WO2004090334A1

WO2004090334A1 - Diaphragm pump

Info

Publication number: WO2004090334A1
Application number: PCT/EP2004/003378
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Jähn
Original assignee: Bayer Industry Services Gmbh &; Jaehn Peter
Priority date: 2003-04-10
Filing date: 2004-03-31
Publication date: 2004-10-21
Also published as: DK1611355T3; PL1611355T3; PT1611355E; EP1611355B1; DE10316395B4; EP1611355B9; ES2354864T3; DE502004011798D1; EP1611355A1; DE10316395A1; ATE485448T1

Abstract

The invention relates to a diaphragm pump comprising a multi-part pump body that has at least three rigid plates and at least two elastic membranes placed between these plates. Said plates form at least one pump chamber and at least two blocking chambers, particularly with the geometry of a spherical segment of a spherical zone, of a cylinder or of a truncated cone, each having an inlet and outlet opening for the material to be delivered. The pump chamber and the blocking chambers, together with an inlet channel, form the connecting channels and together with an outlet channel, form a passage channel. The pump chamber and the blocking chambers are separated by the diaphragms into a product space and control space. The control spaces have control lines that are connected to a control unit. The invention is characterized in that the outer plate is provided with a stronger design whereby the control space of the pump chamber is enlarged, and an axially moving disc with an elongated rod, which is placed on one side, is inserted inside said control space.

Description

diaphragm pump

The present invention relates to a diaphragm pump based on DE-A 102 16 146, ie a diaphragm pump with at least two channels for the liquid supply and liquid discharge but with variable displacement which is achieved by a metering device in the form of a dosing and the use of this diaphragm pump as a controllable Nentil or as controllable multi-way distributor valves or multi-component distributor valves.

From US-A 3,741,687 a diaphragm pump is known having only two channels, an inlet and an outlet channel.

From DE-A 102 16 146 a diaphragm pump with a multi-part Pumpenköφer and two channels is known, which consists of at least three rigid plates and at least two arranged between these plates, elastic membranes, the plates in particular a pumping chamber and at least two shut-off chambers, each with a Forming and an outlet opening for the conveyed form, and the pumping chambers and shut-off chambers together with an inlet channel the connecting channels and an outlet channel form a passage, wherein the pumping chamber and the shut-off chambers are divided by the membranes in each a product space and a control space and the control chambers control lines have, which are connected to a control unit.

It has been found in the use of the membrane pump according to DE-A 102 16 146, that this does not always meet the high accuracy requirements, especially if substances have different density, but also different volume flows in consideration of a single delivery stroke to be accurately metered or the diaphragm pump is to be used as a multi-way valve.

It was therefore an object to develop based on the membrane pump according to DE-A 102 16 146 improved membrane pump, which promotes highly miniaturized small volumes per unit time and has a high short-term dosing accuracy. The pump should have a good intake and demand against increased pressure, so that even in the non-flooded state of the pump head conveying against pressure and a Teilhubbetrieb is possible, but also at any time allows sampling of the material to be conveyed. The task has been further extended by the fact that a serial dosing of different liquids as well as an improved cleaning should be possible, but also the pulsating conveying behavior should be optimized.

The content of DE-A 102 16 146 is therefore included in the present application. The solution of the object and subject of the present invention is a modular lamellar constructed electro-pneumatically driven pump head as a diaphragm pump (according to Fig.l or Fig. 2), the multi-part of at least three rigid plates (lamellae) (201, 203, 205) and at least two elastic membranes (204, 202) arranged between these plates, wherein the plates (201, 203, 205) comprise at least one pumping chamber (211) and at least two shut-off chambers (210, 212), in particular in the geometry of a spherical segment Ball zone, a cylinder or truncated cone, each with an inlet (240) and an outlet opening (241) for the conveyed form, and the pumping chamber (211) and the shut-off chambers (210, 212) together with an inlet channel (207) Connecting channels ((208) and (209)) and an outlet channel (206) form a passage, wherein the pumping chamber (21 1) and the shut-off chambers (210, 212) through the membranes (204, 202) in each case a prod and the control chambers (220, 221, 222) have control lines (119, 120, 121) connected to a control unit (100, 115) are characterized in that the outer plate (205) is adapted to receive the movable disc, whereby the control chamber of the pumping chamber is increased and in this an axially movable disc (1001) with one side attached extended rod (1002) is inserted, so that the unilaterally attached rod of the movable disk is extended to outside the dosing and can be adjusted outside the pump (1003) and thereby the disk (1001) located in the control chamber is moved axially and reduces or increases the possible membrane path in the pumping chamber, so that the metered volume of liquid per delivery stroke is variable and the pump operates in a Teilhubbetrieb without changing the dead space volume in the product space the area of the movable disc is slightly smaller than the area of the active membrane and the center distance of the adjacent inlet and the outlet of each pumping and shut-off chamber is two to ten times the largest hydraulic diameter of the respective inlet (240) or outlet ( 241).

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the diaphragm pump has a decentralized electro-pneumatic control unit (100, 115) with vacuum generator for driving the pump head and the center distance of the respectively adjacent inlet and the outlet of each pumping and shut-off chamber is two to ten times the largest hydraulic diameter of the respective inlet (240) or outlet opening (241).

The membrane pump according to the invention is preferably designed such that the pumping chamber (211) and the shut-off chambers (210, 212) are sealed at the edge by the membranes (204, 202). The design of the outer plate (205) is carried out to such an extent that preferably the movable disk and the rod together with the external adjustment possibility are accommodated. This requires that the outer plate is usually thicker or stronger than the plates (201) or (203).

The elastic membrane clamped between the plates is pneumatically loaded and relieved by the drive (control unit), so that in the closing operating state the active membrane surface is affected by the control pressure up to the limiting wall of the product-side pump or shut-off chamber and in the opening or unloaded operating state by the inherent elasticity of the product Diaphragm material and is deformed by the negative pressure to the limiting wall of the control room.

The largest applied motive force is rectified with the largest membrane deformation path. The applied force for the conveying or closing movements of the membranes are greater than the force applied to retrieve the membranes.

Due to the preferred chamber geometries or force effect, the membrane load and membrane deformation is symmetrical, so that the dosing accuracy and the membrane life is increased.

The diaphragm pump according to the invention consisting of the pump head according to the invention and the decentralized control unit allows conveying small volumes per unit time, has a high short-term dosing accuracy based on the individual Dosierhub, shows a good intake behavior, can promote even in non-flooded state of the pump head against pressure and allowed also at any time the partial lift operation. The membrane pump according to the invention allows in various applications, the conveyance of liquids having a viscosity range of 0.001 Pas to 10 Pas, preferably 0.001 to 5 Pas and more preferably of liquids having a viscosity of 0.001 to 2 Pas.

The disk (1001) which can be moved in the axial direction by rotary or lifting movement in the control chamber of the pumping chamber (21 1) allows the maximum stroke of the pumping diaphragm (204) to be varied, so that pumping in a partial lifting operation is possible. In addition, there is a further reduction of the membrane load, so that depending on the elastic material used, the deformation occurring is reduced by changing the membrane stroke. Preferably, the movable disc reduces the deformation path in the unloaded state.

The axially movable wall (1001) within the control chamber of the pumping chamber varies the membrane movement in the axial direction in a range of 1% up to 100% of the design stroke, preferably the limitation of 10% to 100% and especially Preferably, the limitation is in a range of 20% to 100%> of the stroke without increasing the dead space volume of the pumping chamber.

According to the present invention, the area of the movable disk is slightly smaller than the area of the active-active membrane. Slight in the sense of the present invention means that the membrane-facing surface of the axially movable disc has a size of 60% of the active membrane surface, preferably a size of 61% to 80% and particularly preferably a size of 81% to 95% based on the active membrane surface. Thus, the elastic membrane is supported over a large area during operation and increases the dosing accuracy.

The rod (1002) allows the movable disc (1001) to be adjusted from outside the diaphragm pump by feeling it through the outer plate (205). The adjustment is done by rotation or stroke adjustments, for example, manually, motor, hydraulic, pneumatic or piezo-operated, whereby an automatic fine adjustment of the partial stroke can be made. The rod may for example be a threaded rod or be executed without a thread as a cylinder rod or as a square rod. The movable disc or the rod is sealed with a seal to the plate (205) to the outside, so that the control chamber can be pressurized.

The axial disc adjustment within the control chamber of the pumping chamber can in a preferred embodiment of the invention via the rod (1002) also be carried out automatically or remotely controlled when an electrically operated motor, a hydraulic or a pneumatic actuator is mounted.

Depending on the choice of the appropriate adjustment of the movable disc, it may be advantageous to actuate the shut-off chambers also electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically.

An automatically adjustable partial lift of the pumping membranes forms an actuator, so that in combination with e.g. a flow sensor, a flow control can be established.

The set delivery rate of the pneumatic pump, for example, can be controlled gravimetrically. If deviations from the specified dosing, arise the weighing sensor sends a signal to the monitoring controller, and the controller a control signal to the adjustment drive, which is attached to the rod of the movable disc (1001) and the disc in the pump control chamber in the axial direction adjusted and so Changing the pump stroke volume makes a correction of the pump flow rate. The axially movable disk (1001) used in the control chamber can have different shapes to the membrane side. The disk may be in the form of a flat cylindrical disk (Figure 2a), a blunt cone (Figure 2b) or the shape of a spherical section (Figure 2c). In particular, a disk shape adapted to the pumping chamber has advantages in that, with maximum adjustment of the movable disk, the feeding and discharging connection channels (208/209) of the pumping chamber are closed.

The axially movable disc (1001) is provided with openings or bores (1007) and optionally additionally provided on the side facing away from the membrane with a concentrically raised ring (1008), so that upon complete recovery of the disc, the pneumatic connection can not be closed. The movable disc (Figure 2c) with unilaterally extended rod is bored on one side to allow the direct connection of the control energy to the movable disc.

In a preferred embodiment, the diaphragm pump is designed such that the movable disc (1001) is flat on the diaphragm side or shows a blunt cone or is adapted to the product-side pumping chamber and provided with a plurality of bores (1007).

Compared to the diaphragm pump according to DE-A 102 16 146, this invention improved diaphragm pump shows a simpler setting or varying the stroke volume, a reduced pulsation and a uniform flow rate promoted. The application of the partial stroke operation applies to pumping chambers with a stroke volume of greater than 5 μl / stroke up to 1000 000 μl / stroke. The erfmdungsgemäße diaphragm pump is inexpensive to produce due to different corrosion requirements in the chemical industry from various resistant materials.

The design of the control or drive technology of the diaphragm pump according to the invention has no influence on the pump head size and the possibility of integration in a miniaturized pilot plant setup. The membrane pump according to the invention can be modular, so that can be done by appropriate additions or replacement of modular parts, a slight task adaptation to the material to be conveyed. The change in the dosing without the displacement of the membrane or the movable disc (1001) in the pump head increases the dead volume, so that the aspirated liquid volume is completely displaced from the pump head at any time.

In a further preferred embodiment of the diaphragm pump or of the pump head, the control pressure on the diaphragm in all control chambers is at least 0.1 bar higher than the prevailing pressure at the outlet channel by a pressure regulator upstream of the control unit or at the inlet channel of the pump head, preferably the control pressure is at least 0.5 bar higher, and more preferably the control pressure is 1 bar higher than the expected pressure at the outlet or at the inlet channel.

The higher differential pressure between outlet or inlet channel (206, 207) and control pressure ensures tight closure of the respective inlet openings and outlet openings in the pump and shut-off chambers through the membrane.

The membranes (202, 204) are preferably made of an elastic material, particularly an elastomer, silicone, Viton ^®, Teflon ^®, or rubber, in particular of an elastic laminate of the at least two interconnected layers of material with different modulus of elasticity is.

A preferred embodiment of the membranes is characterized in that they consist of an elastic laminate consisting of at least two interconnected material layers with different modulus of elasticity. The individual layers are glued together or connected. In principle, this feature is also applicable to a diaphragm pump according to DE-A 102 16 146.

For example, a thin Teflon® film can be bonded to a highly elastic rubber to increase the restorative forces of the membrane laminate, thereby reforming a liquid displacement deformed low-energy membrane laminate (e.g., by a vacuum generator) to its original condition.

A preferred embodiment of the membranes used is characterized in that thin elastic films are partially chambered and the components or components for membrane chambering made of corrosion-resistant materials and combammem up to 30% of the product-contacting membrane surface, preferably up to 65% and more preferably up to 80% of the product-contacting membrane area.

The use of a chambered membrane reduces the plastic deformation that occurs during loading, so that under high load the membrane deformation is extremely low. The two plate-shaped diaphragm chamber elements (see Fig. 3, (1 100, 1 101)) are preferably disc-shaped, and have on the outer diameter of a concentric membrane ring formed to the raised side (1102, 1 103), so that large membrane surface portions are clamped and in the chambered area are not subject to any deformation or stretching force.

Preferably, chamber elements are used with a membrane diameter of greater than 10 mm to less than 1000 mm, preferably in a diameter range of greater than 50 mm less than 800 mm and more preferably used in a diameter range of greater than 100 mm to less than 500 mm.

Particularly advantageous is a preferred embodiment of the diaphragm pump or the pump head, characterized in that the pumping membrane (204) is chambered (Fig. 3).

If large surface portions of the membrane are chambered, the product-side surface (1104) of the membrane-chamber component may be provided with an elastic layer or foil to tightly close the supply and discharge connection channels of the pumping chamber (see FIG. 3).

Very large pump chambers, which are provided with chambered membranes, can be provided with an axial guide for weight compensation, caused by the weight of the chamber elements. The axial guidance may alternatively take over the function of the rod (1002). The axial guide may be a hollow rod (pipe).

Particularly advantageous is a preferred embodiment of the diaphragm pump or of the pump head, in which a plurality of shut-off chambers have a common membrane (FIG. 1).

A preferred embodiment of the diaphragm pump or the pump head is characterized in that the pump head consists of at least three plates and the pumping and Absperrkammem are formed by recesses in the plates (Fig. 2).

In a particularly preferred design, the diaphragm pump or the pump head consists of at least three plates and the pumping and Absperrkammem (210, 21 1, 212) are formed by depressions in the middle plate.

Another particularly preferred form of the diaphragm pump or of the pump head is characterized in that it consists of at least three plates and the pump and Absperrkammem (210, 212) by depressions (210 \ 21 1 ', 212') in the outer plates (201,203,205) are formed.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the diaphragm pump or the pump head, at least in the product space of the pumping chamber (21 1) is a groove (213) which connects the apex of the pumping chamber depression with the outlet opening of the pumping chamber.

The volume of the incorporated groove in the pumping chamber is equal to the dead space volume of the pumping chamber. By appropriate design of the chamber geometry (ball diameter and height), the dead space volume with respect to the pumping chamber volume is extremely small, sometimes less than 1%. In a preferred embodiment, the walls of the control chambers opposite the membrane, but at least the pumping chamber, have a compensation volume in the form of a flat depression. As a result, the diaphragm can deform in pending negative pressure in the control room and in extreme cases cling to the limiting wall of the control room. At the same time there is an enlargement of the respective product space, but in compliance with the maximum membrane deformation (shown by way of example in Fig. 1 in the product space of the shut-off chamber (212)).

Materials such as elastic plastic membranes are subject to elongation and permanent deformation under heavy load. The permanent or plastic deformation has direct effects on the dosing accuracy, especially when considering the individual metering stroke. For a precision dosing with a membrane technique was found in the work on the present invention that the membrane deformation and thus the height of the shut-off and pumping chambers must not be arbitrarily large.

It was surprisingly found in the two-dimensional consideration of the well geometries in the plates that from the clamped unloaded state to the maximum membrane deformation, narrow limits must be maintained between the plates to allow an accurate liquid dosage.

In the case of a pumping chamber geometry, such as e.g. in the form of the spatial sphere section, the maximum membrane elongation or membrane deformation is determined by determining the change in length between chord length and arc length of a circular segment. The membrane is unloaded at the level of the chord of the circular section and loaded at the level of the arc length of the circular section. With knowledge of the chord and arc length of the circular segment, the membrane elongation can be determined from the difference in length of the tendon and the arch (FIG. 8). By analogy, this procedure can also be transferred to other pumping and shut-off chamber geometries.

The maximum deformation of the active-active membrane into the larger product-side depression must be at most 20%, preferably 0.01% to 10% and particularly preferably the deformation must be 0.01% to 5% in order to achieve a high constant membrane movement and a high dosing accuracy. especially short-term accuracy, to obtain.

The determined membrane deformation limits therefore determine the heights of the shut-off and pump chambers as well as the control and product spaces formed by membranes, so that the dosing accuracy of the inventive diaphragm pump is substantially improved compared to known diaphragm pumps. The compensation volume describes the space into which the existing membrane deforms when the vacuum is applied. If the compensating volume is increased and equipped with an adjustable disc (1001), then the compensating volume due to axial adjustment of the movable disc (1001) has no influence on the product-side recessed volume of the pumping chamber.

Typically, the product spaces of the shut-off chambers (210, 212) are made smaller than the product space of the pumping chamber (211).

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the diaphragm pump or the pump head, the shut-off chamber volume is 5% to 50% of the product-side pumping chamber volume, preferably 5% to 30% and particularly preferably 5% to 20%. In principle, this feature is also applicable to a diaphragm pump according to DE-A 102 16.146

The center distance of the respectively adjacent inlet and the outlet of each pumping or shut-off chamber is two to ten times the largest hydraulic diameter of the respective inlet (240) or outlet opening (241), preferably the center distance is twice to five times, and more preferably the two - up to four times, most preferably three to four times ..

The defined center distance is an important functional measure of the chambers. It ensures a tight closing of the incoming and outgoing channels or openings and increases the reproducible delivery of gaseous or liquid substances and influences the degree of miniaturization.

The connecting channels (208, 209) between the pump chamber and the Absperrkammem are straight in a preferred embodiment and have a ratio of channel length to the respective hydraulic diameter of the channels from 0.5 to 20, preferably 0.5 to 10, particularly preferably 0, 5 to 5, on. In a preferred embodiment, the cross sections of the feeding channels to the pumping chamber are larger than the discharge channels to the outlet of the diaphragm pump according to the invention.

Another particularly preferred form of the diaphragm pump or the pump head is characterized in that the connecting channels and sub-sections of the inlet and outlet channel are at an angle α, the angle α in a range of +/- 20 to 70 degrees, preferably in one Range of +/- 30 to 60 degrees (Figure 3b). The angle α is measured from the vertex of the lowest point of the respective chamber to the associated connection channel or inlet or outlet channel (FIG. 3 b). The angled channels and channel sections reduce flow losses during the suction and delivery process. A pressure loss reduction is particularly advantageous because flow processes in the diaphragm pump according to the invention or in the pump head are initiated by abruptly changing changes of pressure and vacuum. The obliquely extending connecting channels and inlet and outlet channels reduce the shear occurring during conveying, so that shear-sensitive substances in biological or medical technology are gently metered or conveyed. In principle, this feature is also applicable to a diaphragm pump pump head according to DE-A 102 16 146.

The small dead volume between the pump and shut-off chamber improves the suction capacity of the diaphragm pump or the pump head and prevents deposits in the dosing head.

Another particularly preferred form of the diaphragm pump / pump head is characterized in that the pump head consists of at least three plates and at least one outer plate is formed tempered. In principle, this feature is also applicable to a diaphragm pump / pump head according to DE-A 102 16 146.

The tempering of the outer plate is carried out by thermostating or by electrical heating with separate cooling device.

The present invention also preferably relates to a diaphragm pump with controllable valves and decentralized control unit, characterized in that in the pump head in the flow direction of the fluid, the inlet channel with flowed through the barrier chamber and connecting channel to the pumping chamber has a larger hydraulic cross-section than the dissipative connection channel with the following shut-off chamber and outlet channel.

The present invention particularly preferably relates to a diaphragm pump with controllable valves and decentralized control unit characterized in that in the pump head, the volume of the pumping chamber (21 1) in the range of 0.005 ml to 1000 ml, preferably from 0.01 ml to 100 ml and more preferably the volume of the pumping chamber is 0.1 ml to less than 10 ml.

The present invention particularly preferably relates to a diaphragm pump with controllable valves and decentralized control unit, characterized in that the dead space volume of the product space of the pumping chamber (211) is less than 20% in the pump head, preferably less than 10% and particularly preferably less than 5% of the pumping chamber volume is.

An increase in output, for example, by two pump heads with controllable valves and a decentralized control unit consisting of three plates and in the parting planes of the plates befmdliche wells with common inlet and outlet channels and angled connecting channels between pump and Absperrkammem is made possible in a special compact design by a pumping chamber (303, 303 ') and at least two Absperrkammem (301,305) are introduced in the middle plate on both sides and the inlet channel in ansaugender flow direction to a transverse channel opens the two Absperrkammem (301, 30T) connects, and in the direction of discharge also a transverse channel two Absperrkammem (305, 305 ') connects and via the outlet channel to be conveyed material from the pump head and in conjunction with the decentralized control, the operation of all pumping and Absperrkammem is switched so that the function of a double diaphragm pump is provided with controllable valves (Fig. 3a).

The membranes of the double membrane pump operate alternately, so that the pulsation of the fluid flow is almost completely compensated.

Each of a pumping chamber associated Absperrkammem have to be controlled offset in time in the control process, so that the pulsations occurring are halved. This requires an extended control flow.

The three plates of this diaphragm pump according to FIG. 3 a are preferably detachably connected to one another for cleaning and repair purposes.

If necessary, the double diaphragm pump can be equipped such that at least one pumping chamber is equipped with a movable disk for a partial lifting operation.

A further preferred form of the diaphragm pump is characterized in that the pump consists of at least three plates and in the middle plate (Fig. 4 or Fig. 4a) at least one pumping chamber is provided and each pumping chamber at least three smaller Absperrkammem belong and each shut-off chamber one Has connecting channel to the pumping chamber and an inlet or outlet channel for the supply or discharge of at least one fluid and all chambers are controlled separately via a decentralized control unit.

A diaphragm pump consisting of a pumping chamber and at least three associated Absperrkammem, allows the sequential or the alternate delivery of at least two different fluids. Thus, for example, a process can be supplied with two different substances with one pump, wherein the stroke ratio of the substances to be conveyed may be the same or different. The setting of the stroke ratio is done via the decentralized control unit. The advantages of the user are that with a dosing unit, with low investment and assembly costs as well as in the smallest space requirement with a pumping unit several substances in a desired ratio can be supplied to a process. In particular, in applications in the pharmaceutical field, where low dead space volumes and a sterilizability of the technical components used is required, the use of the membrane pump according to the invention is particularly advantageous.

In an alternative embodiment, the diaphragm pump or pump head according to the invention is used as a conveying and removal device. In this case, the diaphragm pump according to the invention or the pump head according to the invention is suitable for sampling liquids or gases from closed apparatus.

In Fig. 7 a pump displacement circuit for sampling and Treatment _^ is exemplified. 4, 4a (400) are combined with a mixing chamber (701) so that all functional parts are incorporated in the three, but enlarged, pump plates. 702 ') and each pump chamber has four associated shut-off chambers (703, 704, 705, 706 and 703', 704 ", 705 ', 706'). The shut-off chambers are each assigned inlet channels and outlet channels (marked with flow arrows in FIG. 7). For an automated sampling with subsequent processing and removal to a connected analyzer all components are shown in FIG. It was dispensed with the representation of the control unit for separate control of the chambers and a sectional view of the three plates.

It can be seen from FIG. 7 that a substance sample can be sucked in if inlet channel (707) and outlet channel (708) are connected to a reactor. Through inlet channel (707), suction valve (704), pumping chamber (702), pressure valve (705) and outlet channel (708) of the pump (700), a constant amount of substance can be pumped out of the reaction vessel. At a desired time, for example, the controller switches so that pressure valve (705) closes and valve (706) opens and a defined amount of substance is transferred through the outlet channel of the valve (706) into the mixing chamber (701) with the known pumping chamber volume. Once the sample has been transferred, the pump (700 ^' ) starts to also generate a pump circulation to the mixing chamber. In this case, the inlet channel of the valve (704 ') and the outlet channel of the valve (705') is connected to the mixing chamber. The pump (700) can now, in parallel to the put into operation Umpumpkreislauf the mixing chamber, via inlet channel (709) and valve (703) while the valve closed (704) promote an additional diluent in the mixing chamber, which is mixed with the substance sample there , After the mixing process by pump (700 '), the diluted substance sample becomes a possible Analyzer promoted. The valve (705 ') closes and the valve (706') opens. Due to the sum of all feeding pump strokes to the mixing chamber, the treated sample can be discharged via outlet channel (710) with the same number of strokes and conveyed for analysis. Furthermore, the inlet channel (709) is extended to the valve (703 '), so that also the second pump can be flushed after the sample transport with diluent, when corresponding valves are switched.

The delivery and removal device has a low dead space volume.

This small dead space volume is necessary so that the analysis result is not falsified by old substances due to deposition and aging of the substances removed, the product-loaded channels are not blocked and a high operational availability is given.

The conveying device according to the invention allows an exact sampling and a user-related volumetric delivery of liquids, gases, or liquefied compressed gases. It is particularly advantageous for this purpose, because the stroke volume of the pump head is easily adaptable to operational requirements, especially when Pumpkammem be equipped with adjustable disc for a Teilhubbetrieb.

The membrane pump / conveyor according to the invention is operated by means of a decentralized electro-pneumatic control unit, which is provided with a sufficient number of connection options for controlling all required pumping and Absperrkammem.

The combination of at least one pumping and associated shut-off chamber with dwell, mixing and separation chambers and task-specific sensors offers the possibility of forming small and compact functional units that measure, treat, process and analyze their properties with liquid or gaseous substances. The functional units have small dimensions and can therefore be easily integrated into analytical and medical devices. It is particularly advantageous that only small dead space volumes are present and only small amounts of substance are processed.

However, a decentralized electro-pneumatic control unit as in FIG. 1 also allows a synchronous control of a plurality of pump heads. The parallel operation of several pump heads with only one control unit allows the economical use of the membrane pump / conveyor according to the invention, for example in filling or filling. The invention therefore also relates to filling plants or filling devices which contain at least one membrane pump according to the invention. A decentralized electro-pneumatic control unit also allows a staggered control of individual pump heads, so that a reduced pulsation occurs in the parallel operation of several pumps.

The inventive diaphragm pump with decentralized electro-pneumatic control unit and adjustable disc in the control chamber of the pumping chamber is an economical use with low investment costs possible. This is especially visible when changing tasks require different sized flow rates that can not be covered with a pump head type. With different flow rates, only the pump head needs to be replaced while the control part remains unchanged. The replacement of the pump head is done by simply disconnecting the pneumatic control lines.

The control for conveying with the diaphragm pump is preferably carried out so that a delivery stroke consists of at least four individual successive control steps and each control step is separated with an intermediate or associated constant or variable timer for subsequent control step and the conveyor or Metering power of the pump can be varied by changing at least one timer.

The timers interwoven between the control steps ensure that the pneumatically triggered substeps of the pumping stroke are carried out accurately and completely and that the individual steps are reproducible. The synchronous modification of all timing elements for regulating the delivery rate ensures a simple, user-friendly handling of the pump.

The timing elements T belonging to the control are preferably 0.001 seconds to 100 seconds, preferably the range is between 0.03 seconds to 30 seconds, and more preferably the timer is 0.03 seconds to 10 seconds.

The timers ensure that the fast electronic control signals (signal transit time) do not prematurely discontinue the slower pneumatic operations to deflect the diaphragms and thereby the hydraulic displacement operations on the product contacted side of the diaphragm. In particular, when viscous substances are promoted with a viscosity of 0.1 mPas to 5000 mPas, the fluid dynamic processes take more time than the electronically triggered signals of the controller.

The dosing cycle preferably consists of at least four control steps and has at least two different timers, of which only one timer is variable and is used to regulate the pumping cycle. To optimize the timing of the pumping cycle of a diaphragm pump according to the invention, the pneumatic opening and closing operations of the diaphragms in the shut-off chamber can be provided with a non-adjustable smaller timer and a variable timer can be used for the open / close circuit of the central larger pumping chamber.

Different timers are particularly advantageous if the volume of Absperrkammem is smaller than the volume of the pumping chamber.

In particular, starting from the electro-pneumatic control and the changing pneumatic states in the control lines and spaces of the diaphragm pump, between negative pressure (vacuum) or a non-pressurized state for the opening operation and increased pressure for the closing of the chambers, it is advantageous with different Zeitgliedem to work and thus increase the performance of the pump.

Each timer is in a particularly preferred mode of operation greater than the required switching time of the associated electro-pneumatic multi-way valves in the control unit.

In a particular embodiment of the controller, the associated timer for the diaphragms of the shut-off chambers is 0.01 to 0.15 seconds and preferably 0.01 to 0.075 seconds, and more preferably 0.01 to 0.05 seconds.

At the electronic and the electro-pneumatic control unit preferably at least two diaphragm pumps are connected in parallel.

An electro-pneumatic control unit can control a number of diaphragm pumps in parallel, so that the pumps, with optionally different large pumping chambers, can simultaneously dose different substances in different amounts at the same time.

The thickness of the elastic membrane is preferably greater than 0, 1 mm and less than 5 mm and the height of the pumping and shut-off chamber in the region of the vertex of the chamber (largest dimension above the membrane) is less than 10 times the membrane thickness, preferably less than 5 times the membrane thickness used.

The concave depressions in the plates may have different geometric shapes, e.g. that of a cylinder, a sphere section or a truncated cone.

A variant of the diaphragm pump or of the pump head preferably consists of a pneumatically controlled pumping chamber combined with two solenoid-operated valves as shut-off chambers. The membranes used in the membrane pump or in the pump head are preferably designed to be larger in diameter than the diameter formed by the chambers in the parting plane of the plates, and more preferably the membrane diameter is at least 20% larger.

In a further alternative preferred embodiment, metallic membranes are used as pumping membrane and inserted or inextricably connected by welding with one of the plates, in particular an outer plate.

In a further particular embodiment, a pulsation damper is mounted downstream of the pressure-side shut-off chamber, in particular in the region of the outlet channel of the diaphragm pump or of the pump head.

In a further particular embodiment, the diaphragm pump or the pump head is equipped with an integrated spring-loaded overflow valve in order to produce an internal product circuit in the pump head. If the connected control pressure is greater than the desired pump pressure, an integrated expansion possibility is created from the pump pressure side to the pump suction side.

In a further particularly preferred embodiment, at least two pump units consisting of two pump chambers with associated four shut-off chambers for forming a pump set are arranged next to one another in the three rigid plates.

The invention also relates to a pump set consisting of two or more membrane or double diaphragm pumps, wherein the diaphragm pumps according to the invention have a common control unit.

Preferred is a pump set in which the pump heads have at least one common continuous plates which are detachably connected to each other.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a diaphragm pump, which is used as a controllable multi-channel diaphragm valve consisting of three plates, characterized in that a distribution chamber having an inlet channel via a connecting channel has a single upstream controllable valve and at least one shut-off chamber having a Outlet channel has, is connected and the chambers have the same size recesses and are separately controllable, so that for the passage of a substance at least two chambers and the upstream valve must be opened simultaneously in the desired flow direction, and timed all chambers of a decentralized electro-pneumatic control unit be operated. If the distribution is carried out sequentially over a plurality of outlet channels, an enlarged pump or an additional pump is available. Distribution chamber, so that the amount of liquid to be distributed is pumped with each pumping strokes.

In particular, for the uniform distribution of liquids and gases to a variety of consumers, the diaphragm pump according to the invention is suitable as a multi-channel diaphragm valve, as it has a compact design, smallest dead spaces and due to the small control rooms low switching times to order from the OPEN position in the ZU- To get a position.

The membrane pump according to the invention can be used as a multi-channel distribution valve or the multi-channel Verteilileφumpe to pass more than two different liquids sequentially to a variety of delivery points. In this case, for example, at least two shut-off chambers are connected to different fluid supplies, so that distribution via the central distributor chamber (pumping chamber) to a large number, at least more than two shut-off chambers with associated outlet channels is possible. In this case, three chambers are opened for the sequential fluid passage. In the stationary state, at least two chambers of the multichannel distributor valve are closed (FIG. 6a). The fluid distribution can be done by means of the pump control or alternatively with a timed distribution.

If the diaphragm pump according to the invention is used as a multi-channel distributor valve for the distribution of at least two different fluids to a plurality of consumers, it is also possible to speak of transmitting and emitting shut-off chambers.

This ensures that in the dormant state between several separate transmission channels and several separate receiver channels mindesetns a safety barrier is present.

The membrane pump or in the case of use of the diaphragm pump as a multi-channel distribution valve or multi-channel valve, the operation of the membranes in the OPEN or CLOSED position pneumatically, electrically or with a hydraulic fluid.

With the diaphragm pump according to the invention with controllable suction and pressure valve or suction-side and pressure-side shut-off chamber very small volume flows of, for example, lμl / stroke but also volume flows up to the ml range per stroke can be reproducibly promoted depending on the execution size. Particularly advantageous is the separate structure between the actual pump unit or pump head and the decentralized electrical or electro-pneumatic control unit. As a result, the space required for a continuously operating conveyor or metering device in a miniaturized test facility for screening work is very low. This pump principle works without mechanical gear and the required components of the pump head have no dynamic function, except for the deflection the membrane in the area of the shut-off and pumping chamber. Thus, even for a miniaturized design of the pump components no precision manufacturing is necessary. Mechanical disturbance influences are not present due to the lack of mechanically moving parts and the production costs are considerably minimized for this reproducible working diaphragm pump head. The pump needs only a power and a compressed air supply to work; These are present in every laboratory, for example.

Particularly advantageous is the use of the diaphragm pump for the dosing of very small quantities of liquid substance whose volume per pump stroke is significantly below the specific droplet size. Due to the rapid application of the pneumatic conveying energy to the control side of the delivery membrane of the pumping chamber or the Absperrkammermembranen the sucked product volume in the pumping chamber from the product spaces of the chambers and the AuslasskanaT is thrown out and there is no so-called collecting drops at the discharge point of the pump. As a result, a dosage of small amounts of liquid in a reaction mixture is not delayed in time and a synthesis process is started synchronously with the dosage.

The metering of small amounts of substance against pressure is very easy to carry out, since the membranes of the Absperrkammem and the pumping chamber are elastic and close the incoming and outgoing product channels in the closed position of the chambers gas-tight, so that no substance on the gas phase of a connected pressure vessel Outlet side of the pump head is pushed back to the inlet side of the pump and the suction at normal pressure is not interrupted. In addition, an exact dosing of small amounts of liquid in an evacuated process plant is possible.

Another advantage over the prior art is that due to the small dead space and the dense shut-off and pumping chamber a sensitive product to be dosed without a large residence time and backmixing is supplied to the destination.

In particular, in comparison to the microstructure technology offer advantages. Due to the large channel dimensions in relation to the dosing volume, the pump is less susceptible to contamination. A contamination caused by product contamination, which is manifested by an increasing dosing error, or can lead to failure of the pump, is greatly reduced due to the large product channels. Product contaminants may be flushed through the relatively large product channels during dosing.

The extremely low dead space volume ensures good intake behavior and rapid reproducible dosing, especially in applications involving new pharmaceutical substances. which are only available in small quantities in the early development stage. There are further advantages in applications in medical technology and in diagnostics.

Adjusting small liquid flows is particularly easy. It is possible by means of the adjustable disc to change the stroke volume roughly and additionally make an extreme fine adjustment on the time axis with an intermediate timer in the controller. As a result, volume flows can be changed very easily without counter-checking.

The lamellar structure of the diaphragm pump with integrated controllable valves can be designed as a double or multi-diaphragm pump to substantially equalize the occurring due to the pumping principle pulsating metering.

Further variants for stationary or mobile use of the diaphragm pump according to the invention are possible if the pump diaphragm and the controllable valves are actuated directly electrically (supply voltage, for example, 6 or 12 volts). The electrical supply of the controller then takes place in mobile applications directly via a battery or a fuel cell, so that over a long time the control unit remains functional. The power supply for operating the diaphragm pump according to the invention opens up the use in medical technology by z .B. to allow a constant drug delivery and the recipient is still mobile.

Another mobile use of the diaphragm pump according to the invention with pneumatically operated working diaphragm for the promotion of liquid substances is carried out with a portable two-chamber compressed air reservoir, which may be made of plastic, for reasons of weight. The diaphragm pump according to the invention, whose pump and Ventilkammem have a small control chamber volume can be supplied via the one chamber of the compressed air storage for a long time with compressed air, so that the second chamber of the compressed air reservoir for the storage of a. can be used to be applied liquid substance. The inventive diaphragm pump lends itself to mobile applications, for example in the application of pesticides in difficult terrain.

For the user, further operational advantages result from the fact that the wetted wear parts can be replaced easily and inexpensively.

The invention will be explained in more detail by way of example with reference to the figures. Fig. 1 shows the schematic structure of a lamellar constructed pneumatic

Diaphragm pump with associated electro-pneumatic control unit and programmable electronic control and connecting lines.

2 shows a sectional view of a pump head with variable from the outside

Wall in the control room of the pumping chamber.

2a, 2b, 2c show different execution contours of the variable control chamber wall (movable disc)

Fig. 3 shows a chambered pump diaphragm.

Fig. 3a is a sectional view, wherein the middle plate has two pumping chambers and associated Absperrkammem and the outer plates are equipped with a variable control chamber wall.

Fig. 3b shows a schematic pump head with inclined channels.

Fig. 4, 4a shows the middle plate of a diaphragm pump head with a plurality of Absperrkammem and a plurality of inlet and outlet ports.

Fig. 4b shows schematically a diaphragm pump head with a central pumping chamber and a plurality of shut-off chambers and associated inlet and outlet channels.

Fig. 5 is a multi-way diaphragm distribution valve shown in a sectional view.

Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a multi-way distribution valve.

6a schematically shows a multi-component distributor valve.

Fig. 7 is an integrated sampling system shown with two diaphragm pumps.

Fig. 8 shows schematically the two-dimensional surface of a spherical section with different membrane deformation states. Examples

example 1

1 shows a diaphragm pump with pump head (200) in cross section with associated control (100) and housing and pneumatic distributor (115). In the pump head of FIG. 1, a movable disc (1001) has been used with one side attached rod to allow the outside of the manual axial adjustment of the disc. The housing contains electronic components and a freely programmable electrical control. A power supply, not shown, is used to supply power to the electronic components. The housing has a display (101), an on / off switch (102) and a plurality of function keys (103 to 109) with which required parameters for the pumping sequence or for the pumping process can be entered, optically tracked and stored. The electronic control (100) allows different operating variants, so that with the button (103) on continuous operation and with a button (104) can be switched to discontinuous operation of the pump. In particular, the discontinuous operation of the pump can be adjusted by a preselectable number of pump strokes and stored with buttons (105) in the controller. With the button (106) is a reduction of the set parameters, the button (107) is provided for increasing the variable parameters, which can then also be stored with the button (105) as the newly selected operating parameters of the diaphragm pump in the controller. In continuous driving mode, the time constants can be changed with buttons (106, 107). The button (108) allows the choice between internal and external control, for example from an external process control system. The pumphead (200) will start to operate when the button (109) is pressed, and if the button (109) is pressed again, the operation will be stopped again. The electronics with the programmable controller sends digital signals to the electro-pneumatic, multi-way valves (11 1, 112, 113, 114) at the start of dosing via electrical connection cables (110), which are then brought to their defined feed or delivery (Table 1) switch. The electro-pneumatic multi-way valves (111 to 114) are mounted on a pneumatic manifold block (1 15). The distribution block has two supply channels (116, 1 17). The supply channel (1 16) is directly connected to the compressed air supply and the distribution channel (117) is connected by a line to the vacuum supply. The vacuum is generated by the bypass generator (118), an injector, which is constantly supplied with compressed air by the valve (1 14) when the electrical control is activated. In a compact design, the manifold (115) with the electro-pneumatic multi-way valves and the vacuum generator (1 18) directly in the housing of the controller (100), so that the compressed air supply to the supply channel (1 16) via a hose coupling (116 ') and the pump head via the hose couplings (119 ', 120', 121 ') are connected. The freely programmable electronic components, diodes for the optical function display, electrical power supply and an electrical circuit board are not shown in Fig. 1.

The freely programmable control of the pneumatically operated diaphragm pump with pump head (200) switches the electro-pneumatic multi-way valves (111 to 114) and directs the pressure in the manifold (115) pending pneumatic pressure in the channel (116) (pressure channel) or the vacuum in the distribution channel (117) (Vacuum channel) through the control lines (capillaries or hoses) (1 19, 120, 121) on the pneumatic control chambers (pneumatic chambers) (220, 221, 222) in the pump head (200).

The valve (111) is connected to the suction valve (lower shut-off chamber (210) of the pump head (200) through the control line (1 19).) The other valve (1 12) (upper shut-off chamber (212)) and valve (1) are the same. 113) with the pumping chamber (211) of the pump head

(200) connected. The valve (114) constantly supplies the vacuum generator with compressed air and is switched immediately as soon as the electronics are supplied with electrical voltage.

The diaphragm pump head (200) consists of the three partial plates (201, 203, 205) and has inserted elastic membranes (202, 204) which are pneumatically deformable in the region of the pumping chamber (21 1) and shut-off chambers (210, 212). The membranes (202, 204) are slightly smaller than the plates (201, 203, 205) to ensure a good seal with the atmosphere. In the plate (203,) depressions are recessed, which form the pump or Absperrkammem (210, 211, 212), wherein the respective compensating volume of the Absperrkammem (210, 212) in the plate

(201) is introduced. The pumping chamber (211) is incorporated with a small balance volume fraction in the plate (205) and with the larger pump volume fraction in the middle plate (203).

With the shut-off chamber (210) is e.g. named the controllable intake valve of the pump head. Analogously, the pumping chamber (21 1), the delivery chamber and the shut-off chamber (212) is the controllable pressure valve of the pump head.

The diaphragms (202, 204) divide the pump and shut-off chambers into control spaces (220, 221, 222) and product spaces (230, 231, 232).

The pumping or Absperrkammem (210, 211, 212) have the form of spherical sections on one half and cylinders on the opposite disc. The middle plate (203) has an intake passage (207) and an exhaust passage (206). Both channels (206, 207) are each extended with a welded capillary. The channels (209, 208) connect the product spaces (230, 231, 232) of the chambers (210, 21 1, 212) with each other. The pumping chamber (211) has a groove (213) as a connecting element from the deepest geometric point of the depression in the plate to the outlet opening or to the connecting channel (209). It is also clarified that between the inlet channel (208) and the beginning of the outlet channel (209) with the connecting groove (213) is still a sufficiently large distance to allow a tight closure of the openings in the product space of the pumping chamber through the membrane (204).

The pump head (200) is shown here in control step 4 (see Table 1). In the area of the shut-off chamber (210) (controllable intake valve), the diaphragm (202) on the control chamber side (220) is pressurized, so that the membrane (202) the suction passage (207) at the inlet (240) (Fig. 2) and the connecting channel (208) at the outlet (241) (Fig.2) blocked. In the region of the pumping chamber (211) (delivery chamber), the associated control chamber (221) is subjected to a vacuum, so that the actively active diaphragm region abuts against the disc (1001) and opens the supply and discharge connecting duct (208, 209). The shut-off chamber (212) is also supplied with a vacuum on the control side so that the connecting channel (209) and the outlet channel (206) are open in order to displace the liquid volume from the pumping chamber in the following control step 5 (see Table 1). It can be seen that the respective membrane movement extends over the entire height of the depression. In Fig. 1 required screws for the contraction of the releasable plates and simultaneous Veφressen the inserted membranes are not shown.

The order of the programmable control steps and the position of the valves (111 to 114) are shown in Table 1 below. It means as digital signal "1" compressed air pending (result: membrane is pressed against the plate (203) and closes) and the signal "0" vacuum pending (diaphragm is raised in the control room and opens). As soon as the electronic control unit is supplied with electrical voltage and is switched on with the button (102), the programmed control switches the valves (111 to 114) into a defined start or home position. The control of a complete pump stroke consists here, for example, of five individual steps. If the pumping process is interrupted or terminated, the controller jumps to the start or home position. Table 1

In the control sequence, a variable timer is programmed for each control step 1-5 and assigned (not shown in Table 1), so that the individual consecutive control steps are not mutually influenced and executed completely. The switching times of the electro-pneumatic valves are larger and thus much slower than the time required to send the digital signals. , By the intermediary timers the pumping function according to the control cycle 1-5 (see Table 1) is reproducible and complete.

Example 2

In Fig. 2, a pump head (200) consisting of the plates (201, 203, 205) is shown in a sectional view. Evident are the clamped in the parting planes of the plates elastic membranes (202, 204), and the Absperrkammem and the pumping chamber with the associated recesses in the middle and the outer plates. The outer plate (205) is made thicker, so that the control chamber (221) is enlarged beyond the associated compensation volume. The control chamber is also extended by a smaller cylindrical recess (1000) and a threaded hole that is led to the outside. In the enlarged control chamber, the stepped disc (1001) is installed with a cylinder on one side, in which a remote threaded rod (1002) guided through the outer plate is fastened, so that the outer knurled nut (1003) fastened on the threaded rod (1002) is already rotated slightly ), the disc (1001) moves axially in the control chamber or moves. The threaded rod is offset and releasably secured by two pins (1004) with the receiving cylinder of the disc. On the one-sided cylinder of the disc located in the control chamber, a seal (1005) is positioned to to seal the control chamber, which is pressurized with pneumatic pressure, to the outside. The disc (1001) is provided with a plurality of bores (1007) and a concentrically raised ring (1008) to promote pressurization of the entire control space and to prevent closure of the bore (1006) upon full recovery of the disc. The compressed air supply or the application of negative pressure via the laterally offset bore (1006). In FIG. 2, the adjustable disk has the contour of a spherical section and is thus adapted to the contour of the process-side recess.

If the threaded rod is provided, for example, with a fine thread, then the disc (1001) can be axially displaced even with a slight manual rotation of the knurled nut (1003), thereby changing the membrane path which at the same time determines the volume of fluid to be delivered.

FIGS. 2 a and 2 b show further embodiment variants, in particular different contours of the movable disk. The membrane-side contour of the disc (1001 ') in Fig. 2a is flat, while the contour of the disc (1001 ") shows a blunt cone in Fig. 2b Threaded rod is to be manufactured in order to reduce the number of components, costs and assembly work as possible.

Fig. 2c shows another embodiment of the movable disc (1001 '' ') with the disc contour adapted to the pumping chamber The disc is bored on one side so that the control line can be connected directly to the disc and the power connector (1006) in the plate (205) deleted.

Example 3

FIG. 3 shows, by way of example, the chambering of a pumping membrane (204) in a sectional representation. In the upper part of the figure, the chambered chamber (204) is not in the working state, while in the lower part of the figure, the control chamber (221) of the membrane (204 ') is pressurized and it comes to the deflection of the membrane. It can also be seen that the membrane between the plates (203, 205) is clamped and in the plate (203) parts of the connecting channels (208, 209) are present. The pumping membrane is clamped in the outer region between the plates, while in the center of the membrane is open, so that on both sides chamber elements (1100, 1 101) can be attached. The chamber members have towards the elastic membrane a raised rounded concentric outer ring (1102, 1103), so that during the screwing together of the chamber elements, the enclosed membrane surface is no longer subjected to force. It is advantageous if the contour of the process-side chamber element (1 104) of the recessed contour is adapted so that the dead space volume of the pumping chamber does not increase significantly. If the product-side chamber element is provided or coated with an elastic film (1105), then the connection channels can be sealed in the loaded membrane state. It can be seen in FIG. 3 that, given an occurring plastic deformation of an elastomer, the degree of deformation due to the small deflection, which is to be regarded as a function of the membrane diameter, is negligible. Through the chamber elements, it is also possible to use membrane materials that would be less suitable due to the high permanent deformation.

In Fig. 3b, a diaphragm pump, consisting of three plates (201, 203, 205) is shown schematically, wherein in particular it can be seen that connecting channels (208, 209) and portions of the supply and outlet channel (207, 206) at an angle α stand, so that at fast changing flow conditions no large pressure losses occur.

Example 4

In Fig. 3a, a double diaphragm pump with controllable valves is shown, which consists of three plates and all pumping and Absperrkammem have been introduced in the middle plate. It can be seen that the inlet channel (300) is T-shaped and connects the left and right suction-side shut-off chambers (301, 301 '), so that both shut-off chambers have a common inlet channel. From each shut-off chamber extends an angled connecting channel (302, 302 ') to the pumping chamber (303, 303'). Almost mirror-inverted to the inflow area, the downstream outflow area of the double diaphragm pump is designed. The connecting channels (304, 304 ') connect the pumping chambers (303, 303') to the discharge chambers (305, 305 ') on the outlet side and the shutoff chambers of the outlet side are connected to a common outlet channel (306). In this example, a double-diaphragm pump is described, with a split internal passageway. The double diaphragm pump is equipped in this example with movable discs (1001) for a possible partial lift operation. In Figure 3a, no releasable connection elements of the plates are shown, the pump head is in no working condition. The flow direction of the double diaphragm pump is indicated by arrows.

Example 5

In Fig. 4, 4a, the front views of a central plate (plate 400) are shown in which four Absperrkammem (1200, 1201, 1202, 1203) of a diaphragm chamber (1205) are assigned. The chambers are formed by depressions with the shape of a spherical segment (calotte). each Absperrkammem has a connecting channel (1206) to the central pumping chamber (1205), in addition, two Absperrkammem each with a separate inlet channel (1207, 1208) and two Absperrkammem with a separate outlet channel (1209, 1210) are provided. In this embodiment, two different substances may be delivered sequentially or alternately with a pump head. In an application for pharmaceutical purposes, the second inlet channel could also be used to pump a cleaning fluid and initiate a flushing process. An alternative use of the second inlet channel is when a vapor connection is realized and thereby at any time a sterilization process could be initiated. For example, the inlet channel (1207) may be connected to a supply line for a substance to be metered. The substance passes into the pumping chamber (1205) during the suction process to then be pushed through the blocking chamber (1202) into the outlet channel (1209). A sterilization process requires a vapor port at the inlet port (1208). The steam could pass through the shut-off chamber (1201) into the pumping chamber (1205) to then pass through a connecting channel to the shut-off chamber (1203) and to the outlet channel (1210). In the field of pharmacy Dosierbzw. Pumping operations and sterilization steps sequentially, so that due to a separate controllability of pumping chamber and Absperrkammem the automation effort is low. In Fig. 4, an angled collecting groove (1215) is shown in the pumping chamber (1205) and bores (1216) for receiving Zugankem or releasable fasteners, with which all three plates can be attached. Fig. 4 shows visibly the pumping chamber, connecting channels (eg 1206) and a groove (1215) for better product discharge from the pumping chamber. Fig. 4a visibly shows the shut-off chambers with inlet and outlet openings.

FIG. 4b schematically shows, for example, a chamber interconnection, wherein a pump chamber (1205) and six shut-off chambers (eg 1200), which are shown in the figure as a circle, and with associated inlet channels (1207, 1208, 1213) and outlet channels (1209, FIG. 1210, 1214) are linked. Due to the separate control of each individual chamber, a plurality of different fluid streams can be connected sequentially or alternately via a common pumping chamber (1205) to all available outlet channels.

It can be seen from FIGS. 4, 4a, 4b that a pumping chamber with more than three shut-off chambers and the corresponding inlet and outlet channels can be used for an automated sampling system. Thus, for example, from a reactor or a product-carrying pipeline via the inlet channel (1207) with shut-off chamber of the pumping chamber (1205) and the outlet channel (1209) a pumped circulation in the bypass can be generated. If a sample of the substance from the reactor is desired at a certain point in time, for example, the outlet channel (1209) and the outlet channel (1210) close, so that a sufficiently large substance amount can be removed as a sample via the pumping chamber (1205). After sampling, the pumping chamber is cleaned via the inlet channel (1208) with an inert rinsing agent, whereby the cleaning liquid can be drained off separately via the outlet channel (1214). The inlet channel (1213) is provided by way of example for a final sterilization procedure after completion of the reaction.

Example 6

In Fig. 5, a diaphragm pump is shown as a multi-way distribution valve, consisting of three plates in analogy to the pump structure. Furthermore, it can be seen that elastic membranes (1303, 1304) are clamped between the plates (1300, 1301, 1302) and thereby divide introduced depressions in the middle plate into a product and a control space. In this illustration, the control chambers of the chambers are not expanded, so that the membranes in the separation area on the outer plates are tight. Through the outer plates (1300, 1302) pneumatic connection connections (1305, 1306, 1307) are indicated by double arrows. The distribution valve is shown in the open state, so that, for example, the elastic membranes deflected by an applied pneumatic pressure and thereby close the connection channels. If the pneumatic pressure relaxes, the connection channels in the product chamber are opened so that a fluid can flow through. Shown in Figure 5 is a multi-way manifold valve having a central inlet channel (1308) in the outer plate (1300), followed by a connecting channel (1309) to the manifold space (1310). The distribution space has two connection channels (1311, 1312) to smaller shut-off chambers (1313, 1314), which in turn have outlet channels (1315, 1316) for fluid discharge. It can be seen that, for example, a connected electro-pneumatic control unit has to control at least two chambers in order to release a switching path for the passage of a substance. In this example, the multi-way diverter valve may selectively direct a supply of material to the left exhaust passage (1315) or the right exhaust passage (1316). For cleaning purposes, both outlet channels can be opened simultaneously, so that a parallel distribution is possible. The electro-pneumatic control unit does not need a vacuum generator because fluid supplies usually have an outlet pressure.

In the parting plane of the plates (1301, 1302), the connecting channels are incorporated on one side into the surface of the plate (1301), so that at the same time all connecting channels are sealed with each other and to the outside through the inserted large-area membrane. Therefore Mehrwege- distribution valve in the parting planes of the plates are preferably provided with full-surface elastic films to simplify installation easier and in the event of cleaning operations. Due to the central feed of a substance to be distributed, is in the elastic film (1303) provided a circular opening, so that the inlet channel (1308) and connecting channel (1309) have a flow-through connection.

Distribution and shut-off chamber are pneumatically with e.g. Compressed air or hydraulically controllable with liquid. However, electromagnetic drives can also be used. The plates of the multi-way distribution valve are detachably connected to each other.

In Fig. 6, the middle plate of a multi-way distribution valve is shown schematically. Evident is a central fabric inlet channel (1308 ') with a distribution chamber (1310 ^' ) and a plurality of connecting channels (1312 ') with associated Absperrkammem (1314') and subsequent outlet channels (1316 '). For example, with this embodiment, a fluid may be passed sequentially or in parallel to a plurality of consumers, with two chambers always having to be switched to an open state.

If the central inlet channel (1308 ') is closed, as shown in FIG. 6a, and for example two outlet channels (1400, 1401) converted into inlet channels and connected to different material suppliers, then it is possible to connect these two substances in series to each connected outlet channel to pump.

Example 7

FIG. 7 shows by way of example a pump connection for sampling and preparation. Two diaphragm pumps (700, 700 ') according to FIG. 4 were combined with a mixing chamber (701), so that all functional parts are incorporated in three, but enlarged, pump plates. The diaphragm pumps have a pumping chamber (702, 702 ') and each pumping chamber has four associated shut-off chambers (703, 704, 705, 706 and 703', 704 ', 705', 706 '). The Absperrkammem each inlet channels and outlet channels (in the figure marked with flow arrows) are assigned. For an automated sampling with subsequent processing and removal to a connected analyzer all components are shown in FIG. It was dispensed with the representation of the control unit for separate control of the chambers.

It can be seen from FIG. 7 that a substance sample can be sucked in if inlet channel (707) and outlet channel (708) are connected to a reactor. Through inlet channel (707), suction valve (704), pumping chamber (702), pressure valve (705) and outlet channel (708), a constant amount of substance can be pumped out of the reaction vessel. At a desired time, for example, the controller switches so that pressure valve (705) closes and valve (706) opens and a defined amount of substance is transferred through the outlet channel of the valve (706) into the mixing chamber (701) with the known pumping chamber volume. Once the sample is transferred, the pump starts (700 ') to also produce a pumped circulation to the mixing chamber. In this case, the inlet channel of the valve (704 ') and the outlet channel of the valve (705') is connected to the mixing chamber. The pump (700) can now, parallel to the put into operation Umumpumpkreislauf the mixing chamber, via inlet channel (709) and valve (703) with simultaneously closed valve (704) promote an additional diluent in the mixing chamber, which is mixed with the substance sample there. After the mixing process by pump (700 '), the diluted substance sample is conveyed to a possible analyzer. The valve (705 ') closes and the valve (706') opens. Due to the sum of all feeding pumping strokes to the mixing chamber, the treated sample can be discharged via outlet channel (710) with the same number of strokes and, if necessary, conveyed for analysis. Furthermore, the inlet channel (709) is extended to the valve (703 '), so that also the second pump can be flushed after the sample transport with diluent, when corresponding valves are switched.

Example 8

FIG. 8 schematically shows two plates 800, 801 with a clamped elastic membrane 802. In the plate 800, the product-side pumping chamber 800 'and in the plate 801, the control chamber 801' of the pumping chamber is indicated. According to the invention, the diaphragm movement or diaphragm deformation always takes place between the limiting wall of the control chamber and the limiting wall of the pumping chamber, so that the maximum movement of the diaphragm is predetermined by the contours of the chambers.

Furthermore, it can be seen that in the first load case, the clamped in the plates and pneumatically actuated membrane (chord length 807) can deform up to the chamber height 804 and thereby assumes the arc length 803.

In the second load case, the expansion of the membrane takes place up to the chamber height 806 with the arc length 805, so that the membrane is significantly more deformed relative to the chord length than in the first load case. Larger membrane deformations cause a plastic wrinkling, so that the individual delivery stroke and thus the important displacement volume reduced by forming wrinkles. Furthermore, the wrinkling of the membrane prevents the tight closing of the feeding and discharging channels in the pump and shut-off chambers.

This finding leads to the fact that the geometry of the pumping and Absperrkammem and the associated membrane elongation have an influence on the dosing accuracy. With optimally dimensioned pumping chamber (second load case) in the surface shape of a circle section With a diameter of about 255 mm and a height of the chamber of about 1.5 mm, there is no permanent membrane deformation. The calculated chord length and the associated arc length is approx. 39 mm. It follows that in this example no permanent deformation of the membrane occurs.

In practice, the dosing head is adjusted with a movable disc (1001) in the basic position so that the membrane is not deformed. During the pumping process, the membrane path in the predetermined geometry space of the pumping chamber can then be reduced by adjusting the movable disk (1001). The design with regard to membrane deformation relates primarily to the product-side chamber contour.

Claims

claims

A multi-part pump head, comprising at least three rigid plates (201, 203, 205) and at least two elastic membranes (204, 202) arranged between these plates (201, 203, 205), the plates (201, 203, 205) , at least one pumping chamber (211) and at least two shut-off chambers (210, 212), in particular in the geometry of a spherical segment, a spherical zone, a cylinder or truncated cone, each having an inlet (240) and an outlet (241) for the conveyed material form the pumping chamber (211) and Absperrkammem (210, 212) together with an inlet channel (207) the connecting channels (208) and (209) and an outlet channel (206), a passage, wherein the pumping chamber (211) and the Absperrkammem (210, 212) are separated by the membranes (204, 202) into a respective product space (230, 231, 232) and a control space (220, 221, 222) and the control spaces (220, 221, 222) control lines (119, 120, 121) provided with a control unit (100, 115), characterized in that the outer plate (205) is designed to receive the movable disc, whereby the control chamber of the pumping chamber is increased and in this an axially movable disc (1001) with one side attached extended rod (1002) used is, so that the unilaterally attached rod of the movable disk is extended to outside the dosing and can be manually adjusted outside the pump (1003) and thereby the disc located in the control chamber (1001) is moved axially and reduces the maximum diaphragm distance set in the pumping chamber or increased, so that the metered liquid volume per delivery stroke is variable and the pump operates in a Teilhubbetrieb without the dead space in the product space is changed, the area of the movable disc is slightly smaller than the surface of the active active membrane and the center distance of the adjacent inlet u nd the outlet of each pumping and shut-off chamber is two to ten times the largest hydraulic diameter of the respective inlet (240) or outlet opening (241).

2. Diaphragm pump according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a double-diaphragm pump, which consists of three plates and wherein all pumping and Absperrkammem have been introduced in the middle plate.

3. Diaphragm pump according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the middle plate at least three, preferably 4 Absperrkammem (1200, 1201, 1202, 1203) of a diaphragm pumping chamber (1205) are assigned.

4. Diaphragm pump according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the movable disc (1001) with extended rod (1002) with adapted pneumatic, electric, hydraulic or piezo drive for an automated remote adjustment of the partial stroke by rotation or Hubbewegung is provided.

5. Diaphragm pump according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the connecting or partial sections, inlet and outlet channels are inclined.

6. Diaphragm pump according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a plurality of inlet or outlet channels are associated with Absperrkammem a pumping chamber and in at least one outlet channel a mixing chamber for receiving a sample subset is provided, and the mixing chamber a second pumping chamber with a plurality Inlet and outlet channels and Absperrkammem are assigned to pump the intercepted in the mixing chamber sample subset, so that when a separate diluent in the mixing chamber, the sample located there can be diluted or mixed to after mixing the diluted sample by To remove and analyze pumping.

7. Diaphragm pump according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it consists of 3 plates and can be used as a multi-way distribution valve.

8. The use of the diaphragm pump according to one or more of claims 1 to 7 as a conveyor or as a sampling system or in filling and bottling plants.

9. The use of the diaphragm pump according to claim 8 as a multi-way distribution valve, characterized in that this from a central substance inlet channel (1308 ') with a distribution chamber (1310') and a plurality of connecting channels (1312 ') with associated Absperrkammem (1314' ) and following outlet channels (1316 ').

10. Use of a diaphragm pump according to claim 9, characterized in that the chambers have the same size recesses and are separately controllable, so that for the passage of a substance at least two chambers must be opened simultaneously in the desired flow direction, and actuated all chamber of a decentralized control unit become.