EP3229970B1 - Separator - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a separator according to the preamble of claim 1.

Centrifugal separators for the realization of a continuous operation have long been known, so in an embodiment as nozzle separators from the JP 62-117649A , In addition to nozzle separators, those with solids discharge openings are known, to which a hydraulically actuated piston valve is assigned, with which the solids discharge openings can be closed and released. A separator without solids discharge in a training as a separator shows the US 2,017,734 , A separator with screwed together, massive Trommelunter- and drum tops also shows the US 2,286,354 , The technological background is also the US 5,637,217 called.

The DE 693 21 935 T2 discloses a centrifugal separator for obtaining blood with a disposable plastic centrifuging jacket.

The WO 98/40164 discloses a terminal unit which can be placed on a separator with a vertical axis of rotation and two peeling discs for discharging two liquid phases of different density.

From the WO 2014/000829 A1 In addition, a generic separator for separating a flowable product into different phases or for clarifying a product is known, comprising a rotatable drum with a drum base and a drum shell and arranged in the drum means for clearing, wherein one, several or all of the following elements Plastic or a plastic composite material consist of the drum base, the drum shell, the means for clarifying. Thus, it is possible to design a part of the drum or preferably even the entire drum - preferably in addition to the inflow and outflow systems or areas - for a single use, which is particularly of interest for the processing of pharmaceutical products such as fermentation broths or the like Advantage is because after the operation to process a corresponding product batch in during the processing of the product batch preferably continuous operation no cleaning of the drum needs to be performed but the drum can be replaced altogether. Especially from a hygienic point of view, this separator is very advantageous.

It is therefore desirable - and this is the object of the invention - a further improvement of the running properties and also the handling of the generic construction.
The invention solves these problems by the subject matter of claim 1. According to the characterizing part of claim 1, it is provided that the inlet device and the drainage device (s) are designed such that they extend into the drum, do not rotate with the drum during operation and that they are connected to one another at one or more locations sealed, in particular glued and / or welded. The inlet and outlet system formed in this way is easy to manufacture and, since it does not rotate during operation, is relatively light and can be sealed at only one or very few places relative to the rotating drum. It is particularly advantageous for a separator in which the drum consists of plastic or a plastic composite material.

In this case, the drum also has an outer support device and a drum disposed within the support device - called inner drum - on. In this way, the running behavior of the rotating system, in particular the drum, is significantly improved in a simple manner, since the outer support device stabilizes the system. Since this support device is located radially outward relative to the drum wall, which delimits the drum interior, the actual drum bounding the centrifugal space is hereinafter referred to as "inner drum".

Then it is expedient to arrange a means for clarifying the product to be processed in the centrifugal field in the inner drum - for example, a disk set of conical plates - which improves the clarification process or, analogously, a concentration.

It is also structurally advantageous and simple if the inlet and outlet system as the inlet device has a feed pipe whose central axis mounted in the Condition with the axis of rotation of the drum is aligned and / or that the inlet and outlet system as the drain device one or two or more grippers, which / each having a disc portion and a shaft portion / have.

Preferably, the inlet and outlet system has a single inlet device and two drainage devices, in particular in order to concentrate a product to be processed in that a light phase is separated from it.

It is structurally advantageous and simple if the grippers are constructed of gripper components, each consisting of a pipe section and an annular disc section. This can in turn be realized simply by the fact that the gripper components each consist of plastic or plastic composite material and that they are preferably each formed in one piece. During assembly, the drum parts and the individual elements of the inlet and outlet system are preferably successively placed in succession from bottom to top axially superimposed while drum parts on the one hand and elements of the inlet and outlet system for the drum on the other hand at suitable locations welded together and / or bonded. Thus, for example, the divider plate can be mounted only when the disc pack and the support body are mounted and the inlet tube with the lower gripper. Then the gripper components of the second gripper are mounted and only then put the inner drum shell. Then the seal is set. Then finally the cover is mounted. Exemplary suitable welds are indicated by bold points in FIG Fig. 1b indicated. The term "gripper" is synonymous with the term "paring disc" and the term "centripetal pump device".

Preferably, on the gripper components further constructively set in a simple manner, a cover which is designed as a multi-stepped, circumferentially closed tube with a cylindrical diameter, the stages each axially delimit pipe sections of different diameters and wherein the cover delimiting discharge chambers.

It is also advantageous if an annular disk section extends radially outwardly from the cover, which flange abuts the housing and is preferably releasably securable thereto.

Preferably, at least one (preferably only a single) axially acting annular sealing device is further provided between the annular disc portion of the drum shell, in particular an inner drum shell, and the annular disc portion of the cover. The seal between the inlet and outlet system and the drum can therefore be reduced to only a single area, which is inexpensive. In addition, any heat development in the region of sliding parts in the region of the preferably single seal between these parts is minimized.

It is also advantageous if above the Trenntellerpaktes a divider plate is arranged or formed, which is preferably provided on the upper side with ribs, so that between the underside of the inner drum shell and the top of the divider plate at least one channel-like gap is formed as a drainage channel.

According to a variant, the outer support device is designed as an outer ring, which axially surrounds the inner drum in sections. Such a ring in the manner of a "bandage" stabilizes the construction on the outer circumference. The at least one stabilizing ring (or the plurality of rings) is preferably made of metal, but may also be made of a plastic or a plastic composite material. It is also conceivable to provide a contour, for example an axially open in one direction annular pocket, on the outer circumference of the inner drum, in which the stabilizing ring is inserted.

It is further advantageous according to a preferred embodiment, when the outer support device is formed as a circumferentially closed outer ring, which surrounds the inner drum axially in sections. It is also conceivable that the outer support device is formed as a grid-like outer ring, which surrounds the inner drum on a specific axial section.

According to another variant, the outer support device is formed as an outer drum, which surrounds the inner drum in whole or in sections. Especially in this way, the running behavior of the rotating system, in particular the drum, is significantly improved in a simple manner, since the outer drum dynamically and mechanically stabilizes the system. Both deflections of the rotating system in the radial direction to the axis of rotation D and the tendency to unbalance can be significantly reduced. Both the inner drum and the support structure can - but need not - be designed relatively thin-walled. In particular, preferably to be changed after processing a product batch internal drum can be made very material-saving.

Nevertheless, it remains possible to use the advantages of the material "plastic" or "plastic composite material", because it is also possible, a part of the drum-the inner drum and preferably their components - in particular together with the inlet and outlet systems or areas - be designed for a single use, so that after the operation for processing a corresponding product batch during the processing of the product batch preferably continuous and sanitary operation no cleaning of the drum is carried out but the drum is replaced altogether. This replacement is particularly easy because the outer drum, which is preferably reused, does not require much cleaning since it preferably does not come into contact with the product being processed at all. It therefore does not have to be cleaned and / or disinfected each time the inner drum is changed or only for a relatively short time.

Also, the change of the inner drum and its assembly, disassembly and other handling can be carried out in a simple manner, since there is a stable outer drum construction in which the inner drum only has to be used, it is possible the drive connection to an electric motor only on the outer drum be provided so that the inner drum only removed from the outer drum and a different inner drum again in a change this must be used without the need for many complicated assembly steps such as making a drive connection to the drive shaft are necessary.

The outer drum can completely surround the inner drum. But there is also already a good stabilization of the rotating system when the outer drum surrounds the inner drum axially only partially, preferably over at least 50% of the axial length of the inner drum or more.
In the latter case, it is advantageous if the inner drum protrudes axially out of the outer drum, which makes it easier to clearly separate and space the inlet and outlet areas of the inner drum from the outer drum.

It is particularly advantageous if the inner drum and the outer drum made of different materials, since in each case the optimal materials can be selected for both elements outer drum and inner drum. Preferably, the inner drum of a turn preferably relatively thin-walled plastic or a plastic composite, so that they can be easily disposed of and the reusable outer drum made of metal, especially steel, so that their running properties are particularly easy to optimize.

It is also advantageous that when using a metallic outer drum and an inner drum made of plastic, the weight of the outer drum can significantly exceed that of the inner drum, so that the rotational behavior is essentially determined by the outer drum. Preferably, the weight of the rotating parts of the metallic outer drum is more than twice as large, in particular more than four times as large as the weight of the rotating parts made of plastic or as the weight of the empty inner drum. By the outer drum, it is also possible to design the inner drum particularly thin-walled, since it is stabilized by the outer drum.

In order to use the inner drum in the outer drum well and easy, it is advantageous if the outer drum has an outer drum base and a detachable outer drum upper part. On the other hand, it is essentially advantageous for reasons of production when the inner drum has an inner drum lower part and a herewith preassembled or preassembled inner drum shell has. For it is necessary to place in the inner drum in the manufacture of various elements such as the means for clarifying, a supply pipe and the like., Which is simplified by the separation in the upper part and lower part.

Particularly easy is the assembly of the inner drum in the outer drum when the outer drum shell is formed in the manner of a ring which is bolted to the outer drum base and which is axially formed open at the top, so that the inner drum shell protrudes axially out of it. The outer drum base and the outer drum top can also be connected in other ways. An advantageous variant is a connection with bolts. Also conceivable is a bayonet as a connecting means. Finally, it is advantageous to connect the outer drum upper part and the outer drum lower part to one another with a locking ring or to fix them relative to one another. For this purpose, preferably a lower edge of the outer drum shell is inserted into the outer drum base, where it can rest on a collar. Then, a ring with external thread is screwed from above into an internal thread of the outer drum base, which fixes the outer drum shell on the outer drum base.

In order to realize a safe rotation possible without slippage between the inner drum and the outer drum, it is advantageous if the inner drum and the outer drum are non-rotatably and / or positively connected with each other rotatably.

For reasons of hygiene, it is also advantageous if the inlet and outlet system of the drum are arranged exclusively on the inner drum and on the housing, so that the outer drum does not come into contact with the product to be processed during operation.

Overall, even with the concept of the inner drum, a part of and preferably even all of the product-contacting areas of the rotating system consist of a plastic or a plastic composite material, in particular the inner drum lower part and the inner drum upper part and the disk package. Especially Furthermore, preferably the inlet and outlet system made of plastic or a plastic composite material.

It is particularly advantageous if all the parts of the inner drum that rotate during operation and the parts of their supply and drainage system that does not rotate during operation - if they come into contact with the product - are made of plastic - and if all in all - except possibly to be provided seals - in number only a few parts, eg Plastic injection molded parts, are provided. Preferably, these are the inner drum base, the inner drum shell, the manifold, the separation means (preferably the plate insert for separating solids), a separator plate and the inlet and outlet system with the grippers and the feed tube, which do not rotate.

In addition, there may be one or more sealing rings. In this way, a functional centrifuge drum made of plastic is created, which consists of only a very few components, which makes their production and assembly very easy.

It is also particularly advantageous if the inner drum base and the inner drum shell are permanently connected to each other during initial assembly, to prevent attempts to disassemble them and reuse if necessary after inadequate cleaning. Instead, the inner drum is completely disposed of or recycled. This is also advantageous that the sterility is guaranteed. The design is preferably such that no air can penetrate from the outside into the inner drum before installation and after removal.

With the concept of the inner drum it is like with the WO 2014/000829 A1 Furthermore, it is possible to design a part of the drum or preferably even the entire drum - preferably together with the inlet and outlet systems or areas - for a single use, which is of particular interest and advantage with regard to the processing of pharmaceutical products such as fermentation broths or the like in that after operation for processing a corresponding product batch in during the processing of the product batch preferably continuous Operation does not carry out any cleaning of the drum but the drum is replaced altogether. Hygienic problems associated with cleaning are thereby easily eliminated. The product-contacting parts can be disposed of completely or recycled. Disposal is of particular interest for hazardous substances. It is again also conceivable to carry out a clarification of a product primarily a concentration of a product to be processed and to melt the inner drum after processing a batch or, for example, in an acid or the like. Dissolve to recover the heavy material as a residue of this process , By using preferably thin-walled plastic parts, the production costs can also be kept relatively low.

It is advantageous and particularly hygienic if the entire drum, in particular its inlet and outlet system, is formed in a sealed design / are.

The plastic used is preferably a recyclable plastic, in particular PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene) or TK-PEEK (in particular semicrystalline) polyether ether ketone. Also conceivable are u.a. (and this is not an exhaustive list) the materials PC (polycarbonate)), MABS (methyl methacrylate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) and PSU (polysulfone).

The parts made of plastic could be produced by injection molding and optionally post-processed, e.g. be provided with holes and the like, where necessary.

Screws and the like. Can also be made of plastic, but they can, especially if they are not touched by the product during processing, also be made of a different material.

Further advantageous embodiments can be found in the other dependent claims, which describe advantageous structural configurations.

Fig. 1

in a) eine Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Separators mit einem Direktantrieb, in b) eine detailliertere und ausschnittsvergrößerte Darstellung eines Zuund Ablaufbereiches des Separatortrommel aus a) und in c) eine detailliertere und ausschnittsvergrößerte Darstellung eines alternativ ausgestalteten Außenumfangsbereiches einer Separatortrommel nach Art der Fig. 1 a).

The invention will be described in more detail by means of embodiments with reference to the figures. It shows:

Fig. 1

in a) a view of a separator according to the invention with a direct drive, in b) a more detailed and zoomed representation of a supply and discharge area of the separator drum of a) and c) a more detailed and enlarged detail representation of an alternatively configured outer peripheral region of a separator drum in the manner of Fig. 1 a) ,

Fig. 1a shows a section through the region of a housing 1 and a drum 2 of a separator according to the invention, with which a liquid product in the centrifugal field can be separated into two phases. The drum 2 has a vertical axis of rotation D. Terms used hereafter, such as "up" or "down", "radial", etc., refer to the orientation of elements of the separator with respect to this vertical axis of rotation.

The housing 1 has a lower bottom 3, a housing shell 4 and an upper cover 5. The bottom 3 in turn has a passage 6, which is penetrated by a rotatable drive spindle 7. Preferably, a drive motor 8 is arranged directly below the bottom 3. Alternative embodiments are conceivable, for example one in which the drive spindle 7 is driven by a drive belt or the like, the drive motor then being arranged elsewhere. But preferred is a direct drive, in particular according to the type Fig. 1a in which the drive shaft of the motor is arranged directly in the vertical extension of the drive spindle 7. It is preferably dispensed with a separate storage of the spindle design, which makes the construction simple and relatively inexpensive feasible. This construction is simple and robust and very suitable for the lightweight drum construction. The function of the storage of the drum takes over in a simple manner, the electric motor or its rotor bearing
On the vertically upper end of the drive spindle 7, in turn, the drum 2 is mounted non-rotatably relative to the drive spindle 7, so that they can be rotated by the drive spindle 7 and the drive motor 8 in rotation.

The drive spindle 7 could be rotatably mounted in the housing 1, here in the bottom 3, with one or more bearings. But it can also be dispensed with such storage. Here, therefore, a gap 9 between the outer circumference of the drive spindle and the inner periphery of the passage 6 of the bottom 3 is formed. Such a storage of a drive shaft 10 in the motor housing of the drive motor 8, on which the drive spindle 7 is fixed or on which it is formed in a different way, in a simple manner for the storage of the entire rotating system consisting of the drum 2 and the drive spindle. 7 exists to be used. Thus, it is also preferred that the drive spindle 7 is coupled directly to the output shaft of the motor and that the drive spindle 7 has no additional pivot bearing - for example, no neck bearing and no Fußlager - on its outer circumference. Preferably, no spring system for resilient support in the region of the drive spindle is provided.

The structure of the drum 2 which is preferably used will now be explained in more detail below.

The drum 2 has an outer drum 11, which may also be formed as an outer drum section - and an inner drum 12. The inner drum 12 is exchangeably inserted into the outer drum 11.

Preferably, the outer drum section or the outer drum 11 and the inner drum 12 are made of different materials. Particularly preferably, the outer drum 11 is made of metal, in particular of steel, and the inner drum 12 is preferably entirely or at least partially made of a plastic or a plastic composite material.

The outer drum 11 serves as a kind of holder, in which the inner drum 12 is inserted and which the inner drum 12 in the vertical or axial direction at least partially completely surrounds or surrounds. Particularly preferably, the outer drum 11 and the inner drum 12 are rotatably connected to each other. This can be realized in particular by a positive and / or positive connection between the outer drum 11 and the inner drum 12.

The outer drum 11 has an outer drum lower part 13, which can be designed essentially like the lower drum part of known separators without an inner drum or is here. The outer drum base 13 is rotatably mounted on the drive spindle 7 and preferably has on the inside a simple or here particularly preferably double conical inner shape. The outer drum 11 further preferably has an outer drum upper part 14. The outer drum lower part 13 and the outer drum upper part 14 preferably have corresponding threads, in the region of which they are screwed directly to one another. Here, the thread of the outer drum base portion is formed as an internal thread of the drum base and the thread of the outer drum shell 14 as a corresponding external thread.

The outer drum shell 14 is also conical. It is further formed as a ring which is rotatably connected below with the outer drum base 13 and which is open at the top, so that the inner drum 12 vertically or axially upwardly out of the outer drum, here from the outer drum shell 14 protrudes.

Since the outer drum base 13 and the outer drum shell 14 are preferably made of metal, in particular steel, and preferably at least the drum base is designed as a separator drum without inner drum 12, they can provide largely the smoothness and stability and safety of a known modern separator drum made of metal. Since the outer drum 11 surrounds the inner drum 12 partially or completely on the outside, the outer drum stabilizes the inner drum. In particular, the outer drum 11 advantageously contributes to optimizing the running properties of the entire drum 2 during operation at high speed. In addition, the wall thickness of the inner drum 12 can also be chosen much thinner than that of a separator drum made entirely of plastic without outer drum 11, as in the WO 2014/000829 A1 proposed. It should be noted that an inlet and outlet system to be described, but also in constructions

On the other hand, the inner drum 12 limits to the outside the actual separating or centrifugal space 15 for the centrifugal processing of a flowable product. With regard to its shape, the inner drum 12 is configured in such a way that it preferably rests substantially directly on the inner circumference of the outer drum in a form-fitting manner.

The inner drum 12 has an inner drum base 16 and an inner drum upper part 17. Preferably, the inner drum base 16 and the inner drum shell 17 are each conical, so that a biconical body is formed. The parts 16 and 17 are made of plastic or a plastic composite material and are liquid-tightly connected to each other, in particular in the upper (inner drum base 16) and lower (inner drum shell 17) flange portions 18, 19 (see Fig. 1c ).

Preferably, a cohesive connection between the inner drum base 16 and the inner drum shell 17 and possibly other elements of the inner drum 12 is provided, which can be achieved in the sense of this document, for example, by a fusion but also by gluing. This is especially in Fig. 1c clearly visible. There are also other types of connection conceivable, such as a bayonet or screw or snap or snap lock between the elements to be connected inner drum base 16 and inner drum shell 17 (not shown here). These can each also complement the cohesive connection.

On the inner drum base is above - as a separate part or integrally connected to the inner drum base - a rotary axis D coaxially surrounding distributor 21 or arranged, which has a complete manifold for introducing the centrifuged into the inner drum interior or centrifugal space 15th and for accelerating the centrifuged material in the circumferential direction during rotations of the drum 2 is formed.

The distributor 21 has a lower conical section 22 and an upper tube section 23, which is aligned concentrically with the axis of rotation D and is open at the top ( Fig. 1a and 1b ). This pipe section 23 opens at the lower end in the one or more of the distribution channels 24 which are formed obliquely to the axis of rotation and open on a radius preferably outside of a disk package 25 in the actual centrifugal space 15.

In the centrifugal chamber 15 separating means or means for clarification, in particular the aforementioned one-piece or preferably multi-part plate package 25 are arranged, which is formed as a stack of axially spaced separating plates 26 which have a conical basic shape and which are preferably placed against rotation on the distributor lug 21. The separation means for clarification could also be formed in other form, such as ribbed bodies with radial or arcuate ribs. The separation plates 26 have the same or different radii.

The manifold approach or manifold 21 may also be integrally formed with the means for clarification, if this as a clear plastic insert with clarification chambers of the type DE 10 2008 052 630 A1 is trained. An introduced into the inner drum interior or centrifugal space 15 product is separated in the drum 2 in different, preferably two, product phases of different density.

For the supply and discharge of the various product phases from the drum 2 is an inlet and outlet system 27 with at least one inlet device and at least two drainage devices (see, in particular Fig. 1b ).

As inlet device, the inlet and outlet system has a circumferentially closed inlet pipe 28 with preferably cylindrical cross-section, the center axis of which is aligned in the mounted state with the axis of rotation D of the drum.

As the at least two drainage devices, the inlet and outlet system further comprises at least one or preferably two grippers 29, 30 - also called peeling disks. Neither the feed pipe 28 nor the two grippers 29, 30 rotate with the drum during operation. Instead, they are still in operation. The inner drum shell 17 rotates during operation about the inlet and outlet system 27th

The two grippers each have a disc portion 29a, 30a and a shaft portion 29b, 30b. The shank portions 29b, 30b are concentric with the feed pipe 28 and formed with each other.

To form the grippers 29, 30 serve several gripper components, each consisting of a pipe section and an annular disc portion, wherein the annular disc portion extends radially to the pipe section in each case. The gripper components are preferably each made of plastic or plastic composite material. They are also preferably each formed in one piece.

The innermost and first of the gripper components is formed from the inlet pipe 28 and a radially extending to the inlet pipe 28 - here in an approximately axially central region of the inlet pipe 28 - extending annular disc lug 31. A second, third and fourth of these gripper components - 32, 33, 34 - are also each formed from a pipe section 35, 36, 37 and to this pipe section at the end of the pipe section radially extending annular disk shoulder 38, 39, 40. In this case, the tube sections 35, 36, 37 preferably and advantageously each have different inner diameters, so that the tube sections 35, 36, 37 are axially slidable into one another.

The pipe section 35 of the second gripper component 32 is larger than the outer diameter of the feed pipe 28, over which it is pushed concentrically, such that between the outer diameter of the feed pipe 28 and the inner diameter of the pipe section 35 of the second gripper component 32, a drain passage 41 is formed. In addition, the annular disk shoulder 38 of the second gripper component 32 is axially spaced from the first annular disk shoulder 31 on the feed pipe 28 (which together also corresponds to the first gripper component). designed such that these two annular disc lugs 31, 38 together form the disc portion 29 a of the first gripper 29. In the disc section 29a of the first gripper 29, at least one radial outlet channel 42 is likewise formed in this way, which opens into the axial outlet channel 41. Webs on the annular disc lugs 31, 38 can limit the channel 41.

The third and the fourth gripper components 33, 34 jointly form the second gripper.

For this purpose, preferably and advantageously, the pipe section 36 of the third gripper component 33 is larger than the outer diameter of the pipe section 35 of the second Greiferbaulementes 32, over which it is pushed concentrically, such that it rests directly on the outer diameter of the pipe section 35 of the second gripper component. Preferably, the second gripper component 32 and the third gripper component 33 are connected to each other, in particular welded or glued. This connection is preferably at least at the ends of the pipe sections 35, 36, so that a gap between the pipe sections 35, 36 sealed sealed. The annular disk shoulder 39 of the third gripper component 33 is arranged offset axially relative to the annular disk shoulder 38 of the second gripper component 32.

To form the second gripper 30, the pipe section 37 of the fourth gripper component 34 is larger than the outer diameter of the pipe section 36 of the third gripper component 33, over which it is pushed concentrically, such that between the outer diameter of the pipe section 36 of the third gripper component 36 and the inner diameter the tube section 37 of the fourth gripper component 34, an axial flow channel 43 is formed. In addition, the annular disc extension 40 of the fourth gripper component 34 is formed axially spaced from the annular disc extension 39 on the third gripper component 33 such that these two annular disc attachments 39, 40 together form the disc portion 30a of the second gripper 30. In the disc portion 30a of the second gripper 30, at least one radial outlet channel 44 is likewise formed in this way the axial flow channel 43 opens. Webs on the annular disc sections (in the axial direction) can limit the at least one radial outflow channel 43.

About the four gripper components a cover 45 is set. This is designed as a multi-stepped, circumferentially closed tube with a cylindrical diameter, wherein the steps 46, 47, 48 respectively axially delimit pipe sections 49, 50, 51, 52 of different diameters.
The first pipe section 46 advantageously and simply forms a connecting piece (for a hose or the like). He lies vertically or axially above the inlet pipe 28 and aligned with this. The first stage 49 abuts axially on the end of the inlet pipe. The second pipe section 50 engages over the outside of the inlet pipe 28. Here, the second pipe section 50 and the inlet pipe 28 are connected to each other (connecting portion 53), in particular welded or glued, so that a gap between the inlet pipe 28 and the cover 45 is sealed sealed.

Below the connecting region 53, the second step 47 is formed, which is followed by the third pipe section 51 downwardly bounding the outside of a discharge chamber 54 for the first gripper 29, the inner circumference of the outer circumference of the supply pipe 28 is formed. On the outer circumference of this discharge chamber 54, a connection piece 55 is formed. At this a hose or the like. Be set for discharge (not shown here)

The third pipe section 51 of the cover 45 engages over the outside the pipe section 36 of the third gripper component or the first gripper 29. The third pipe section 51 of the cover 45 and the first gripper 29 are connected to each other (connecting portion 56), in particular welded or glued, so that a Gap sealed between these elements is sealed.

Below the connection region 56, the third step 48 is formed, to which the fourth pipe section 52 adjoins, defining on the outside a discharge chamber 57 for the second gripper 30, whose inner circumference is formed by the section 35. On the outer circumference of this discharge chamber 57 is in turn a connecting piece 58 is formed. At this a hose or the like. For derivation can be applied (not shown here)

The fourth pipe section 52 of the cover 45 engages over the outside of the pipe section 37 of the fourth gripper component or the second gripper 30. The fourth pipe section 52 of the cover 45 and the second gripper 30 are connected to each other (connecting region 59), in particular welded or glued, so that a gap between these sections is sealed sealed.

From the fourth tube section 52, an annular disc section 60 extends radially outward. This annular disc portion of the cover 45 is located below the housing 1 flange on this. The housing 1 and the cover 45 are preferably releasably connected to each other in this area, for example by means of one or more bolts 61. The cover 45 protrudes vertically upward through a central opening of a cover 5 of the housing 2.

In the following, the interaction between the inlet and outlet system 27, which does not rotate during operation and discusses the rotatable (inner) drum, will now be described in greater detail.

Above the Trenntellerpaktes 25 is a divider plate 62 (see also Fig. 1b ), so that between the bottom of the inner drum shell 17 and the top of the disc plate 62, a gap 63 is formed as a drainage channel. Above the divider plate 62 is also a support body 20, here a support ring to ensure the stabilization of the construction above the Tellerpaktes and to ensure a defined fit of the Tellerpaktes.

A heavier liquid phase (or a solid phase which is still just able to be discharged, in particular just a little flowable) is discharged from the area of the largest inner circumference of the drum interior through the gap 63 or a channel in the gap between the inner drum upper part 17 and the separator plate 62 from the centrifugal space.

The divider plate 62 and the inner drum upper part 17 merge into cylindrical sections 64, 65 at their axially upper ends. At the vertically upper ends extending from these cylindrical portions 64, 65 each radially annular disc portions 66, 67 radially inwardly. The annular disc portion 66 of the cylindrical portion of the divider plate 62 extends radially between the disc portions 29a, 30a of the two grippers 29, 30. The annular disc portion 67 of the cylindrical portion 65 of the inner drum top 17 extends radially inwardly above the disc portion 30a of the second gripper 30.

Below the first gripper 29 also extends radially annular disk contour 68 annular disk-like inwards. This may be formed as a radial projection of the distributor 21 or otherwise, e.g. as an approach of the Scheidetellers. In this way, gripper chambers 69, 70 are formed in the interaction of the cylindrical sections 64, 65 and the annular disk sections and contours 66, 67, 68. From the gap 63, the heavier phase flows through the gap between the two cylindrical sections to the upper gripper chamber 70, where the second gripper 30 derives this phase.

Inside the separator plate package 25, a channel 71 further directs the easier phase flowing radially inward from the separator plate package 25 into the first lower gripper chamber, from which the first gripper 29 derives the lighter phase.

Ribs 77, 78 on the annular disc section 66 and preferably ribs 79 on the annular disc section 67 and preferably ribs 80 and ribs 81 on the distributor 21 and on the support body 20 ensure that the corresponding product phases are carried along during operation of the centrifuge.

The inlet and outlet system is advantageous and structurally simple designed as not in operation with the inner drum rotating system, ie, the inner drum 12 rotates during operation relative to this or about this supply and drainage system 27. Between the annular disc portion 67 of the inner drum shell 17 and the annular disc portion 60 of the cover 45 is therefore preferably and advantageously provided an axially acting ring sealing device 72. This can be spring-loaded and / or be designed sliding ring seal similar. Advantageously, a sliding sealed system of relatively rotating elements "cover 45 of the inlet and outlet system 27" and (inside) "drum shell 17" to the area between the inlet and outlet system 27, which stands still in operation, and the To seal rotating drum 2 sanitary.

In order to connect the inner drum and the outer drum 12, 11 in a simple manner in a rotationally fixed but releasable manner at a standstill, it can be provided that the inner drum 12 is positively and / or non-positively connected to the outer drum 11. In a simple way, a non-positive connection can be realized in that the flange 18 and 19 and possibly also the outer edge of the divider plate 62 I extend into the Verschraubungsbereich between the outer drum base and the outer drum shell, where they rest respectively on gradations of these parts and the Screwing the drum shell in the drum base is screwed between these ( Fig. 1c ).

In addition, interlocking means such as ribs on the outer circumference of the inner drum and corresponding grooves on the inner circumference of the outer drum 11 may be provided, which engage with each other and thus rotatably connect the two elements inner drum 12 and outer drum 11 (not shown here). In operation, moreover, the inner drum 12 will expand radially against the inner circumference of the outer drum 11, which improves the torque transmission and rotating entrainment of the inner drum 12 by the driven outer drum 11. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable to connect the parts of the outer drum with each other in a detachable manner, such as with bolts or the like or by means of a bayonet.

Thus, some or all of the product-contacting areas of the rotating system are preferably made of plastic or plastic composite material, in particular the inner drum base 16 and the inner drum shell 17. Further preferably, the separation plates 26 are made of plastic as well as all product-contacting areas of the feed - and drainage system, even if they do not rotate during operation.

Thus, the inner drum 12 can be disposed of after processing a sufficiently large product batch. The preferably metallic outer drum 11, however, is reused. Since they can not come into contact with the product during operation, their cleaning is very simple or less important. Through the outer drum 11, the inner drum 12 can be made quite thin. With a complete disposal falls accordingly very little plastic waste. Fig. 1 shows an embodiment as a two-phase separation machine (separation of a product in the phases: "liquid / liquid"), three-phase machines (for separation into three phases) are also feasible (not shown here). The product is preferably, but not necessarily, a fermentation broth to be concentrated

In this way, preferably the entire inner drum together with the inlet and outlet system is preferably designed as a replaceable preassembled module made of plastic or a plastic composite material.

In this case, the outer drum section 11 essentially serves as a holder for the inner drum 12, which in particular improves the running properties of the inner drum 12.

The design of the outer drum shell as a ring is optimized in the trial. In this case, it can be determined up to which conical region the annular outer drum cover or the outer drum upper part must surround the inner drum upper part.

Hereinafter, the structure of the housing 1 will be considered in more detail. The housing 1 has the bottom 3, a conical housing shell 4 and the cover 5 here. Only in the area of the cover 45 of the inlet and outlet system 27 does the housing 1 come into contact with the plastic area disposable after operation. The cover is suitable - preferably with bolts 75 - attached to the housing shell 4 ( Fig. 1b ). The housing shell 4 is also suitable to the bottom 3 - preferably with bolts 76 - attached. ( Fig. 1b ). These bolts 75, 76 (or other suitable connection means) are detachably arranged to allow easy replacement of the inner drum 12.

To change the inner drum 12, the housing 1 is opened (bolts 75, 76) and the bolts 61 are released to the cover 45 of the inlet and outlet system 27. Then the inner drum 12 is replaced and possibly disposed of. In this case, the cover 5 should preferably have such a large central opening that it can be plugged from above over the cover 45 of the inlet and outlet system with its inlet and outlet nozzles and possibly attached hoses, which after assembly only to external connections must be connected. In this way, the assembly of the inner drum after removal of the outer drum upper part is particularly easy and quick to implement. The hoses can be closed at the ends, for example, welded and are cut off during commissioning and closed again after commissioning. This can also be realized with brackets.

Preferably, the entire inner drum 12 is designed sanitary.

The housing 1 can be used to rest on a foundation or a frame 74 or a kind of table or cabinet.

It is advantageous that the housing 1 has a drain opening 73, preferably in its bottom 3, through which possibly liquid can flow - which occurs in the housing, for example due to an unforeseen leakage or which would otherwise collect there. At a connection of the opening 59, a drain such as a drain hose for discharging this liquid can be arranged in a container.

A particularly compact design is achieved in that - as already mentioned - the drive motor is preferably an electric motor, which is arranged directly in the axial extension of the drive spindle 7, preferably on the side facing away from the drum side. Preferably, the drive spindle 7 is connected directly to a bolt axially with the output shaft 10. It is also connected to a torque transmitting means, preferably a key, in the circumferential direction with the output shaft of the electric motor rotatably connected (not shown here). The torque transmission means may also be formed in another form - for example as a torque transmission contour - (not shown here in each case). At the motor 8, a terminal box 75 is arranged.

The rotatable drum 2 may be connected to the drive spindle structure with a press fit (eg, in a conical section) or by means of another torque transmitting means (not shown). The motor 8 is here attached to its spindle 7 side facing further with a flange at the bottom of the housing 1, for example screwed with bolts. On the motor 8, a terminal box is also arranged. <B> reference numerals </ b> casing 1 drum 2 ground 3 housing jacket 4 cover 5 execution 6 drive spindle 7 drive motor 8th gap 9 drive shaft 10 external drum 11 inner drum 12 External drum base 13 Outer drum shell 14 centrifugal chamber 15 Inner drum base 16 Inner drum shell 17 flange 18, 19 support body 20 distributor 21 Conical section 22 pipe section 23 distribution channels 24 Disc stack 25 separator disc 26 Inlet and outlet unit 27 supply pipe 28 grab 29, 30 disk portion 29a, 30a shank portion 29b, 30b first ring disc approach 31 gripper components 32, 33, 34 pipe section 35, 36, 37 Washer approach 38, 39, 40 drainage channels 41, 42, 43, 44 cover 45 stages 46, 47, 48 pipe sections 49, 50, 51, 52 connecting area 53 dissipation chamber 54 spigot 55 connecting area 56 dissipation chamber 57 spigot 58 connecting area 59 Washer section 60 bolt 61 separating disk 62 gap 63 cylindrical sections 64, 65 Ring disc sections 66, 67 Washer contour 68 gripper chambers 69, 70 channel 71 Ring sealing device 72 drain hole 73 frame 74 bolt 75, 76 ribs 77, 78, 79, 80, 81 vertical axis of rotation D

Claims (20)

1. A separator for centrifugally processing a flowable product, having the following features:

   a. a rotatable drum (2), which delimits a centrifugal space (15),

   b. wherein the drum (2) has an inflow and outflow system (27) comprising at least one inflow device and one or more outflow devices, which consist of plastic or a plastics composite,
   characterized in that

   c. the drum has an outer supporting apparatus and an inner drum (12) arranged in the outer supporting apparatus,

   d. the inner drum consists of plastic or a plastics composite,

   e. a means for clarifying the product to be processed in the centrifugal field is arranged in the inner drum (12),

   f. the inflow device and the one or more outflow devices

   i. extend into the inner drum (12), and

   ii. are configured such that they do not rotate with the inner drum during operation, and

   iii. are connected, bonded and/or welded to one another in a sealed manner at one or more points,

   g. wherein the inflow and outflow system (27) has as the outflow device one or two or more grippers (29, 30), which respectively has/have a disk portion (29a, 30a) and a shank portion (29b, 30b).
2. The separator as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the inflow and outflow system (27) of the inflow device has an inflow tube (28), the center axis of which, in the fitted state, is aligned with the rotational axis D of the drum.
3. The separator as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grippers (29, 30) are made up of gripper components, which respectively consist of a tube section (28, 35, 36, 37) and an annular disk portion (31, 38, 39, 40), and in that the gripper components respectively consist of plastic or plastics composite, and in that they are preferably respectively configured in one piece.
4. The separator as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that over the gripper components is placed a cover (45), which is configured as a multistepped, peripherally closed tube of cylindrical diameter, wherein the steps (46, 47, 48) respectively axially delimit tube sections (49, 50, 51, 52) of different diameter, and in that the cover (45) of the inflow and outflow system (27) delimits one or more evacuation chambers (54, 57) at least radially on the outside.
5. The separator as claimed in the preceding claim 4, characterized in that extending radially outward from the cover (45) is an annular disk portion (60), which bears in a flange-like manner against the housing (1) and can preferably be detachably fastened thereto.
6. The separator as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that above the separating plate assembly (25), which is the clarifying means, a separating plate (62) is arranged or configured, so that between the bottom side of the inner drum top part (17) and the top side of the separating plate (62) is formed at least one gap (63) as the outflow channel, wherein the separating plate (62) and the drum top part (17) pass at their axially upper ends into cylindrical portions (64, 65), wherein at the vertically upper ends extend inward from these cylindrical portions (64, 65) in order to delimit gripper chambers (69, 70).
7. The separator as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the annular disk portion (67) of the drum top part, in particular of an inner drum top part (17), and the annular disk portion (60) of the cover (45) is provided at least one axially acting ring seal device (72).
8. The separator as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer supporting apparatus is configured as at least one outer ring, which axially partially surrounds the inner drum (12), wherein the outer supporting apparatus is configured as a peripherally closed outer ring, which axially partially surrounds the inner drum (12).
9. The separator as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer supporting apparatus is configured as an outer drum (11), in which the inner drum (12) is arranged, wherein the outer drum (11), at the point where it surrounds the inner drum (12), is configured peripherally closed.
10. The separator as claimed in the preceding claim 9, characterized in that the outer drum (11) fully surrounds the inner drum (12) in the peripheral direction.
11. The separator as claimed in one of the preceding claims 9-10, characterized in that the outer drum (11) axially fully surrounds the inner drum (12) or in that, axially, the outer drum (11) only partially surrounds the inner drum (12), so that the inner drum (12) protrudes axially from the outer drum (11).
12. The separator as claimed in one of the preceding claims 9-11, characterized in that the inner drum and the outer drum (12, 11) consist of different materials, wherein the inner drum (12) consists of plastic or a plastics composite, and in that the outer drum (11) consists of metal, in particular of steel.
13. The separator as claimed in one of the preceding claims 9-12, characterized in that the outer drum (11) has an outer drum bottom part (13) and an outer drum top part (14), wherein the outer drum bottom part (13) and the outer drum top part (14) are fixed to one another by screwing means and wherein the screwing means comprise

    a. screw bolts or,

    b. a locking ring, or
    characterized in that

    c. a thread between the outer drum top part (14) and the outer drum bottom part (13).
14. The separator as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner drum (12) has an inner drum bottom part (16) and an inner drum top part (17), wherein the inner drum bottom part (16) and the inner drum top part (17) are non-detachably connected to one another, wherein the inner drum bottom part (16) and the inner drum top part (17) are integrally connected, in particular bonded or welded, to one another, or wherein the inner drum bottom part (16) and the inner drum top part (17) are mechanically connected to one another.
15. The separator as claimed in one of the preceding claims 13-14, characterized in that the outer drum top part (14) is configured in the style of a ring and is configured open in the axially inward direction, so that the inner drum top part protrudes axially therefrom.
16. The separator as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner drum (12) and the outer drum (11) are non-positively and/or positively connected to one another in a rotationally secure manner.
17. The separator as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer drum (11) is driven by a drive motor (8) and in that the outer drum bottom part (13) is connected in a rotationally secure manner to a drive spindle (7)
18. The separator as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clarifying means is a plate assembly (25) consisting of a stack of separating plates (26), which is preferably produced from plastic or a plastics composite.
19. The separator as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the following parts are conically configured: the outer and the inner drum top part and the outer and the inner drum bottom part.
20. The separator as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inflow and outflow system of the drum is configured solely on the inner drum (12) and/or in that no solids discharge openings which lead radially out of the inner drum (12) into the space surrounding the inner drum are formed in the inner drum wall.

Images