base ( 1 ) and around this center with the connection adapter ( 15 , 27 ) of the integral filter (F), locking elements ( 7, 30 ) for axially securing and possibly securing the integral filter (F) against rotation are arranged. 24. Filter housing according to claims 18 to 23, characterized in that the housing ( 1, 2 ) can be heated or has a heat exchanger device for carrying out pervaporation processes. 25. Filter element according to one of claims 3 to 17, characterized in that in the circumferential space (Z 1 to Z 3 ) from the outside of the housing ( 1, 2 ) heatable or coolable rods, plates or spirals are arranged. 26. Use of filter housing and integral filter after Features of the preceding claims and examples of Mass exchange through diffusion, filtration, adsorption, Pervaporation and chromatography.