EP1787723B1 - Centrifuge cartridge - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a centrifuge cartridge, as well as a centrifuge with a centrifuge cartridge according to the preamble of claims 1 and 12.

For dehumidifying damp substances or moist substance mixtures centrifuges in various embodiments are widely used and are used in a variety of fields. A known centrifuge is for example in the US 4,427,406 A already described. For example, for dehumidifying highly pure pharmaceutical products, discontinuously operating centrifuges, such as centrifugal peeler preferably used, while especially when continuously large amounts of a solid-liquid mixture to be separated, continuously operating pusher centrifuges are advantageously used. In addition, the so-called decanter centrifuges, which are on the market in various embodiments and are used for a wide variety of purposes, are of great economic importance. An excellent overview of the state of the art in the field of industrial centrifuges is given by the monograph " Industrial Centrifuges ", DrM Press, 2004 by Prof. Werner H. Stahl.

All centrifuges have in common that a solid-liquid mixture, for example, a suspension or a moist salt or salt mixture, for example, through an inlet pipe via a mixture distributor of a rapidly rotating drum, which may be configured, for example, as a filter, is supplied, so that on Because of the centrifugal forces acting the liquid phase is excreted through the filter screen, while inside the drum wall, a solid cake is deposited.

Another important basic principle is embodied in the already mentioned decanter centrifuge, also often simply referred to as a "decanter". The rotor of a decanter centrifuge consists of a solid bowl drum with a cylindrical and conical part and a screw body mounted in it. Both run at high speed, the screw has a relatively small rotational difference from the drum. This rotation difference serves to transport the sedimented solid from the solid shell drum. Due to the density difference between the denser solid and the less dense liquid, the solid sediments onto the inner wall of the drum. In addition, the clarifying suspension liquid flows in the channels formed by the screw blades spirally in the direction of an overflow weir, also called Dekanterscheibe, at the end of the drum and there decanted into the surrounding liquid housing over.

Tubular centrifuges, a type of centrifuge to be subsumed under the term "separators", are usually suspended vertically and consist essentially of a small diameter drum. In order to obtain a relatively large volume of solids and a large equivalent clarifying surface despite the small diameter, the axial extent of the tube drum is usually a multiple of its diameter, ie these drums have large slenderness grades. The spin fluid, so the mixture to be separated, usually occurs in a free jet of down into the drum. A baffle breaks the liquid jet, and radially standing sheets bring the blasting material to the angular velocity of the drum. The separated liquid flows in a surface flow to the upper end of the drum, where it leaves them via an overflow weir. After a maximum amount of solid cake has settled in the drum, the tube centrifuge is stopped and the solid cake removed.

Depending on the type used, modern high-performance centrifuges can easily handle up to 2000 revolutions per minute, up to 10,000 revolutions per minute, or even up to 20,000 revolutions per minute or more, depending on the diameter of the drum, the material to be centrifuged, etc. As a rule, a larger drum diameter causes a smaller maximum rotational frequency of the drum because of the strong centrifugal forces that occur. Of course, the operating parameters, e.g. the rotational frequency of the drum, the amount of mixture supplied per unit time or the drum diameter and / or the type of centrifuge used also depend on the material to be dehumidified itself, the content of liquid, etc. It is clear that the process of discharging solids as such in principle can not be satisfactory for this type of centrifuges for a variety of reasons.

Apart from this, apart from the fact that each type of centrifuge has very special advantages and disadvantages of a fundamental nature and that each type of centrifuge is optimized for very specific tasks and less suitable for other tasks, in particular when processing particularly sensitive substances, such as during processing highly pure pharmaceutical, cosmetic or chemical products, often in all types of centrifuge the general problem that after completion of a dehumidification process by the centrifuge, the centrifuge are repeatedly cleaned consuming In order to comply with the necessary hygienic standards, which is very expensive, ie in particular time-consuming, and thus expensive.

This is particularly a problem when successively different, especially highly pure and highly sensitive substances, centrifuged and dehumidified must be without contamination or even mixture of successively centrifuged substances may occur.

Another problem may arise in the processing of more or less abrasive, or, for example, physically and / or chemically aggressive suspensions. The centrifuge drums are usually made of very high quality materials that can be attacked and damaged by such aggressive suspensions. This often entails time-consuming and expensive repair work on the high-quality centrifuge drums, which in the worst case even have to be completely replaced.

Another, so far essentially unresolved problem is the so-called "dragging", which is known in particular, but not only, for separators, such as tube centrifuges and decanters. By this is meant that in the operating condition with increasing sedimentation thickness of the solid cake on the drum inner wall of the centrifuge, at constant feed rate of the mixture to be separated, the flow rate of the mixture to be separated on the already sedimented solid cake is getting bigger. This has the consequence that the outflowing liquid, which is discharged, for example, in a conventional manner via a decanter disc at the end of the drum, from the drum of the centrifuge, increasingly entrains more sedimenting material and thus dissipates from the drum, before it can sediment as a solid cake. This effect of "dragging" described above causes in practice The centrifuge must be switched off prematurely already at a filling level of the centrifuge drum of about 60%, because the efficiency in the sedimentation of the mixture has decreased to an intolerable level. In this case, this condition can be achieved even in certain cases already at a filling level of less than 60%, with 60% is a characteristic value, for example, for biotechnological products.

The object of the invention is therefore to propose a device with which these known from the prior art disadvantages are largely overcome.

The objects of the invention solving these objects are characterized by the features of independent claims 1 and 12.

The dependent claims relate to particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention.

The invention thus relates to a centrifuge cartridge for a centrifuge for separating a mixture into a solids cake and into a liquid phase, wherein the centrifuge cartridge is rotatably mounted in the installed state about a rotation axis of the centrifuge, the centrifuge cartridge being detachably installable in the centrifuge, in particular in a centrifuge drum of the centrifuge is. In this case, a sedimentation chamber is provided in the centrifuge cartridge, and the sedimentation chamber is formed by a decanter disc. According to the invention, the decanter disc is formed with a discharge opening and / or with a discharge opening for discharging the liquid phase.

It is an essential feature of the invention that for the first time a centrifuge cartridge is provided, which is detachably connectable to the centrifuge, that is, for example, detachably installable in a centrifuge drum of a conventional centrifuge. That is, the centrifuge cartridge is a self-contained body that is not fixed, but releasably connected to the rotor or the drum of the centrifuge. Because of that According to the invention, the centrifuge cartridge can be detachably connected to the rotor and / or the centrifuge drum of a centrifuge, the centrifuge cartridge is in principle suitable for installation in virtually all known types of centrifuge, regardless of whether vertically or horizontally mounted centrifuge, continuously or discontinuously operating centrifuge, such as separator Special centrifuge centrifuge, or else in centrifugal centrifuges, decanter centrifuges, sliding centrifuges or oscillating centrifuges, the centrifuge cartridge according to the present invention can be advantageously installed. Even in a pusher centrifuge can, for example, after deactivation or disassembly of the pusher tray or other pushers, the inventive centrifuge cartridge in useful cases and used for a very special application beneficial.

It is understood that depending on the type of centrifuge before installation of the centrifuge cartridge usually different adjustments or conversions must be made. For example, in a peeler centrifuge, the peeling mechanism must be removed, deactivated or at least adapted to the centrifuge cartridge, so that the peeler centrifuge can be operated reliably with a centrifuge cartridge according to the invention. The same applies analogously to more or less for most of the aforementioned types of centrifuges, the necessary adaptations or alterations to the corresponding centrifuge or to its rotor or drum of course differ.

In this case, the centrifuge cartridge of the present invention can be installed particularly advantageously in tube centrifuges, since the necessary conversion work or adaptations are the least costly here compared to other centrifuges, such as, for example, a peeler centrifuge.

But even for another reason, the centrifuge cartridge can be used particularly advantageous not only in a tube centrifuge.

Another extremely significant advantage of the centrifuge cartridge according to the invention is exemplified below for all types of centrifuge using the example of a tube centrifuge. A hitherto, especially in the tube centrifuge, but not only in this, only unsatisfactorily solved problem is the solids discharge. Although the so-called "Carr-centrifuge" allows, within certain limits, an automatic discharge of solids, it is also the case here that when particularly sensitive substances are to be processed, such as, for example, highly pure pharmaceutical, cosmetic or chemical products, among others the highest hygienic Requirements are subject to, after completion of a dehumidifying process of the products in the centrifuge, the centrifuge must be cleaned again and again consuming to comply with the aforementioned hygienic standards, which is very expensive, ie especially time-consuming, and thus extremely expensive. In addition, an assignment of the reservoir from which a section of the centrifuge was fed, not clearly possible (keyword "batch identification").

All these problems are eliminated by the use of the inventive centrifuge cartridge, since, for example, after a completed operation, that is, when the mixture in the centrifuge cartridge has reached a predetermined degree of dehumidification, just the entire cartridge with the thickened solid cake can be removed and immediately by use another centrifuge cartridge, the production process can be continued without the centrifuge as such consuming cleaned or whatever should be prepared for the next production step for dehumidifying the next mixture batch.

Thus, in one and the same centrifuge even completely different, even highly pure and highly sensitive substances, centrifuged and dehumidified without fouling of successively centrifuged substances must be feared, without the centrifuge, or the drum or the Rotor would have to be cleaned in between.

The use of the centrifuge cartridge according to the invention also resolves the problems which arise in the processing of more or less highly abrasive or, for example, physically and / or chemically aggressive suspensions, elegantly and in a simple and highly efficient manner. The centrifuge drums, which, as already mentioned, are usually made of very high-quality materials, no longer come into direct contact with such aggressive suspensions and are therefore no longer attacked and damaged by them. This means that a centrifuge cartridge according to the invention can thus also be used particularly advantageously as a "wear-protection cartridge". This eliminates costly and expensive repair work on the high-quality centrifuge drums. The centrifuge cartridge itself according to the invention can be made, for example, of inferior materials, so that an exchange of a damaged centrifuge cartridge is also efficient and justifiable from an economic point of view.

It should be expressly emphasized again that the use of a centrifuge cartridge according to the invention is not limited to a specific type of centrifuge, which not least greatly increases the flexibility and economy of an existing centrifugal machinery.

In this case, the detachable installation of a centrifuge cartridge according to the invention in the centrifuge can be provided in any suitable manner be, which allows easy installation and removal of the centrifuge cartridge. For example, it may be the case that support bolts are provided in the centrifuge, in particular on the centrifuge drum, which are designed and arranged in such a way that a centrifuge cartridge according to the invention can be placed accurately and supported by the support bolts in the drum, without further fastening means must be provided for attachment. Also, alternatively or additionally, easily releasable securing means, such as screws or nuts, such as thumbscrews or wing nuts or other easily removable screws and / or nuts may be provided to safely and releasably install the centrifuge cartridge in the centrifuge. It is also possible that the Zentifigenkartusche with easily releasable quick-release fasteners, such as snaps, a releasable coupling device, such as an eccentric, a bayonet or screw, preferably, but not necessary, in conjunction with the aforementioned support bolts, in the centrifuge or the Centrifuge drum is installable. It is understood that all, or a part of the aforementioned means, or other suitable means not mentioned here, can be suitably provided both on the centrifuge itself and on the centrifuge cartridge.

The change of the cartridge is manually and / or semi-automatically and / or fully automatic executable. All cartridges can be changed together or individual cartridges can be changed separately.

Ultimately, the special way of installing a centrifuge cartridge according to the invention in the centrifuge is of secondary importance. It only has to be ensured that the centrifuge cartridge can be connected to the centrifuge or the centrifuge drum in a simple manner. Of course, how this can be done in detail also depends on the particular type of centrifuge in which the centrifuge cartridge according to the invention is to be installed, and of course this is how it should be done done to ensure safe operation of the centrifuge with centrifuge cartridge. Incidentally, the expert knows how to install the centrifuge cartridge safely, reliably and releasably in a specific centrifuge in the specific case.

In an embodiment which is important for practice, the centrifuge cartridge is a sub-cartridge. That is, at least two sub-cartridges are provided in a rotor or in a drum of a conventional centrifuge, for example in a tube centrifuge, which may be the same or different in construction and whose interiors may either be in communication with each other, or can also be isolated from each other, so that during a Zentrifugiervorgangs no material from one sub-cartridge can get into the other.

It is of course also possible that a centrifuge cartridge according to the invention and / or a sub-cartridge itself again comprises one or more sub-cartridges, so that there is a nested arrangement of centrifuge cartridges and / or sub-cartridges.

Depending on the requirements, one or the other variant may be advantageous.

Thus, the input already mentioned "towing" is not only a known problem with tube or decanter centrifuges. This means, as is well known to those skilled in the art, that in the operating state, with increasing sedimentation thickness of the solid cake on the inner wall of the centrifuge, with constant feed rate of the mixture to be separated, the flow rate of the mixture to be separated on the already sedimented solid cake is always larger. This has the consequence that the outflowing liquid, for example, in a tube centrifuge in a conventional manner via a decanter disc from the drum of the Centrifuge is discharged, more and more entrains sedimenting material and thus removed from the drum before it can sediment as a solid cake. In some cases even sedimented solid matter that has already been deposited on the surface of the sediment can be dragged away again due to the high flow velocity.

This effect of dragging described above means that in practice the centrifuge must be switched off prematurely even at a filling level of the centrifuge drum of about 60%, because the efficiency in the sedimentation of the mixture has decreased to an intolerable level. In this case, this condition can be achieved in certain cases even at a degree of filling of less than 60%, with 60% is a characteristic value, for example, for biotechnological products.

It has now surprisingly been found that this effect of dragging, often referred to in professional circles as "Durchschlemmen", "Durchschwemmen", "flushing" or as a "drag effect" can be massively minimized if, for example, in the rotor or . In the drum in the direction of the rotor axis one behind the other at certain intervals one or more decanter discs are arranged, as the example below Fig. 3a will be described in more detail.

To overcome this problem, the use of sub-cartridges arranged one behind the other in the rotor direction is particularly suitable, wherein, for example, one or both end faces of each sub-cartridge are formed by a decanter, so that the interiors of two adjacent sub-cartridges communicate with each other via the openings of adjacent decanter disks stand.

As a result, on the one hand, the drag effect described above can be almost completely suppressed and, on the other hand, in two different sub-cartridges, solid cake of e.g. sedimented different grain distribution, i. a classification can take place and / or solid cake of different degrees of dehumidification or of different consistency can be isolated in two different sub-cartridges, so that after completion of a centrifuging process, the sub-cartridges can be removed individually from the rotor of the centrifuge and thus automatically separated, in the individual Sub-cartridges are solid cake of various consistency, as needed for further processing steps. In this case, the consistency of the solid cake, in particular their different particle size distribution and / or their different degree of dehumidification by selecting various parameters, such as the geometry of the sub-cartridges and / or the geometry of the configured as Dekanterscheiben end faces and / or the feed rate of the mixture to be separated and / or other parameters specifically adjustable.

In another application, however, it may be advantageous or even necessary that the interiors of two different sub-cartridges are isolated from each other, for example by the end faces are designed as closed end surfaces, so that no material can pass from one sub-cartridge to another. This is for example particularly advantageous if in the same centrifuge, in the same centrifuging different substances that must not be mixed, to be processed simultaneously.

Thus, by using the sub-cartridges of the present invention, the performance and performance of existing centrifuge systems can be massively expanded and improved.

In a specific embodiment of a centrifuge cartridge according to the invention, at least two sedimentation chambers are provided in the centrifuge cartridge, which are arranged axially one behind the other with respect to the axis of rotation. The at least two sedimentation chambers can be designed, for example, in the form of decanter disks, analogously to the examples described above, so that the interiors of two different sedimentation chambers communicate with one another. In another example, the sedimentation chambers can also be separated from one another by separating means, for example by separating plates, so that no material can pass from one sedimentation chamber of a centrifuge cartridge into another sedimentation chamber of the same centrifuge cartridge.

It is understood that both two or more connected sedimentation chambers, as well as one or more closed Sedimantationskammern can be provided simultaneously in one and the same centrifuge cartridge. It is also clear that for certain applications a sedimentation chamber and / or a centrifuge cartridge and / or a sub-cartridge may be closed at one end and may be open at the second end, for example by providing a decanter disc at the second end. It is also clear that a sub-cartridge can also have two or more sedimentation chambers.

The advantages and the function of closed and / or open sedimentation chambers have already been discussed in detail above using the example of open, half-open or closed centrifuge cartridges as such or the combination of open and / or half-open and / or closed sub-cartridges. The person skilled in the art can say this without difficulty on a centrifuge cartridge and / or Sub-cartridge with at least two sedimentation easily transferred.

According to the invention, the sedimentation chamber is formed by a decanter disk with a discharge opening and / or discharge recess for discharging the liquid phase. Decanter discs per se and their specific embodiments are well known to those skilled in the art and therefore need not be described in detail at this point. For the discussion of possible special variants of decanter discs is in particular the description of the FIGS. 4a to 4c directed.

In another specific embodiment of a centrifuge cartridge according to the invention, the sedimentation chamber itself can be subdivided further into at least two portioning chambers, wherein the sedimentation chamber can be designed in particular in the form of a honeycomb structure. Through the Portionierungskammern the automatic portioning of the solid cake in predetermined amounts is possible during centrifugation, which greatly facilitates further processing and leads to a significant increase in efficiency.

In particular, it is possible by suitable process control and / or by a suitable combination of the special geometries described above, ie by combining open, half-open, closed centrifuge cartridges and / or sub-cartridges and / or by the appropriate use of decanter discs automatically the solid cake in predetermined Due to the suitable use of the previously enumerated combinations, the portions formed can have different degrees of dehumidification and / or a specifiable consistency and / or different grain distributions.

It is clear that the sedimentation chambers and / or Portionierungskammern a centrifuge cartridge may have the same or different size, so that for example portions of different consistency and / or different dehumidification, simultaneously in the same centrifuge, can be produced and portioned in one and the same operation , Thus, for example, a first sedimentation chamber may be larger than a second sedimentation chamber and / or a first portioning chamber may be larger than a second portioning chamber.

It is understood that the size of a sedimentation chamber or the interior of a centrifuge cartridge and / or a sub-cartridge can be influenced not only by varying the axial extent, ie the length in the axial direction, but of course also the diameter or radius, in particular the inner diameter is determined , Therefore, it is possible that a first radius of a first sedimentation chamber and / or a first sub-cartridge is greater than a second radius of a second sedimentation chamber and / or a second sub-cartridge. Such arrangements are particularly suitable, as one skilled in the art knows, for classifying a mixture, that is for separating the mixture into various solid cake, which differ, for example, by the size and / or weight of the sedimented particles. This effect of the classification is achieved, in particular, by virtue of the fact that, due to the different diameters of the different sedimentation regions or of the different sedimentation chambers, at the same rotational speed Centrifuge different centrifugal accelerations prevail, an effect that is well known in itself and in the centrifugal technology also already extensively studied and discussed.

In an embodiment which is important for practice, the centrifuge cartridge and / or sub-cartridge comprises, in a manner known per se, a filter screen on a radial peripheral surface for discharging the liquid phase.

The centrifuge cartridge and / or sub-cartridge can be made of metal and / or of a plastic, in particular of a plastic injection molding and / or of a composite material.

In particular, when sensitive substances, e.g. may not be brought into contact with metal or if substances must be processed, are placed on the highest purity requirements, or must meet the highest hygienic standards, an inner wall of the centrifuge cartridge and / or the sub-cartridge and / or the centrifuge drum itself, be lined , in particular with a plastic, in particular be lined with a hygienic plastic.

In this case, a means for sealing can be provided at a cartridge opening of the centrifuge cartridge and / or the sub-cartridge and / or the centrifuge cartridge and / or the sub-cartridge can be configured as a sealable container. The means for sealing may be, for example, a lid of a suitable material, a plastic foil or other suitable sealing means. A product-compatible liquid is also conceivable as a sealant, which is applied to the sedimented solids cake after completion of the sedimentation process and then hardened, for example, in the form of a sealing layer. The liquid sealant is, for example, on the sedimented solid cake, ie on the product, preferably still during the course of Centrifuge abandoned, so that the centrifuge cartridge or the sub-cartridge is already hermetically sealed when the centrifuge.

The seal could also be realized via a central pin or similar devices by means of which the cartridge is then removed, for example. These devices can then seal together not only individual but also several cartridges, which in turn can also be removed and / or installed individually or together. Designs with a snap or click system are possible in addition to other solutions as special embodiments.

A sealed centrifuge cartridge and / or sub-cartridge is particularly advantageous if the solid cake formed in the centrifuge is subject to extreme purity criteria or highest hygiene is required.

Thus, if the centrifuge cartridge and / or the sub-cartridge is designed as a sealed container, the sealed cartridge after dehumidification, ie after completion of compaction or centrifugation of the mixture can be removed from the centrifuge without the centrifuge cartridge must be opened and without the solid cake is exposed to harmful environmental influences. The sealed centrifuge cartridge may then be sent to another production step, or returned directly to the sealed container to a customer who has commissioned the mixture for dehumidification in the centrifuge, without having to remove a centrifuge from the centrifuge or, for example, during transport Contamination of the solids cake is possible.

The sealing of the centrifuge cartridge and / or the sub-cartridge can be done directly after filling with mixture to be dehumidified, for example, by serving as a filling opening faces are sealed, for example, with a lid or a foil and then used only for dehumidifying in the centrifuge, wherein suitable means, which are known per se to those skilled in the art, are provided to remove the supernatant liquid. This procedure is particularly suitable when the centrifuge cartridge and / or the sub-cartridge for discharging liquid phase has its own filter screen.

It is understood that in another case, the centrifuge cartridge and / or the sub-cartridge can be sealed properly only after completion of a dehumidification process in the centrifuge.

The invention further relates to a centrifuge, in particular a vertically or horizontally mounted centrifuge, in particular a discontinuously operating centrifuge, in particular a separator, preferably tube centrifuge, peeler centrifuge, and / or a continuously operating centrifuge, in particular decanter centrifuge, sliding centrifuge, pusher centrifuge or a vibrating centrifuge with a Centrifuge cartridge and / or a sub-cartridge as previously described in detail.

It is understood that the above-described embodiments of centrifuge cartridges according to the invention are to be understood as exemplary only and in particular, but not only, all suitable combinations of the embodiments described in this application are covered by the invention.

Fig. 1a

eine Zentrifuge mit einer erfindungsgemässen Zentrifugenkartusche;

Fig. 1b

Zentrifugenkartusche ohne Trommelmantel;

Fig. 2a

eine Zentrifuge mit Subkartuschen;

Fig. 2b

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel gemäss Fig. 2a;

Fig. 2c

ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel gemäss Fig. 2a mit verschliessbarem Drainageweg;

Fig. 3a

eine Zentrifugenkartusche mit Dekanterscheiben;

Fig. 3b

Diagramm zur Unterdrückung des Schleppens durch eine Zentrifugenkartusche gemäss Fig. 3;

Fig. 4a

ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer Dekanterscheibe;

Fig. 4b

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel gemäss Fig. 4a;

Fig. 4c

ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel gemäss Fig. 4a;

Fig. 4d

Subkartusche mit Überlaufrippe;

Fig. 5a

ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer Zentrifugenkartusche mit Portionierungskammern;

Fig. 5b

ein Ausführungsbeispiel gemäss Fig. 5a mit lösbar installierten Portionierungskammern;

Fig. 6a

Subkartuschen mit verschiedenem Innendurchmesser zum Klassieren;

Fig. 6b

Subkartuschen mit verschiedenem Aussendurchmesser zum Klassieren;

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. In a schematic representation:

Fig. 1a

a centrifuge with a centrifuge cartridge according to the invention;

Fig. 1b

Centrifuge cartridge without drum shell;

Fig. 2a

a centrifuge with sub-cartridges;

Fig. 2b

a second embodiment according to Fig. 2a ;

Fig. 2c

a third embodiment according to Fig. 2a with closable drainage path;

Fig. 3a

a centrifuge cartridge with decanter discs;

Fig. 3b

Diagram for suppression of drag by a centrifuge cartridge according to Fig. 3 ;

Fig. 4a

an embodiment of a decanter disc;

Fig. 4b

a further embodiment according to Fig. 4a ;

Fig. 4c

a third embodiment according to Fig. 4a ;

Fig. 4d

Sub-cartridge with overflow rib;

Fig. 5a

an embodiment of a centrifuge cartridge with Portionierungskammern;

Fig. 5b

an embodiment according to Fig. 5a with detachably installed portioning chambers;

Fig. 6a

Sub-cartridges with different inside diameters for classification;

Fig. 6b

Sub-cartridges with different outside diameters for classification;

Fig. 1 FIG. 3 a shows a schematic representation of a centrifuge with a centrifuge cartridge according to the invention, which is referred to below in reference numeral 1. The centrifuge 2 comprises, in a manner known per se, a centrifuge drum 21 which is rotatably mounted about a rotation axis 6, driven by a rotary drive 2000, in a housing 200 and into which a mixture 3 to be separated is introduced into the centrifuge drum 21 via an inlet pipe 213 , In the centrifuge drum 21, which in the present example has a sieve 211 for discharging a liquid phase 5, a centrifuge cartridge 1 according to the invention is detachably installed.

In the operating state, a mixture 3 to be separated is introduced via an inlet pipe 213 into the centrifuge drum 21 in a manner known per se with rapid rotation, wherein the high centrifugal forces which prevail due to the rapid rotation of the centrifuge drum 21, on the inner wall of the centrifuge drum 21st deposits a solid cake 4, wherein the liquid phase 5 is discharged via the filter screen 211 into the housing 200 of the centrifuge 2 and is removed via the outflow 214 from the centrifuge housing 200.

In order to ensure safe operation of the centrifuge 2, the centrifuge cartridge 1 is releasably and reliably detachable via support means 212, which in the present case are configured as support bolts 212 Centrifuge drum 21 supported. In this case, the support bolts 212 which are provided on the rear side of the centrifuge drum 21 facing the rotary drive 2000 are inserted in a corresponding recess on the centrifuge drum 21 in such a manner that the rotational movement of the centrifuge drum 21 can be transmitted reliably and vibration-free to the centrifuge cartridge 1. The support pins 212, which are shown at the bottom and at the top in the centrifuge drum 21, support the centrifuge cartridge 1 in the radial direction in the centrifuge drum 21, so that on the one hand an absolutely secure mounting of the centrifuge cartridge 1 in the centrifuge drum 21 is ensured and on the other hand the centrifuge cartridge 21 is easily detachably mounted or can be dismantled.

In the example of Fig. 1 a is a schematic representation of a centrifuge cartridge 1, which comprises a stable self-supporting drum shell 101. It is understood that the centrifuge cartridge 1, and in particular also a sub-cartridge 100, can have a more or less non-self-supporting drum shell 101, which can of course be supported on its peripheral surface via a plurality of support bolts 212, or even over the entire Surface of the drum shell 101 may be supported in the centrifuge drum 21. In this case, the radial support pins 212 may be missing.

In Fig. 1b is a special embodiment of a centrifuge cartridge 1 without drum shell 101 shown. The centrifuge cartridge 1 of Fig. 1 b essentially comprises a cartridge axis 111 which, for example, coincides with the axis of rotation 6 of the centrifuge 2 and on which one or more decanter discs 8 are arranged, so that in the installed state sedimentation chambers 7 are formed in the centrifuge drum 21, in which, in the operating state of the centrifuge 2 Solid cake 4 is sedimentable. The centrifuge cartridge 1 without drum casing 101 is arranged in such a way in the centrifuge drum 21 that it rotates with this. For non-rotatable coupling of the centrifuge cartridge 1 to the centrifuge drum 21 can thereby appropriate, in Fig. 1b Not shown anchoring means may be provided.

This particularly simple embodiment of a centrifuge cartridge 1 according to the invention is particularly easy to install or remove in the centrifuge drum 21 and in particular allows a very simple emptying of the centrifuge drum 1 after the completion of a centrifuging operation, as indicated by the double arrow in FIG Fig. 1b indicated, the centrifuge cartridge 1 can be easily pulled out along the cartridge axis from the centrifuge drum 21, wherein the sedimented solid cake 4 is simultaneously conveyed out of the centrifuge drum 21 by the decanter discs 8.

It is understood that the centrifuge cartridge 1 without drum shell 101 according to Fig. 1b Of course, a sub-cartridge 100 may be, ie that the centrifuge cartridge 1 without drum shell 101 may not only be arranged directly in a centrifuge drum 21, but may of course also be provided in another centrifuge cartridge 1 or even in a sub-cartridge 100.

It goes without saying that all drawings are only schematic and in particular give the representations on the actual installation position no concrete evidence. In other words, a centrifuge drum which appears to be in a horizontal position can indeed also be operated in reality in a vertical structure, and vice versa.

In Fig. 2a is another embodiment according to Fig. 1 a, wherein in the centrifuge 2, two sub-cartridges 100, with respect to the axis of rotation 6 in the axial direction are arranged one behind the other. On the representation of the inlet pipe 213 of the rotary drive 2000, the support means 212 and other known components of the centrifuge 2 was in Fig. 2a omitted for the sake of clarity.

The various sub-cartridges 100 may have different functions in special cases. Thus, e.g. in a first sub-cartridge 100 a sedimented solid cake 4 are washed or watered and in a second not and vice versa. Quite generally, it is thus possible that in one and the same centrifuge drum 21 and / or centrifuge cartridge 1 and / or sub-cartridge 100 a plurality of sub-cartridges 100 are provided, in which different process steps are feasible, or fulfill different functions during centrifugation.

The sub-cartridges 100 of Fig. 2a are configured as open on both sides sub-cartridges 100, so that mixture, for example, from the representation of the right sub-cartridge into the left sub-cartridge can be transferred. By the structure according to Fig. 2a with two sub-cartridges whose end faces are designed in the form of decanter discs 8, the effect of drag described in detail above is minimized and the yield of solids cake per centrifugation or the centrifugation efficiency by the chamber formation by means of two sub-cartridges 100 considerably increased. This positive effect will be illustrated in particular by the schematic diagram of FIG. 3b explained in more detail below. It is understood that both the sub-cartridges 100 and the centrifuge cartridges 1 can be configured in a manner known per se as a solid-shell cartridge 1, 100 and / or as a filtering cartridge 1, 100 and / or as a cross-filtering cartridge 1, 100 or otherwise. In this case, of course, the end faces of the cartridges 1, 100 also filtering, that is, as already mentioned, be designed as cross-filtering cartridges 1, 100.

It can be in a specific embodiment, as in Fig. 2c shown schematically, a drainage path D are closed with a closure mechanism V, so that the cross-filtration is stopped in a first process step. As a result, in an arrangement according to Fig. 2c in a cartridge 1, 100 two process steps, namely the filtration and the sedimentation / compacting be performed sequentially.

In Fig. 2b is a section of a second embodiment according to Fig. 2a shown schematically. In the centrifuge drum 21, which may also be a centrifuge cartridge 1 or a sub-cartridge 100, two pairs of sub-cartridges 100 are arranged, each for exchanging mixture 3 of one of the sub-cartridges 1 of one pair into the adjacent sub-cartridge 100 of the same pair, communicate with each other. It is understood that completely analogous to the schematic example of Fig. 3 not only pairs of two sub-cartridges 100 can be formed, but also cascades of more than two sub-cartridges 100 are formed.

The special advantage of the arrangement of Fig. 2b is that at least two different or the same mixtures 31, 32 can be dehumidified simultaneously in one and the same centrifuge 2, without the both mixtures 31, 32 or the sedimented solid cake 41, 42 come into contact with each other.

The at least two different mixtures 31, 32 are introduced through an inlet pipe 213 into the centrifuge 2, wherein the inlet pipe 213 is configured such that the mixtures 31, 32 do not come into contact with each other in the inlet pipe. This can be ensured, for example, by the fact that, as in Fig. 2b shown schematically, the inlet pipe is designed at least double-walled or a plurality of separate sub-pipes 2131, 2132 are provided. Preferably as many sub-pipes 2131, 2132 are provided as mixtures 31, 32 are to be processed, so that the different or the same mixtures 31, 32 do not come into contact with each other when introduced into the centrifuge 2.

At the in Fig. 2b In the example shown, the mixtures 31, 32 are introduced via the partial tubes 2131 and 2132 into the left sub-cartridge 100 of a pair of sub-cartridges 100 as shown. During centrifuging, a portion of the respective mixture 31, 32 as solid cake 41, 42 sediment in each left sub-cartridge 100 of a pair of sub-cartridges 100, while another part of the respective mixture 31, 32 in each right sub-cartridge 100 of a pair of sub-cartridges 100 is transported on. In the respective right sub-cartridge 100 then sedimented the remaining portion of solid components of the mixtures 31, 32 as a solid cake 41, 42 and the supernatant liquid phase 5 is discharged via filter screens on a front side of the respective right sub-cartridge 100 to the outside.

In Fig. 3a an embodiment of an inventive centrifuge cartridge 1 and a sub-cartridge 100 is shown with Dekanterscheiben 8, so that the interior of the centrifuge cartridge 1 and the sub-cartridge 100 in the specific example of Fig. 3a is divided into three separation chambers 7. This embodiment is, as already mentioned above and by the Fig. 3b will be explained in more detail, on the one hand particularly suitable for minimizing the harmful drag, because the additional decanter discs 8 in the interior of the centrifuge cartridge 1, 100, the uncontrolled flushing not yet sedimented particles is prevented. On the other hand, if a suitable geometry or the choice of suitable process parameters is selected, solid cake 4 of different degrees of dehumidification and / or of different consistency and / or different composition, for example solid cake of different particle size, sediment in the different sedimentation chambers.

The diagram of Fig. 3b demonstrates in an impressive way, inter alia, the suppression of drag, and thereby significantly increased efficiency of sedimentation of the solid cake 4, and the clearly improved yield of solid cake 4 by a centrifuge cartridge according to Fig. 3 ,

On the vertical ordinate axis the yield A is applied to the solid cake, the time t of the centrifuging process is plotted on the horizontal abscissa axis. The graphic of the FIG. 3b shows a schematic representation of the total amount of sedimented solid cake 4 as a function of time t, in which the centrifuging takes place.

The curve 1000 represents depending on the time t, the yield A of solid cake 4, which is achieved in a centrifuge cartridge 1, 100, which is made in one piece, that does not have separate Sedimation chambers 7, or in other words, only from a single Sedimantationskammer 7 exists. The curve 700 shows in an analogous manner, the yield A of solid cake 4, with a centrifuge cartridge 1, 100 according to Fig. 3a is accessible, ie with a centrifuge cartridge 1, 100 which has more than one sedimentation chamber 7.

It is the case Fig. 3b Without doubt, it can be seen that, on the one hand, the curve 700 rises much more rapidly from the beginning than the curve 1000. That is, the sedimantation process takes place in a centrifuge cartridge 1, 100 with several sedimentation chambers 7 much faster than in a centrifuge cartridge 1 , 100, which is not divided into several Sedimantationskammern 7. This means that in a centrifuge cartridge 1, 100 with several sedimentation chambers 7, the sedimentation of the solid cake proceeds significantly more efficiently. In addition, is off Fig. 3b Without doubt recognizable that the total yield A of solid cake 4 in a centrifuge cartridge 1, 100 with several sedimentation 7 is significantly higher than in a centrifuge cartridge 1, 100, which is composed of only one chamber. This is clearly evident from the fact that the curve 700 runs everywhere above the curve 1000.

These extremely positive effects are not least due to the fact that the dreaded towing is more or less completely suppressible by the sedimentation chambers 7, so that the sedimentation of solid cake 4 is faster and more efficient and the total yield A is noticeably increased.

In the Fig. 4a to Fig. 4b By way of example, three different embodiments of per se known decanter discs 8 are shown, which are advantageously used in a centrifuge cartridge 1, 100. The decanter discs 8 of Fig. 4a to Fig. 4b For example, as in Fig. 3a shown schematically, in a novel centrifuge cartridge 1, 100 with respect to the axis of rotation 6 of a centrifuge 2 are arranged one behind the other. The decanter disc 8 is then arranged rotatably about the axis 6 in the centrifuge cartridge, so that in the operating condition of the centrifuge 2, the liquid phase 5 to be discharged can be decanted over the edge 83 of the decanter disc 8.

Depending on the requirements, for discharging the liquid phase 5 and / or for transporting part of the mixture 3 to be separated from a sedimentation chamber 7 into a sedimentation chamber 7 adjoining it, certain measures can be provided which optimize these processes in terms of the desired results , Thus, for example, to achieve optimum efficiency in the sedimentation and / or the sedimentation rate, or to adjust and maintain the desired consistency of the solid cake 4 in the various sedimentation chambers 7.

To achieve that, as in Fig. 4a For example, openings 81 may be provided in the decanter disk 8, or may be as shown in FIGS Fig. 4b and 4c shown schematically, recesses 82 may be provided, which, as in Fig. 4c shown, for example, can be realized by teeth.

If, for example, like in Fig. 3a illustrated, in a centrifuge cartridge 1, 100 in the axial direction a plurality Dekanterscheiben 8 are arranged one behind the other, it may be advantageous to arrange the Dekanterscheiben 8 in such a way that the recesses 82 or the openings 8 of two different Dekanterscheiben 8 are arranged to each other, that the cross-sectional areas of the openings 8 and / or the recesses 82 overlap seen in the axial direction, so that in the axial direction, a kind of continuous "channel" through the openings and / or recesses 82 is formed. In another example, on the other hand, it may be more advantageous to arrange the decanter discs 8 to one another such that an opening 81 and / or a recess 82 of a first decanter disc 8 is covered by a second decanter disc 8, so that it does not form a "channel" through it overlapping cross-sectional areas of the openings 81 and / or the recesses 82 comes.

In addition, devices 800 such as blades 800 or ribs 800 or other measures 800 may be provided on the decanter discs 8 or in addition to the decanter discs 8, which convey the fluid away from the surface in the radial direction. Such devices 800 or measures 800, such as, for example, immersion disks 800 ("dip-weir"), are known per se Fig. 4d a corresponding arrangement with two sub-cartridges 100 shown schematically. The mixture 3 is introduced via devices not shown in detail in the left sub-cartridge 100 as shown, wherein a portion of the solid suspended in the mixture 3 sedimented in the left sub-cartridge 100 as a solid cake 4. Another part of the mixture 3 then passes via an end face of the left and / or right sub-cartridge 100 into the right-hand sub-cartridge 100 as shown. In this case, the mixture 3 passing into the right-hand sub-cartridge 100 is first radially outwardly in a manner known per se by the overflow rib 800 forced towards higher peripheral speeds of the centrifuge 2, whereby the sedimentation process in the right sub-cartridge 100 is significantly improved and the effect of drag is significantly reduced.

Of course, these explanations on decanter discs 8 or on the overflow ribs 800 are merely exemplary. A variety of other embodiments of decanter discs 8 and overflow ribs 800, as well as their arrangement in a rotor chamber of a centrifuge well known, of course, all, in all suitable combinations, advantageously in a novel centrifuge cartridge 1, 100 are used.

In the Fig. 5a and 5b two embodiments of a centrifuge cartridge 1, and a sub-cartridge 100 are shown schematically containing the portioning chambers 9. That is, eg the portioning chamber 7 is further subdivided into portioning chambers 9 which, as in FIG Fig. 5a represented, for example, a rectangular geometry, in particular may be formed in the form of a honeycomb structure or else as in Fig. 5b represented, may have a different geometry.

Preferably, but not necessary, the portioning chambers 9 in the example of Fig. 5b designed as removable tubes, ie the Portionierungskammern 9 are detachably installed in the centrifuge cartridge 1, 100. As a result, the automatic portioning of the solid cake in predetermined quantities in the portioning tubes 9 designed as portioning chambers 9 is possible during centrifuging, which can then be removed individually and comfortably, portioned automatically already in a predetermined amount, can be supplied to a further processing step, or finished a customer can be made available in portions.

The Fig. 6a Finally shows an arrangement for classifying, which is realized in the present case but by individually removable sub-cartridges 100. In Fig. 6a By way of example, three sub-cartridges 100 are shown, which have different inner diameters R1, R2, and R3, so that in a manner known per se with the arrangement of FIGS Fig. 6a a mixture 3 to be separated can be classified. This means that in the various sub-cartridges 100 prevail in the operating condition due to the different internal radii R1, R2, R3 also correspondingly different degrees of centrifugal force, so that, for example, in the various sub-cartridges 100 different sized solid particles sediment as a solid cake and daurch separated from each other. That is, the different sized solid particles sediment by the inventive arrangement of Fig. 6a automatically in different, each individually removable sub-cartridges 100, which the further processing of the solid cake course considerably simplified, or in some cases makes possible in the first place.

In Fig. 6b are finally shown as a further variant sub-cartridges 100 for classifying with different outer diameter D1, D2, D3 schematically. The different outer diameters D1, D2, D3 of the sub-cartridges 100 are realized in the present example by providing a dead space 101 in each case in the radial direction, which has a sedimentation surface 102 in the direction of the axis of rotation 6 on which the solid cake 4 sediments. Through the thus formed different outer diameter D1, D2, D3 can in a conventional manner with the arrangement of Fig. 6b the mixture to be separated 3 are classified. The reason for this is that in the various sub-cartridges 100 in the operating state due to the different outer diameter D1, D2, D3 also correspondingly different degrees of centrifugal forces act, so that for example in the various sub-cartridges 100, for example, solid cake 4 with different dehumidification levels and / or Mixture 3 can get from one sub-cartridge into the next, solid cake 4 can sediment with, for example, different particle size and thereby separated from each other. That is, solid cake 4 with different degrees of dehumidification and / or solid cake 4 with different sized solid particles sediment by the inventive arrangement of Fig. 6b automatically in different, each individually removable sub-cartridges 100, which of course considerably simplifies the further processing of the solid cake, or makes possible in certain cases at all. It is clear that, of course, more than three sub-cartridges 100 with the same or different outside diameters can be advantageously provided.

Claims (12)

1. A centrifuge cartridge for a centrifuge (2) for the separation of a mixture (3) into a solid cake (4) and into a liquid phase (5), wherein the centrifuge cartridge (1) can be releasably installed in the centrifuge, in particular in a centrifuge drum of the centrifuge; wherein the centrifuge cartridge (1) is rotatably supported about an axis of rotation of the centrifuge in the installed state; and wherein a sedimentation chamber (7) is provided in the centrifuge cartridge (1) and the sediment chamber (7) is formed by a decanter weir (8), characterised in that the decanter weir (8) is formed with a drainage opening (81) and/or with a drainage cut-out (82) to drain the liquid phase (5).
2. A centrifuge cartridge in accordance with claim 1, wherein the centrifuge cartridge (1) comprises a self-supporting drum jacket (101 and/or a non-self-supporting drum jacket (101).
3. A centrifuge cartridge in accordance with one of the preceding claims, wherein the centrifuge cartridge (1) is a sub-cartridge (100).
4. A centrifuge cartridge in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two sedimentation chambers (7) are provided in the centrifuge cartridge (1) and are arranged axially sequentially with respect to the axis of rotation (6).
5. A centrifuge cartridge in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sedimentation chamber (7) is divided into at least two portioning chambers (9), with the sedimentation chamber (7) in particular being configured in the form of a honeycomb structure.
6. A centrifuge cartridge in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first sedimentation chamber (71) is larger than a second sedimentation chamber (72) and/or a first portioning chamber (9) is larger than a second portioning chamber (9).
7. A centrifuge cartridge in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first radius (R1) of the first sedimentation chamber (71) is larger than a second radius (R2) of the second sedimentation chamber (72).
8. A centrifuge cartridge in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein a filter screen (10) is provided at the centrifuge cartridge (1) and/or at the sub-cartridge (100).
9. A centrifuge cartridge in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the centrifuge cartridge (1) and/or the sub-cartridge (100) is/are manufactured of metal and/or of a plastic, in particular of an injection moulded plastic and/or of a composite material.
10. A centrifuge cartridge in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein an inner wall of the centrifuge cartridge (1) and/or of the sub-cartridge and/or of the centrifuge drum (21) is lined, is in particular lined with a plastic, specifically with a hygienic plastic.
11. A centrifuge cartridge in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein a means (12) for sealing is provided at a cartridge opening (11) of the centrifuge cartridge (1) and/or of the sub-cartridge (100); and/or the centrifuge cartridge (1) and/or the sub-cartridge (100) is/are configured as a sealable container (1, 100).
12. A centrifuge, in particular a horizontally or vertically supported centrifuge (2), a continuously or discontinuously operating centrifuge (2), specifically a tubular centrifuge (2), a scraper centrifuge (2), a decanting centrifuge (2), a slide centrifuge (2), a pusher centrifuge (2) or an oscillating centrifuge (2) having a centrifuge cartridge (1) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims.

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