KR20080077001A - Solids recovery using cross-flow microfilter and automatic piston discharge centrifuge - Google Patents

Abstract

In a system for combined centrifugation and microfiltration, retentate from a cross-flow microfilter is fed to an automatic piston discharge centrifuge for solids removal, thereby enhancing the efficiency of both processes. The centrifuge includes a cylindrical bowl having a conical lower end with an opening through which feed liquid is injected. Solids separate from the feed liquid and accumulate along the inner surface of the bowl as the bowl rotates at high speed. A microfiltration membrane can be added to improve solids retention in the bowl and provide a filtered centrate. During solids discharge, a piston is urged downward along a vertical axis.. The downward movement of the piston forces accumulated solids from the bowl via the opening in the conical lower end thereof.

Description

Solid recovery with cross flow microfilter and automatic piston discharge centrifuge {SOLIDS RECOVERY USING CROSS-FLOW MICROFILTER AND AUTOMATIC PISTON DISCHARGE CENTRIFUGE}

* Cross-reference to related applications

This application is a continuation of the pending US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 218,280, filed September 1, 2005 and a continuation of the national patent application PCT / IB2006 / 002411, filed August 25, 2006. This application claims priority to US Provisional Application No. 60 / 742,558, filed December 5, 2005 and US Provisional Application No. 60 / 756,381, filed January 4, 2006. These related applications are each hereby incorporated by reference.

Many other forms of centrifuges are known for separating the heterogeneous mixture into components based on particular gravity. Generally, heterogeneous mixtures, which may also be referred to as injection materials or liquids, are injected into the rotating bowl of the centrifuge. The rotating bowl rotates at high speed and exerts a force on the constituents of this mixture, which have a high specific gravity and are thereby separated by precipitation. As a result, the dense solid is pressed like a cake firmly against the inner surface or inner wall of the bowl, and a defined liquid is formed radially inward from the cake. This bowl can rotate at a speed sufficient to produce a force 20,000 times greater than gravity, thereby separating the solid from the centrate.

Because solids accumulate along the walls of the bowl, the set liquid exits the bowl and leaves the separator as "centrate." Once the desired amount of accumulated solid is determined, the separator is placed in the release mode in which the solid is removed from the separator. Often, for example, an internal scraper is used to peel off solids from the walls of the bowl.

When releasing special types of solids and liquids, conventional separators have many disadvantages. For example, certain separators cannot completely release sticky solids, which can lead to inferior yields. Inferior yields can be particularly problematic for high value added solids such as those required in pharmaceutical processes. In addition, when accelerating the material at the rotational speed of the bowl, conventional separators have a very high shear force on the injected material, which can damage sensitive chemical or biological materials such as, for example, intact cells. .

In addition, other separators do not provide a convenient means of handling and recovering sensitive solids. For example, operators are commonly used to aid in both solid release and recovery. Separators that require this operating intervention can often cause contamination problems. In addition, certain separators utilize a number of mechanical components to promote solid recovery, which can affect separator durability. These components are generally outside the separator or have additional equipment behavior, which can cause both size and compatibility issues. In addition, conventional separators tend to be difficult to clean or sterilize without a significant increase in maintenance costs.

It is desired to have a centrifuge that can be effectively used for the solids of the type described above that result in sticky buildup or are sensitive to the shear forces generated during centrifugation. It would also be useful to have a separator that can easily recover this solid without the possibility of external contamination or additional mechanical equipment. Such separators may also be conveniently cleaned or sterilized in place.

In addition, a common cross-flow microfiltration system utilizes pretreatment of the injection liquid, thereby ensuring that the solid concentration is well below the threshold, at which threshold the filter membrane will be contaminated. Backwashing is often necessary to reduce the concentration of accumulated solids on the filter membrane causing a delay in processing. In addition, certain mechanisms must be provided to extract accumulated solids, such as from residue tanks. This mechanism results in the removal of solids wetted by a relatively significant amount of residue. The provision of pretreated liquids and this solid removal mechanism provide suboptimal solid drying performance, resulting in increased processing time, complexity and cost.

To alleviate the problems associated with previous microfiltration systems, the system disclosed herein utilizes an automatic piston discharge (APD) centrifuge with a microfiltration system. When the solids concentration in the residue reaches a threshold, as detected by turbidity or density measurements, the residue is directed to a centrifuge where very effective separation occurs. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure of the clear filtrate can be monitored using a centrifuge as an indication of the solid accumulation and the need for solid removal. Dry solids are removed through the solid release cycle of the centrifuge and the removed centrates are analyzed for suspended solids. If present, the centrate returns to the process path. If not, the transparent centrate is removed from the system.

Since the accumulation of solids on the filter membrane is avoided, a high throughput through the microfilter is obtained. The solid removed by the centrifuge is much drier compared to the prior art methods. Since the injection flow is concentrated, relatively small centrifuges can be used. With this dynamic control over the residue solids concentration, no large residue tank is needed and also contribute to cost savings.

According to the invention, a system is provided for separating and recovering solid and / or liquid components from a solid containing suspension by means of integrated microfilters and centrifuges. This system includes a microfiltration subsystem and a centrifuge subsystem.

The microfiltration subsystem includes a cross flow microfilter, a residue tank, a residue pump, a first valve and a first sensor. The microfilter has an injection input for the inflow of suspended solids into the system, a filtrate output for bypassing the filtrate from the system, and a residue output. The residue tank is injected from the residue output of the microfilter. The residue pump is injected from the output of the residue tank. The first valve is fluidly connected to the output of the residue pump. The first sensor senses the solid concentration in the residue and controls the first valve. Below the first preset solid concentration, the first valve returns this residue to the injection input of the microfilter. Above the first preset solid concentration, the first valve diverts this residue to the centrifuge subsystem.

The centrifuge subsystem includes an automatic piston discharge centrifuge with an injection input, a solid discharge output for bypassing solids from the system, and a centrate output. The centrifuge subsystem also includes a second valve fluidly connected to the centrate output and a second sensor capable of controlling the second valve and sensing solid concentration at the centrate output. Above the second preset solid concentration, the second valve returns the centrate back to the residue tank. Below the second preset solid concentration, the second valve bypasses the centrate from the system.

Another aspect of the invention is a method for recovering a liquid component or solid component from a solid containing suspension by integrated microfiltration and centrifugation. The method comprises the steps of providing a system comprising the microfiltration subsystem and the centrifugation subsystem described above, adding solids containing suspended solids to the residue tank, pumping the suspended solids through a microfilter with a residue pump. Detecting the solid density of the residue with a first sensor, detecting the solid concentration of the centrate with a second sensor, collecting the filtrate from the microfilter, collecting the centrate from the centrifuge, and centrifugation Collecting solids from the separator. If the solids concentration of the residue is below the first preset solids concentration, the first valve is adjusted to return the residue to the injection input of the microfilter. If the solids concentration of the residue is above the first preset solids concentration, the first valve is adjusted to divert the residue to the centrifugation subsystem. If the solid concentration of the centrate is above the second preset solid concentration, the second valve returns the centrate to the residue tank. If the solid concentration of the centrate is below the second predetermined solid concentration, the second valve is adjusted to bypass the centrate for collection.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides an automatic piston discharge centrifuge that includes a bowl, a solid discharge assembly, a microfilter, a diaphragm, and a solid discharge valve. The cylindrical bowl has a lower end with an opening and operates during the injection mode of operation to rotate at high speed to separate the solid from the injection liquid, and solids accumulate along the inner surface of the bowl. The solid release assembly includes an outer piston in the form of a cylinder movably disposed relative to the inner surface of the bowl, and an inner piston disposed at the end of the shaft extending along the axis of the bowl. The inner piston has an almost cylindrical portion and an almost conical portion. The microfilter is disposed cylindrically around the axis of the bowl and retains solids in the outer gap between the inner surface of the bowl and the outer surface of the microfilter. The microfilter allows the filtered centrate to exit the bowl through an inner gap adjacent the inner surface of the microfilter. The outer diameter of the microfilter is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer piston. The diaphragm is disposed in the form of a cylinder around the axis of the bowl and adjacent the inner gap.

In addition, according to the present invention, centrifugation is disclosed, which performs well with sticky solids and exhibits low-shear accelaration of the injection material. This separator may be particularly useful for sensitive solids such as chemical or biological materials. The separator of the present invention can recover sensitive solids, liquids, materials or combinations thereof without operator intervention or additional mechanical equipment. In addition, the separator can be easily cleaned in place or sterilized.

The separator may comprise a cylindrical bowl having a conical bottom with openings through which the injection material or liquid is injected during the injection mode of operation. When the bowl spins or rotates at high speed, the injected injection liquid meets the sloped surface of the conical bottom of the bowl. As the liquid continues its movement radially outward, the rotational acceleration force is transferred relatively gradually. The solid is then separated from the injection liquid and accumulates along the inner surface of the bowl, for example as a cake.

The separator may also include a piston assembly disposed inside the bowl to fit snugly with the inner surface. The piston features an upper piston and a lower conical portion, which are contacted by pneumatic or hydraulic pressure during different modes of separator operation. For example, in solid discharge mode, fluids such as compressed gas or hydraulic fluid act on the top of the piston and push it downward in an axial direction, thereby forcing the solid accumulated from the bowl through the opening of the conical bottom. Add. Exemplary forms of compressed gas for moving the piston include nitrogen and argon. Similarly, an exemplary hydraulic fluid for moving the piston in the bowl may include distilled water. In one embodiment, the bottom of the bowl and the bottom of the piston have a complementary configuration, thereby improving the relatively complete release of the solid. For example, the bottom of the bowl and the bottom of the piston may be characterized in the form of a nearly frustoconical shape.

In the separator of the invention, the piston can be maintained in the top position during the injection mode of operation by the hydraulic force from the injection liquid as well as the friction force between the wall or inner wall of the bowl and the one or more piston seals. Such a seal may be disposed around the piston adjacent the inner surface of the bowl. The piston includes a centrate valve that can be pushed open during the injection mode, whereby the solid is separated into a centrate case having a passageway leading out of the bowl as a defined liquid and into the centrate outlet port after the solids have been separated. Makes it possible to flow. When the piston is pushed downward by the fluid acting on the top during solid discharge, the centrate valve automatically closes, thereby preventing the accumulated solid from passing through to the centrate case.

With the piston held in the top position, it is allowed to rotate the bowl when a high speed separation of solids from the injection liquid is performed. During the injection mode and solid separation, a predetermined liquid exits the bowl and enters the centrate case. The centrifugal case also includes a separation valve, which can be pushed open or closed by pneumatic or hydraulic pressure. For example, the separation valve opens in the infusion mode, thereby enabling liquid to flow through the centrifugal outlet port and the open centrate outlet port valve, thereby exiting the separator as a centrate. At the end of the injection mode, the hydraulic pressure from the injection liquid is reduced, whereby the piston is maintained almost at its top position by frictional forces between the bowl inner body accumulated solids as well as the inner wall of the bowl and one or more piston seals. When the injection mode of operation is complete, the bowl stops rotating, and residual or residual liquid in the separator flows by gravity through the opening of the conical bottom end.

In addition, when the residue bypass valve is in the opening of the conical bottom of the bowl, the separator may be characterized by a bypass assembly including a solid bypass valve movably positioned below the rotatable residue bypass valve. When the residue liquid is drained from the bowl, the residue bypass valve is in the closed position thereby enabling liquid to flow from the bowl into the residue liquid drain passage. Guide the liquid drain passage to the drain port, in which case the residue liquid exits the separator. For example, the solid release mode of operation may begin after the residue liquid has been drained almost from the separator bowl.

In solid discharge mode, the residue bypass valve actuator rotates the residue bypass valve to an open position, whereby the solid bypass piston can be pushed upwards to communicate with the opening of the bowl. The central outlet port is then closed and the solid outlet port valve for the bypass assembly is opened. In addition, the separation valve is propelled to close by a fluid such as a compressed gas or hydraulic fluid acting on the annular member associated with the separation valve, which controls its drive and movement. Also, as explained above, this piston is pushed downward along the vertical axis during solid discharge by the fluid acting on its top. The piston then pushes or “pumps” the solid accumulated from the bowl into the solid passageway, which leads to a solid outlet port characterized by an open solid outlet port valve.

In one embodiment, the solid release assembly for the separator features a piston movably disposed relative to the inner surface of the bowl. This piston may comprise a top and a bottom. The solid release assembly may also feature a drive port that operates to introduce fluid into the bowl above the top of the piston. When the fluid pressure of the bowl above the top of the piston is increased relative to the fluid pressure below the bottom of the piston, the piston moves inside the bowl. For example, during solid discharge, the inflow of fluid into the bowl above the top of the piston may move the piston in the axial direction downwards. Preferably, the piston is pushed downward in the axial direction with respect to the bowl. As described above, during the solid release mode of operation, the inflow of fluid into the bowl above its top causes the piston to push accumulated solids along the inner surface of the bowl.

The solid release assembly may also include a port operative to introduce fluid into the bowl below the bottom of the piston. When the fluid pressure of the bowl below the bottom of the piston increases with respect to the fluid pressure above the top of the piston, the piston moves inside the bowl. For example, the inflow of fluid into the bowl below the bottom of the piston may enable the piston to move toward the top of the bowl. In another embodiment, the separator also includes a valve in the upper region, which is operable to enable pressurization of the bowl over the top of the piston. Such a valve can be actuated in response to a fluid pressure applied against an operatively associated annular member.

In another embodiment, the separator of the present invention may comprise a bowl in the form of a cylinder having a lower end with an opening. During the injection mode of operation, the bowl is operated to rotate at high speed to separate solids from the injection liquid. As explained above, solids accumulate along the inner surface of the bowl. The separator can also be characterized by a solid discharge assembly and a first valve member, the first valve member forming a drain passage. When the first valve member is in the closed position, the drain passage is activated to enable liquid to be drained from the opening of the bowl. Preferably, the drain passage and the opening of the bowl are configurable to enable liquid to drain by gravity from the bowl to the passage.

The first valve member may also form an injection passage, which is adjacent to and interacts with the opening of the bowl during the injection mode of operation. The injection passage allows the injection liquid to be injected into the bowl. The first valve member may also be operatively coupled to the valve actuator to rotate the member about the axis of rotation. In one embodiment, the separator may include a second valve member that interacts with the bottom surface of the first valve member when the first valve member is in the closed position. The separator may also be characterized by a valve piston having a top end, at which the second valve member is disposed adjacent. The valve piston can be operated to move the second valve member relative to the bowl. For example, during solid discharge, the valve piston can move the second valve member upward along the vertical axis, thereby interacting with the opening of the bowl. Similarly, during the injection mode of operation, the first valve member is in a closed position and forms an injection passage, which, as described above, can interact with the opening of the bowl, whereby injection liquid is injected into it. Makes it possible to become

In one embodiment, the separator of the present invention may include a first passageway partially disposed within the valve piston. For example, the first passageway can interact with the second valve member at the top of the valve piston. In addition, the opening of the first passageway and the separator bowl may have a configuration that allows solids from the bowl to pass through the first passageway during solid release. In addition, the first passageway interacts with the second passageway, the second passageway being partly disposed in the valve piston, whereby liquid introduced through the port for the second passageway can enter the first passageway, whereby Contact with the solids inside it. Preferably, when the valve member of the first passage is opened, the fluid generally introduced through the port for the second passage enters the first passage and contacts the solid therein. In addition, the valve piston of the separator may be characterized by an annular flange disposed around it, whereby the valve piston moves in response to the fluid pressure applied to the annular flange.

In one embodiment, the separator includes a first passageway partially disposed inside the valve piston. The first passage may interact with, for example, the second valve member at the top of the valve piston and the second passage partially disposed within the valve piston. Preferably, when the valve member of the first passage is closed, the fluid introduced through the port for the second passage enters the bowl below the bottom of the piston. Fluid introduced through the port increases the fluid pressure of the bowl below the bottom of the piston relative to the fluid pressure above the top, thereby causing the piston to move toward the top of the bowl.

The present invention also provides a method for releasing solids from a centrifuge. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a separator and / or solid discharge assembly as described above and introducing a fluid through a drive port, wherein the fluid in the bowl is over the top of the piston by the inflow of such fluid. Increasing the pressure above the fluid pressure below its bottom causes the piston to move inside the bowl. In addition, the method may further comprise the step of releasing the accumulated solid along the inner surface of the bowl. Additionally, the method features the step of injecting injection liquid into the bowl for solid separation by high speed rotation of the bowl. Preferably, the injection liquid is injected into the bowl prior to introducing the fluid through the drive port. The method also includes returning the piston to the near top position. The piston can be returned to its nearly top position by introducing fluid into the bowl below the bottom of the piston, thereby increasing the fluid pressure of the bowl below the bottom of the piston relative to the fluid pressure above that top. After releasing the accumulated solid along the inner surface of the bowl, the piston is preferably returned to its topmost position. The present invention also contemplates carrying out the method in a particular order or manner.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

1 is a cross-sectional view of a centrifuge embodiment according to the present invention.

2 is a cross-sectional view of a centrifuge embodiment according to the present invention.

3 is a cross-sectional view of the centrifuge of FIG. 2 showing features of the laser sensor assembly.

4 is a cross-sectional view of the centrifuge of FIG. 1 showing operation in the injection mode.

FIG. 5 is a detailed cross-sectional view including the piston and bowl of the centrifuge of FIG. 1 showing operation in the injection mode. FIG.

6 is a cross-sectional view of the centrifuge of FIG. 1 showing operation when residual liquid is drained from the bowl.

7 is a cross-sectional view of the centrifuge of FIG. 1 showing operation in the solid release mode.

8 is a cross-sectional view of the centrifuge of FIG. 1 showing operation after the solid release mode when the piston is returned to its nearly top position.

9 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the bottom region of the centrifuge of FIG. 1 when the solid passage is cleaned.

10 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the top of the centrifuge of FIG. 1 in injection mode.

FIG. 11 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the top of the centrifuge of FIG. 1 in the solid release mode.

12 shows an embodiment of a system for integrated microfiltration and centrifugation in accordance with the present invention.

13 is a cross-sectional view of a centrifuge embodiment according to the present invention. This embodiment has a peripheral outer piston and an inner piston and also has a microfiltration membrane and a diaphragm.

14 is a cross-sectional view of the centrifuge embodiment of FIG. 13 in an injection mode.

15 is a cross-sectional view of the centrifuge embodiment of FIG. 13 in a release mode.

16 is a cross-sectional view of the centrifuge embodiment of FIG. 13 in a release mode.

17 is a cross-sectional view of the centrifuge embodiment of FIG. 13 in a retracted mode.

FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of the centrifuge embodiment of FIG. 13 and shows the passage of solids across the microfiltration membrane.

FIG. 19 shows a cross-sectional view of the centrifuge embodiment of FIG. 13 and shows the passage of solids across the microfiltration membrane.

FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of the centrifuge embodiment of FIG. 13 and shows the passage of solids across the microfiltration membrane.

Figure 1 shows the centrifuge in a vertical cross section, in which case the middle part is removed to show a good horizontal cross section. The centrifuge includes a separator bowl 10 in the form of a cylinder mounted in the central region 11 of the separator housing 13. Preferably, the separator bowl may have a length longer than its diameter. By having a bowl length longer than its diameter, the "end effects" in the bowl can be minimized with respect to the bowl's internal volume. Generally, the end effect can be caused by fluid eddies along the angled portion inside the bowl, especially near its end. In one embodiment, separator bowl 10 may be a cylindrical bowl having a relatively small diameter D and length L, whereby the ratio of L / D is about 5/1 or more. This ratio of L / D prevents the axial wave from propagating inside the bowl, and the wave almost disappears as it moves through the bowl. By using an L / D ratio of about 5/1 or more, the separator of the present invention can eliminate the need for baffles used to minimize axial waves in conventional separators within the bowl.

In addition, the separator in FIG. 1 includes a piston assembly comprising a piston 12. As shown, the piston 12 may have a bottom cone, which fits into the shape of the cone bottom 17 of the bowl 10. The cone bottom 17 acts as a rotational accelerator of the injection liquid during the injection mode of operation of the separator. In addition, at the top 19, the separator may be characterized by a central case 30 having a separation valve 26 which is opened or closed by pneumatic or hydraulic pressure.

In addition, the variable speed drive motor 16 is driven by a drive belt 5 and a spindle assembly 23 located in an extension 22 such as a collar at the upper end with respect to the separator housing 13 and a drive pulley of the mounted bearing. (drive pulley; 18). The separator of the present invention may also be operated using other conventional motors and drive systems. Preferably, the bearing and spindle assembly 23 may comprise a hemispherical portion 1 and a spindle portion 20 in the form of a short cylinder, and other suitable assembly configurations may be used according to the invention. In one embodiment, the hemispherical portion includes an upper hemisphere and a lower hemisphere. Optionally, the hemispherical portion 1 may be positioned relative to the mating surface of one or more seats. For example, FIG. 1 shows the sheets 24, 25 in compressive contact with the upper and lower hemispherical portions of the hemispherical portion 1, respectively. Exemplary hemispherical portions that can be used in the separator of the present invention are described by US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 874,150, incorporated herein by reference.

Exemplary sheets 24 and 25 may include low friction components, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or Teflon-based (EI du Pont de Nemours and Company, 1007 Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19898) materials. Thereby allowing a range of movement of the hemispherical part 1 around the central vertical axis 41 of the separator. The sheets 24, 25 tend to prevent the hemispherical portion 1 from being processed radially outwardly and up or down in the axial direction. In addition, the seats 24, 25 may limit the amount of vertical and horizontal swiveling of the spindle portion 20 as the spindle portion rotates about the central vertical axis 41 of the separator at high speed during operation. The swiveling of the spindle portion 20 may also be cushioned by an optional swing resistant ring 21 made of rubber, for example. By limiting the amount of swivel and preventing this radial or axial processing, vibrations associated with the natural frequency of the rotating bowl 10 can be reduced. In addition, the seats 24, 25 can be arched, for example with a seating element, which almost prevents movement, such as rotational movement of the assembly 23 or its housing. In general, preventing such a movement can operatively stabilize the hemispherical part 1.

In one embodiment, the sheets 24 and 25 may be formed as continuous ring members, discontinuous stabilizing members, or a combination of these members. In addition, the sheets 24, 25 can be adjusted, whereby the compressive contact with the hemispherical part 1 can be changed depending on the particular process requirements for the separator, for example. This adjustability of the seats 24, 25 can be facilitated, for example, by the use of one or more adjusting members associated therewith. As described above, the invention also allows the use of separate sheets, which can be in compression contact with the upper and / or lower hemispherical portions of the hemispherical part 1.

In addition, the rotation of the mounted bearing and spindle assembly 23 can be prevented by a positioning member, such as for example an anti-rotation pin 29. For example, FIG. 1 shows the pin 29 positioned to extend through the expansion opening in the assembly 23. In one embodiment, this positioning member can interact with the mounting area for the bearing and spindle assembly 23 to substantially block movement, such as for example rotational movement of the assembly 23 or its housing. As shown, the anti-rotation pin 29 can move within the opening of the assembly 23, whereby it does not interfere with the swiveling of the spindle portion 20. The range of swiveling and rotation by the separator may be related to the speed at which fast separation occurs. In addition, the drive motor 16 may be controllably operated to rotate the separator bowl 10 at a desired speed for separation of the injection liquid.

In addition, the centralized case 30, the centralized case 30, the centralized outlet port 32, the centralized outlet port valve 33 and the centralized valve 34 are shown in FIG. 1, all of which are actuated. While removing the centrate from the separator and removing the defined liquid from the bowl 10. As will be described in detail below, the central case 30 includes a separation valve 26, which opens when the injection liquid enters the bowl 10 in the injection mode. The separation valve 26 preferably comprises an annular member 9 arranged around it. During the infusion mode, the centrifugal outlet port valve 33 remains open. In contrast, the insulation 26 and the central outlet port valve 33 are both closed when solids are pumped out of the separator. The separation valve is described in more detail below in connection with FIG. 10, which shows the top 19 of the separator during the injection mode. The central outlet port valve 33 can be closed manually or through a conventional automatic valve control assembly. The separator also includes a bottom region 39 of the separator housing 13.

FIG. 1 also shows a separator having a solid bypass valve 90 movably located in the lower region 39 of the separator housing 13 below the lower surface of the rotatable residual divert valve 92. An example is shown. Optionally, the bottom surface of the residue bypass valve 92 may have a feature that partially extends within the solid bypass valve 90. The residue bypass valve 92 located in the opening 76 of the conical bottom portion 17 of the bowl 10 is shown in a closed position, which is maintained during the injection mode. When closed, the valve 92 forms the residue liquid passageway 98 in communication with the residue liquid drainage port 100 as well as the injection liquid passageway 94 in communication with the injection liquid port 96. In addition, the residue bypass valve 92 may be arranged to communicate within the valve receiving member 10, and may be provided to integrate the lower end 39 of the separator housing 13. In addition, the valve 92 can be rotated from its closed position about the axis 6, whereby the solid bypass valve 90 can be pushed upward to communicate with the bowl opening 76.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the separator of the present invention preferably extends beyond the bottom bypass piston 102 and solid bypass piston 102 to incorporate the solid outlet port valve 107 and the solid outlet port 106. And a solid passageway 104 disposed axially within the cavity. Passage 104, piston 102, port 106 and valve 107 are each associated with removing accumulated solids from the centrifuge during the solid discharge mode of operation. Solids are pumped from separator bowl 10, and solid outlet port valve 107 is opened to allow for example to allow solids to pass from solid passage 104 through solid outlet port 106 to exit separator. Can be.

The solid outlet port valve 107 may be opened manually or through a conventional automatic valve control assembly. Solid release mode generally pumps and recovers sensitive solids such as, for example, intact cells, and can pass these solids to storage vessels or other processes without further work. The solid is not worked by the operator, which is not easy to be damaged or contaminated. For example, the separator of the present invention, such as the separator of FIG. 1, may be characterized by a configuration or arrangement, such as passages, valves, pistons, actuators, assemblies, ports, members, etc., as described above, for particular use. Will be appropriate.

In addition, the cleaning passage 108 may be disposed inside the solid bypass piston 102, preferably parallel to the solid passage 104, and optionally beyond the piston 102 at the bottom to incorporate the cleaning port 111. Extend. At the top, the cleaning passage 108 may be in communication with the solid passage 104. The cleaning port 111 and the passage 108 may together assist in the recovery or sterilization of the separator and the recovery of any solids remaining in the passage 104 following the solid release mode. In addition, once the solid release mode is complete, the cleaning port 111 and passageway 108 can operate to propel the piston 12 in an axial upward direction.

In particular, after the solid has been pumped out of the separator, the solid outlet port valve 107 can be closed, thereby allowing liquid such as, for example, compressed gas or hydraulic fluid introduced through the cleaning port 111 and the passage 108. The piston is pushed upward until it contacts the lower conical portion of the piston 12 and returns to the nearly upper position for the next injection mode of operation. Exemplary forms of compressed gas for moving the piston 12 include nitrogen and argon. Similarly, an exemplary hydraulic fluid that can be used to move the piston 12 in the bowl 10 can include distilled water.

In another embodiment, the separator of the present invention can be characterized by a pinch or ball shaped valve assembly, for example to facilitate solid release. Conventional pinch-type valve assemblies may be desirable for separators that encounter solids such as pests during operation. The exemplary ball shaped valve assembly can include a half ball shaped discharge valve disposed in the bottom region of the separator housing. In addition, the discharge valve of the valve assembly in the form of a ball may include passages for residue liquid and injection liquid drained from the separator bowl. For example, the release valve can rotate between the closed position and the open position during the injection mode and the solid release mode of operation, respectively.

During the injection mode, the separator housing can be closed except for the injection and residue fluid passageways of the valve assembly in the form of a ball, which can communicate with the opening at the conical bottom of the bowl, for example. For example, a ball assembly valve assembly may include one or more ports for piston contraction and separator cleaning or sterilization. An exemplary ball shaped valve assembly that can be used in the separator of the present invention is described in US Pat. No. 6,776,752, incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of the separator of the present invention that includes a ball shaped valve assembly 40 disposed in the bottom region 39 of the separator housing 13. Preferably, as shown, the ball shaped valve assembly 40 features a discharge valve 42. For example, the release valve 42 may be mounted under an inwardly facing flange 43. In one embodiment, the discharge valve 42 incorporates an injection liquid passage 44 in communication with the injection liquid port 45 as well as a residue liquid drain passage 46 in communication with the residue liquid drain port 47. Can be. In addition, a valve seal 48 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the flange 43.

During the injection mode, the separator of FIG. 2 features the discharge valve 42 in the closed position, in which the outer top surface lies against the valve seal 48. For example, the valve seal 48 may be inflated by a fluid, such as, for example, compressed gas or hydraulic fluid, introduced through the valve actuator 49. Preferably, the valve seal 48 remains inflated through the injection mode. 2, solids-bearing feed liquid may be introduced through the injection liquid port 45. Injection liquid may flow from injection liquid port 45 into injection liquid passage 44. Preferably, the injection liquid passage 44 is in communication with the main passage 50, which may be disposed axially within the piston contraction actuator 52. The upper end of the main passage 50 may include an injection port 154 for injecting injection liquid into the opening 76 of the conical lower end 17 of the bowl 10 during the injection mode.

The injection mode of operation for the separator of the present invention is described in more detail below in connection with FIG. 4, which is movable in the lower region 39 of the separator housing 13 below the bottom surface of the rotatable residue bypass valve. An embodiment of a separator having the features of a solid bypass valve positioned is shown. In connection with FIG. 2, for example, the injection mode may be further characterized by having a piston retracting actuator 52 in contact with the conical bottom 17 of the separator bowl 10. As shown, the piston contraction actuator 52 may move up and down in the axial direction in response to a fluid such as, for example, compressed gas or hydraulic fluid.

After the solid has been separated from the injection liquid, when the residual liquid in the bowl is drained through the opening 76 onto the shaped surface of the discharge valve 42 that remains in the closed position as described above, the piston Stay in contact with (10). As shown in FIG. 2, the residue liquid may be channeled by the shaped surface of the discharge valve 42, thereby passing through the residue liquid drain passage 46. Residue liquid passes through drain passage 46 and finally exits separator through residue liquid drain port 47.

In one embodiment, the fluid pressure introduced into the fluid port 58 acts on the bottom surface of the annular actuator flange 57 disposed around the piston shrink actuator 52 to propel the shrink actuator 52 upwards. do. In addition, the axial movement of the piston contraction actuator 52 may be controlled by the fluid introduced through the actuator control port 54. For example, the actuator control port 54 may be provided in the lower end region 39 of the separator housing 13, whereby fluid enters the port 54 and is annular disposed around the piston contraction actuator 52. In contact with the upper surface of the actuator flange (57).

In addition, the actuator controller 54 and the fluid port 58 may additionally act to drive and move the piston contraction actuator 52 by contacting the upper and lower surfaces of the annular actuator flange 57 with the fluid. For example, when the pressure acting on the upper surface of the annular actuator flange 57 is less than the pressure acting on its lower surface, the piston contraction actuator 52 can be pushed upwards. During the injection mode, the piston contraction actuator 52 may be supported in gas-tight communication with the opening 76 of the bowl 10 and may be pushed upward in the axial direction. In addition, the interface of the bowl opening 76 and the piston shrinkage actuator 52 may be, for example, PTFE or TEFLON-based (EI du Pont de Nemours and Company, 1007 Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19898) disposed therebetween. It can be sealed by an elastomeric seal.

Preferably, the piston contraction actuator 52 is gas-tight in communication with the opening 76 of the bowl 10 while the piston 12 returns to its topmost position, the top position generally coming after the solid release mode. . As described above, this gas-sealed communication can be through the fluid pressure introduced through the fluid port 58, which is connected to the lower surface of the annular actuator flange 57 disposed around the piston contraction actuator 52. Works. The fluid may enter the separator at the actuator controller port 54, but the pressure exerted on the upper surface of the flange 57 will be less than the pressure acting on the lower surface to maintain gas-tight communication. It is also desirable to ensure that the actuator controller port 54 does not introduce fluid into the top surface of the flange 57, whereby the fluid port 58 will fully control the movement of the piston contraction actuator 52.

To return the piston 12 to its nearly top position, the fluid pressure pushes the piston contraction actuator 52 upward along the vertical axis 41 to communicate with the bowl opening 76 and then the fluid Contact with the lower cone. When the piston returns to its nearly top position, the fluid introduced through the injection fluid port 45 may be discontinuous. The piston 12 is then held in its most upper position by friction between one or more piston seals adjacent the inner wall of the bowl 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the annular piston seal 59 is disposed around the piston 12 and in contact with the inner wall of the bowl 10. Seal 59 may include components such as, for example, PTFE or TEFLON-based (E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, 1007 Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19898) elastomeric materials.

Before the piston 12 returns to its topmost position, the separator is generally operated in solid discharge mode, in which the solid is pumped out of the bowl 10. In the separator of the invention shown in FIG. 2, the solid discharge mode is characterized by a discharge valve 42 which is rotated about the axis of rotation 6 in the open position, whereby the piston 12 is axially downwards. When moving, the solid may leave the separator. In addition, after the solid release mode, the separator may be easily cleaned or sterilized-in-place, and the discharge valve 42 is rotated to an open position.

For example, during the injection mode, the valve seal 48 may be retracted during the solid release mode to rotate the discharge valve 42 from the closed position to the open position. The valve seal may be retracted, for example, by discontinuously influencing the inflow of fluid in the valve actuator 49. The upper offset portion of the discharge valve 42, which may include a piston retracting actuator 52, is preferably rotated 90 ° C. around the axis of rotation 6 away from the opening formed by the inner edge of the flange 43. In one embodiment, prior to rotating the discharge valve 42 to the open position for the solid discharge mode, the piston contraction actuator 52 is removed from gas-tight communication with the opening 76 of the bowl 10. Actuator 52 may move axially downward, for example away from bowl 10 as described above.

The piston contraction actuator 52 is removed from gas-tight communication with the bowl opening 76 and the discharge valve 42 is rotated to an open position, and solids are pumped from the separator through the conical bottom 17 of the bowl 10. Can be. Preferably, the solid is pumped out of the separator bowl when the piston 12 moves axially downward. In general, the solid release mode starts at the top 19 of the separator as described in more detail below with respect to the separator of FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the piston 12 may be characterized by a knife-edge 62, which is an exceptionally paste which is fixed at or near the conical bottom 17 of the opening 76 of the separator bowl 10. To help separate solids.

3 is a cross-sectional view of the separator of FIG. 2 showing features of the laser sensor assembly 122. For example, assembly 122 may be mounted on or outside of separator housing 13 by suitable means. In general, optical elements such as, for example, focusing and reflective members, may be used to facilitate any suitable mounting option, configuration, or arrangement for assembly 122. As shown, the laser sensor assembly may be disposed on or above the top 19 of the separator. Preferably, assembly 122 is disposed above extension 22, such as the collar of the upper end for separator housing 13. The laser sensor assembly 122 can be used to monitor the axial movement of the piston 12 within the separator bowl 10. In one embodiment, the separator may be, for example, a conventional laser light emitting element.

For example, the laser sensor assembly 122 of FIG. 3 can monitor the axial movement of the piston 12 by emitting pulsed laser light 124. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, by detecting the pulsed laser light 124 after radiation, the assembly 122 can provide a time-to-travel measurement The position of the piston 12 within the bowl 10 can be determined. In one embodiment, the reflective surface or member associated with the piston 12 and preferably optically aligned with the laser sensor assembly 122, such as through an optical path in the hub 60 of the bowl 10, receives the laser light. Can be reflected to assembly 122. This time-to-treble measurement may also provide input to the actuator regarding the axial transaction in which the piston 12 moves. The laser sensor assembly 122 of FIG. 3 has a piston in the bowl as the piston moves upward or downward in an axial direction, for example, by the pressure used to move the piston 12 in the bowl 10. (12) can be used to monitor. The invention may also use other conventional assemblies or devices based on ultrasonic, infrared or radiant energy radiating means, for example, to monitor the movement of the piston.

4 shows the separator of the present invention operating during the injection mode, in which the bowl 10 and the piston 12 rotate together at high speed. For example, an injection liquid with a solid is injected into the bowl and flows into the path 64 over the inner surface of the conical bottom 17 of the bowl. Preferably, the piston 12 is held in the upper end position by hydraulic pressure from the defined liquid 72, thereby being pushed against the hub 60 of the bowl, thereby holding the centrifugal valve 34 in the open position. . In one embodiment, the central valve 34 is propelled open by a pin 67 extending from the hub 60 to the piston 12, thereby pushing the valve downward along the vertical axis 41. . The centrate valve 34 can be closed during the solid release mode, for example the spring 66 is pushed upwards, as described in more detail below.

In addition, centrifugal valve 34 and piston 12 may comprise, for example, one or more seals. Preferably, one or more seals may be used with the centrate valve, thereby preventing a given liquid from returning inside the separator bowl 10 after exiting from the interior of the separator bowl. This seal may also be used to prevent solids from entering the centrifugal case 30 during the downward movement of the piston 12 in the solid release mode. In addition, such a seal can cause a portion of separator bowl 10 above piston 12 to be pressurized, whereby the piston can be effectively pushed down by the fluid pressure during the solid discharge mode. In addition, the seal associated with the centrifugal valve 34 and the piston 12 may prevent a given liquid from flowing between the piston 12 and the inner surface of the bowl 10. In addition, the present invention may utilize one or more seals associated with one or all of the passages, valves, pistons, actuators, assemblies, ports, members, and the like described herein.

Exemplary seals of centrifugal valve 34 and piston 12 include components such as, for example, PTFE or TEFLON-based (EI du Pont de Nemours and Company, 1007 Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19898) elastomeric materials. It may include. For example, such a seal is described in more detail below with reference to the separator shown in FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the piston 12 may be held in a near top position by frictional force between the piston seals 56 adjacent to the inner wall of the bowl 10. Preferably, this seal 56 is in contact with the inner wall of the bowl 10 and disposed about the piston 12. In one embodiment, the seals 56 may be separated from each other by linear portions on the piston 12. For example, the seal 56 may prevent misalignment of the piston during its axial movement and provide uniform communication with the inner surface of the bowl, whereby the bowl effectively pressures up or down the piston 12. Can be received. In other embodiments, the piston 12 may be characterized by a number of seals disposed in contact with and surrounding the inner wall of the bowl 10. Also, instead of the seal 56, a single seal 59 such as, for example, shown in FIG. 2, may be disposed around the piston 12.

In one embodiment, the interior of the bowl 10 of the separator of the present invention may be characterized by a coating in scratch resistant form. For example, such a coating may be disposed along the entire inner surface or a portion of the bowl 10. Exemplary coatings for the interior of the separator bowl may include hard chromium, boron-nitride, titanium or combinations thereof. Preferably, the coating in scratch resistant form can prevent wear to the bowl. Such wear can lead to injection liquid shearing, which can interfere with effective solid separation and recovery. In addition, a scratch resistant coating in the bowl may provide uniform communication between its inner surface and one or more seals disposed around the piston 12. Uniform communication between the inner surface of the bowl and one or more seals disposed around the piston 12 can assist in effective pressurization of the bowl as described above and effective recovery of accumulated solids.

Under the separation force created by the high speed rotation of the bowl 10, FIG. 4 shows the injection liquid separated into accumulated solid 70 and defined liquid 72. The defined liquid 72 continues up along the path 64 through the centrate valve 34 and exits the bowl at the centrifugal discharge hole 74. In one embodiment, the centrifugal discharge holes 74 may be disposed in or near the top of the separator bowl 10. Preferably, the release hole 74 is led to a central case 30, which may be characterized by a separation valve 26 that is open, for example, during the injection mode of operation. The separation valve 26 may be kept open by a fluid such as a compressed gas or hydraulic fluid acting on the annular member 9 disposed around the valve 26.

For example, in the injection mode, fluid may enter the lower surface of the annular member 9 through the lower port 4. The defined liquid 72 can then pass from the central case 30 to the central outlet port 32, which is characterized by a central outlet port valve 33. Preferably, the centrifugal outlet port valve 33 is opened during the injection mode, thereby allowing the defined liquid 72 to exit the separator as the centrate 73.

In addition, the separator of the present invention can be used in demanding use to maintain the quality of the centrate 73 exiting therefrom. For example, sensitive organic polymers exiting the separator as centrates may only yield the desired yield from a given separation. The invention can also be used in applications where the centrate and the solid are the desired yields. In applications where it is important to maintain the quality of the centrate exiting the separator, the separator of the present invention can be used and thereby used to reduce the overall shear strain of a given liquid and the centrate resulting therefrom. In general, such shear deformations can degrade the quality of sensitive centrates, for example.

In one embodiment, the separator of the present invention may employ separation and / or solid recovery means, for example in place of or in addition to a rotating bowl. One example of the separating means is a conventional pairing-disc assembly. The separator of the present invention may comprise a paired disk assembly, thereby reducing, for example, the overall shear deformation of a given liquid and the centrate resulting therefrom. For example, a paired disk assembly can be used in use for the separator of the present invention, in which case it is desirable to maintain the quality of the centrate. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, a paired disk assembly can generally perform the continuous separation of solids from the injection liquid, for example with a minimum overall shear deformation of the desired centrate.

In addition, the separator of the present invention may comprise one or more features such as, for example, fastening and mounting means, whereby the bowl 10 may be separated from the separator housing 13. Preferably, together with the separate bowl 10, the piston 12 and its associated assembly may be replaced by a separation and / or solid recovery means such as the paired disk assembly described above. Separator bowls suitable for use in replacing separation and / or solid recovery may then be coupled to the separator of the present invention through one or more features. The separator of the present invention can then be used for a particular use. The ability to modify the configuration of the separator of the present invention for a given solid separation use is such as separation and / or solids, such as piston-projection assemblies or axial scarpers described by US Pat. No. 6,776,752, incorporated herein by reference. Allow use of recovery means.

In the injection mode of operation, as shown in the separator of FIG. 4, the solid bypass valve 90 may be maintained upward relative to the bottom surface of the residue bypass valve 92 in a gas-tight manner. In one embodiment, the solid bypass valve 90 may be characterized by one or more seals such as, for example, disposed thereon. For example, such a seal can preferably be used to enable pressurization of the bowl 10 and separator housing 13 above the top of the piston 12, thereby providing movement of the piston 12. Such seals may include components such as, for example, PTFE or TEFLON-based (E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, 1007 Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19898) elastomeric materials. Such a seal enables pressurization of the bowl 10 and the separator housing 13, and preferably the separation valve 26 can be left open for example during the solid discharge mode on top of the piston 12. A configuration in which the separator valve of the separator in FIG. 4 remains open, for example during the solid release mode of operation, may be advantageous for particular use.

Preferably, the separator shown in FIG. 4 features a solid bypass valve 90 with one or more seals. Such a seal may preferably provide effective pressurization of the separator bowl 10 above the top of the piston 12 when the isolation valve 26 is in a closed position, such as during a solid release mode. For example, by closing the separation valve 26 during solid discharge mode of operation, the time required for pressurization and the volume pressurized to move the piston within the bowl can be reduced. The separator of the present invention as described above in connection with FIG. 2 presses the separator bowl 10 over the top of the piston 12, for example to move the piston axially, such as during a solid release mode of operation. When desired, it is characterized by a disconnect valve 26 in the closed position. With the separation valve closed, the volume between the housing 13 and the bowl 10 does not need to be pressurized and therefore the housing does not need to be configured to be able to maintain this pressurization as well.

Seals comprising components such as, for example, PTFE or TEFLON-based (EI du Pont de Nemours and Company, 1007 Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19898) elastomeric materials are disposed on the residue bypass valve 92 or Or in connection with it, preferably sealing the interface between the valve 92 and the solid bypass valve 90. In one embodiment, the solid bypass valve 90 may be pushed upward by the solid bypass piston 102, on top of which the valve 90 communicates with the solid passage 104 of the piston 102. Is placed on. As shown in FIG. 4, the pneumatic or hydraulic pressure introduced into the actuator port 112 acts against the bottom surface of the annular flange 110 disposed around the solid bypass piston to propel the piston 102 upwards.

The solid bypass piston 102 moves up and down axially in response to pneumatic or hydraulic pressure. Further, the axial movement of the bypass piston 102 can be controlled by the compressed gas or hydraulic fluid introduced through the control port 113. The control port 113 is provided in the lower end region 39 of the separator, whereby compressed gas or hydraulic fluid enters the port 113 and the top surface of the annular flange 110 disposed around the solid bypass piston 102. Contact with In addition, the control port 113 and actuator port 112 may act to move and drive the bypass piston together by simultaneously contacting the compressed gas or hydraulic fluid with the upper and lower surfaces of the annular flange 110.

Also shown in FIG. 4 is a residue bypass valve 92 in the closed position located in the opening 76 at the bottom of the bowl 10. The valve 92 forms an injection liquid passage 94 in communication with the injection liquid port 96, whereby the injection liquid can be injected into the bowl 10 along the path 64. Injection liquid is injected into the bowl 10 across the gap so that the residue bypass valve 92 does not need to contact the bowl 10 as it rotates, thereby reducing the flow of the valve 92 and bowl 10. Prevent mechanical wear Residue bypass valve actuator 114 is operatively coupled to valve 92. Actuator 114, which may be a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, rotates a residue bypass valve 92 about its axis 6 from its closed position. Injection liquid is injected through the injection liquid passageway 94 into the bottom of the bowl 10 and the solid outlet port 106 of the solid bypass piston 102 features the solid outlet port valve 107 in the closed position.

In one embodiment, the separator of the present invention can reduce the degree of overall shear deformation of a given liquid 72 through the centrate valve 34 as it passes upward along the path 64 and the centrifugal ejection hole. At 74 can exit bowl 10. For example, the overall degree of shear strain of a given liquid 72 may be reduced by the movement of the given liquid 72 as shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 shows that the separator of the present invention and in particular the central valve 34 can cause the underflow effect of the liquid defined along the underflow path 129 by design.

The underflow path shown in FIG. 5 is locked under the outer boundary 130 of the liquid 72 defined by, for example, the configuration and / or arrangement of the bowl 10 and the centrifugal valve 34 during the injection mode. Preferably, by the underflow path 130 being locked just below the outer boundary 130, airflow, surface waves, non-concentric effects of the bowl 10, etc. generally tend not to impede the movement of a given liquid. . For example, by not disturbing the movement to a given book, the extent of its overall shear deformation can be minimized using the separator of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, the underflow path 129 also tends to avoid contact with accumulated solids 70 along the inner surface of the bowl 10, thereby shearing the defined liquid that may result from such contact. Avoid deformation In general, in conventional separators, the flow of a given liquid follows a surface boundary, such as that boundary at the interior surface or at accumulated solids, for example with respect to the separator bowl. In particular, the Coriolis acceleration effect inside a conventional separator causes a defined liquid to flow along its surface boundary inside the bowl, thereby exposing the liquid to any potential shear strain of the bowl. The underflow path 129 of the liquid 72 defined in the separator of the present invention avoids any surface boundaries, thereby limiting the overall degree of shear deformation.

6 shows a separator, which has a residue bypass valve 92 which is closed to allow residue liquid 132 to drain from the bowl 10 and enter the residue liquid drain passage 98. have. Drainage path 98 leads to residue liquid drain port 100, where residue liquid 132 is finally drained from the separator. In one embodiment, residue liquid 132 may be supplied to return to an injection tank associated with, for example, a separator. The injection tank then provides the separator with residual liquid in the injection liquid, for example for further solid separation. After the injection mode is complete and high speed rotary separation is performed, the liquid 132 is generally drained from the separator by gravity. In addition, the injection liquid port 96 is closed or under sufficient back pressure, thereby preventing liquid 132 from exiting the separator through the injection liquid passageway 94. The bowl 10 and the piston 12 no longer rotate, but the accumulated solid 70 remains tightly pressed against the inner surface of the separator bowl 10. Accumulated solid 70 may be recovered from bowl 10 during the solid release mode of operation.

When the residual liquid 132 is drained from the bowl 10, the piston 12 is maintained in its nearly uppermost position primarily by friction between the seal 56 or the piston seal adjacent the inner wall of the bowl 10. . In FIG. 6, the separator is shown with the solid outlet port valve 107 closed and the central outlet port valve 33 open. In addition, the isolation valve 26 of the centrate 30 remains open through the injection mode of operation. Also shown is an annular flange 110 and a solid bypass piston 102 disposed around the piston 102. The lower surface of the annular flange 110 is contacted by a fluid such as, for example, compressed gas or hydraulic fluid introduced through the actuator port (! 12), whereby the solid bypass piston 102 causes the residue bypass valve 92 ) And in gas-tight agreement with the solid bypass valve 90 upwards. The correspondence between the solid bypass valve 90 and the residue bypass valve 92 causes the residue liquid 132 to drain from the bowl 10 into the residue liquid drain passage 98, in which case the liquid exits the separator. I'm going.

After the residue liquid 132 is almost drained from the bowl 10, the separator prepares for pumping up the accumulated solid 70 in solid discharge mode. The central outlet port valve 33 and its separation valve 26 are closed before solid pumping. As described above, the central outlet port valve 33 can be closed manually or via an automatic valve control assembly. Separation valve 26 is closed by discontinuously flowing the fluid introduced through the lower port 4 of the separator. The fluid acts on the bottom surface of the annular member 9 disposed around the separator valve to keep the separator valve 26 open. As shown in FIG. 7, for the solid discharge mode, a fluid, for example compressed gas or hydraulic fluid, instead contacts the upper surface of the annular member 9, thereby driving and closing the separation valve 26. The liquid enters through the upper port 61 during solid discharge and contacts the annular member 9 to push the separation valve 26 against the flange 51 arranged at the top 19 of the separator.

7 shows a separator operating in a solid release mode of operation. 7 is vertically separated, thereby showing two separate positions of the piston 12. On the left, the piston is to some extent through its downward movement, and on the right, the piston is at the lowest point of the stroke to complete the ejection operation, the lower cone of which is inside the conical lower end 17 of the bowl 10. It is located on the side. As shown, the piston is pushed down along the vertical axis 41 by a fluid, such as a compressed gas or hydraulic fluid, which acts against the top of the piston 12, for example. In addition, the centrifugal valve 34 is shown in the closed position under the upward force of the spring 66. The spring 66 is pushed upwards by the interaction between the lower conical portion of the piston 12 and the accumulated solid 70 during its downward movement. The piston 12 moves downward, and the accumulated solid 70 is pressed out of the opening 76 at the bottom of the bowl 10.

The lower conical portion of the piston 12 and the inner surface of the conical lower portion 17 of the bowl 10 are machined to precisely fit to effectively remove as much accumulated solid 70 as possible. Movement of the piston 12 along the vertical axis 41 is mainly caused by the liquid introduced through the drive port 2 at the top 19 of the separator. When the section of the bowl 10 above the centrifugal case 30 and the top of the piston 12 disposed therein is completely sealed and pressurized, the fluid pressure introduced in the drive port 2 finally reaches the Contact with the top. The section of the bowl 10 above the top of the strong transfer case 30 and the piston 12 may be sealed and pressurized when the isolation valve 26 is closed.

In addition, the separation valve 26 is closed when the gas is pushed downward with respect to the flange 51 by the compressed gas or hydraulic fluid introduced through the upper port 61. The compressed gas or hydraulic fluid finally contacts the upper surface of the annular member 9, which drives the separation valve 26. The central outlet port valve 33 for the central outlet port 32 is closed manually or by an automatic valve control assembly during the solid discharge mode. The separation valve 26 is described in more detail below in connection with FIG. 11, which shows the top 19 of the separator during the solid discharge mode.

The solid release mode starts at the top 19 of the separator when the piston 12 is pushed downward in the axial direction. In the separator bottom region 39, the pumping mode begins when the residue bypass valve 92 is rotated from its closed position by the residue bypass valve actuator 114. The valve actuator 114 rotates the residue bypass valve around the axis 6, for example in response to fluid pressure. After the solid bypass piston 90 is lowered down along the vertical axis 41 from contact with the residue bypass valve 92, the valve 92 preferably rotates 90 ° C. from its closed position. Then, for example, when a fluid, such as compressed gas or hydraulic fluid, is applied through the actuator port 112 to act on the lower surface of the annular flange 110, the solid bypass piston 90 moves upward along the vertical axis 41. Is pushed in the direction. In addition, the movement of the solid bypass piston 102 may be controlled by the fluid pressure introduced through the control port 113, which may work with the actuator port 112. The control port 113 allows fluid to contact the top surface of the annular flange 110. The solid bypass piston 102 is then propelled upwards when the pressure acting on the top surface of the annular flange 110 is less than the pressure acting on its bottom surface.

As shown, the solid bypass piston 102 is pushed upward in the axial direction, whereby the solid bypass valve 90 is maintained in gas-tight communication with the opening 76 at the bottom of the separator bowl 10. . In addition, the interface of the bowl opening 76 and the solid bypass valve 90 may be sealed by a seal disposed therebetween, the seal being PTFE or TEFLON-based (EI du Pont de Nemours and Company, 1007 Market Street). , Wilmington, Delaware 19898), such as an elastomeric material, whereby the solids pumped from the bowl 10 will not be contaminated by contact with the surrounding environment. The sealed interface also prevents the solids 70 accumulated during recovery from disappearing.

The accumulated solid 70, which is pushed through the opening 76 at the bottom of the bowl 10, is partially disposed within the solid bypass piston 102 under the solid bypass valve 90. To pass). The solid passage 104 extends beyond the bottom end of the piston 102 to the solid outlet port 106. As described above, the solid outlet port valve 107 for the outlet port 106 is opened prior to discharge, whereby the pumped solid can pass through the outlet port and valves 106 and 107 to exit the separator. have. The solid outlet ports and valves 106, 107 are also configured to allow the pumped solid to pass into the storage vessel without further manipulation by another process or by the operator, which reduces the chance or possibility of contamination.

Solid release is complete when the piston 12 reaches the lowest point of the stroke in its downward direction and lies against the inner face of the conical bottom 17 relative to the bowl 10. After the accumulated solid 70 is discharged from the bowl 10, the piston 12 is returned to its nearly top position by the fluid acting on the lower cone of the piston 12, as shown in FIG. 8. . For example, fluid such as compressed gas or hydraulic fluid introduced into the drive port 2 at the top 19 of the separator acting on the top of the piston 12, the piston is directed upward along the vertical axis 41. It is discontinuous before it can be propelled. Also shown in FIG. 8 is a fluid contacting the lower conical portion of the piston 12 after entering the separator from the cleaning port 111 through the cleaning passage 108. When the solid outlet port valve 107 is closed, fluid entering the cleaning port 111 finally passes through the bowl opening 76, thereby pushing the piston 12 upwards. Also, separator bowl 10 may be cleaned or sterilized in place, after piston 12 has moved upwards or near its top position.

After the accumulated solid is almost pumped from the separator, the solid outlet port valve 107 is switched from the open position to the closed position. The outlet port valve 107 remains in the closed position and the piston 12 is pushed upward through the next injection cycle of operation. 8 also shows a separation valve 26 for the centralized outlet port valve 33 and the centralized case 30 before the lower conical portion of the piston 12 is contacted, for example by compressed gas or hydraulic fluid. Shows that it is open. In addition, the fluid no longer enters through the upper port 61 of the top 19 of the separator. Instead, a fluid such as, for example, compressed gas or hydraulic fluid enters the separator through the lower port 4, whereby an annular member 9 arranged around the separation valve 26 to open the valve 26. Finally comes into contact with the bottom surface of. After the stroke in the upward direction of the piston 12 is completed, the piston is held in a near top position by the frictional force between the piston seals 56 adjacent to the inner wall of the bowl 10.

As the piston 12 is pushed upwards, the solid bypass piston 102 remains in gas-tight communication with the opening 76 at the bottom of the bowl 10. Gas-tight communication is achieved by the fluid pressure introduced through the actuator port, which acts on the lower surface of the annular flange 110 disposed around the solid bypass piston 102. For example, a fluid, such as compressed gas or hydraulic fluid, enters the separator at the control port 113, but the pressure acting on the top face of the annular flange 110 will be less than the pressure acting on the bottom face thereof. Maintain gas-tight communication. It may also be desirable for the control port 113 to not introduce fluid into the top surface of the annular flange 110, whereby the actuator port 112 will fully control the movement of the solid bypass piston 102.

When the piston 12 nearly reaches its top position, the solid bypass valve 90 is directed downward along its vertical axis 41 in response to movement by the solid bypass piston 102, thereby leaving a residue. The bypass valve 92 can be rotated to its closed position about the axis of rotation 6. The residue bypass valve 92 is rotated closed by the residue bypass valve actuator 114. Solid bypass piston 102 may be lowered by reducing or discontinuously reducing the fluid pressure previously applied to actuator port 112. In addition, the movement of the solid bypass piston 102 may be controlled by the fluid pressure introduced through the control port 113, which may act in conjunction with the actuator port! 12. Control port 113 allows fluid such as, for example, compressed gas or hydraulic fluid to contact the top surface of annular flange 110. Then when the pressure acting on the upper surface of the annular flange 110 is greater than the pressure acting on its lower surface, the solid bypass piston 102 is pushed downward.

9 shows in more detail the bottom region 39 of the separator, in which case the residue bypass valve 92 returns to its closed position. Although not shown, the piston returns to its topmost position within the bowl. As described above, the piston can be held in its top position by friction between piston seals adjacent to the inner wall of the bowl. In FIG. 9, the solid bypass valve 90 is held upward by the solid bypass piston 102 relative to the bottom surface of the residue bypass valve 92. As shown, a fluid such as, for example, compressed gas or hydraulic fluid introduced through the actuator port (! 12) acts on the lower surface of the annular flange 110 disposed around the bypass piston 102, thereby Propulses upward along the vertical axis 41. After the solid release mode is complete, solids may remain in the solid passage 104 of the piston 102. To remove the remaining solids, fluid such as, for example, compressed gas or hydraulic fluid is introduced through the cleaning port 111 of the cleaning passage 108 and the solid outlet port valve 107 is opened.

The cleaning passage 108 and the cleaning port 111 extend beyond the bottom end of the solid bypass piston 102, and the cleaning passage is partially disposed inside the piston 102. The cleaning passage 108 also communicates with and at the top of the solid passage 104 of the piston 102. This communication allows fluid entering the cleaning port 111 to pass through the cleaning passage 108 to the solid passage 104. When the solid outlet port valve 107 is open, the fluid pushes the solids remaining in the passage 104 toward the solid outlet port 106. As described above, when the solid outlet port valve 107 is closed, the cleaning passageway 108 and the port 108 push the piston 12 up in the axial direction and return to the nearly top position for the next injection cycle of operation. Works to go.

As shown, the solid passage 104 communicates with the solid outlet port 106 whereby solids remaining in the passage 104 may exit the separator by passing through the solid outlet port valve 107. The solid outlet port 106 may pass the recovered solids to a storage vessel or other process without further manipulation, for example by an operator. In addition, the cleaning passageway 108 and the port 111 may be used to clean and sterilize the solid passage 104 and the solid outlet port 106 and the valve 107. This in-situ cleaning or in-situ sterilization process is convenient for preparing the centrifuge for operation of the next cycle. In addition, this process can increase solid recovery yields and reduce the likelihood or opportunity for contamination.

10 shows the upper part 19 of the separator in detail during the injection mode of operation, in which case the separation valve 26 is in the open position. In the injection mode, as described above, the piston 12 is maintained at its top position by the frictional force between the piston seal 56 adjacent the inner wall of the bowl 10 as well as the fluid pressure from the injection liquid. As shown, the isolation valve 26 may be pushed to open or close by moving upward or downward, respectively, along the vertical axis 41. The separation valve 26 is propelled upwards by, for example, compressed gas or hydraulic fluid, which acts on the lower surface of the annular member 9 arranged around the valve 26. Compressed gas or hydraulic fluid is provided through the lower port 4 to the lower surface of the annular member 9.

10 also shows an optical seal 140 for the centrate valve 34 and a seal 145 for the piston 12. Desirably, the seal 145 may prevent a given liquid from flowing between the inner surface of the separator bowl 10 and the piston 12. As described above, the seal 140 may be used to prevent solids from entering the centrifugal case 30 during the downward movement of the piston 12 in the solid release mode. The seal 145 allows the bowl 10 above the piston 12 to remain pressurized, whereby the piston can be effectively pushed down by the fluid pressure during the solid release mode. In addition, the present invention may utilize additional seals that may be used in any of the embodiments of the present invention.

A separate valve 26 separated from the flange 51 is shown in FIG. 10 whereby the piston 12 and the bowl 10 can rotate freely without significant mechanical wear. When the separation valve is in the open position, the centrate 70 enters the centrifugal case 30 by passing through the centrifugal discharge opening 74. The centrate 70 finally exits the separator after it has passed through the central outlet port valve 33 and the central outlet port 32, which are held in the open position in the injection mode. The central outlet port valve 33 can be opened manually or by automatic valve control.

11 shows the top 19 of the separator in more detail during the solid release mode of operation. As shown, the isolation valve 26 may be pushed to open or close by moving individually upward or downward along the vertical axis 41. The separation valve 26 is propelled downward by a fluid such as, for example, compressed gas or hydraulic fluid, which acts on the upper surface of the annular member 9 arranged around the valve 26. This fluid is provided through the upper port 61 to the upper surface of the annular member 9. Prior to the solid discharge mode, the fluid entering the lower surface of the annular member 9 is preferably discontinuous and keeps the separation valve 26 open. In addition, the bowl 10 and the piston 12 no longer rotate, whereby the separation valve 26 can then be placed relative to the flange 51.

As described above, the isolation valve 26 contacts the flange 51 and the central outlet port valve 33 is closed, with the section of the bowl 10 above the top of the piston 12 disposed therein and The central case 30 may be pressurized. The section of the bowl 10 above the top of the piston 12 and the pressurization of the centrifugal case 30 take place, for example liquid, such as compressed gas or hydraulic fluid, enters the separator at the drive port 2. The gas-tight seal between the valve 26 and the flange 51 does not allow the fluid to exit the centrifugal case 30 or the bowl 10. In addition, seals made of components such as PTFE or TEFLON-based (EI du Pont de Nemours and Company, 1007 Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19898) elastomeric materials may be used to seal the interface with the flange 51. May be disposed on the valve 26. For example, in one embodiment, such as a seal associated with valve 26, may prevent defined liquids from passing through separator housing 13.

When the section of the bowl 10 above the piston 12 and the central case 30 are pressurized, the separation valve 26 remains closed relative to the flange 51. The pressurization of the section of the bowl 10 and the centrifugal case 30 above the top of the piston 12 finally provides a greater pressure on the piston 12 than less than its lower conical portion. When the fluid contacts the top of the piston, the pressure difference causes the piston 12 to be pushed down along its vertical axis 14. As shown in FIG. 7 and described above, the axial movement of the piston 12 downwards accumulated along the inner wall of the bowl 10 through the opening 76 at the conical bottom 17. Push).

The following table is presented to further illustrate and characterize the modes of operation for the various embodiments of the invention described above. Table I shows, by way of example, the isolation valve 26, the centralized valve 34, the centralized outlet port valve 33, the solid outlet port valve 107, solid during the injection and solid discharge modes of operation for the separator of FIG. 1. Provide the location or configuration of the bypass valve 90 and the residue bypass valve 92. Table I also shows, by way of example, the respective valves of the separator of FIG. 1 when the centrate is drained from the bowl, the piston is returned to a near top position following solid discharge and the separator of FIG. 1 is cleaned or sterilized in place. Provide location or configuration. The valves 26, 34, 33, 107, 90, 92 are shown in the separator respectively by FIG. 1. Table I is not intended to limit the scope of a particular embodiment or disclosure of the invention.

Table I

integrated APD  Centrifugation and cross-flow ( Cross - flow A) fine filtration system

When operating as a standalone system, the cross-flow microfilter continues to concentrate the solids into a retentate flow until the concentration of the solids is so high that the filter membrane becomes dirty, and the filtrate flow is maintained. Decrease. In addition to the APD centrifuge, the solids are continuously removed from the residue flow in a highly concentrated state, and the residue solid concentration is kept low enough that the filtrate flow is not reduced.

12 shows a schematic of one embodiment of a system for integrated microfiltration and APD centrifugation. Solid-containing suspension 207 is injected into tank 202 and then pumped to a microporous membrane filter (203). Solid concentration in the float flow may be controlled by direct sensing using a turbidity meter or density meter 204 used to control the float pump 203 or inferred from the flow or filtration outlet pressure 205. Can be. This information can be used to determine, for example, whether the residue 236 will be diverted to the APD centrifuge 210 or returned to the microfilter 201 by the valve 235 as the injection 230. have. This information can also be used to control the feed rate via positive displacement shift pump 234, which results in controlled solid removal. In addition, a turbidimeter or density meter 220 can be installed on the centrate output of the APD centrifuge 210 to signal when the APD bowl is full of solids and to signal the need to cause solid discharge 104. . In addition, the turbidity or density of the centrates can be used to control the centrate pump 222 and will centrate to the residue tank 202 by valve 223 or whether to discharge the centrate from the system (228). Can be used to determine whether to return 224.

The use of a system incorporating APD centrifugation and microfiltration has a number of advantages. Since there is no excess concentration of solids in the residue line, the microfilter operates under optimal conditions. There is less solid fouling, and the flow rate across the filter can be kept relatively constant. APD centrifuges may be smaller in size than when no microfiltration is used because the injection flow is more concentrated. The APD centrifuge will deliver a dry solid release than other devices that can be used for solid removal during microfiltration. Thus, all parts of the equipment operate optimally and the capital cost is reduced. Continuous solid removal by APD results in continuous operation of the integrated system. Less fouling of the solid will occur in the residue flow due to the low solids concentration in the residue. Finally, the residue / injection tank can be as small as about 10 times as compared to a microfiltration system operated without an APD centrifuge for solids removal.

APD centrifuges used with microfiltration are preferably in the form described in US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 218,280, filed Sep. 1, 2005, entitled “Gas Driven Solid Emission and Pumping Piston for Centrifuge”. Other centrifuge systems may also be used, including the systems described in the following patents and patent applications: a US centrifuge with the name "centrifuge with an axially movable scraping assembly for automatic removal of solids". Patent 6,632,166; US Pat. No. 6,776,752, entitled “Automated Tube-Bowl Centrifuge for Centrifugation of Liquids and Solids with Solid Release Using a Scraper or Piston; US Patent Application No. 10 / 874,150 entitled "Centrifuge for Separation of Liquids and Solids with Solid Release Using Pistons or Scrapers"; US Patent Application No. 10 / 823,844 entitled "Conical Piston Solid Discharge Centrifuge"; And US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 973,949 entitled "Conical Piston Solid Discharge and Pumping Centrifuge". All of these are incorporated herein by reference.

In the '280 application, a bowl-type centrifuge in the form of a cylinder is shown, which has a one-part gas driven piston. The piston head is located on top of the cylinder during injection liquid inlet and centrifugation. After interruption and separation of the bowl rotation, gas pressure is used to move the piston head downward through the bowl, thereby pushing solids accumulated in front of and out of the bowl.

The system for APD centrifugation and microfiltration can be integrated into a single housing. For example, the micro filter can be integrated into the bowl of an APD centrifuge whereby the piston protrusions accommodate the presence of the micro filtration membrane. For this embodiment, a single piston of the '280 application can be replaced with a peripheral outer piston and inner piston. 13 shows an embodiment of an APD centrifuge comprising a fine filter. This device is shown at the start of a solid release cycle. The cylindrical bowl 10 slows down when the drive motor 16 brakes to the stop. Solid 70 accumulates on the inner wall of the bowl. Injection port 96 is closed and residue liquid 132 is drained from the bowl through residue liquid port 100. The cylindrical microporous membrane 180 is located inside the bowl. Inside the membrane is a rubber diaphragm 190 in the form of a cylinder. The outer piston 12a, also referred to as the outer solid release piston, is in the form of a cylinder and has a bottom surface with a slope down and inward. The inner piston 12b is disposed at the end of the hollow shaft 12c, which extends along the axis of symmetry of the bowl in the form of a cylinder. The inner piston is a composite structure consisting of a cylinder part and an almost conical part. The lower end of the inner piston has a concave depression that points downward.

At the upper end of the inner piston shaft, the outwardly circular circular flange has a lower surface adapted to collide with a spring disposed about the upper end of the shaft just below the flange. Also provided is a member in the form of a cylinder that projects upwards on the shaft upper end, which member has a circular seal disposed around it. The upwardly cylindrical member has a hollow interior in communication with the hollow interior of the shaft. The shaft is made for limited vertical movement, as will be explained below.

Vertically movable pressure couplings dimensioned to selectively fit the fluid-sealing relationship are above the vertical shaft, which has a cylindrical member of the shaft protruding upwards. The shaft upper end is also provided with a member in the form of a cylinder which projects upward, which member has an annular seal disposed around it. The port at the top of this coupling enables the connection to a pressurized gas source. A peripheral flange provided on the coupling is disposed in the system housing, and the inflow of pressurized gas up or down the coupling flange element drives the coupling down or up, respectively.

An inner piston actuator is provided around the bottom of the coupling. Similar to the coupling, a peripheral flange disposed in a separate housing having a port for the introduction of pressurized gas above or below the actuator flange is provided to the actuator, thereby driving the actuator down or up, respectively. When driven down, the actuator presses into the upper end of the shaft, thereby driving the inner piston down to and ultimately down against the cylindrical shaped bowl, which is also referred to as a low shear conical injection accelerator. The lower end of the spring located at the upper end of the shaft presses against the shoulder portion of the bowl housing, thereby deflecting the shaft in the upper position. The conical injection accelerator and the lower surface of the inner piston have a complementary shape, whereby the solids disposed therebetween are compressed into the lower outlet port when the inner piston is driven downward.

Inside the cylindrical bowl, there is a tubular rubber diaphragm 190 around the shaft. The upper and lower ends of the diaphragm are fixed to the bowl. The port formed in the shaft allows the pressurized gas introduced at the foot of the coupling to inflate the diaphragm, which will be described later.

For example, a microfiltration membrane 180 in the form of a cylinder formed of ceramic or sintered metal is disposed around the rubber diaphragm and secured to the bowl in the form of a cylinder at the top and bottom. When the diaphragm is not expanded by the pressurized gas, an inner air gap in the form of a cylinder exists between the membrane and the diaphragm.

An outer air gap in the form of a cylinder is formed between the inner surface of the bowl in the form of a cylinder and the outer surface of the membrane. In this outer air gap, the outer piston moves along the solid attachment. The lower end of the cylindrical bowl, which forms the bottom of the outer air gap, has the same shape as the lower surface of the outer piston that is canted therein, so that if the outer piston is driven downward as described below, the outer air It allows the complete ejection of solids accumulated in the gap.

Multiple conduits are formed between the inner and outer air gaps below the membrane and above the inner piston, thereby allowing drainage of residue liquid from the bowl after separation. Similarly, a number of conduits are formed between the area above the lower shear conical injection accelerator and the external air gap to allow liquid to pass into the external air gap during injection liquid inflow, thereby draining the residue liquid after separation. It enables the solids to be forced out of the bowl by the outer piston and to enable pressurized gas to enter the lower end of the bowl to drive the outer piston to the upper position.

The upper end of the cylindrical bowl is provided with two sets of conduits arranged in a circle. There is a central case disconnect valve radially outward and adjacent from the outermost set of conduits. The valve has a peripheral flange and a pressure difference can be created for moving the centrifugal valve between the open and closed positions on both sides thereof. Here, open means that there is no air gap between the housing and the outer surface of the bowl in the form of a cylinder and there is no barrier between a defined liquid case or centrate on the bowl in the form of a cylinder. In the closed position, the central valve creates a gas-tight barrier between these areas. During bowl rotation, the central valve is held in the open position, thereby avoiding collision between the valve and the bowl. Movement between the open and closed positions is made by selectively introducing pressurized gas into a separate piston control port formed outside of the housing.

In addition, the conduit itself is formed via a centralized case isolation valve. Depending on the bowl orientation, at least one of these conduits is aligned with the solid discharge piston gas supply port formed on the outer surface of the housing, and the pressurized gas applied to the solid discharge piston gas supply port to force the outer piston downwards. The upper end of the bowl passes through the outermost conduit and the central case isolation valve conduit.

The innermost set of conduits formed at the top of the bowl connect the inner air gap between the microfiltration membrane and the tubular rubber diaphragm with a defined liquid or centrate case. As described below, during the initial separation, this innermost conduit enables the defined liquid to process up and out of the cylindrical shaped bowl, into and out of the centrifugal port.

At the lower end of the cylindrical bowl is provided a solid valve 91. Depending on its orientation around the axis of rotation perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the bowl in the form of a cylinder, the solid valve has open and closed positions. 13-14 and 17 show the solid valve in the closed position, and FIGS. 15-16 show the solid valve rotated 90 degrees (away from the viewer) about the axis of rotation in the open position. Solid valve actuator 96 and associated linkages control the positioning of such valves. The actuator may be pneumatic or hydraulic.

A piston with a piston contraction actuator 52 that selectively wikis the solid valve piston in mechanical communication with the bowl lower range is disposed inside the solid valve. The peripherally arranged flange enables the gas pressure difference on the opposite side of the flange to control the piston position. Two ports formed on the solid valve enable the formation of this pressure difference. In order to seal the lower end of the cylindrical bowl housing with a solid valve, a circular expandable outer solid valve seal 93 is provided. Ports formed on the exterior of the housing connect the pressurized gas source 195 to this seal for selective expansion.

In addition, an injection liquid conduit is formed inside the solid valve. This conduit has a port 155 on the outside of the solid valve and ends below the lower range of the solid valve piston. The concave lower range of the inner solid release piston and the hollow interior of the piston are shaped to form an injection inlet pool of radius R1 as shown in FIG. 14 as 184.

The residue liquid drain pipe (shown in FIG. 13 as 100) is opposed to the injection liquid conduit and the piston actuator control path of the solid valve, which drain pipe can be connected to the waste or a system for recycling or recovering the drained liquid. Can be connected to.

14 shows the embodiment of FIG. 13 in an injection mode. The inner piston 12b is held in its upper position by spring biasing. The outer piston 12a is held in its upper position through the friction and pressure exerted by the introduced infusion liquid being separated. The centrate case separation piston 194 is raised to its open position and the centrate 73 flows out under gravity. Inside the solid valve, the piston contraction actuator 52 is driven far down from the lower range of the bowl. The motor 16 is driven at high speed, resulting in a rapid rotation of the bowl 10.

The injection liquid 155 introduced through the solid valve 91 forms a jet 154 as it exits the solid valve piston. This jet forms an inlet pool 184 of radius R1 against the conical surface 17 of the lower shear injection accelerator and strikes the concave bottom surface of the inner piston. The injection liquid then passes through the conduit to the outer air gap. Solid 70 is collected against the bowl inner wall. The filtered centrate 182 passes through the membrane and towards the inside diameter of the bowl. Air or hydraulic pressure 195 keeps the piston contraction actuator 52 down and keeps the solid valve seal inflated 93.

The tubular rubber diaphragm 190 is forced outward by the action of centrifugal force, and the filtered centrate 182 is larger because the centrifugal outlet port radius (R2) 185 is larger than the injection pull radius (R1) 184. Is pushed away from the membrane.

After the injection mode, the drainage mode is started. Here, the bowl rotation stops, thereby allowing the residue liquid to be drained from the inner and outer air gaps, through the bowl inner range, to the area above the sealed solid valve, and through the residue liquid drain port. The injection liquid pressure is preferably maintained to prevent the residue liquid from passing through the solid valve piston and the injection liquid path. The collected solids remain on the outer wall of the bowl.

The release mode is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. In FIG. 15, air or hydraulic pressure 195 is used to drive the vertically movable pressure coupling down to gas-tightly communicate with the cylindrical member on the inner piston shaft. Pressurized gas 195 is also used to close the central case disconnect valve. The solid discharge valve seal 93 is retracted, the solid discharge valve piston is retracted, and the solid discharge valve 91 itself is rotated to its open position. The pressurized gas applied to the pressure coupling causes an internal air gap between the rubber diaphragm and the shaft and pressurization inside the shaft, thereby forcing the diaphragm 190 to contact the membrane inner surface. This then seals the membrane, thereby preventing the solids from moving into the membrane when the seal is scraped off by the outer piston 12a. This peeling occurs when pressurized gas enters the external solid piston pressure supply port on the housing surface. This gas flows through the isolation valve conduit through the outermost set of conduits formed at the top of the bowl in the form of a cylinder, thereby flowing into the outer air gap above the outer piston. This pressure drives the outer piston down, which is extruded from the inside of the cylindrical bowl and the membrane outer surface through a conduit connecting the area below the inner piston and the outer air gap, extruded through the opening of the bowl. Results in being 71.

In FIG. 16 all solids below the outer piston 12a are forced into the area below the inner piston 12b or out of the bowl. The diameter of the conduit between the zone under the inner piston and the outer air gap is minimized to minimize waste. Gas pressure 195 is used to move the internal piston actuator inside a vertically movable pressure coupling. This gas pressure overwhelms the spring bias and the resistance of the solid accumulated in the zone below the inner piston. When the inner piston is driven downwards, residual solids are driven from the bowl. The periphery of the concave region formed on the lower range of the inner piston is dimensioned to allow the residual extruded solid 71 to be cut out of the bowl opening.

As shown in FIG. 17, the solid bypass valve 91 is closed, the solid valve seal 93 is expanded, and the solid discharge valve piston 52 is raised after solid discharge. Gas pressure 195 is used to return the inner piston actuator to its upper position, thereby retracting the inner piston 12b. In addition, gas pressure flows into the injection port of the solid bypass valve. It also exerts an upward force on the inner piston and also an upward force on the outer piston 12a. Gas pressure 195 is applied to the pressure coupling, thereby maintaining the expanded rubber diaphragm with respect to the inner surface of the membrane.

As shown in FIGS. 18, 19 and 20, attachment of the membrane occurs when the injection liquid moves through the membrane hole 183 on the path towards the injection liquid outlet (i.e., the innermost set of conduits at the top of the cylindrical bowl). Can be. This deposit may result from a solid carried by the injection liquid to the outer surface of the membrane, which forms a global or slime-like 70a deposit or particulate 181 on the membrane. Due to the high speed of rotation, deposits such as particulates or mucus finally have sufficient mass and are forced outward from the membrane outer surface by centrifugal action.

Various elastic and non-reactive seals are shown in the drawings and are not described in detail herein. The advantages associated with semicircular bearings and bearing housings are described in the related patent application. Preferred materials for use in the system as shown are described in the '280 application. The microfiltration membrane is preferably provided by sintered metal or ceramic.

The present invention has been described in connection with the preferred embodiments, and those skilled in the art will, after reading the previous specification, contemplate various modifications, substitutions of equivalents and other alternatives to compositions, objects, methods and devices, and the like. For example, the fluid pressure may be replaced in other embodiments by electromechanical forces without limitation. Similarly, the lower and end portions of the piston and the bowl may each be non-conical in shape, provided they are complementary in shape and therefore desirable for solid recovery.

In addition, the present invention contemplates that any of the various passages, valves, pistons, actuators, assemblies, ports, members, etc. described herein may be of any configuration or arrangement suitable for operation of the centrifuge. In addition, the embodiments described above may each incorporate or incorporate changes from all other embodiments. For example, the laser sensor assembly described herein may be used with any or all of the embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, the protection afforded by patents is limited only by the definitions contained in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (32)

A system for the separation and recovery of solid and / or liquid components from a solid containing suspension by integrated microfiltration and centrifugation, Including microfiltration subsystem and centrifugation subsystem, The microfiltration subsystem, A cross-flow microfilter, having a inlet input for the inflow of suspended solids into the system, a filtrate output for diverting the filtrate from the system, and a retentate output. Fine filters; A residue tank injected from said residue output of said fine filter; A residue pump injected from the output of said residue tank; A first valve fluidly connected to an output of said residue pump; And A first sensor capable of controlling said first valve and sensing said solids concentration in said residue, Under a first preset solid concentration the first valve returns the residue to the injection input of the microfilter and above the first preset solid concentration the first valve transfers the residue to the centrifugation subsystem. Bypass, The centrifugation subsystem, An automatic piston discharge centrifuge having an injection input, a solid discharge output for bypassing solids from the system, and a centrate output; A second valve fluidly connected to the centrifugal output; And A second sensor capable of controlling said second valve and sensing said solids concentration at said centrifugal output; Above the second preset solid concentration the second valve returns the centrate to the centrate tank and causes the second valve to bypass the centrate from the system below the second preset solid concentration, A system for the separation and recovery of solid and / or liquid components from solid containing suspensions by integrated microfiltration and centrifugation. The method of claim 1, The solid containing suspension is injected into the residue tank, A system for the separation and recovery of solid and / or liquid components from solid containing suspensions by integrated microfiltration and centrifugation. The method of claim 1, Wherein the first sensor measures the turbidity or density of the residue, A system for the separation and recovery of solid and / or liquid components from solid containing suspensions by integrated microfiltration and centrifugation. The method of claim 1, The first sensor measures the filtrate pressure, A system for the separation and recovery of solid and / or liquid components from solid containing suspensions by integrated microfiltration and centrifugation. The method of claim 1, The second sensor measures the turbidity or density of the centrate, A system for the separation and recovery of solid and / or liquid components from solid containing suspensions by integrated microfiltration and centrifugation. The method of claim 1, The second sensor controls the solid discharge cycle of the centrifuge, A system for the separation and recovery of solid and / or liquid components from solid containing suspensions by integrated microfiltration and centrifugation. The method of claim 1, Further comprising a centrate tank, wherein the centrate is collected from the centrate tank, A system for the separation and recovery of solid and / or liquid components from solid containing suspensions by integrated microfiltration and centrifugation. The method of claim 1, The filtrate and centrate are integrated, A system for the separation and recovery of solid and / or liquid components from solid containing suspensions by integrated microfiltration and centrifugation. The method of claim 1, Further comprising a centrifugal pump, A system for the separation and recovery of solid and / or liquid components from solid containing suspensions by integrated microfiltration and centrifugation. The method of claim 9, The centrate pump routes the centrate to the residue tank, A system for the separation and recovery of solid and / or liquid components from solid containing suspensions by integrated microfiltration and centrifugation. The method of claim 9, The centrate pump directs the centrate out of the system, A system for the separation and recovery of solid and / or liquid components from solid containing suspensions by integrated microfiltration and centrifugation. The method of claim 1, And a variable speed centrifuge infusion pump, wherein an input of the variable speed centrifuge infusion pump is fluidly connected to a first portion of the output of the residue pump, and wherein the second portion of the output of the residue pump is Directed to a fine filter, the output of the variable speed centrifuge pump is fluidly connected to the inlet input of the centrifuge, A system for the separation and recovery of solid and / or liquid components from solid containing suspensions by integrated microfiltration and centrifugation. The method of claim 12, The first sensor controls the variable speed pump, A system for the separation and recovery of solid and / or liquid components from solid containing suspensions by integrated microfiltration and centrifugation. The method of claim 13, Wherein the first sensor measures the turbidity or density of the residue and controls the variable speed pump based on the turbidity or density of the residue, A system for the separation and recovery of solid and / or liquid components from solid containing suspensions by integrated microfiltration and centrifugation. The method of claim 13, The first sensor measures the filtration pressure and controls the variable speed pump based on the filtration pressure, A system for the separation and recovery of solid and / or liquid components from solid containing suspensions by integrated microfiltration and centrifugation. The method of claim 1, The microfiltration subsystem, the centrifuge subsystem, or both, are temperature controlled, A system for the separation and recovery of solid and / or liquid components from solid containing suspensions by integrated microfiltration and centrifugation. Automatic piston discharge centrifuge, A cylindrical bowl for a centrifuge having a lower end with an opening, the bowl being operated to rotate at high speed during an injection mode of operation to separate solids from the injection liquid, and solids accumulate along the inner surface of the bowl. A bowl in the form of a cylinder; A solid discharge assembly, comprising: an outer piston in the form of a cylinder movably disposed relative to an inner surface of the bowl; And an inner piston disposed at an end of the shaft extending along the axis of the bowl and having an inner piston having a substantially cylindrical portion and a substantially conical portion; A microfilter disposed in the form of a cylinder around the axis of the bowl, the microfilter having a solid in an outer gap between the inner surface of the bowl and the outer surface of the microfilter, the filtered centrate being adjacent to the inner surface of the microfilter A microfilter configured to exit the bowl through an inner gap, the outer diameter of the microfilter being smaller than the inner diameter of the outer piston; A diaphragm adjacent the inner gap and disposed in the form of a cylinder about the axis of the bowl; And A solid discharge valve at the bottom of the bowl, Automatic piston discharge centrifuge. The method of claim 17, Wherein the microfilter comprises a ceramic or sintered metal, Automatic piston discharge centrifuge. The method of claim 17, During the solid release mode of operation, pressurized gas or fluid independently moves the outer and inner pistons in an axially downward direction relative to the bowl, Automatic piston discharge centrifuge. The method of claim 19, The outer piston first moves downward, and then the inner piston moves downward, Automatic piston discharge centrifuge. The method of claim 19, During the downward movement of the outer piston, pressurized gas or liquid flows into the inner part of the diaphragm, the diaphragm closing the inner gap and sealing the inner surface of the microfilter, Automatic piston discharge centrifuge. The method of claim 17, Wherein the bowl comprises a conical bottom portion, Automatic piston discharge centrifuge. The method of claim 22, The lower surface of the inner piston has a conical shape complementary to the conical bottom of the bowl, Automatic piston discharge centrifuge. The method of claim 17, The outer and inner pistons are spring biased in an upper position, Automatic piston discharge centrifuge. The method of claim 17, Further comprising one or more ports for introduction of the pressurized gas or liquid, Automatic piston discharge centrifuge. The method of claim 17, The solid discharge valve switches between an open position and a closed position by rotation in an axis perpendicular to the bowl axis of rotation, Automatic piston discharge centrifuge. The method of claim 17, The solid discharge valve comprises a passageway for the inlet of the injection liquid into the bowl, Automatic piston discharge centrifuge. The method of claim 17, Wherein said solid discharge valve includes a passage for draining residue liquid from said bowl after separation of the injected solid and liquid, Automatic piston discharge centrifuge. The method of claim 17, Further comprising a centrifugal valve having an open position and a closed position, A gas sealing seal is formed between the centrifugal and the air gap between the housing surrounding the bowl and the outer surface of the bowl when the centrate valve is in the closed position, Automatic piston discharge centrifuge. The method of claim 17, Further comprising a solid valve seal between the housing surrounding the bowl and the solid discharge valve, the seal expandable with pressurized gas or liquid, Automatic piston discharge centrifuge. A method for recovering a solid component or liquid component from a solid containing suspension by integrated microfiltration and centrifugation, Providing a microfiltration subsystem and a centrifugation subsystem; Adding the solid containing suspension to a residue tank; Pumping the suspension through a fine filter with a residue pump; Sensing a solids concentration of the residue with a first sensor; Sensing the solids concentration of the centrate with a second sensor; Collecting filtrate from the microfilter; Collecting the centrates from the centrifuge; And Collecting solids from the centrifuge, The microfiltration subsystem, A cross flow micro filter, comprising: a cross flow micro filter having an inlet input for inflow of the suspended matter into the system, a filtrate output for bypassing the filtrate from the system, and a residue output; The residue tank injected from the residue output of the fine filter; The residue pump injected from the output of the residue tank; A first valve fluidly connected to the output of the residue pump; And A first sensor capable of controlling said first valve and sensing said solids concentration in said residue, The centrifugation subsystem, Automatic piston discharge centrifuge with injection input; A solid discharge output for bypassing the solid from the system; A centrate output unit; A second valve fluidly connected to the centrifugal output; And A second sensor capable of controlling said second valve and sensing said solids concentration at said centrifugal output; The first valve is adjusted to return the residue to the injection input of the microfilter if the solid concentration is below a first preset solid concentration and the first valve if the solid concentration is above the first preset solid concentration. 1 valve is adjusted to bypass the residue to the centrifuge subsystem, The second valve returns the centrate to the residue tank if the solid concentration is above a second preset solid concentration, and if the solid concentration is below the second preset solid concentration, the second valve stops collecting. To bypass the centrate for A method for recovering a solid component or liquid component from a solid containing suspension by integrated microfiltration and centrifugation. A process for recovering solid components from solid containing suspensions by integrated microfiltration and centrifugation, Providing an automatic piston discharge centrifuge; Introducing the solid containing suspended solids into the bowl during the high speed rotation of the bowl; Stopping rotation of the bowl; Opening the solid discharge valve; Pressing the diaphragm against the inner surface of the microfilter; And Releasing the accumulated solid from the inner surface of the bowl through the opening of the bowl by first lowering the outer piston and then lowering the inner piston, The automatic piston discharge centrifuge, A cylindrical bowl for a centrifuge having a lower end with an opening, the bowl being operated to rotate at high speed during an injection mode of operation to separate solids from the injection liquid, and solids accumulate along the inner surface of the bowl. A bowl in the form of a cylinder; A solid discharge assembly, comprising: an outer piston in the form of a cylinder movably disposed relative to an inner surface of the bowl; And an inner piston disposed at an end of the shaft extending along the axis of the bowl and having an inner piston having a substantially cylindrical portion and a substantially conical portion; A microfilter disposed in the form of a cylinder around the axis of the bowl, the microfilter having a solid in an outer gap between the inner surface of the bowl and the outer surface of the microfilter, the filtered centrate being adjacent to the inner surface of the microfilter A microfilter configured to exit the bowl through an inner gap, the outer diameter of the microfilter being smaller than the inner diameter of the outer piston; A diaphragm adjacent the inner gap and disposed in a cylindrical form around an axis of the bowl; And A solid discharge valve at the bottom of the bowl, A method for recovering solid components from solid containing suspensions by integrated microfiltration and centrifugation.

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