EP1758691B1 - Method and installation for the phase change in an insulator - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and an installation for controlling the pressure in a working chamber ( 10 ) of an insulator ( 1 ), which is shielded from the outer environment (U), during opening or closing of the insulator with respect to the outer environment (U), with the aim of avoiding critical pressure bursts in the working chamber ( 10 ). The working chamber ( 10 ) is provided with an access for introduction or removal of the product to be treated. Purified air is supplied to the working chamber ( 10 ) from a circulating air Zone ( 11 ), and air arrives from the working chamber ( 10 ) at the circulating air Zone ( 11 ) via a returning air channel ( 14 ), and the working chamber and the circulating air Zone form an interior space ( 18 ). A supply air unit (a 3 ) is provided on the insulator ( 1 ) and comprises a supply air ventilator (B) and a blockable first supply air adjusting element ( 21 ), mounted between the supply air ventilator (B) and the interior space ( 18 ). The insulator ( 1 ) is also provided with a discharge air unit (b 6 ) which comprises a discharge air ventilator (B) and a blockable first discharge air element ( 31 ), mounted between the discharge air ventilator (B) and the interior space ( 18 ). Phase change is carried out as a change-over process on the first supply air element ( 21 ) and the first discharge air element ( 31 ), from the closed to the open state or vice versa, using the following steps: measuring the differential pressure at both ends of the first supply air element ( 21 ) and/or at both ends of the first discharge air element ( 31 ); adjusting at least theoretically identical pressures at both ends of the first supply air element ( 21 ) and/or at both ends of the first discharge air element ( 31 ); carrying out the change-over process on the first supply air element ( 21 ) and first discharge air element ( 31 ).

Description

Field of application of the invention

The invention relates to a method for pressure regulation in an insulator, which has a shielded against the external environment working chamber. The working chamber of such insulators is supplied with purified, preferably low-turbulence displacement flow. Isolators are operated in two fundamentally different applications. In the first case, in the working chamber, a product handled therein is to be protected from contamination from the environment of the insulator, e.g. in conducting sterility testing of pharmaceutical products. In order to ensure this, the working chamber is hermetically operated with an increased pressure relative to the environment, so that under no circumstances ambient air flows from the outside into the working chamber in the event of damage due to the pressure gradient.

In the second case, toxic contaminated products are handled in the working chamber, with no harmful substances being allowed to enter the environment from the chamber, e.g. when filling in toxins or in research experiments. To secure these conditions, the working chamber is placed under a reduced pressure relative to the environment. This ensures that in case of a leakage damage only ambient air could pass from the outside into the working chamber and the opposite flow direction is excluded.

Specifically, the invention is concerned with a method for pressure regulation in the working chamber during phase change, ie when opening or closing the insulator to the environment, as practiced in particular in the transition from the decontamination carried out in the closed state for flushing with open insulator. Furthermore, the invention relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method for the operation of the insulator.

State of the art

Figures 1A to 1E illustrate a previously used arrangement. The intended for the treatment of products under clean room conditions working chamber 10 is located inside a housing which limits the insulator 1 against the external environment U and rests on a base frame 15 . Above the working chamber 10 is the circulating air zone 11, wherein between the working chamber 10 and the circulating air 11, a partition wall 12 is present. For introducing and discharging the product to be treated, the working chamber 10 has at least one access (not shown here). Laterally, the working chamber 10 has an intermediate wall 13, behind which extends through the housing wall delimited by the outer environment U return air duct 14 upwards. The return air duct 14 opens at the level of the partition wall 12 in the circulating air zone 11 and begins in a lower region of the working chamber 10. The working chamber 10 forms together with the circulating air zone 11 and the return air duct 14, the interior 18. In the circulating air zone 11 are at equal intervals next to each other three Umlufteinheiten c0 arranged, each consisting of a driven by a motor M fan B, a downstream adjoining Filterplenum Fp and a downstream air filter F. An operator working on the insulator 1 can reach in through the access unit, for in the faceplate 16 by means not shown via the access openings 17 accessible conventional gloves in the working chamber 10 and grab products to be treated.

In operation, the fans B in the recirculation units c0 suck in air from the recirculation zone 11 and first transport them into the adjacent filter plenums Fp, from where the air continues to flow through the adjoining air filters F into the working chamber 10 . On the top of the insulator 1 , outside of the interior 18 , there is the air intake unit a0 for supplying and cleaning fresh air and an exhaust air unit b0 as an outlet for the air mixture from the contaminated air returned from the working chamber 10 and added fresh air. The Zulufteinheit a0 comprises a driven by a motor M fan B, the air from the environment U sucks and promotes into the subsequent Filterplenum Fp , the filter F follows. About the outflow 20 , the purified air enters the supply line 2 via the front supply line section 28 to a first Zuluftstellorgan 21, which is actuated by a first Zuluftstellantrieb 22 between complete opening and shut-off. Finally, the air reaches the recirculation zone 11 via a rear supply line section 29 .

Via the front discharge section 38 of the discharge line 3 , air is passed from the circulating air zone 11 to the first exhaust air actuating element 31 , which is actuated by the first exhaust air actuating drive 32 between complete opening and shut-off.

For the pressure control in the working chamber 10 with the first exhaust air actuator 31 and the first supply air actuator 21 open, the fan B in the air supply unit a0 and the fan B in the exhaust air unit b0 are operated with different air delivery rates. If you want to raise the pressure in the working chamber 10 , the fan B is moved in the air supply unit a0 with a higher air flow rate than the fan B in the exhaust unit b0 , so that the interior 18 is supplied with more air than withdrawn, and thus the pressure in the interior 18 increases. Accordingly, the fan B in the exhaust air unit b0 runs with a relative to the fan B in the air supply unit a0 increased air flow capacity when the pressure in the working chamber 10 is to be reduced. In this case, the amount of air discharged from the interior 18 predominates, ie, the pressure in the interior space 18 decreases.

Connected to the first exhaust air actuator 31 is the rear discharge section 39 , which communicates with the associated motor M driven fan B in the exhaust air unit b0 . The fan B supplies the charged air via the filter plenum Fp to the air filter F , to be cleaned from here after passing the outflow space 30 into the environment U to be released.

In the interior 18 of the insulator 1, preferably in the circulating air zone 11, a not-shown, known per se decontamination system with an evaporator is usually present , with which the insulator 1 - in special work processes sterilized together with the introduced product. To do this, feed the evaporator with a suitable decontamination agent, such as hydrogen peroxide.

During the decontamination phase, the supply air and exhaust air duct are 2.3 gastight closed by the respective first supply air or exhaust air actuating member 21,31. The isolator equipment shown here offers no way to regulate the pressure in the working chamber 10 when it is closed, which also refers to the jerking occurring at the phase change pressure fluctuations that propagate into the working chamber 10 and in the supercritical case even brief inversion of the safety pressure gradient to be observed can lead to the environment U. Thus, this set-up is no longer sufficient for today's stringent safety regulations and process requirements.

The basic structure of such an arrangement is in the JP 61 186746 A disclosed. In the GB 2 323 785 A describes the decontamination of an insulator, which dispenses with a separate supply air fan by the intake of fresh air from the environment by the fan in the circulating air zone, which otherwise causes the air circulation in the insulator.

FIGS. 2A to 2D

As a further development, the Applicant has then fitted insulators with an added two-position control that enables even with the insulator 1, ie closed-off the first air inlet and outlet control members 21,31, a pressure control in the working chamber 10 degrees. The pressure in the working chamber 10 is kept within a tolerance range between a maximum value and a minimum value as a deviation from a predetermined target value. For example, the isolator 1 is operated with a set point differential pressure with respect to the external environment U of Δp _soll = 60 Pa; the minimum differential pressure is Δp _min = 20 Pa and the maximum differential pressure Δp _max = 120 Pa.

The two-point control initially consists of a compressed air unit d, which comprises a compressed air source 5 and a compressed air line 57 extending from the latter into the circulating air zone 11 . In the compressed air line 57 , a Druckluftstellorgan 51 is installed, which is in communication with a pneumatic actuator 52 . For two-point control optionally includes an adjustment line 56, which from the outflow chamber 20 of the air supply unit a0 goes off and opens between compressed air source 5 and compressed air actuator 51 in the compressed air line 57 .

The exhaust air unit b4, which is like the air intake unit a0 outside the interior 18 , is expanded with respect to the exhaust air unit b0 previously shown with a second exhaust air bypass 35 , the first exhaust air actuator 31 immediately opens into the filter plenum Fp of the arranged below the exhaust air unit b4 air circulation unit c1 and in which a third Abluftstellorgan 36 connected to a third exhaust air actuator 37 is provided. For two-point control further includes a pressure sensor 43 in the working chamber 10, which is coupled via a signal line 42 to the two-position controller 4 , which in turn acts on the signal transmission line 42 to the third exhaust air actuator 37 and the pneumatic actuator 52 .

Exceeds the pressure in the working chamber 10, the permissible .DELTA.p _max , the two-position regulator 4 acts on the third exhaust air actuator 37, which opens the third Abluftstellorgan 36 so that air is removed from the Filterplenum Fp the recirculation unit c1 via the second exhaust bypass 35 until the working chamber 10 the desired value Δ p has _to set, after which the third exhaust air actuating member 36 closes again.

Falls below the pressure in the working chamber 10, the permissible Δ p _min, the two-point regulator 4 acts on the compressed air actuator 52 which opens the compressed-air actuating member 51, whereafter the compressed air line 57 compressed air, the air circulation zone 11 and therefore the working chamber 10 until reaching the desired value Δ p _soll is supplied, after which the compressed air actuator 51 closes again.

To increase the pressure in the working chamber 10 to the desired value Δ p _soll is alternatively provided that the two-step regulator 4 when falling below Δ p _min to the opening of the Druckluftstellorgans 51 controls the pneumatic actuator 52 and the fan B in the Zulufteinheit a0 - if this is turned off - set in motion. The fan B conveys air through the filter plenum Fp and the Air filter F in the outflow 20, from where the air passes through the Justierleitung 56, the compressed air line 57 and the Druckluftstellorgan 51 into the recirculation zone 11 . After which in the working chamber 10 the desired value Δ p has _to set the two-position controller includes 4, the compressed air actuator 51 and the fan B may be turned off.

The exhaust air unit b4 is also extended relative to the exhaust air unit b0 by a safety duct 350 which leaves the circulating air zone 11 and opens into the second exhaust air bypass 35 and is equipped with a safety valve 360 . At critical exceeding of Δ p _max in the circulating air zone 11, for example , as a result of too high over the compressed air line 57 fed and insufficiently discharged due to a defect on the second Abluftbypass 35 amount of air, the safety valve 360 opens automatically. This two-point control is adapted to keep it stable in the state closed first supply air and exhaust air actuators 21,31 the pressure in the working chamber 10 in a predetermined range. When closing, in particular during the opening of the first air supply and exhaust air actuating member 21,31 but jerking pressure fluctuations in the working chamber 10 are formed. Closed first supply air or exhaust air actuating member 21,31 respectively on both sides of these valves occur - downstream front or behind - considerable pressure differences. Upon sudden opening of the first Zuluft- or Abluftstellorgane 21,31 , as is done shortly before the rinsing phase after the decontamination of the insulator 1 , suddenly creates a pressure equalization in the air masses from the range of higher pressure in the range of low pressure overflow.

If a lower pressure prevails on the side of the first exhaust-air actuator 31 facing the outer environment U than on the opposite side, the compensating flow of the air masses takes place in the direction of the external environment U. A vacuum wave is thereby formed which rapidly flows into the working chamber via the recirculation zone 11 10 propagates, wherein the pressure in the working chamber 10 abruptly sags below the minimum value Δp _min . If a higher pressure prevails on the side of the first supply air actuating element 21 facing the external environment U than on the opposite side, the compensation flow of the air masses takes place in FIG the insulator 1 inside. The resulting pressure wave continues through the air circulation zone 11 into the working chamber 10 continues, so here the pressure suddenly p _max jumps over the maximum value Δ. In this case, there is an increased risk that, in the event of leaks in the insulator 1, decontamination agent reaches the environment U.

A phase change from open first supply air and exhaust air actuating members 21,31 in the shutoff state, however, is less problematic, since the insulator 1 is already contaminated at the end of a working process and is prepared for decontamination.

Object of the invention

In view of the still uncontrolled risk that, in particular when opening the insulator, e.g. In the transition from decontamination to rinsing or other phase changes, by enormous pressure fluctuations in the working chamber, the bandwidth of the safe pressure difference from the environment is endangered by the staff, the object of the invention is to provide a method with which the pressure fluctuations during opening and Close the insulator prevented or at least largely reduced. Thus, the pressure in the working chamber should no longer divide the area between the maximum or minimum value to be observed for safety reasons.

Another object is to propose the apparatus for carrying out the method for the elimination of the critical pressure fluctuations during phase change during operation of the insulator.

Overview of the invention

The method relates to the pressure regulation in a working chamber of an insulator shielded from the outside environment when opening or closing the isolator with respect to the outside environment. The working chamber has access to the insertion and removal of the product to be treated. The isolator has a recirculation zone from which purified air is supplied to the working chamber becomes. Air is returned from the working chamber via a return air duct into the circulating air zone. Working chamber, circulating air zone and return air duct together form an interior. On the insulator, a Zulufteinheit is provided, which has a Zuluftventilator and a lockable first Zuluftstellorgan which is arranged between the Zuluftventilator and the interior. On the insulator, an exhaust unit with an exhaust fan and a lockable first Abluftstellorgan is present, which is arranged between the exhaust fan and the interior.

1. 1. Messen des Differenzdrucks beidseits des ersten Zuluftstellorgans und/oder beidseits des ersten Abluftstellorgans;
2. 2. Herstellen von zumindest im Prinzip gleicher Drücke beidseits des ersten Zuluftstellorgans und/oder beidseits des ersten Abluftstellorgans; und
3. 3. Ausführung des Umschaltvorgangs am ersten Zuluftstellorgan und ersten Abluftstellorgan.

Characteristic of the method is that the phase change is performed as switching on the first Zuluftstellorgan and first exhaust air actuator from the closed to the open state or vice versa in the following steps:

1. 1. Measuring the differential pressure on both sides of the first Zuluftstellorgans and / or both sides of the first Abluftstellorgans;
2. 2. producing at least in principle equal pressures on both sides of the first Zuluftstellorgans and / or both sides of the first Abluftstellorgans; and
3. 3. Execution of the switching process on the first Zuluftstellorgan and first exhaust air actuator.

For producing at least in principle the same pressure on both sides of the first Zuluftstellorgans and / or both sides of the first Abluftstellorgans, with completely closed first Zuluftstellorgan and first Abluftstellorgan, the interior of the insulator on the side of the air supply unit and on the Side of the exhaust unit each open to the outside environment to generate a compensation flow with the lowest possible flow resistance.

For producing at least in principle the same pressure on both sides of the first Zuluftstellorgans a first Zuluftstellorgan bypassing first Zuluftbypass and a second Zuluftstellorgan arranged in the latter is used. Correspondingly, for producing at least in principle the same pressure on both sides of the first exhaust air actuator, a first bypassing the first exhaust air actuator is used Exhaust air bypass and a second exhaust air actuator arranged in the latter. After determining the differential pressure on both sides of the first Zuluftstellorgans the second Zuluftstellorgan is wide opened and the Zuluftventilator approached at slowly increasing flow rate to generate the generated from the Zulufteinheit and directed into the interior compensation flow with the lowest possible flow resistance through the first Zuluftbypass. Additionally or alternatively, after determining the differential pressure on both sides of the first Abluftstellorgans generating the sucked out of the interior and directed into the exhaust air equalizing flow with the lowest possible flow resistance through the first exhaust bypass the second Abluftstellorgan wide open and the exhaust fan approached at slowly increasing flow rate. After reaching at least in principle equal pressures on both sides of the first Zuluftstellorgans and / or the first Abluftstellorgans the switching process takes place on the first Zuluftstellorgan and first exhaust air actuator.

The differential pressure measured on both sides of the first supply air actuator is transmitted to a system control unit assigned to the first supply air bypass. To generate the compensation flow, as a function of the processed differential pressure, the system control unit controls a second Zuluftstellantrieb and causes the start of the supply air fan, the Zuluftstellantrieb actuates the second Zuluftstellorgan. After reaching at least in principle the same pressures on both sides of the first Zuluftstellorgans the plant control unit controls a first Zuluftstellantrieb, which causes the switching operation on the first Zuluftstellorgan.

The differential pressure measured on both sides of the first exhaust air actuator is transmitted to a system control unit associated with the first exhaust air bypass. To generate the equalizing flow, as a function of the processed differential pressure, the system control unit controls a second exhaust air actuator and causes the other to start the exhaust fan, the second Abluftstellantrieb actuates the second Abluftstellorgan. After reaching at least in principle equal pressures on both sides of the first Abluftstellorgans controls the Plant control unit to a first exhaust air actuator, which causes the switching operation on the first exhaust air actuator.

With regard to the compensation of the compensation flow, a corresponding volume is discharged from the interior via the exhaust air unit into the external environment to the air quantity delivered by the air intake unit into the interior, wherein a two-position controller regulates the air passage through the exhaust air unit as a function of the pressure in the interior. At the amount of air sucked from the exhaust air unit from the interior, a corresponding volume is supplied to the interior via the air supply unit or a compressed air unit, wherein a two-position controller regulates the air passage through the air supply unit as a function of the pressure in the interior.

The apparatus is used to control the pressure in an isolator with a working chamber shielded from the outside environment with access to the introduction and discharge of the product to be treated. The isolator further has a recirculation zone from which purified air is supplied to the working chamber, wherein air is recirculated from the working chamber via a return air channel into the recirculation zone. Working chamber, circulating air zone and return air duct together form an interior. The isolator further includes a Zulufteinheit having a Zuluftventilator and a lockable first Zuluftstellorgan which is arranged between the supply air fan and the interior. The isolator has an exhaust air unit, which has an exhaust fan and a lockable first exhaust air actuator which is arranged between the exhaust fan and the interior.

The essence of the apparatus is that means for measuring the differential pressure on both sides of the first Zuluftstellorgans and means for producing at least in principle the same pressure on both sides of the first Zuluftstellorgans are available. Additionally or alternatively, means for measuring the differential pressure on both sides of the first Abluftstellorgans and means for producing at least in principle the same pressure on both sides of the first Abluftstellorgans available.

Below are particularly advantageous details of the apparatus are given: The means for producing at least in principle the same pressure on both sides of the first Zuluftstellorgans include a first Zuluftstellorgan immediate first Zuluftbypass with a second Zuluftstellorgan. Accordingly, the means for producing at least in principle equal pressure on both sides of the first Abluftstellorgans a bypassing the first Abluftstellorgan first exhaust bypass with a second Abluftstellorgan. The second Zuluftstellorgan or the second Abluftstellorgan are preferably variably adjustable between complete shut-off and complete opening.

The first Zuluftstellorgan is installed in a supply line, which preferably consists of a front and a rear supply line section, wherein the front supply line section leads to the supply air fan and the rear supply line section opens into the recirculation zone. The first exhaust air actuator is installed in a drain, which preferably consists of a front and a rear discharge section, wherein the front discharge section opens into the recirculation zone and the rear discharge section leads to the supply air fan.

The first supply air bypass extends from the front supply line section into the working chamber or opens into the rear supply line section. The first exhaust air bypass extends from the rear discharge section into the working chamber or enters the front discharge section.

The means for measuring the differential pressure on both sides of the first Zuluftstellorgans is a differential pressure sensor which receives pressure signals which are tapped at measuring points, each one measuring point downstream and a further measuring point downstream of the first Zuluftstellorgan is arranged. In each case one measuring point is located downstream before and another measuring point downstream behind the first exhaust air actuator. The differential pressure sensor is preferably integrated in a system control unit. The means for measuring the differential pressure on both sides of the first Zuluftstellorgans and / or the first Abluftstellorgans may also be arranged in the first Zuluftbypass and / or in the first exhaust air flow meter.

When in the working chamber einmündendem first Zuluftbypass one of the measuring points in the front supply line section, preferably in the region of the branch of the first Zuluftbypasses, and the other measuring point in the working chamber, preferably in the region of the mouth of the first Zuluftbypasses arranged.

If the first supply air bypass opens into the rear supply line section, then one of the measurement points in the front supply line section, preferably in the region of the branch of the first supply air bypass, and the further measurement point in the rear supply line section, preferably in the region of the mouth of the first Zuluftbypasses arranged. When the first exhaust air bypass opens into the working chamber, one of the measuring points is arranged in the rear discharge section, preferably in the region of the branch of the first exhaust air bypass, and the further measuring point in the working chamber, preferably in the region of the junction of the first exhaust air bypass. If the first exhaust air bypass flows into the front discharge section, one of the measuring points is arranged in the front discharge section, preferably in the region of the branch of the first exhaust air bypass, and the second measuring point in the rear discharge section, preferably in the region of the opening of the first exhaust air bypass.

The first supply air bypass is associated with a system control unit, which is intended to detect the differential pressure on both sides of the first Zuluftstellorgans and communicates with the supply air fan, the first Zuluftstellorgan and the second Zuluftstellorgan. Accordingly, the first exhaust air bypass is associated with a system control unit which is determined for detecting the differential pressure on both sides of the first Abluftstellorgans and with the exhaust fan, the first Abluftstellorgan and the second Abluftstellorgan is in communication.

The first Zuluftstellorgan is connected to a first Zuluftstellantrieb, preferably an electric motor. The first exhaust air actuator is connected to a first exhaust air actuator and the second Zuluftsstellorgan with a second Zuluftstellantrieb. The second exhaust air actuator is with a second exhaust air actuator connected. The actuators are preferably electric motors. The plant control unit associated with the first supply air bypass communicates with the first supply air actuator and the second supply air actuator. The plant control unit associated with the first exhaust air bypass is connected to the first exhaust air actuator and the second exhaust air actuator.

In the circulating air zone, at least one circulating air unit is arranged, which first comprises a circulating air fan driven by a motor for conveying air from the circulating air zone into the working chamber. Further, the Umlufteinheit belong downstream of the recirculation fan arranged Filterplenum and downstream of the Filterplenum arranged air filter, which is adjacent to the working chamber. On the insulator, a two-point control is provided which comprises a second exhaust air bypass, which goes off the rear discharge section, opens into the Filterplenum a recirculation unit and in which a connected to a third exhaust air actuator third Abluftstellorgan is installed. In addition or as an alternative to the second exhaust air bypass, the two-point control comprises a second supply air bypass, which leaves the front supply line section, opens into the filter plenum of a recirculation unit and in which a third Zuluftstellorgan connected to a third Zuluftstellantrieb is provided. The two-step control further includes a pressure sensor arranged in the working chamber, which is connected to a two-point regulator, and a compressed air source, to which a compressed air line which opens into the circulating air zone and is provided with a compressed air actuator is connected. The compressed air actuator is connected to a pneumatic actuator.

If there is a second exhaust air bypass, the two-position controller is connected to the third exhaust air actuator and the pneumatic actuator. If there is a second supply air bypass, the two-position controller is connected to the third supply air actuator and the pneumatic actuator. In the air unit, an air filter, which may have a Filterplenum arranged to clean the air flowing from the external environment into the insulator downstream of the air intake fan. In the exhaust unit is an air filter, which may have a Filterplenum, for cleaning the out of the insulator into the external environment discharged air downstream of the exhaust fan arranged. Inside the insulator there is a decontamination system with an evaporator.

Brief description of the attached drawings

Figur 1A -

den prinzipiellen apparativen Aufbau eines Isolators gemäss dem Stand der Technik;

Figur 1B -

die Zulufteinheit aus Figur 1A, in vergrösserter Darstellung;

Figur 1C -

die Ablufteinheit aus Figur 1A, in vergrösserter Darstellung;

Figur 1D -

eine Umlufteinheit aus Figur 1A, in vergrösserter Darstellung;

Figur 1E -

die Zugriffseinheit aus Figur 1A, in vergrösserter Darstellung;

Figur 2A -

den Aufbau des Isolators gemäss Figur 1A, erweitert mit einer Zweipunktregelung gemäss dem Stand der Technik;

Figur 2B -

eine Umlufteinheit aus Figur 2A, in vergrösserter Darstellung;

Figur 2C -

die Ablufteinheit aus Figur 2A, in vergrösserter Darstellung;

Figur 2D -

die Drucklufteinheit aus Figur 2A, in vergrösserter Darstellung;

Figur 3A -

den Aufbau gemäss Figur 2A, mit erfindungsgemäss erweiterter Zulufteinheit;

Figur 3B -

die Zulufteinheit aus Figur 3A, in vergrösserter Darstellung;

Figur 4A -

den Aufbau gemäss Figur 2A, erweitert mit einem erfindungsgemässen ersten Zuluftbypass erster Variante;

Figur 4B -

die Zulufteinheit aus Figur 4A, in vergrösserter Darstellung;

Figur 5A -

den Aufbau gemäss Figur 4A, erweitert mit einem erfindungsgemässen ersten Abluftbypass erster Variante;

Figur 5B -

die Ablufteinheit aus Figur 5A, in vergrösserter Darstellung;

Figur 6A -

den prinzipiellen apparativen Aufbau eines Isolators mit zwei Zuluftund zwei Ablufteinheiten sowie diesen zugeordneten ersten Zuluftund Abluftbypässen erster Variante;

Figur 6B -

eine Ablufteinheit aus Figur 6A, in vergrösserter Darstellung;

Figur 6C -

das vergrösserte Detail X1 aus Figur 6A;

Figur 6D -

das vergrösserte Detail X2 aus Figur 6A;

Figur 7A -

den Aufbau gemäss Figur 2A, erweitert mit einem erfindungsgemässen ersten Zuluftbypass zweiter Variante;

Figur 78 -

die Zulufteinheit aus Figur 7A, in vergrösserter Darstellung;

Figur 8A -

den Aufbau gemäss Figur 7A, erweitert mit einem erfindungsgemässen ersten Abluftbypass zweiter Variante;

Figur 8B -

die Ablufteinheit aus Figur 8A, in vergrösserter Darstellung;

Figur 9A -

den prinzipiellen apparativen Aufbau eines Isolators mit zwei Zuluftund zwei Ablufteinheiten sowie diesen zugeordneten ersten Zuluftund Abluftbypässen zweiter Variante; und

Figur 9B -

eine Ablufteinheit gemäss Figur 9A, in vergrösserter Darstellung.

Show it:

Figure 1A -

the basic apparatus structure of an insulator according to the prior art;

FIG. 1B -

the Zulufteinheit of Figure 1A, in an enlarged view;

FIG. 1C

the exhaust unit of Figure 1A, in an enlarged view;

FIG. 1D -

a recirculation unit of Figure 1A, in an enlarged view;

FIG. 1E -

the access unit of Figure 1A, in an enlarged view;

Figure 2A -

the structure of the insulator according to Figure 1A, extended with a two-step control according to the prior art;

FIG. 2B -

a recirculation unit of Figure 2A, in an enlarged view;

FIG. 2C -

the exhaust unit of Figure 2A, in an enlarged view;

FIG. 2D -

the compressed air unit of Figure 2A, in an enlarged view;

FIG. 3A -

the structure according to Figure 2A, with extended according to the invention Zulufteinheit;

FIG. 3B -

the Zulufteinheit of Figure 3A, in an enlarged view;

FIG. 4A -

the structure according to Figure 2A, extended with a first supply air bypass according to the invention first variant;

FIG. 4B -

the Zulufteinheit of Figure 4A, in an enlarged view;

FIG. 5A

the structure according to Figure 4A, extended with a novel first exhaust bypass first variant;

FIG. 5B -

the exhaust unit of Figure 5A, in an enlarged view;

FIG. 6A -

the basic apparatus design of an insulator with two Zuluftund two exhaust units and these associated first Zuluftund Abluftbypässen first variant;

FIG. 6B -

an exhaust unit of Figure 6A, in an enlarged view;

FIG. 6C -

the enlarged detail X1 of Figure 6A;

FIG. 6D -

the enlarged detail X2 of Figure 6A;

FIG. 7A -

the structure according to Figure 2A, extended with a first supply air bypass according to the invention second variant;

Figure 78 -

the Zulufteinheit of Figure 7A, in an enlarged view;

FIG. 8A -

the structure according to Figure 7A, extended with a novel first exhaust bypass second variant;

FIG. 8B -

the exhaust unit of Figure 8A, in an enlarged view;

FIG. 9A -

the basic apparatus design of an insulator with two Zuluftund two exhaust units and the first associated Zuluftund Abluftbypässen second variant; and

FIG. 9B -

an exhaust unit according to Figure 9A, in an enlarged view.

embodiment

Reference to the accompanying drawings, the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the apparatus design and operation of the novel pressure control in an insulator, partially in several variants.

The following definition applies to the entire further description. If reference numerals are included in a figure for the purpose of graphic clarity, but are not explained in the directly associated description text, reference is made to their mention in the preceding description of the figures. For the sake of clarity, the repeated designation of components in subsequent figures is usually dispensed with, as far as the drawing clearly shows that they are "recurring" components.

FIGS. 3A and 3B

It has been found that avoid the arising when opening or closing the first supply air and exhaust air pressure actuators 21,31 variable or at least slow down such an extent that the pressure in the working chamber 10 relative to the pressure in the external environment E, in any case within the safety range between the permissible maximum pressure Δ p is held _max and minimum pressure Δ p _min if, before the opening or closing of the first air supply and the Abluftstelforgane 21,31 on both sides of the first air supply and exhaust air actuating organs brings 21.31 prevailing pressure to the same level.

As a minimal solution, a differential pressure measurement is provided in extension of the previous apparative construction according to FIG. 2A in the air supply unit a1 located outside of the interior 18 between a measuring point 40 in the front supply section 28 of the supply line 2 - before the first supply air control element 21 - and a measuring point 40 in the rear Feed line section 29 - after the first Zuluftstellorgan 21. The tapped in the measuring points 40 pressure signals are transmitted via the respective measuring line 41 a differential pressure gauge 7 , which is installed in this structure as a separate component, but could be advantageously integrated into a system control unit, not shown here. The system control unit would adequately to the determined differential pressure after signal evaluation - manually or automatically - act on the two-step control in the compressed air unit d and the exhaust unit b4 , the latter is also outside the interior 18 .

Insists on the chamber side, that is, in the rear supply line section 29, a higher pressure than on the outside, ie in the front supply line section 28, the third exhaust air actuating drive 37 is driven to the opening of the third exhaust air actuating member 36, so that via the second exhaust air bypass 35 air from the interior 18 flows out and therefore there the pressure drops until equal pressure has set at both measuring points 40, ie on the chamber and the outside. If the removal of air from the interior 18 at an increased throughput, the fan B is additionally controlled in the exhaust unit b4 .

If, on the other hand, a lower pressure than on the outside is determined on the chamber side, the compressed air actuator 52 is actuated to open the Compressed air actuator 51, whereupon air from the compressed air source 5 via the compressed air line 57 is fed into the recirculation zone 11 until the pressure difference between the chamber and outside is repealed. The compressed air can be added to air from the external environment U. For this one drives the fan B in the Zulufteinheit a1 , the air from the outer environment U via the Fpl Filterplenum , the filter F and the outflow 20 in the Justierleitung 56 and from there into the compressed air line 57 promotes from where they work together with the Air from the compressed air source 5 passes into the circulating air zone 11 . Finally, it is also possible, the amount of air to be supplied to the interior space 18 to produce on the chamber side, the same pressure level as on the outside of Zuluftstellorgans 21 , solely from the external environment U relate and on the supply of compressed air from the source. 5 to renounce. After preparation of the same pressures between chamber and outside of the insulator 1 may be in a different phase of operation by actuating the first air supply and exhaust air actuating members 21,31 - for example, from the fully closed state to the fully open position - can be switched without as before critical pressure shocks trigger. This process is shortened to here as a "pressure shock free press" of the first actuators 21,31, respectively.

FIGS. 4A and 4B

In addition to the arrangement shown in FIG. 2A, the air supply unit a2 has a first supply air bypass 23 of the first variant according to the invention and an associated device for differential pressure regulation. This first air supply bypass 23 branches off before the first air supply actuating member 21 from the front supply line section 28 of the supply line 2 and leads into the lower region of the working chamber 10. In the first air supply bypass 23 is seated, a second air supply actuating member 24, is associated with a second air supply actuating drive 240, preferably an electric motor M , Advantageously, the second Zuluftstellorgan 24 of large nominal diameter and thus causes only a small flow resistance. The device for differential pressure control initially comprises the differential pressure sensor, which is advantageously an integral part of the system control unit 6 and receives signals from two measuring points 40 . One of the measuring points 40 is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the mouth of the first Zuluftbypasses 23 in the working chamber 10 , while the other measuring point 40 is located where the first supply air bypass 23 branches off from the front supply line section 28 . From both measuring points 40 , measuring lines 41 extend to the differential pressure sensor in the system control unit 6, which is connected via a signal line 42 to the second Zuluftstellantrieb 240 . In the complete interconnection, the system control unit 6 communicates with the fan B and the first supply air actuator 22 in the air supply unit a2 .

The system for pressure-shock-free actuation of the first Zuluftstellorgans 21 operates as follows: Before an intentional opening or closing of the first Zuluftstellorgans 21, the system control unit 6 acts as a function of the differential pressure detected differential pressure first on the second Zuluftstellantrieb 240 and the fan B in the Zulufteinheit a2 , wherein the fan B is slowly raised, the second Zuluftstellorgan 24 is opened, and a comparatively small amount of air is passed through the first Zuluftbypass 23 in the working chamber 10 . This fed air enters after the fan B in the filter plenum Fp , from where the air passes through the air filter F in the discharge chamber 20 and flows out of this via the front supply line section 28 of the supply line 2 in the first supply air bypass 23 .

Equivalent to the working chamber 10 supplied amount of air is discharged through the second exhaust air bypass 35 air in the external environment U. The outflow takes place from the filter plenum Fp in the recirculation unit c1 via the second exhaust bypass 35, the third exhaust air actuator 36, the rear discharge section 39, via the fan B, into the filter plenum Fp, from where the air flows through the air filter F into the outflow chamber 30 and out the latter finally flows into the external environment U. The Zulufteinheit a2 with the first Zuluftstellorgan 21 and the exhaust air unit b4 with the first exhaust air actuator 31 are arranged outside the inner space 18 .

Since the second Zuluftstellorgan 24 causes only a small flow resistance with its large nominal size at the low air flow over the entire first Zuluftbypass 23 , falls over the extension of the first Zuluftbypasses 23 practically no pressure from - in the working chamber 10 and upstream of the first Zuluftstellorgan 21 prevails at least almost the same pressure -, so that there is a differential pressure of in principle zero on both sides of the first Zuluftstellorgans 21 . The system control unit 6 detects the disappearance of the pressure difference and controls the first Zuluftstellantrieb 22 , which actuates the first Zuluftstellorgan 21 , said switching now causes no more pressure surges in the working chamber 10 .

FIGS. 5A and 5B

As an upgrade with respect to the arrangement shown in Figure 4A now arranged outside the interior 18 exhaust unit b5 with a novel inventive first exhaust 33 first variant and an associated means for differential pressure control extended.

This first exhaust air bypass 33 branches off behind the first exhaust air actuator 31 from the rear discharge section 39 of the discharge line 3 and leads into the lower region of the working chamber 10. In the first exhaust air bypass 33 , a second Abluftstellorgan 34 is provided with a second Abluftstellantieb 340, preferably an electric motor M. , is connected. The second exhaust air actuator 34 should be large in size and thus cause only a small flow resistance. The device for differential pressure control again comprises a differential pressure sensor advantageously contained in the system control unit 6 , which receives data from two measuring points 40 , one of which is near the junction of the first exhaust air bypass 33 in the working chamber 10 , while the other is positioned where the first Abluftbypass 33 from the rear discharge section 39 goes off. From the two measuring points 40 , measuring lines 41 extend to the differential pressure sensor in the system control unit 6 , which connects a signal line 42 to the second exhaust air actuator 340 . In complete interconnection, the system control unit 6 with the fan B and the exhaust air actuator 32 in the exhaust unit b5 connection.

The arrangement for pressure-shock-free operation of the first exhaust air actuator 31 functions as follows: Before the planned opening or closing of the first exhaust air actuator 31, the system control unit 6 acts in response to the differential pressure detected by the differential pressure first on the second Abluftstellantieb 340 and the fan B in the exhaust unit b5, the fan B slowly set in motion, the second Abluftstellorgan 34 open, and a relatively small amount of air is conveyed from the working chamber 10 via the first exhaust air bypass 33 in the outer environment U. This withdrawn from the interior 18 air enters from the working chamber 10 in the first exhaust air bypass 33 and flows through the second Abluftstellorgan 34 in the rear discharge portion 39 of the discharge line 3 and from there to the fan B, the air in the Fpl and Fpl the air filter F in the outflow space 30 into the outer environment U promotes. According to the working chamber 10 removed amount of air is conveyed via the compressed air line 57 and the compressed air actuator 51 air from the compressed air source 5 in the circulating air zone 11 .

Since the second exhaust air actuating member 34 causes with its large nominal width at the low air flow over the entire first exhaust air bypass 33 only a small flow resistance, arises via the first exhaust air bypass 33, virtually no pressure drop - in the working chamber 10 and upstream of the first exhaust air actuating member 31 there is at least almost equal Pressure -, so that on both sides of the first Abluftstellorgans 31, a differential pressure has set in principle zero. After determining the reversed pressure difference by the system control unit 6, the latter acts on the first exhaust air actuator 32, which activates the first exhaust air actuator 31 , without generating pressure surges in the working chamber 10.

FIGS. 6A to 6D

This sequence of figures shows an insulator 1 with a working chamber 10 of greater dimension with in principle with respect to the figure 5A duplicated equipment. A further air supply unit a2 and an exhaust air unit b2 have been added, the latter being equipped with respect to its first exhaust air bypass 33 analogously to the first air supply bypass 23 in the supply air unit a2 . The insulator 1 now comprises two supply air units a2 and two exhaust air units b2, b5, each outside of the inner space 18 , and have a first supply air bypass 23 first variant and a first exhaust air bypass 33 first variant . Opposite the exhaust air unit b5 , the exhaust air unit b2 is provided neither with a second exhaust air bypass 35 nor with a safety duct 350 and safety valve 360 arranged therein.

The junctions of the two first Zuluftbypässe 23 in the working chamber 10 with the existing at the end of the measuring lines 41 measuring points 40 are preferably in the lower region of the working chamber 10, near the entrance to the return air duct 14, positioned. The outlets of the first two Abluftbypässe 33 from the working chamber 10 with the provided at the end of the measuring lines 41 measuring points 40 are preferably in the lower region of the working chamber 10, as far as possible away from the junctions of the first Zuluftbypässe 23 installed.

FIGS. 7A and 7B

As an extension of the arrangement shown in FIG. 2A, the air supply unit a3 has a first supply air bypass 23 of the second variant according to the invention and an associated device for differential pressure regulation. This first Zuluftbypass 23 goes off before the first Zuluftstellorgan 21 from the front supply line section 28 of the supply line 2 and opens on the chamber side directly behind the first Zuluftstellorgan 21 in the rear supply line section 29th

In the first supply air bypass 23 is a second Zuluftstellorgan 24, which is connected to a second Zuluftstellantrieb 240, preferably an electric motor M. Advantageously, the second Zuluftstellorgan 24 has a large nominal diameter and thus generates only a small flow resistance. The differential pressure control device initially comprises the differential pressure sensor preferably provided in the system control unit 6 , which receives data from the two measuring points 40 , one of the measuring points 40 being arranged in the junction of the first supply air bypass 23 in the rear supply line section 29 , while the other measuring point 40 is located where the first supply air bypass 23 from the front supply line section 28 goes off. Extend from both measuring points 40 Measuring lines 41 to the differential pressure sensor in the system control unit 6, the latter being connected by a signal line 42 to the second Zuluftstellantrieb 240 . In the complete configuration, the system control unit 6 is coupled to the fan B and the first supply air actuator 22 in the supply air unit a3.

The system for pressure-shock-free actuation of the first Zuluftstellorgans 21 works as described below: Before a planned opening or closing of the first Zuluftstellorgans 21 controls the system control unit 6 in response to the differential pressure detected differential pressure as the first Zuluftstellantrieb 240 and the fan B in the first Zulufteinheit a3 , the fan B is slowly raised, the second Zuluftstellorgan 24 is opened, and a relatively small amount of air via the first Zuluftbypass 23 is promoted. This supplied air flows from the fan B in the Filterplenum Fp, from where the air passes through the air filter F in the outflow space 20 , from which they via the front supply line section 28 of the supply line 2, the first supply air bypass 23 and the rear supply line section 29 in the recirculation zone 11 arrived. Equivalent to the circulating air zone 11 supplied amount of air is discharged via the second exhaust air bypass 35 air in the external environment U. The outflow takes place from the filter plenum Fp in the recirculation unit c1 via the second exhaust bypass 35, the third exhaust air actuator 36, the rear discharge section 39, via the fan B , into the filter plenum Fp, from where the air flows through the air filter F into the outflow chamber 30 and out the latter finally flows into the external environment U. The Zulufteinheit a3 and the exhaust unit b4 are unchanged outside the interior 18th

Since the second Zuluftstellorgan 24 with its large nominal size at the low air flow over the entire first Zuluftbypass 23 generates only a small flow resistance, takes place via the first Zuluftbypass 23 virtually no pressure drop, so that on both sides of the first Zuluftstellorgans 21, a differential pressure in principle Zero results. The system control unit 6 determines the cancellation of the pressure difference and acts on the first Zuluftstellantrieb 22, the the first Zuluftstellorgan 21 is activated, this switching now causes no more critical pressure fluctuations in the working chamber 10 .

When first Zuluftbypass 23 second variant ensures that when determining a pressure difference of zero by the system control unit 6 directly on the first Zuluftstellorgan 21, the pressures on the chamber and the outside are the same. In the first Zuluftbypass 23 first variant could despite a difference in pressure of zero by the plant control unit 6, but directly on the first Zuluftstellorgan 21 remain on both sides of a residual pressure difference, as one of the measuring points 40 at a greater distance to the first Zuluftstellorgan 21 in the working chamber 10th is arranged. Since the pressure surges are reduced to a minimum, if exactly the same pressure prevails before actuation of the first Zuluftstellorgans 21 in the vicinity on the chamber side and the outside, the first Zuluftbypass 23 second variant thus compared to the first Zuluftbypass 23 first variant, the task even more precise fulfill.

Figures 8A and 8B

In a further embodiment with respect to the arrangement shown in FIG. 7A, the exhaust air unit b6 is now equipped with a first exhaust air bypass 33 of the second variant according to the invention and an associated device for differential pressure control. The Zulufteinheit a3 and the exhaust unit b6 are as before outside the interior of the 18th

This first exhaust air bypass 33 goes downstream of the first Abluftstellorgan 31 from the rear discharge portion 39 of the discharge line 3 and opens on the chamber side of the first Abluftstellorgans 31 in the vicinity in the front discharge section 38. In the first exhaust bypass 33 is connected to a second Abluftstellantrieb 340 second Abluftstellorgan 34 installed, wherein it is preferably an electric motor M at the second Abluftstellantieb 340 . It has proven to be advantageous to use a second Abluftstellorgan 34 with a large nominal diameter, so that only a small flow resistance. The device for differential pressure control in turn includes an advantageous in the plant control unit 6 contained differential pressure sensor, the data from two measuring points 40 relates, one of which is in the vicinity of the junction of the first exhaust air bypass 33 in the rear discharge section 39 , while the other measuring point 40 at the junction of the first Abluftbypasses 33 in the front Deriving section 38 is positioned. Of the two measuring points 40 , two measuring lines 41 extend to the differential pressure sensor in the system control unit 6, which communicates via a signal line 42 with the second exhaust air actuator 340 . In complete interconnection, the system control unit 6 with the fan B and the exhaust air actuator 32 in the exhaust unit b6 connection.

The system for pressure-shock-free actuation of the first Abluftstellorgans 31 operates as follows: Before opening or closing the first Abluftstellorgans 31 controls the system control unit 6 depending on the differential pressure detected differential pressure first the second Abluftstellantrieb 340 and the fan B in the exhaust unit b6 , wherein the fan B moderately approached, the second Abluftstellorgan 34 is opened, and a relatively small amount of air from the front discharge section 38 of the discharge line 3 via the first exhaust air bypass 33 in the outer environment U is promoted. This taken at the front discharge section 38 air flows from the circulating air zone 11 in the front discharge section 38 and passes from there via the first exhaust air bypass 33 and the second Abluftstellorgan 34 in the rear discharge section 39 of the discharge line 3 and on to the fan B, the air in the Filterplenum Fp and through the air filter F in the outflow space 30 into the outer environment U promotes. The volume of air removed from the circulating air zone 11 is replaced by air introduced via the compressed air line 57 and the pneumatic actuator 51 from the compressed air source 5 and into the circulating air zone 11 .

Since the second Abluftstellorgan 34 causes only a small flow resistance with its large nominal size at the low air flow over the entire first Abluftbypass 33 , resulting from the first Abluftbypass 33 virtually no pressure drop, so that on both sides of the first Abluftstellorgans 31 a Differential pressure of in principle sets zero. If the plant control unit 6 detects the elimination of the pressure difference, the exhaust air actuator 32 is actuated, which actuates the first exhaust air actuator 31 , without generating critical pressure surges in the working chamber 10 .

In the case of the first exhaust air bypass 33 of the second variant, it is ensured that, when a pressure difference of zero is determined by the system control unit 6, the same pressure prevails directly on the first exhaust air actuator 31 on both sides thereof. In the first exhaust air bypass 33 first variant, however, is not excluded that despite the determination of a pressure difference of zero by the pressure difference meter, but in the immediate vicinity of the first Abluftstellorgans 31 on both sides of different pressures prevail as one of the measuring points 40 away from the first Abluftstellorgan 31 in the Working chamber 10 is arranged. Since the pressure fluctuations are minimal if the same pressure exists on both sides before actuation of the first exhaust air actuator 31, the first exhaust air bypass 33 of the second variant may thus have a certain advantage over the first exhaust air bypass 33 of the first variant .

Figures 9A and 9B

This sequence of figures shows an insulator 1 with a working chamber 10 of larger dimension with in principle with respect to the figure 8A doubled apparatus construction.

Added is an additional Zulufteinheit a3 and an exhaust unit b3, the latter with respect to its first Abluftbypasses 33 - apart from the inverted flow direction - is identical to the first supply air bypass 23 in the supply air unit a3 equipped. The insulator 1 now has two supply air units a3 and two exhaust air units b3, b6, which are each arranged outside the interior 18 and are equipped with a first supply air bypass 23 second variant or a first exhaust air bypass 33 second variant . In contrast to the exhaust air unit b6 , the exhaust air unit b3 has neither a second exhaust air bypass 35 nor a safety duct 350 and safety valve 360 arranged therein.

Claims (15)

1. A method for pressure regulation in a working chamber (10), which is shielded from the external surrounding area (U), in an isolator (1) when the isolator (1) is being opened or closed with respect to the external surrounding area (U), in which

   a) the working chamber (10) has an access for introduction and removal of the product to be handled,

   b) the isolator (1) has an air circulation zone (11) from which the working chamber (10) is supplied with clean air, air is fed back into the air circulation zone (11) from the working chamber (10) via a return air channel (14), and the working chamber (10), air circulation zone (11) and return air channel (14) together form an internal area (18);

   c) an air supply unit (a0,a1,a2,a3) is provided on the isolator (1) and has an air supply fan (B) and a first air supply actuating member (21) which can be shut off and is arranged between the air supply fan (B) and the internal area (18);

   d) an exhaust air unit (b0,b2,b3,b4,b5,b6) is provided on the isolator (1) and has an exhaust air fan (B) and a first exhaust air actuating member (31) which can be shut off and is arranged between the exhaust air fan (B) and the internal area (18), characterized in that

   e) the phase change is carried out as a switching process at the first air supply actuating member (21) and first exhaust air actuating member (31) from the closed state to the open state, or vice versa, in the following steps:

   ea) measurement of the differential pressure on both sides of the first air supply actuating member (21) and/or on both sides of the first exhaust air actuating member (31);

   eb) production of at least in principle equal pressures on both sides of the first air supply actuating member (21) and/or on both sides of the first exhaust air actuating member (31); and

   ec) carrying out the switching process at the first air supply actuating member (21) and first exhaust air actuating member (31).
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, when the first air supply actuating member (21) and the first exhaust air actuating member (31) are completely closed, the internal area (18) of the isolator (1) is in each case opened with respect to the external surrounding area (U), producing an equalizing flow with as little flow resistance as possible, on the side of the air supply unit (a1,a2,a3) and on the side of the exhaust air unit (b2,b3,b4,b5,b6) in order to produce at least in principle the same pressure on both sides of the first air supply actuating member (21) and/or on both sides of the first exhaust air actuating member (31).
3. The method as claimed in at least one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that

   a) a first air supply bypass (23) which bypasses the first air supply actuating member (21), as well as a second air supply actuating member (24) which is arranged in the first air supply bypass (23) are used to produce at least in principle the same pressure on both sides of the first air supply actuating member (21); and

   b) a first exhaust air bypass (33) which bypasses the first exhaust air actuating member (31), as well as a second exhaust air actuating member (34) which is arranged in the first exhaust air bypass (33) are used in order to produce at least in principle the same pressure on both sides of the first exhaust air actuating member (31); in which case

   c) after the determination of the differential pressure on both sides of the first air supply actuating member (21), the second air supply actuating member (24) is opened wide, and the air supply fan (B) is started up with the feed power slowly rising in order to produce the equalizing flow, which is generated from the air supply unit (a2,a3) and is directed into the internal area (18), with as little flow resistance as possible through the first air supply bypass (23); and/or

   d) after the determination of the differential pressure on both sides of the first exhaust air actuating member (31), the second exhaust air actuating member (34) is opened wide and the exhaust air fan (B) is started up with the feed power slowly rising in order to produce the equalizing flow, which is sucked out of the internal area (18) and is directed into the exhaust air unit (b2,b3,b4,b5,b6), with as little flow resistance as possible through the first exhaust air bypass (33); and

   e) after reaching at least in principle the same pressures on both sides of the first air supply actuating member (21) and/or of the first exhaust air actuating member (31), the switching process is carried out at the first air supply actuating member (21) and the first exhaust air actuating member (31).
4. The method as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that

   a) the differential pressure which is measured on both sides of the first air supply actuating member (21) is transmitted to an installation control unit (6) which is associated with the first air supply bypass (23);

   b) in order to produce the equalizing flow, as a function of the processed differential pressure, the installation control unit (6):

   ba) drives a second air supply actuating drive (240) which operates the second air supply actuating member (24); and

   bb) starts up the air supply fan (B); and

   c) after reaching at least in principle the same pressures on both sides of the first air supply actuating member (21), the installation control unit (6) drives a first air supply actuating drive (22) which carries out the switching process at the first air supply actuating member (21); and

   d) the differential pressure which is measured on both sides of the first exhaust air actuating member (31) is transmitted to an installation control unit (6) which is associated with the first exhaust air bypass (33);

   e) in order to produce the equalizing flow, as a function of the processed differential pressure, the installation control unit (6):

   ea) drives a second exhaust air actuating drive (340), which operates the second exhaust air actuating member (34); and

   eb) starts up the exhaust air fan (B); and

   f) after reaching at least in principle the same pressures on both sides of the first exhaust air actuating member (31), the installation control unit (6) drives a first exhaust air actuating drive (32), which carries out the switching process at the first exhaust air actuating member (31).
5. The method as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, with regard to the compensation of the equalizing flow

   a) a corresponding volume to the amount of air fed from the air supply unit (a2,a3) into the internal area (18) is dissipated from the internal area (18) via the exhaust air unit (b2,b3,b4,b5,b6) into the external surrounding area (U), with a two-point regulator (4) regulating the air passing through the exhaust air unit (b2,b3,b4,b5,b6) as a function of the pressure in the internal area (18);

   b) a corresponding volume to the amount of air sucked out of the internal area (18) by the exhaust air unit (b2,b3,b4,b5,b6) is supplied to the internal area (18) via the air supply unit (a2,a3) or a compressed-air unit (d), with a two-point regulator (4) controlling the air passing through the air supply unit (a2,a3) as a function of the pressure in the internal area (18).
6. An apparatus for pressure regulation in an isolator (1) having:

   a) a working chamber (10) which is shielded from the external surrounding area (U) and has an access for introduction and removal of the product to be handled;

   b) an air circulation zone (11) from which clean air is supplied to the working chamber (10), in which air is fed back into the air circulation zone (11) from the working chamber (10) via a return air channel (14), and the working chamber (10), air circulation zone (11) and return air channel (14) together form an internal area (18);

   c) an air supply unit (a0,a1,a2,a3) which has an air supply fan (B) and a first air supply actuating member (21) which can be shut off and is arranged between the air supply fan (B) and the internal area (18);

   d) an exhaust air unit (b2,b3,b4,b5,b6), which has an exhaust air fan (B) and a first exhaust air actuating member (31) which can be shut off and is arranged between the exhaust air fan (B) and the internal area (18),
   characterized in that

   e) means are provided for measurement of the differential pressure on both sides of the first air supply actuating member (21), and means,(23,24,B) are provided for production of at least in principle the same pressure on both sides of the first air supply actuating member (21); and/or

   f) means are provided for measurement of the differential pressure on both sides of the first exhaust air actuating member (31), and means (33,34,B) are provided for production of at least in principle the same pressure on both sides of the first exhaust air actuating member (31).
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that

   a) the means (23,24,B) for production of at least in principle the same pressure on both sides of the first air supply actuating member (21) comprise a first air supply bypass (23) which bypasses the first air supply actuating member (21) and has a second air supply actuating member (24); and

   b) the means (33,34,B) for production of at least in principle the same pressure on both sides of the first exhaust air actuating member (31) comprise a first exhaust air bypass (33) which bypasses the first exhaust air actuating member (31) and has a second exhaust air actuating member (34); in which case

   c) the second air supply actuating member (24) and the second exhaust air actuating member (34) are preferably variably adjustable between being completely shut off and being completely open.
8. The apparatus as claimed in at least one of claims 6 and 7,
   characterized in that

   a) the first air supply actuating member (21) is installed in a supply line (2) which preferably comprises a front and a rear supply line section (28,29), with the front supply line section (28) leading to the air supply fan (B) and with the rear supply line section (29) opening into the air circulation zone (11); and

   b) the first exhaust air actuating member (31) is installed in an exhaust line (3) which preferably comprises a front and a rear exhaust line section (38,39), with the front exhaust line section (38) opening into the air circulation zone (11), and the rear exhaust line section (39) leading to the air supply fan (B).
9. The apparatus as claimed in at least one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that

   a) the first air supply bypass (23) extends from the front supply line section (28) into the working chamber (10), or opens into the rear supply line section (29); and

   b) the first exhaust air bypass (33) extends from the rear exhaust line section (39) into the working chamber (10), or opens into the front exhaust line section (38).
10. The apparatus as claimed in at least one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the means for measurement of the differential pressure on both sides of the first air supply actuating member (21) and/or of the first exhaust air actuating member (31)

    a) is a differential pressure sensor which receives pressure signals which are tapped off at measurement points (40); in which case

    aa) one measurement point (40) is in each case arranged downstream before the first air supply actuating member (21), and a further measurement point (40) is arranged downstream behind the first air supply actuating member (21);

    ab) one measurement point (40) is in each case arranged downstream before the first exhaust air actuating member (31), and a further measurement point (40) is arranged downstream behind the first exhaust air actuating member (31); and

    ac) the differential pressure sensor is preferably a component of an installlation control unit (6); or

    b) is a flowmeter which is arranged in the first air supply bypass (23) and/or in the first exhaust air bypass (33).
11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that

    a) in the case of the first air supply bypass (23), which opens into the working chamber (10), one of the measurement points (40) is arranged in the front supply line section (28), preferably in the area of the branch for the first air supply bypass (23), and the further measurement point (40) is arranged in the working chamber (10), preferably in the area of the opening of the first air supply bypass (23);

    b) in the case of the first air supply bypass (23), which opens into the rear supply line section (29), one of the measurement points (40) is arranged in the front supply line section (28), preferably in the area of the branch of the first air supply bypass (23), and the further measurement point (40) is arranged in the rear supply line section (29), preferably in the area of the opening of the first air supply bypass (23); and

    c) in the case of the first exhaust air bypass (33) which opens into the working chamber (10), one of the measurement points (40) is arranged in the rear exhaust line section (39), preferably in the area of the branch of the first exhaust air bypass (33), and the further measurement point (40) is arranged in the working chamber (10), preferably in the area of the opening of the first exhaust air bypass (33);

    d) in the case of the first exhaust air bypass (33) which opens into the front exhaust line section (38), one of the measurement points (40) is arranged in the front exhaust line section (38), preferably in the area of the branch of the first exhaust air bypass (33), and the further measurement point (40) is arranged in the rear exhaust line section (39), preferably in the area of the opening of the first exhaust air bypass (33).
12. The apparatus as claimed in at least one of claims 6 to 11,
    characterized in that

    a) the first air supply bypass (23) has an associated installation control unit (6) which is intended for detection of the differential pressure on both sides of the first air supply actuating member (21) and is connected to the air supply fan (B), to the first air supply actuating member (21) and to the second air supply actuating member (24); and

    b) the first exhaust air bypass (33) has an associated installation control unit (6), which is intended for detection of the differential pressure on both sides of the first exhaust air actuating member (31), and is connected to the exhaust air fan (B), to the first exhaust air actuating member (31) and to the second exhaust air actuating member (34).
13. The apparatus as claimed in at least one of claims 6 to 12,
    characterized in that

    a) the first air supply actuating member (21) is connected to a first air supply actuating drive (22), preferably an electric motor;

    b) the first exhaust air actuating member (31) is connected to a first exhaust air actuating drive (32), preferably an electric motor;

    c) the second air supply actuating member (24) is connected to a second air supply actuating drive (240), preferably an electric motor; and

    d) the second exhaust air actuating, member (34) is connected to a second exhaust air actuating drive (340), preferably an electric motor; in which case

    e) the installation control unit (6) associated with the first air supply bypass (23) is connected to the first air supply actuating drive (22) and to the second air supply actuating drive (240);

    f) the installation control unit (6) associated with the first exhaust air bypass (33) is connected to the first exhaust air actuating drive (32) and to the second exhaust air actuating drive (340).
14. The apparatus as claimed in at least one of claims 6 to 13,
    characterized in that

    a) at least one air circulation unit (c0) is arranged in the air circulation zone (11) and comprises:

    aa) an air circulation fan (B), which is driven by a motor (M), for feeding air from the air circulation zone (11) into the working chamber (10);

    ab) a filter plenum (Fp), which is arranged downstream, before the air circulation fan (B); and

    ac) an air filter (F), which is arranged downstream before the filter plenum (Fp) and is adjacent to the working chamber (10); and

    b) two-point regulation is provided at the isolator (1), and comprises:

    ba) a second exhaust air bypass (35), which originates from the rear exhaust line section (39) and opens into the filter plenum (Fp) of an air circulation unit (c1), and in which a third exhaust air actuating member (36), which is connected to a third exhaust air actuating drive (37), is installed; and/or

    bb) a second air supply bypass, which originates from the front supply line section (28) and opens into the filter plenum (Fp) of an air circulation unit (c1), and in which a third air supply actuating member which is connected to a third air supply actuating drive is provided;

    bc) a pressure sensor (33), which is arranged in the working chamber (10) and is connected to a two-point regulator (4);

    bd) a compressed-air source (5), to which a compressed-air line (57) which opens into the air circulation zone (11) and is provided with a compressed-air actuating member (51) is connected, with the compressed-air actuating member (51) being connected to a compressed-air actuating drive (52);

    be) if a second exhaust air bypass (35) is provided, the two-point regulator (4) is connected to the third exhaust air actuating drive (37) and to the compressed-air actuating drive (52); and

    bf) if a second supply air bypass is provided, this two-point regulator (4) is connected to the third supply air actuating drive and to the compressed-air actuating drive (52).
15. The arrangement as claimed at least one of claims 6 to 14, characterized in that

    a) an air filter (F), which may have a filter plenum (Fp), is arranged downstream before the air supply fan (B) in the air supply unit (a1,a2,a3), in order to clean the air flowing out of the external surrounding area (U) into the isolator (1);

    b) an air filter (F) which may have a filter plenum (Fp) is arranged downstream before the exhaust air fan (B) in the exhaust air unit (b2,b3,b4,b5,b6) in order to clean the air which is emitted from the isolator (1) into the external surrounding area (U); and

    c) a decontamination system with an evaporator is provided in the internal area (18) of the isolator (1).

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