EP1603679A1

EP1603679A1 - Inverting filter centrifuge

Info

Publication number: EP1603679A1
Application number: EP04717019A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Johannes Gerteis; Gerd Mayer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-03-19
Filing date: 2004-03-04
Publication date: 2005-12-14
Anticipated expiration: 2024-03-04
Also published as: WO2004082843A1; US20060175245A1; ATE401960T1; DE502004007671D1; JP2006520261A; US7168571B2; EP1603679B1; CN1758963A; JP4431569B2; CN100408194C; DE10311997A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an inverting filter centrifuge comprising a filter drum ( 16 ) that is rotatably mounted in a machine frame and projects in a cantilevered manner into a housing that is connected to the machine frame, said drum radially surrounding a centrifugal chamber ( 14 ) that can be subjected to an excess or negative pressure. The centrifugal chamber ( 14 ) is sealed on one end face by a centrifugal chamber cover ( 25 ) and on the other face by a sliding base ( 23 ). The filter drum ( 16 ), the centrifugal chamber cover ( 25 ) and the sliding base ( 23 ), together with a sliding shaft ( 12 ) that is connected in a fixed manner to the latter are driven by a hollow shaft ( 3 ) that causes them to rotate in unison. The filter drum ( 16 ) and the sliding base ( 23 ) are moved in relation to one another by an axial displacement of the sliding shaft ( 12 ), said action inverting a filter cloth ( 22 ) and discharging the separated solid matter from the centrifugal chamber ( 14 ). The centrifuge is provided with a passage for the media that is to be introduced into the rotating chamber, said passage running from the sliding base side via the sliding shaft to a radially static inlet channel ( 26 ) and removing the need for seals in the centrifugal chamber ( 14 ) and the solid matter collection chamber ( 32 ). The lack of abraded particles achieved by the absence of seals in the sensitive centrifugal chamber and solid matter collection chamber eliminates the risk of contamination. The optimal configuration for a clean room installation renders the inventive inverting filter centrifuge particularly suitable for the processing of highly pure/pharmaceutical products.

Description

inverting filter centrifuge

description

The invention relates to an inverting filter centrifuge, with a filter drum that is rotatably mounted in a machine frame, has a radial passage openings that projects radially into a housing connected to the machine frame and that radially encloses a centrifugal chamber that can be subjected to normal, positive or negative pressure, with a centrifugal chamber on the front side closing the centrifuge chamber cover, with a moving floor rigidly connected to the centrifugal chamber cover, leaving a distance, delimiting the other side of the centrifugal chamber, the centrifugal chamber being filled from the side, the filter drum and the moving floor being put into circulation by means of a rotatingly driven hollow shaft, and the hollow shaft is fixedly connected to the filter drum, in the hollow shaft an axially displaceable shear shaft is arranged with it, by axial displacement of the shear shaft, the filter drum and the moving floor relative to each other be moved to invert a filter cloth and to remove separated solids from the centrifugal space.

State of the art

Common to all known inverting filter centrifuges is the passage of a filling tube through the solids collection space, and further through an opening in the centrifuge chamber cover into the centrifugal space with the requirement of sealing the filling tube against the centrifugal space with abrasive and thus abrasion-producing seals, which lead to contamination of the suspension or the solid matter cause abrasion if the centrifugal chamber is pressurized with overpressure or underpressure

This leads to a gap between the filling pipe and the centrifuge chamber cover when working in a normal atmosphere, to avoid abrasion with the disadvantage that that through this gap, splashes or aerosols can get from the centrifugal space into the solids collection space and lead to product deposits on the filling pipe, which lead to contamination of the product in the solids collection space, either due to aging or due to an abrasion generated when an axial movement is carried out.

The supply lines for the media, that is to say for the suspension, washing liquid and so on, take place in the known inverting filter centrifuges through the space located in front of the inverting filter centrifuge, towards the front side of the inverting filter centrifuge.

In the case of high-purity productions, the set-up is to be carried out in such a way that the process room with the filter drum protrudes into a clean room, the machine frame with the storage and all drives are set up in one machine room, both rooms are separated by a gas-tight, flexible connecting element, and the whole Equipment for the media supply is located in the clean room, whereby the surface of the clean room, including the uneven surface of the equipment for the media supply, such as, for example, valves, sight glasses, indicating instruments, lines, must be subjected to regular microbiological checks (contact test). Furthermore, the entire clean room must be decontaminated after each opening of the process room projecting into the clean room, for example for the periodic filter cloth change or the sporadically necessary replacement of the centrifugal chamber seal.

In a known inverting filter centrifuge (DE 37 40 411 C2), a combined rotary and sliding seal is arranged between the stationary filling line and the passage opening, which allows working in the centrifugal chamber with positive or negative pressure. The combined rotary and sliding seal, which is located directly in the passage opening of the centrifugal chamber cover, has the disadvantage that due to the inevitably rubbing sealing elements, there is a lot of abrasion in the area of the filter drum, which leads to contamination of the separated product in the solids collection chamber or in the filter drum. In a known inverting filter centrifuge (DE 39 16 266 C1), the opening in the centrifugal chamber cover is closed when working with overpressure or underpressure with a pinch valve or with a piston rod-shaped, axially displaceable closure element which acts from the inside, and the filling tube during this time the supply of compressed gas either decoupled by moving or covered by the closure element.

The disadvantage of this version is that the pinch valve must be opened when the centrifugal chamber is filled with suspension or washing liquid, or the closure element must be withdrawn, so that there is no security against overfill splashes, and during this time there is also no overpressure or underpressure in the filter drum can. Furthermore, both in the case of the axially displaceable filling pipe in its front passage through the wall of the solid collecting space and also in the case of the axially displaceable closure element at its penetration point into the shaft, seals not shown in the patent are necessary. These sealing elements, which inevitably grind due to the axial movement, cause either abrasion in the area of the filter drum or in the area of the solids collection space, in particular due to the adherence of solid crystals to the outer circumferential surface of the filling tube or the closure element, and lead to contamination of the filter cake in the filter drum or the separated product in the solids collection chamber

In a known inverting filter centrifuge (EP 0 551 252 B1), the filling tube is rotatably mounted about its longitudinal axis and can be rotated to reduce abrasion. The filling tube and the filter drum run almost synchronously, so that only a simple inflatable membrane is provided as a seal on the centrifuge chamber cover. A motor is attached to the extension of the filling line to drive the rotating filling pipe.

The disadvantage of this embodiment is that an incomplete synchronization between the filling pipe and the passage opening in the centrifugal chamber cover creates abrasion, which leads to contamination of the separated solid. In a known inverting filter centrifuge (DE 43 37 618 C1), the seal between the filling tube and the rotatable filter drum is realized by a sealing head, which is fixed on an axially displaceable filling tube at the free end of the filling tube

105 is attached and is rotatably mounted about this. The sealing head is sealed off from the outer circumference of the filling tube with a lip seal and is in a rotationally fixed engagement with the centrifugal chamber cover in the sealing state relative to one another. The sealing head has a conical outer surface over part of its axial extent, the cone angle of the cone angle of which is also conical

110 formed inner circumferential surface of the filling opening is adapted so that the conical outer surface and the conical inner circumferential surface cooperate in a sealing manner. A seal designed as an O-ring is located between the conical outer surface and the inner peripheral surface. Are located between the sealing head and the outer circumference of the filling tube

115 solids collection space further lip seals.

A disadvantage of this design is that wearing seals lead to abrasion in the separated solid. By product adhering to the surface of the filling tube and the execution of the axial movement of the filling tube

120 there is wear and thermal overstress in temperature-sensitive products. Due to product deposits on the conical surfaces of the sealing head designed for the sealing function and the inlet opening, a gap is generated which does not produce the desired sealing function.

125

In a known inverting filter centrifuge (DE 197 05 788 C1), the sealing head is fixedly connected to the centrifuge chamber cover, but is rotatably supported relative to it. A four-point bearing is located within the feed, which is designed as a rigid filling line with a surrounding jacket tube

130 Realization of the radial rotary movement, as well as sealing elements to the centrifugal chamber and the solids collecting chamber. To seal off the axial movement during the everting process, there are wearing seals on the front passage of the casing tube through the wall of the solids collection space. At the end of the casing tube facing the centrifugal chamber there is a

135 conveyor threads in the direction of the centrifugal chamber. It is disadvantageous in this embodiment that due to the accumulation of solid matter on the casing, when the axial movement is carried out, there is abrasion and, as a result, a leak in the solid matter collecting space from the environment, and this space is not sealed gas-tight. The abrasive seals in the sealing head and the lip seals that are attached to the casing tube in the direction of the centrifugal chamber create abrasion that contaminates both the suspension and the discharged solid.

145 In a known inverting filter centrifuge (EP 0 753 349 A2), a sealing head for maintaining an overpressure in the centrifugal chamber is pressed against a conical passage opening in the centrifugal chamber cover with respect to the solids collecting chamber with its conical outer surface. The axial movement of the filling line is realized by a piston / cylinder unit, which is the front wall

Penetrates 150 of the solids collection space. In the sealing head, the parts that rotate with the filter drum are decoupled from their parts by means of two mechanical seals in relation to the parts that are firmly connected to the radially non-moving filling line. The between the mechanical seal and the filling line and a built-in guide tube for filling the filter drum with

Cavities formed in suspension are provided with a sealing gas, whereby the sealing gas can be circulated.

A disadvantage of this design is that there are abrasive seals in the area of the solids collection space. If the mechanical seal fails

160 can get into the gap of the mechanical seal both from the centrifugal chamber and from the solids collection chamber, so that it can no longer fulfill its task. The sealing head can only be closed by the sealing head when the drum is not rotating, so that the usability and flexibility of the centrifuge is restricted. Another disadvantage arises from

165 the abrasion occurring at the sealing point between the filling line and the solids collecting space when the filling line is moved.

In a known but non-generic centrifuge dryer (EP 0 454 045 B1) with a horizontally mounted drive shaft, a drum that rotates with it, a filter arranged inside the drum, the 170 encloses a conically widened working space from the connection side of the drive shaft, an axially displaceable baffle plate forming an end face of the working space, and a centrifuge housing encapsulating with a drum and baffle plate, the suspension is fed through the drive shaft designed as a hollow shaft.

175

A disadvantage of this embodiment is that the actuating unit for the axially displaceable baffle plate is located on the side opposite the drive side of the drum, and the displaceable axis on which the baffle plate is arranged penetrates into the solid area. By attachment of

180 Product on the surface of the movable axis causes wear during its axial movement. Furthermore, abrasion occurs at the sealing point between the rotating baffle plate and the radially static, displaceable axis. Since both elements are in the solid area, both wear and seal abrasion contaminate the discharged solid.

185

It is an object of the present invention to improve a generic inverting filter centrifuge, which is operated with pressure / negative pressure or under a normal atmosphere in the centrifugal chamber, in such a way that the media supply into the centrifugal chamber, no longer by means of a sensitive solid collecting chamber

190 crossing filling tube and penetrating the centrifugal chamber cover, with its wear-prone and abrasion-producing seals.

This object is achieved according to the features of claim 1.

195 The invention is based on the general idea of a solution, in a generic inverting filter centrifuge, all media to be brought into the centrifugal chamber, contrary to all previously known designs, not from the front through the solids collecting chamber and the centrifugal chamber cover, but via the side facing away from the front, the push floor and the one with him

Initiate 200 connected shear wave.

This concept makes it possible to ensure that a Contamination of the product in the solids collection space, from splashes and aerosols 205 from the centrifugal space, or seal abrasion, is no longer possible.

This basic idea of the invention, that the previously disadvantageous media supply into the centrifugal chamber is moved to the insensitive area of the thrust shaft by means of a filling tube which crosses the sensitive solids collecting chamber and penetrates the centrifugal chamber lid, not only minimizes the seal abrasion, but also leads to this also harmless and avoids product deposits on the filling pipe.

215 In the case of high-purity productions and the associated installation in a clean room and a machine room, the entire equipment for the media supply to the inverting filter centrifuge no longer has to be located in the clean room, which means the effort for the microbiological tests to be carried out at regular intervals

Surface test while reducing the size of the clean room and the 220 equipment in it is considerably reduced.

Furthermore, the solution according to the invention opens up the possibility of encapsulating the process space of the inverting filter centrifuge with a glove box and using flexible gloves to change the filter cloth and the centrifugal space seal when the process space is closed.

This eliminates the need to open the process room for the periodic filter cloth change or the replacement of the centrifugal chamber seal and thus the time-consuming, cost-intensive decontamination of the clean room.The 230 production loss associated with this is limited to the rare cases of an accident or the safety-related checks that occur over large periods.

235 Advantageous refinements are specified in the subclaims. Brief description of the drawings

A preferred embodiment of the invention is further explained in connection with the 240 drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an inverting filter centrifuge in the

Working phase of centrifuging, and, represented by a broken line, in the working phase of 245 solids discharge;

2 shows a schematic sectional view along the section line 2-2 in FIG. 1;

Fig. 3 schematically shows an enlarged partial view in the area of dash-dotted lines

250 drawn circle A in Figure 1;

4 and 5 are partial views of modified exemplary embodiments compared to FIG. 3;

Fig. 6 schematically shows an enlarged partial view in the area of the dot-dash line

255 drawn circle B in Figure 1;

7 shows a schematic sectional view along the section line 7-7 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional view of one with respect to FIG. 1

260 modified embodiment of the solid space;

Fig. 9 is a schematic sectional view taken along section line 9-9 in Figure 8;

Fig. 10 shows a schematic representation of the arrangement of the invention

265 inverting filter centrifuge over two separate rooms, and

11 shows an embodiment of the inverting filter centrifuge according to the invention.

270 Description of the preferred embodiment

The preferred embodiment of the inverting filter centrifuge shown in FIG. 1 comprises a housing 1 which tightly encloses the entire process space

275 is connected to a stationary machine frame 2, in which a hollow shaft 3 is rotatably mounted in main bearings 4, 5. The end of the hollow shaft 3, which is located on the right in FIG. 1 and protrudes beyond the main bearing 5, is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a drive wheel 7, via which the hollow shaft 3 can be rotated by a motor 8, for example by means of a V-belt 6.

280

The hollow shaft 3, which is rigidly continuous between the main bearings 4, 5, has an axially directed keyway 10, in which a wedge piece 9 is axially displaceable. This wedge piece 9 is rigidly connected to a sliding shaft 12 which is displaceable inside the hollow shaft 3. The thrust shaft 12 therefore runs together with the

285 hollow shaft 3 um, but is axially displaceable in this.

The hollow shaft 3 and the thrust shaft 12 run in a support body 13 which also serves to hold the main bearings 4, 5 and which is supported on the machine frame 2.

290

At the end of the hollow shaft 3 located on the left in FIG. 1 and projecting beyond the main bearing 4 and the radial seal 11, a filter drum 16 is flanged with its bottom 17 in a rotationally fixed manner. The filter drum 16 has radially extending through openings 18 on its cylindrical outer wall. At their bottom 17

295 opposite side, the filter drum 16 is open. On the flange-like opening edge 19 surrounding this open end face, the one edge of an essentially cylindrical filter cloth 22 is tightly clamped by means of a retaining ring 21. The other edge of the filter cloth 22 is correspondingly tightly connected to the push floor 23, which is rigid with the displaceable,

300 the bottom 17 freely penetrating thrust shaft 12 is connected.

A centrifugal chamber cover 25 is rigidly attached to the moving floor 23 via stud bolts 24, leaving a space free, which in FIG. 1 shows the centrifugal chamber 14 of the filter drum 16 by means of a centrifugal chamber seal 20 305 tightly closes, and together with the push floor 23 by axially pushing the push shaft 12 out of the hollow shaft 3, the filter drum 16 opens (shown in FIG. 1 by means of a broken line).

On the right side in FIG. 1, an inlet channel 26 is provided, which serves to supply a suspension to be broken down into its solid and liquid components, or washing liquid. The inlet duct 26 is connected to the centrifugal chamber 14 via the inlet pipe 51 and the opening 15 which penetrates the entire thrust shaft 12.

315 A drive device 69 shown in FIG. 2 comprises, for example, two symmetrically arranged screw spindle axes 70 and 71 which rotate synchronously at the same speed and which cause the axial pushing movement of the push plate 74. The drive device is described below with the aid of a screw spindle axis, the screw spindle axes being the result of

320 of the symmetrical arrangement consist of the same machine elements, only marked with position numbers on one side.

The end of the rotatably mounted thrust shaft 12 supported by the main bearing 5 is at the right end via thrust bearings 45 and 46 with a radially rigid thrust plate

325 74 axially connected, so that the thrust plate 74 and the thrust shaft 12, as well as all other connected machine elements can be moved together. A threaded spindle 72 is supported on the left side by a bearing 84 arranged in the support body 13 and rigidly connected via a wedge to a spindle wheel 86 which, as shown in FIG

330 motor 89 engages connected drive wheel 88.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 7, the two threaded spindles 72 are non-positively connected to the motor 89 by means of a gear transmission 81 containing the spindle wheels 86, the intermediate wheels 87 and the drive wheel 88.

335

This exemplary embodiment of a synchronous drive of the two threaded spindles 72 can also be done by other known non-positive Transmission systems, such as chain or toothed belt drives, to be replaced.

340

The threaded spindle 72 is supported on the right side by a bearing 85 arranged in the machine frame 2. The external thread of the threaded spindle 72 engages in a threaded bushing 73 provided with a corresponding internal thread, which is non-rotatably but axially via a conventional key connection 94

345 slightly displaceable, is connected to the push plate 74. Between the thrust plate 74 and a left and right protruding front collar 90 and 91 on the threaded bushing 73, a plate spring 76 and 75 is arranged, which biases the threaded bushing 73 relative to the pushing plate 74, the feather key connection 94 mentioned having a slight axial movement between

350 threaded bushing 73 and push plate 74 to the left or right allows. The front collar 90 and 91 projecting at right angles on both sides of the threaded bushing 73 is either shifted to the right (shown with a solid line) or the front collar 90 and 91 is shifted to the left (shown with a dash-dotted line), depending on the respective operating state.

355

The push plate 74 is shifted to the right (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with a solid line) and rests with a contact surface 93 on a stop surface 77 of the machine frame 2, and is in this position with a rounded collar 82 projecting from the contact surface 93 in one

360 receiving hole 83 of the machine frame 2 centered. In this operating state, the centrifugal chamber cover 25 is with its

Centrifugal chamber seal 20 is inserted sealingly into the retaining ring 21 at the opening edge 19 of the filter drum 16 and thus the centrifugal chamber 14 is closed.

365 In this operating state, the thrust plate 74 is rigidly and self-lockingly connected to the machine frame 2 by means of a plurality of wedges 79 which can be displaced in grooves 80 via wedge surfaces 78. The rigid locking of the push plate 74 with the machine frame 2 can also be carried out by other known clamping elements.

370 3, the rotatably mounted thrust shaft 12 is axially connected to the radially rigid thrust plate 74 via the thrust bearings 45 and 46, so that the thrust plate 74 and the thrust shaft 12 are axially displaceable together. A seal 47, preferably a mechanical seal, arranged between the push shaft 12 and push plate 74 is preceded by one or more protective zones.

An example with two protection zones 48 and 49 is shown. The protection zone 48 is connected to a pressurized gas source via a supply line 43 with an inflow valve (not shown), which can optionally be open or closed, and is connected to the opening 15 of the thrust shaft 12 via a gap 54. A drain line 44 leads from the protection zone 48 to a drain valve (not shown), which can optionally be opened or closed.

The protection zone 49 is supplied with a liquid suitable for cleaning purposes via a feed line 41 to an inflow valve (not shown), which can optionally be open or closed. A drain line 42 leads from the protection zone 49 to a drain valve (not shown), which can optionally be open or closed. The thrust plate 74 is rigidly connected on the right to the inlet pipe 51 and projects into the opening 15 of the thrust shaft 12 on the left. At the right end of the thrust shaft 12, the opening 15 is narrowed by a shoulder 40 to a smaller passage.

A vent pipe 50 is rigidly connected to the thrust plate 74 on the right, penetrates the entire length of the inlet pipe 51 and then projects into the opening 15. Furthermore, the thin vibration-sensitive ventilation pipe 50 is supported by support struts 52 on the inner wall of the inlet pipe 51. For vibration-related reasons, the inlet pipe 51 with the vent pipe 50 located in its center cannot be led to the centrifugal chamber 14. Depending on the suspension to be filtered, however, it is advantageous to connect the centrifugal chamber 14 directly to a vent connection 57 via the vent pipe 50. Compared to FIG. 3, FIG. 4 shows a more complex exemplary embodiment, in which a long ventilation pipe 50, which penetrates the entire opening 15 in the thrust shaft 12 and the inlet pipe 51, connects the centrifugal chamber 14 directly to the ventilation connection 57 and a valve (not shown) via a connecting chamber 58 , which can be either open or closed, connects. The

410 vent pipe 50 is supported with a plurality of radially and axially distributed support struts 53 on the inner wall of the thrust shaft 12 and rotates together with it. At the right end, the ventilation pipe 50 is caught by a support bearing 56, and a sealing ring 55 also separates the inlet channel 26 from the connection space 58.

415

FIG. 5 shows a further exemplary embodiment modified compared to FIGS. 3 and 4. In its shortest version, an inlet pipe 51 axially projects only slightly beyond the radial shoulder 40 of the thrust shaft 12, and in its longest version it is shown by (shown by a broken line)

420 vibrational influences limited. The centrifugal chamber 14 is connected to a vent line 66 by one or more channels 63 in the thrust shaft 12, which connect the centrifugal chamber 14 to the intermediate space 65, which is delimited on the right by the seal 47 and on the left by the shaft seal 64. Through a valve, not shown, the

425 vent line 66 be open or closed.

FIG. 6 shows a further development of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3. The left end of the static ventilation pipe 50 is fixedly connected to a connecting piece 59, the bore 67 of which receives the right end 430 of a ventilation pipe extension 68 rotating with the thrust shaft 12 and supports it via a bearing 60. The circulating

Vent pipe extension 68 is sealed against a radially static connector 59 by a labyrinth 61 or other conventional sealing system, not shown.

435

In connection with FIGS. 1 and 3 it can be seen that the centrifugal space 14 is connected directly to the vent connection 57 via the vent pipe extension 68 and the vent pipe 50. 440 FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the solids collection space 32 which is modified compared to FIG. 1. The left-hand end wall of the housing 1 has a large-sized access opening 34 which is closed by a cover 28. By pivoting the cover 28 about a bolt 30, the access opening 34 for inspection and cleaning purposes in the

445 solids collecting space 32 free. The cover 28 can be made transparent in a large area 29, so that the solids collecting space 32 can also be inspected in the closed state. Furthermore, a transparent insert 27 is attached in the centrifuge chamber cover 25, so that the centrifugal chamber 14 can be viewed from outside even when the solids collection chamber 32 is closed.

450

As can be seen from FIG. 9, the housing 1 can be pivoted about a vertical axis 97 which runs through a projection 95 on the housing 1 and a projection 96 on the machine frame 2. The housing 1 can be pivoted to the left into an open position, not shown, so that a completely unobstructed

455 access to the filter drum 16, solids collection space 32, filtrate collection space 31 and a partition wall 33 delimiting the two spaces is possible. The housing 1 is connected to the machine frame 2 by means of known elements from mechanical engineering, for example screws or quick-release fasteners, with the interposition of a seal.

460

The inverting filter centrifuge shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 shows a set-up in which the process space enclosed by the housing 1, consisting of the centrifugal space 14, filtrate collecting space 31 and solids collecting space 32, projects through a building partition 100 into a clean room 101. A

465 solids outlet opening 36 is connected to a solids container 115 by a separable closure device 110, an upper closure part 111 sealingly closing the housing 1 and a closure lower part 112 remaining on the decoupled solids container 115 when separated. The filtrate is discharged from the filtrate collecting space 31

470 machine frame 2 passed through filtrate discharge line 114. Furthermore, it can be seen from FIGS. 10 and 11 that the machine frame 2 including the assemblies combined with it, support body 13 with the main bearings 4 and 5, translation drive with the motor 89, and

475 rotary drive with the motor 8, with the interposition of vibration bearings 106 and 107 is attached to a support frame 117, which in turn is anchored to the floor 105 of the machine room 102. All of the media supply equipment 120 is installed in the machine room 102. The inlet duct 26, which moves in a translatory manner, is connected via a flexible hose 121,

480 connected to a fixed transfer point 123, to which the entire media supply lines with their assigned valves, in this exemplary embodiment a valve for suspension 124, washing liquid 125, compressed gas 126 and vent 127, are coupled.

485 FIG. 11 shows a further developed embodiment compared to FIG. 10. The housing 1 protruding into the clean room 101 and comprising the process chamber of the inverting filter centrifuge is in turn enclosed by a glove box 130. In the front, back, and front side of the glove box 130, large-area viewing windows 133 are inserted, each of which is provided with a plurality of openings 131 (two are shown 490). Highly flexible gloves 132 are worked into the openings 131 in a gastight manner by means of sockets, by means of which an operator 134 can work within the glove box 130 without contaminating the clean room 101.

The housing 1 can be pivoted together with the glove box 130 about the axis 97 shown in FIG. 9,495. The housing 1 is connected to the machine frame 2 by means of known elements from mechanical engineering, for example screws or quick-release fasteners, with the interposition of a seal.

In operation, the inverting filter centrifuge initially assumes the operating position shown by the solid line in FIG. 1. The displaceable thrust shaft 12 is retracted into the hollow shaft 3, as a result of which the thrust floor 23 connected to the thrust shaft 12 lies in the vicinity of the bottom 17 of the filter drum 16 and the filter cloth 22 is inserted into the filter drum 16 in such a way that it lies inside. The centrifuge chamber cover 25 has 505 with its centrifugal chamber seal 20, sealing in the retaining ring 21 Opening edge 19 of the filter drum 16 inserted. When rotating

Filter drum 16 is introduced through the inlet channel 26, the inlet tube 51 and the opening 15 in the thrust shaft 12, the suspension to be filtered. For trouble-free filling of the centrifugal space 14 when introducing the suspension

510 or the washing liquid, the centrifugal chamber 14 is kept depressurized via the vent pipe 50 and via the connection 57, which is connected to a valve, not shown, but which is open during the filling process. The liquid constituents of the suspension pass in the direction of the arrows 35 through the passage openings 18 of the filter drum 16 and are in a

515 filtrate outlet opening 37 passed. The solid particles of the suspension are stopped by the filter cloth 22.

With the filter drum 16 still rotating, the thrust shaft 12 is now shifted to the left (shown in FIG. 1 with a broken line), which causes

520 the filter cloth 22 is turned inside out and the solid particles adhering to it are thrown outward in the direction of the arrows 38 into the solid collecting space 32. From there, they can be easily removed through the solids outlet opening 36. After the dropping of the solid particles under the influence of the centrifugal force, the filter centrifuge is pushed back by the

525 thrust shaft 12 brought back into the operating position according to FIG. 1, the filter cloth 22 turning up in the opposite direction. In this way, the centrifuge can be operated with a continuously rotating filter drum 16.

The inverting filter centrifuge is brought into two 530 operating states by the drive device 69. The transition of the two operating states shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, centrifugal chamber 14 closed (shown by a solid line) and centrifugal chamber 14 open (shown by a broken line) is mediated by the drive device 69.

535 The axial movement of the thrust plate 74 and the machine elements connected to it, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 7, is caused by the motor 89, the gear drive 81 and the screw spindle axes 70 and 71; depending on the direction of rotation of the motor 89, the thrust plate 74 moves to the right or to the left and is thereby converted into one of the two operating states, the 540 movement speed can be changed by a speed control of the motor 89.

Starting from the operating state of the centrifugal chamber 14 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (with a broken line), thrust plate 74 in the left

545 position, the thrust plate 74 is moved to the right by switching on the motor 89 until the thrust plate 74 with its contact surface 93 comes to rest against the stop surface 77 of the machine frame 2. Shortly before this operating state (shown with a solid line) is reached, in this example the push plate 74 begins with its protruding round collar 82 in FIG

550 support bore 83 of the machine frame 2, so that the thrust plate 74 is fixed in several axes after it abuts the machine frame 2.

In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the thrust plate

555 74, before it comes into contact with the stop surface 77 of the machine frame 2, is caught by catch bolts which protrude from the machine frame 2 and which penetrate into the corresponding counterparts in it.

In a further exemplary embodiment, not shown, the push plate 74 560 is supported over its entire travel path by means of a stable guide.

After the thrust plate 74 has been placed on the machine frame 2, the threaded bushing 73, which is displaceably mounted, moves from its left position (shown in FIG. 2 with a dash-dotted line) 565 against the bias of the plate spring 76 into the right position (shown with a solid line) with the threaded spindle 72 rotating further ), so that after the end of the rotary movement, the plate spring 75 arranged between the right end collar 91 and the threaded bushing 73 is relaxed and the thrust plate 74 is pressed against the stop surface 77 of the machine frame 2 by the force of the plate spring 76.

570

The force generated by the plate spring 76 is also the maximum locking force for the centrifugal space 14. This force is maintained by the self-locking threaded spindle 72 even after the motor 89 has been switched off. 575 In an exemplary embodiment, not shown, between the hollow shaft 3, or the drive wheel 7 rigidly connected to the hollow shaft 3, and the thrust bearing 45 is a protective device, which surrounds the thrust shaft 12 and rotates with it, permitting the axial displacement and delimiting it from the ambient atmosphere, for example a bellows, provided which

580 prevents aseptic or sterile production a connection between the process area in the housing 1 and the surrounding atmosphere.

In a further embodiment, not shown, between the thrust plate 74 and the support body 13 on one side, and between the 585 thrust plate 74 and the machine frame 2 on the other side, a protective device surrounding the threaded spindle, which protects against contamination and allows the axial movement, for Example a bellows provided.

In a further embodiment, not shown, the two 590 threaded bushes 73 are not arranged directly in the thrust plate 74, but in a pendulum piece which is connected to the thrust plate 74 via a pivot axis, the center of which intersects the center of the shear shaft. With this arrangement, a different build-up of force in the screw spindle axes 70 and 71 is avoided by a slight pivoting movement of the pendulum piece. Furthermore, the 595 threaded bushes 73 are integrated into the thrust plate in such a way that they can also perform a slight pendulum movement.

In a further exemplary embodiment, not shown, the threaded spindle is a spindle without self-locking, for example a conventional 600 ball screw. In this case, the locking force required for the safe locking of the centrifugal chamber 14 is applied either by the continuously switched on motor 89 or by a brake which can be activated at a corresponding point in the drive train.

605 In a further exemplary embodiment, not shown, the screw spindle axes 70 and 71 are replaced by less expensive hydraulic lifting cylinders, with the disadvantages based on leakage being accepted. In a further exemplary embodiment, not shown, the 610 drive device 69 is realized on one side with a screw spindle axis instead of with two screw spindle axes, as shown in FIG. 2. The disadvantage of this cheaper variant is the lateral force that occurs, which leads to increased wear in the translation bearings, which support the displaceable thrust shaft 12. 615

In a further exemplary embodiment, not shown, the drive device consists of a screw spindle axis which is arranged centrally in an extension of the thrust shaft 12. A disadvantage of this inexpensive design is that the overall length of the inverting filter centrifuge 620 increases at least by the travel of the push shaft 12.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2, the push plate 74 is firmly connected to the machine frame 2 by a releasable, but self-locking lock in the closed state, with 625 the advantage that the force required to keep the centrifugal chamber 14 closed is not taken up by the screw spindle axes 70 and 71, but is caught directly by the stable machine frame 2 via the push plate 74.

Another significant advantage of this embodiment is a 630 serious improvement in the dynamic behavior of the thrust plate 74, with its vibration-sensitive internals, seal 47, inlet pipe 51 and ventilation pipe 50 (shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6) during their connection with the Machine frame 2. In this exemplary embodiment, the inlet pipe 51 and the ventilation pipe 50 can advantageously be made 635 much longer.

According to the invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the centrifugal chamber 14 is inserted with the associated centrifugal chamber cover 25

Centrifugal chamber seal 20 is closed, and positioning in the axial 640 direction takes place by the thrust plate 74 being fixedly attached to the machine frame 2. The axial force generated by the drive device 69 must be at least as great be like the axial component of the hydraulic force that arises in the centrifugal chamber 14 that arises under the most unfavorable conditions due to the permitted operating parameters.

The axial component is caused by the difference in area between the centrifuge chamber cover 25 and the push floor 23, which laterally delimit the centrifugal chamber 14. However, the maximum component only occurs if the filter cake build-up takes place only slowly at maximum spin speed and full filter drum, a rare process that only occurs with low-solids suspensions.

In most cases, a solid cake builds up at the filling speed, which is usually far below the maximum speed, which bridges the difference in area between the centrifugal chamber cover 25 and the push floor 23, so that the resulting high centrifugal speed, which arises axial component derived from the hydraulic pressure, is not only shaped by the flow behavior of the liquid, but also by the angle of repose of the solid cake.

Regardless of the axial force generated by the drive device 69, only the opening and closing, as well as the previously described, caused by the axial component force, run through the main bearing 5 and the thrust bearings 45 and 46 in the embodiment according to the invention, which significantly extends the Lifetime causes.

After the filtration process has been completed, the locking mechanism connecting the push plate 74 to the machine frame 2 is released and an axial movement of the push plate 74 to the left is initiated by switching on the motor 89. When rotation of the threaded spindle 72 begins, the displaceably mounted threaded bushing 73 in FIG. 2 first moves from its right position (shown with a solid line) to the left until the plate spring 75 arranged between the end collar 91 and the threaded bushing 73 is tensioned and the (shown in Fig. 2 with a dash-dotted line) position. When the threaded spindle 72 continues to rotate, the thrust plate now becomes 74 is brought into its left (shown with broken line) starting position, the centrifugal chamber 14 is opened via the thrust shaft 12 connected to it, the filter cloth 22 is turned inside out, and the solids are thrown into the solids collecting space 32.

Through the inlet channel 26, the inlet pipe 51 and the opening 15 in the thrust shaft 12, after introducing the suspension, pressurized gas, in particular inert gas, can also be introduced into the centrifugal chamber 14 of the filter drum 16. The resulting internal pressure in the filter drum 16 increases the hydraulic pressure generated in the centrifugal force field of the rotating filter drum 16 and thus has an overall beneficial effect on the filtration result.

In another exemplary embodiment, it is also possible to introduce steam into the filter drum 16 through the inlet channel 26 and thereby to subject the filter cake adhering to the filter cloth 22 to steam washing. It is also possible to extract an active ingredient from the solid present by means of extraction. In a further exemplary embodiment, it is also possible to generate a negative pressure instead of an excess pressure in the filter drum 16, for example by connecting the centrifugal chamber 14 to a suction device (not shown) via the inlet channel 26. Such a temporary negative pressure can, for example, have a favorable effect on the filtration behavior of the filter cake.

If there is overpressure or underpressure in the centrifugal chamber 14, a pressure-tight seal must be produced between the static inlet channel 26, the likewise static inlet pipe 51 and the centrifugal chamber 14. This is explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 5.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the radially static thrust plate 74 with its rigidly connected elements inlet pipe 51 and vent pipe 50 is separated from the rotating thrust shaft 12 by the seal 47.

Any type of seal that can be used at this point, whether gas or liquid lubricated mechanical seal, lip seal, or another known 710 sealing element, it is peculiar that at its critical point, where the relative movement between the static and the rotating component takes place, even though it generates abrasion itself, it reacts very sensitively to the accumulation of foreign matter, i.e. contamination. Measures are taken according to the invention for long-term maintenance of the functionality of the seal 47

715 against contamination, it is prevented that foreign matter can accumulate on the sensitive area of the seal 47.

The suspension fed through the inlet channel 26 is passed through the inlet pipe 51 via the opening 15 in the thrust shaft 12 to the centrifugal chamber 14. 720 The flow behavior of the suspension in the opening 15 in the thrust shaft 12 results in a uniform liquid ring which is prevented from spreading further on the right side by the shoulder 40 and, as shown in FIG. 1, in the centrifugal space 14 on the left side flows.

725 In other exemplary embodiments, not shown, the opening 15 in the thrust shaft 12 is not provided with the shoulder 40 shown in FIG. 3, but is narrowed at the right end and increases in the course of its extension to the other side, so that it widens into the centrifugal chamber 14 opens, or the entire machine concept is designed so that the centrifuge axis

730 tends towards the centrifugal chamber 14. Such embodiments have the characteristic that after the suspension or washing liquid supply has ended, self-emptying occurs through the opening 15 in the thrust shaft 12.

As can be seen from FIG. 3, by supplying gas to the protection zone 48, a 735 sealing gas flow is created, in which the radially static inlet pipe 51 creates a gap 54 separating from the rotating thrust shaft 12, and thereby penetration of suspension into the protection zones 48 and upstream of the shaft seal 47 49 prevented.

740 After the suspension has been introduced into the centrifugal chamber 14, after a centrifuging time dependent on the product to be processed, the solid cake built up in the centrifugal chamber 14 is flowed through with washing liquid introduced via the inlet channel 26. The supply of the washing liquid, or just one Partial quantity, can also take place via the feed line 43, and thus simultaneously act as a 745 cleaning liquid for the protection zone 48, the gap 54 and the opening 15 in the thrust shaft 12. In this case, the inflow valve upstream of the feed line 43, not shown, is a three-way valve which optionally allows gas or washing liquid to be supplied.

750 By introducing cleaning or washing liquid via the supply line 41, then continuing through the protection zone 49, and discharging via the discharge line 42, the seal abrasion that is produced is reliably removed, even if it depends on the seal used, and thus ensures that neither the suspension nor the solid are contaminated.

755

The gas displaced during the filling process in the centrifugal chamber 14 and the supplied sealing gas are discharged via the vent pipe 50, so that the centrifugal chamber 14 which is thereby depressurized can be filled without problems. In terms of process technology, however, it can be advantageous in individual cases to fill the centrifugal chamber as soon as it is filled

To keep 760 14 under static pressure, this is made possible by installing a pressure-maintaining valve, also not shown, after the vent connection 57 upstream of the valve, not shown.

Although according to the invention the elements combined in one block, 765 thrust plate 74, inlet pipe 51 and ventilation pipe 50, when filling and

If the spinning is rigid and thus vibration-stable connected to the machine frame 2, the ventilation pipe 50, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, can be made very long, but for insufficient stability it does not extend to the centrifugal space 14. 770

Since the vent opening of the vent pipe 50 comes very close to the inlet into the centrifugal space 14, this simple, inexpensive arrangement of the vent pipe 50 very often leads to satisfactory results.

775 FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, in connection with FIG. 1 compared to FIG. 3, show more complex exemplary embodiments, in which, however, a direct connection from the rotating centrifugal chamber 14 via the connecting chamber 58 is advantageous is given to the radially static vent connection 57, or, as can be seen from FIG. 5, the direct connection via the intermediate space 65 leads to the 780 vent line 66.

In a further embodiment, not shown, channels 63 shown in FIG. 5 are guided in the thrust shaft 12 shortly before their end facing away from the centrifugal chamber 14, for example through a pipe, to the center of the thrust shaft

785 and summarized there in a central tube which then extends through the inlet tube 51, the inlet channel 26 to the connection space 58, which establishes a direct connection to the ventilation connection 57, and thus a direct connection from the rotating centrifugal space 14 to the radially static ventilation connection 57 given is.

790

In all embodiments of the ventilation, there is the possibility of suspension or solid carryover by the escaping gas and associated deposits in the ventilation pipe 50 or in the channel 63. It is therefore necessary to periodically clean the entire ventilation system with cleaning agents.

795 or washing liquid. For this purpose, the valve (not shown) upstream of the vent connection 57 or the vent line 66 is designed as a three-way valve, which optionally enables a gas or washing liquid supply.

800 The operation of a system that is dominated by the idea of avoiding the major contamination between the product and the environment as much as possible is shown by the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 10 and 11, with a split-up arrangement of the inverting filter centrifuge, in which the process space is located in a clean room 101, and the machine frame 2 with the storage, the

805 drives, as well as the entire media supply equipment 120, is located in a machine room 102.

The inverting filter centrifuge is with its machine frame 2 via vibration bearings

106 and 107 installed in the machine room 102 and protrudes with their

810 process room through the building partition 100, with which it is coupled via flexible, gas-tight connecting elements 103 and 104, into the clean room 101 into it. This arrangement advantageously results in that when the process space of the inverting filter centrifuge is opened, the absolute separation of the two spaces means that the opened process space is not contaminated by the

815 drive part of the inverting filter centrifuge, resulting abrasion, the fine particles of which are located as aerosols in the entire machine room 102, can take place. Due to the elastic arrangement on the vibration bearings 106 and 107, and a coupling to the building wall 100 by means of flexible connecting elements 103 and 104, the strict separation of the two rooms 101 and 102 can be carried out despite the two

820 centrifuge unavoidable imbalances and the associated inherent movement.

By laying the entire media supply equipment 120 from the clean room 101 into the machine room 102 according to the invention, not only is that for everyone

825 previous versions known contamination of the product by abrasion from the abrasive fill pipe seals eliminated, but also the clean room 101, as well as the solids collection space 32, freed from the media 120. As a result, with a configuration of the inverting filter centrifuge, as shown in FIG. 8, both the solids collection space 32 and the are during production

830 centrifugal chamber 14 visible, which is extremely helpful in terms of process technology. Furthermore, it is also evident from FIGS. 10 and 11 that the relocation of the media supply equipment 120 enables the clean room 101 to be reduced in size. The reduction in the size of the clean room 101, combined with the elimination of the media supply equipment 120, drastically reduces the expenses for the in

835 microbiological examination of the clean room 101 to be carried out at regular intervals.

Further advantages of laying the media supply equipment 120 according to the invention from the clean room 101 into the machine room 102 are that the 840 cross sections of the media-carrying passages, for example the opening 15 in the thrust shaft 12, can be dimensioned much larger than in the previously known embodiments. As a result, the gas throughput can be increased when working in the centrifugal chamber 14 with overpressure or underpressure, or when the solid cake flows through with gas for drying 845 becomes, which leads to an extremely advantageous reduction of the cycle time and thus an increase in production.

Furthermore, due to the large-sized passages, the gas which is displaced when the filter cloth 22 is turned inside out in the solids collecting space 32 can be avoided

850 of a pressure build-up, flow out through the opening 15 in the thrust shaft 12, the inlet pipe 51 and the inlet channel 26. It is helpful, before the everting process is initiated, to build up a negative pressure in the centrifugal space 14 so that the gas to be displaced flows immediately in the desired direction when the everting process begins. In addition, if necessary, the result of

855 Removal of the media supply through the solids collection space 32 vacated area can be used for other purposes. For example, a device, for example a fill level sensor, microwave transmitter, sampling device, can be located through the end face of the housing 1, the solids collection chamber 32, and the centrifugal chamber cover 25 within a casing, for example a tube

860 or another auxiliary device can be introduced into the centrifugal chamber 14.

The housing 1 enclosing the process chamber is at its solids outlet opening 36 via a separable closure device 110 with the solids container, consisting of an upper part 111 and a lower part 112

865 115 connected. In the illustrated coupled state, when the flap is open in the closure device 110, the solids collection space 32 forms a common space with the solids container 115, so that when the filter cloth 22 is turned inside out, the solids fall through the closure device 110 into the solids container 115. After filling the solid container 115, the

870 flap in the closure device 110 is closed, and then the closure device 110 is separated; the housing 1 remains closed in a gas-tight manner by the upper closure part 111 remaining on it, as is the solid container 115 with its lower closure part 112 located on it. The solids container 115 can now be handled in the closed state, and

875 can be used for further determination, excluding cross-contamination. Another empty solids container 115 is docked at the separation point. With this procedure, the Solids are removed from the solids collection space 32 without contamination.

880

A further development of the inverting filter centrifuge according to the invention can be seen from FIG. 11. The housing 1 encompassing the process space is in turn enclosed by a glove box 130. Through openings 131, which are connected with highly flexible gloves, through hatches, not shown, in which

885 of the housing 1 shown in broken lines can be intervened by an operator 134 in the process space by means of gloves 132. It is thus possible to periodically change the filter cloth 22 and to change the centrifugal chamber seal 20 sporadically when the process chamber is closed and thus without any decontamination effort

890 because the separation between the process room and the clean room is not removed during this work.

The hatches, not shown, in the housing 1, through which the operator 134 intervenes in the process space, are provided with covers, also not shown,

895 which are designed in such a way that the operator 134 can handle them within the glove box 130. The operator 134 can both open and close the hatch, it being advantageous that the hatch only has to be closed in a dust-tight but not gas-tight manner, since the gas-tight separation between the process room and the clean room is brought about by the glove box.

900

In an embodiment not shown, the solids container 115 is not docked to the housing 1, but is positioned separately under the solids outlet opening 36. The solids container 115 is designed in this embodiment with a plastic bag, which also after the absorption of the solid

905 is closed like the solids container 115 itself. In order to avoid cross-contamination when the solids are discharged from the solids collection space 32 and introduced into the solids container 115, the transfer area is also integrated into a glove box. 910 In a further exemplary embodiment, which is not shown, the solids container 115 is located in a separate glove box and is brought into the clean room 101 through a lock.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11, and the exemplary embodiments not shown but only described 915, have in common that the effort reduced by removing the media supply equipment 120 from the clean room 101 for the costs incurred when the housing 1 is opened

Decontamination work is further reduced drastically, since the frequency of opening is limited only to the accident and the safety-related checks to be carried out in large periods 920. This is an extraordinary advantage, especially when dealing with toxic or carcinogenic substances.

Claims

claims

925

1. Inverting filter centrifuge, with a filter drum (16), which is rotatably mounted in a machine frame (2), cantilevered into a radial passage openings (18) projecting into a housing (1) connected to the machine frame (2), which has a filter drum (16) with normal, over or Negative pressure can be applied

930 radially encloses the centrifugal chamber (14), with a centrifugal chamber cover (25) closing the centrifugal chamber (14) on the front side, with a moving floor rigidly connected to the centrifugal chamber cover (25) while leaving a gap, and delimiting the other side of the centrifugal chamber (14) 23), the centrifugal space (14) being filled from the side,

935 the filter drum (16) and the sliding floor (23) are rotated together by means of a rotatably driven hollow shaft (3), and the hollow shaft (3) is firmly connected to the filter drum (16) in the hollow shaft (3) axially displaceable with it rotating thrust shaft (12) is arranged by axial displacement of the thrust shaft (12), the filter drum (16) and

940 moving floor (23) can be moved relative to one another in order to invert a filter cloth (22) and discharge separated solid from the centrifugal space (14) into a solids collecting space (32), characterized in that the centrifugal space (14) is at the end face of a breakthrough-free one , full-surface closed centrifugal chamber cover (25) is closed that the

945 push floor (23) delimiting the centrifugal chamber (14) on the other side, is fixedly connected to the circumferential push shaft (12), and that an opening (15) leading through the push floor (23) opens into the centrifugal chamber (14), penetrates the thrust shaft (12) over its entire length, up to its end facing away from the centrifugal chamber (14), and via a with one

950 radially static thrust plate (74) rigidly connected inlet pipe (51), into an inlet channel (26) connected to the thrust plate (74) and thus a passage for media to be brought into the centrifugal space (14) is made, which is formed by a between the circumferential thrust shaft (12) and the seal (47) arranged axially connected to it thrust plate (74)

955 is delimited from the surrounding area. Inverting filter centrifuge according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening (15) in the thrust shaft (12) is narrowed at its end facing away from the centrifugal chamber (14).

960

Inverting filter centrifuge according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening (15) in the thrust shaft (12) widens from its end facing away from the centrifugal chamber (14) to the centrifugal chamber (14).

965 4. Inverting filter centrifuge according to claim 1, characterized in that the axis of the thrust shaft (12) with its opening (15) extends towards the centrifugal chamber.

5. Inverting filter centrifuge according to claim 1, characterized in that the 970 seal (47), which delimits the circumferential thrust shaft (12) with its opening (15) against the radially static inlet pipe (51), has protective zones upstream.

6. Inverting filter centrifuge according to claim 5, characterized in that a first 975 protection zone (48) is acted upon by gas, and the outflowing gas one

Barrier gas flow in the radially static inlet pipe (51) from the rotating thrust shaft (12) separating gap (54) generated.

980 7. Inverting filter centrifuge according to claim 5, characterized in that washing liquid is added to a first protective zone (48) which flows out through the gap (54) and the opening (15) in the thrust shaft (12).

8. Inverting filter centrifuge according to claim 5, characterized in that for

985 Cleaning a second protection zone (49), which is driven inwards by the shear shaft

(12) is limited, cleaning or washing liquid is introduced and the seal abrasion present in this protection zone (49) via a discharge line

(42) is removed.

990 9. Inverting filter centrifuge according to claim 1, characterized in that a vent tube (50) is provided which crosses the opening (15) in the center of the thrust shaft (12), the inlet tube (51) and the inlet channel (26).

10. Inverting filter centrifuge according to claim 9, characterized in that the 995 vent pipe (50) is supported in the inlet pipe (51) and after the last

Support at the end of the inlet pipe (51) facing the centrifugal chamber (14) projects into the opening (15) of the thrust shaft (12).

11. Inverting filter centrifuge according to claim 10, characterized in that the vent pipe (50) projecting into the 1000 opening (15) of the thrust shaft (12) is supported by means of a connecting piece (59) and a vent pipe extension supported on the inner wall of the push shaft (12). 68) extends to the centrifugal chamber (14).

1005 12. Inverting filter centrifuge according to claim 10, characterized in that the inlet tube (51) extends as far as possible due to the vibration into the opening (15) of the thrust shaft (12).

13. Inverting filter centrifuge according to claim 9, characterized in that the 1010 ventilation tube (50) is supported on the inner wall of the thrust shaft (12) and rotates together with it.

14. Inverting filter centrifuge according to claim 13, characterized in that with the thrust shaft (12) revolving vent pipe (50) at one end in the

1015 centrifugal space (14) protrudes, and at the other end over a connecting space

(58) is connected to a radially static vent connection (57).

15. Inverting filter centrifuge according to claim 1, characterized in that one or more channels (63) in the thrust shaft (12) a vent connection

1020 between the rotating centrifugal space (14) and a radially static

Establish ventilation line (66).

16. Inverting filter centrifuge according to claim 1, characterized in that one or more channels (63) in the thrust shaft (12) shortly before the centrifugal chamber

1025 (14) facing away from the end of the thrust shaft (12) to the center, and from there are connected by a common ventilation pipe via the connection space (58) to a radially static ventilation connection (57).

17. Inverting filter centrifuge according to claim 1, characterized in that a 1030 drive device (69) the thrust plate (74) at the end of your

Apply the drum closing movement to a stop surface (77) on the machine frame (2).

18. Inverting filter centrifuge according to claims 1 or 17, characterized in that 1035 that a threaded spindle (72) via a spring (76) presses the thrust plate (74) with the rigidly connected inlet pipe (51) to the machine frame (2).

19. Inverting filter centrifuge according to one of claims 1, 17 or 18, characterized in that the thrust plate (74) is rigid but detachable with the

1040 machine frame (2) is locked.

20. Inverting filter centrifuge according to one of claims 1, 17, 18 or 19, characterized in that the thrust plate (74) on the machine frame (2) is fixed by means of further supports in several axes.

1045

21. Inverting filter centrifuge according to one of claims 1, 17, 18, 19 or 20, characterized in that only the axial component of the hydraulic force occurring in the centrifugal chamber (14), and the force required to open and close the centrifugal chamber, as the axial force of the with the thrust shaft (17)

1050 connected drawer bearings (45, 46), as well as from the main bearing (5).

22. Inverting filter centrifuge according to claim 19, characterized in that the lock is designed to be self-locking.

1055

23. Inverting filter centrifuge according to claim 1, characterized in that between a hollow shaft (3) or the rigidly connected to the hollow shaft (3) drive wheel (7) and a thrust bearing (45) surrounding the thrust shaft (12) and rotating with it, the Allowing axial displacement,

1060 tightly delimiting protective device against the surrounding atmosphere.

24. Inverting filter centrifuge according to claim 1, characterized in that through the opening (15) in the thrust shaft (12) and the inlet pipe (51) and

1065 inlet channel (26) a gas flow for an overpressure or underpressure to be generated in the centrifugal space (14), and the lifting thereof is conducted.

25. Inverting filter centrifuge according to claim 1, characterized in that the end face of the solids collection space (32) is designed without breakthroughs.

1070

26. Inverting filter centrifuge according to claim 1, characterized in that the solids collection space (32) is free of traversing internals which serve to fill the centrifugal space (14) with media.

1075 27. Inverting filter centrifuge according to claim 1, characterized in that there are no abrasion-preventing radial seals in the solids collection chamber (32) and in the centrifugal chamber (14).

28. Inverting filter centrifuge according to claim 1, characterized in that by the

1080 Relocation of the media supply equipment (120) and the associated

Eliminated, in a surrounding the process chamber of the inverting filter centrifuge

Clean room (101), which is much smaller and easier to clean.

1085 29. Inverting filter centrifuge according to claim 26, characterized in that a central insert (27) in the centrifuge chamber cover (25) and / or a large area (29) on the front side of the housing (1) is transparent so that the centrifugal chamber (14 ) is visible from the outside even when the housing (1) is closed and the filter drum (16) is rotating. 1090

30. Inverting filter centrifuge according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (1) comprising the process space is enclosed by a glove box (130) which has at least one viewing window.

1095 31. Inverting filter centrifuge according to claim 30, characterized in that in the glove box (130) openings (131) with flexible gloves (132) and hatches in the housing (1) are provided, through which the process chamber can be accessed without the to open the process chamber (1).

1100

32. Inverting filter centrifuge according to one of claims 30 or 31, characterized in that the housing (1) is designed to be pivotable together with the glove box (130) when the process space is opened.

1105 33. Inverting filter centrifuge according to claim 1, characterized in that the medium to be introduced into the centrifugal chamber (14) is liquid, solid, gaseous or any combination of these physical states.

34. Inverting filter centrifuge according to claim 1 or 26, characterized in that 1110 devices are introduced into the centrifugal chamber (14) by establishing a connection between the centrifugal chamber (14), across the solids collecting chamber, with the end wall of the housing (1).

1115

1120