Abstract
The invention relates to a device for separating solid materials out of liquids or gases and for discharging solid material. The device comprises a pressurised container and at least one filter element, the at least one filter element being arranged in a flexible container which is arranged in the pressurised container and is sealed tightly relative thereto. The pressurised container comprises at least one outlet for discharging the solid material and the flexible container comprises at least one discharge connection, the discharge connection of the flexible container being guided through the outlet of the pressurised container and sealed tightly relative to the pressurised container. In this case the outlet and the discharge connection of the flexible container can be closed and sealed by means of a closure mechanism relative to the environment outside the flexible container and the pressurised container.
Claims
1. A device for separating solid materials from liquids or gases, comprising a pressure vessel, having at least one inlet nozzle for an inlet connection, at least one filtrate discharge nozzle for a filtrate discharge connection, and a plurality of filter elements, wherein the filter elements are arranged parallel next to one another and are connected to one another to form a filter package, wherein there is a free space between the individual filter elements over a large part of their vertical longitudinal extension, and wherein the filter elements are arranged in a flexible container which is arranged in the pressure vessel and is sealed tightly relative thereto, wherein the pressure vessel comprises at least one outlet for the discharge of solid material and the flexible container comprises at least one discharge connection, wherein each discharge connection of the flexible container is guided through a corresponding outlet of the pressure vessel and is sealed tightly relative to the pressure vessel, wherein the outlet and the discharge connection of the flexible container can be sealed tightly relative to the environment outside the flexible container and the pressure vessel by means of a closure mechanism, wherein the filter elements are designed in such a way that they can be pressed together to empty the flexible container, and wherein a pressure line is attached to the pressure vessel in order to load a pressure vessel zone inside the pressure vessel with compressed air and to compress the filter elements in the flexible container .
2. Devise The device according to claim 1, wherein the closure mechanism is a clamping device.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the closing mechanism is a pinch valve.
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing between the discharge connection of the flexible container and the outlet of the pressure vessel is effected by means of a seal.
5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the seal is an O-ring or a flat seal.
6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the outlet for discharging solid material is at least 15 mm.
7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the diameter of the outlet for discharging solid material is the same as the diameter of the pressure vessel.
8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the filter elements are arranged in a suspended position.
9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the filter elements that are arranged parallel to one another are each of flat design.
10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the filter elements are of round design.
11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible container is removable from the pressure vessel.
12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one outlet for discharging solid material and the discharge connection of the flexible container are arranged in the lower region of the pressure vessel and the flexible container.
13. The device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible container can be compressed by an external pressure.
14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible container has inlet and outlet connections and the inlet and outlet connections are provided with a tube inside the flexible container.
15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the end of the tube on the flexible container is provided with a nozzle.
16. Use of the device according to claim 1 for the filtration of solid materials from liquids or gases and for discharging the solid material from the device.
17. A method for the filtration of solid materials from liquids or gases and for discharging the solid material by means of the device according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: a) applying a pressure difference between the interior of the flexible container and the filtrate discharge, b) filling the flexible container with a suspension or gas, c) applying a negative pressure in the filtrate discharge or an overpressure in the flexible container, d) pressing out the flexible container, e) flushing the solid material with flushing liquids or gases through the inlet connection, f) rinsing the solid material from the filter elements through the filtrate discharge connection for the regeneration of the filter elements for the next cycle, and g) opening the closure mechanism and discharging the solid material through the discharge connection of the flexible container at the outlet of the pressure vessel.
18. The method according to claim 17, wherein steps a) to g) are repeated one or more times.
19. The device according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the outlet for discharging solid material is at least 20 mm.
20. The device according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the outlet for discharging solid material is at least 25 mm.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044] The invention is described in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, wherein:
[0045] FIG. 1 shows the device with a pressure vessel in a longitudinal section,
[0046] FIG. 2 shows the flexible, inner container of the device in an embodiment with flat, hanging filter elements in longitudinal section during the uninstalled and unfilled state,
[0047] FIG. 3 shows the device with the installed flexible container in the pressure vessel in longitudinal section during filling,
[0048] FIG. 4 shows the device with the installed flexible container in the pressure vessel in longitudinal section during filtration,
[0049] FIG. 5 shows the device with the installed flexible container in the pressure vessel during the compression of the flexible container and the residual volume filtration in longitudinal section,
[0050] FIG. 6 shows the device with the installed flexible container in the pressure vessel during backwashing of the filter elements and removal of the solid materials in longitudinal section,
[0051] FIG. 7 shows the device with the installed flexible container in the pressure vessel during the solid materials discharge and regeneration of the filter elements in longitudinal section,
[0052] FIG. 8 shows the device with the installed flexible container in the pressure vessel during the compression of the flexible container and the discharge of solid materials in longitudinal section,
[0053] FIG. 9 shows a section of the device with the closure mechanism in a variant with a sealing clamping device in longitudinal section,
[0054] FIG. 10 shows a section of the device with the closure mechanism in a variant with pressure-operated valve and additional sealing of the discharge outlet on the flexible container in longitudinal section,
[0055] FIG. 11 shows a section of the device with the closure mechanism in a variant with manual valve and additional sealing of the discharge outlet on the flexible container in longitudinal section,
[0056] FIGS. 12A-D show a section of the device with the closure mechanism in various sizes in closed state in longitudinal section,
[0057] FIGS. 13A-D show a section of the device with the closure mechanism in various sizes in open state in longitudinal section,
[0058] FIGS. 14A-B show a section of the device with the closure mechanism with discharge nozzle in the lateral lower part of the pressure vessel in longitudinal section.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0059] In FIG. 1, the reference numeral 1 represents a pressure vessel which can be closed with a lid 1′, forming a pressure vessel zone 2 inside the pressure vessel, which is sealed against the external environment 3. At least one nozzle for a pressure line 4 in the container lid or preferably in the container shell of pressure vessel 1 can be used to apply pressure 4′ to the inner pressure vessel zone 2 or to vent it with a vacuum 4″. In the pressure vessel wall, preferably in the lid 1′, there is at least one inlet nozzle 5′, one outlet nozzle 5″ and one filtrate discharge nozzle 5″' each. A further outlet 6 for discharging solid materials and liquids is preferably located in the lower area of the pressure vessel 1. A sealing mechanism 7 is attached to the discharge outlet 6.
[0060] FIG. 2 shows a flexible container in its uninstalled and unfilled state. A flexible container wall 8 seals off the inner area, zone 9, from the outer environment. One or more filter elements 10 are arranged inside the flexible container 8. Within these filter elements there are filtrate discharge channels which are connected in a collector piece 11. During filtration, the filtrate flows through the filter channels to the collector piece and is discharged through the connected filtrate discharge connection 12. The filtrate discharge connection 12 leads through the flexible container wall 8 and is connected to it in a sealed manner 8′. The flexible container 8 preferably has at least two further connections 13′, 13″ in the upper area, which allow the suspension, a rinsing liquid or gases to enter the inner zone 9 or the suspension, a rinsing liquid or gases to leave the inner zone 9. An extension 14 preferably in the lower part of the flexible container 8 is used for discharging solid materials and the discharge of unfiltered suspension from the inner zone 9. This discharge connection 14 can either be an extension of the flexible container 8 or consist of a flexible tube made of film or elastic material connected to the flexible container wall 8.
[0061] FIGS. 3-8 show the sub-processes of filling, filtration, residual volume filtration and flushing, backwashing and regeneration of the filter surfaces, solid materials discharge and total emptying, as well as the corresponding implementation of the device. These processes can be carried out in any order, especially repeatedly in several cycles.
[0062] FIG. 3 shows the pressure vessel 1 with the installed flexible filtration container during the filling of the flexible filtration container 8 with suspension. The discharge connection 14 of the flexible container 8 is led through the outlet nozzle 6 and seals the inner pressure vessel zone 2 from the outer environment 3. The discharge connection 14 is closed tightly by the closure mechanism 7, which also seals the inner zone of the filtration container from the external environment 3. The two inlet and outlet connections 13′, 13″ of the filtration container 8 are guided through the inlet and outlet nozzles 5′, 5″ of the pressure vessel 1 and are also connected to the pressure vessel wall in a sealing manner. The filtrate discharge connection 12 of the filtration container is guided in a similar sealing manner through the filtrate discharge nozzle 5″′ of the pressure vessel. In this arrangement, the inner zone 9 of the filtration container is filled with suspension through the inlet connection 13′. At the same time the inner zone 9 can be vented through the outlet connection 13″. The suspension consists of a liquid 15 to be filtered with solid materials 16 to be separated. In a broader sense, suspension can also be understood as a gas containing solid materials, wherein the gas to be filtered is represented by the reference numeral 15 and the solid materials to be separated by the numeral 16. During filling, the inner pressure vessel zone 2 is vented through the nozzle 4 and 4″, thus the flexible wall of the filtration container 8 can adapt to the contours of the pressure vessel 1 and is supported by it and limited in its further expansion. In a further development of the invention, the flexible filtration container can be installed in an evacuated form and can be expanded and filled by applying a negative pressure in the nozzle 4 and thus between the pressure vessel wall 1 and flexible container 8 (i.e. the inner pressure vessel zone 2).
[0063] FIG. 4 shows the actual filtration of the device according to the invention. The suspension is filtered by applying a pressure gradient between the inner area 9 of the filtration container and the filtrate side 12. The pressure gradient is created either by creating an overpressure through the inlet connection 13′ into the interior of the container 9 or a negative pressure in the filtrate outlet 12. The filtrate flows through the filter elements 10, is combined in the collector piece 11 and discharged through the filtrate discharge connection 12. The solid matter 16 collects on the filter elements 10. During filtration, the nozzle 13″ can be used to discharge suspension or to vent the inner zone 9.
[0064] The continuing residual volume filtration is shown in FIG. 5. An overpressure is introduced into the inner pressure vessel zone 2 through the nozzles 4 and 4′, which compresses the flexible filtration container 8. By opening the filtrate discharge connection 12, further filtrate can be discharged until the filtration container is completely compacted and there is no more liquid inside the filtration container 9. The external force additionally presses out the individual filter elements 10 and the solid material 16 collected on them. This reduces the volumes between the filter elements 10 and within the filter elements themselves, so that any remaining suspension in these volumes can be better removed. In a further development of the invention, the solid material 16 can now be washed and/or dried with additional rinsing liquids or gases introduced through the connections 13′ or 13″. In a further development of the invention, the suspension can be discharged through the connections 13′ and 13″ while the flexible container 8 is being pressed together.
[0065] FIG. 6 shows the regeneration of the filter elements 10 by rinsing the solid material 16. By backwashing the filter elements against the direction of filtration, the solid material 16 can be detached from the filter elements 10. For this purpose, filtrate, rinsing liquid or a gas is introduced into the inner zone 9 of the flexible container 8 through the filtrate discharge connection 12 and the filter elements 10. The solid matter 16 is blasted off, the filter elements 10 are now free again. In a further development, the filtration cycle can now be continued from the beginning (FIG. 3) or the concentrated solid can be emptied in the next step (FIG. 7). In a further development of the invention, the solid material can additionally be rinsed by introducing liquid or gas through the connections 13′, 13″. In a further development of the invention, backwashing can also be carried out in the filled state without the residual volume filtration (FIG. 5). In this case, the solid material 16 is rinsed by the filter elements 10, thus releasing them for a new filtration.
[0066] FIG. 7 shows the discharge of the dry or concentrated solid material 16 or the remaining suspension. The closure mechanism 7 is opened and the solid material 16 or the residual liquid can escape through the discharge connection 14. In addition, the interior 9 of the filtration container and the filter elements 10 can be flushed by introducing liquid or gases through the connections 12, 13′ or 13″.
[0067] In FIG. 8, the flexible filtration container is pressed out by applying pressure in the inner pressure vessel zone 2. Last residues of solid material 16, suspension or flushing liquid can be discharged through the discharge connection 14. The flexible filtration container is now completely emptied and evacuated and can now be removed from the pressure vessel 1 or used for refilling and subsequent filtration.
[0068] FIGS. 9-11 show different embodiments of the closure mechanism 7 and the sealing of the inner pressure vessel zone 2 from the environment 3. The illustrated approaches are examples and can be carried out in any combination.
[0069] FIG. 9 shows the pressure vessel 1. The flexible container 8 is equipped with an extension 14. In one embodiment, this extension 14 is made of the same material as the flexible container 8, for example flexible plastic multi-layer film. In one wall of the pressure vessel 1 there is a lead-through 6. This is preferably located in the lower area. The flexible container 8 is installed in the pressure vessel 1, wherein the extension 14 is brought through the outlet 6 for discharging the solid materials. Following the discharge outlet 6, there is a closure mechanism 7, preferably a clamping device, preferably a pinch valve, which allows the extension 14 of the filtration container to be closed tightly without coming into direct contact with the solid materials or suspension inside the container. The closure mechanism also seals the inner pressure vessel zone 2 from the environment 3, at least in closed condition, preferably also in open condition.
[0070] FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the discharge mechanism with the closure mechanism. A connecting piece 17′ is sealingly attached to the flexible wall of the flexible container and is inserted into the discharge outlet 6 of the pressure vessel 1 when the flexible container is installed. A seal 18′, shown here as an O-ring, is used to seal the inner pressure vessel zone 2 from the environment 3. The extension 14, consisting of a film tube or a flexible tube material, e.g. silicone, is sealingly connected to the connecting piece 17′ and passes through a subsequent clamping device 7′. As a further example, this is represented by a membrane body, which applies a pressing force to the extension 14 by applying pressure and closes it. Here too, direct contact between the valve and the solid or liquid in the flexible container is prevented, which has advantages for sterile operation.
[0071] FIG. 11 shows another variant with a flat seal 18″ as a seal for the connecting piece 17′ to the pressure vessel 1. The extension 14 of the flexible container 8 is provided with another connection 19′ at its end, which can be connected to a valve 7″, for example to a ball valve.
[0072] FIGS. 12 and 13 show variants of the invention with a closure mechanism 7 in different sizes in closed (FIGS. 12A-D) as well as in open condition (FIGS. 13A-D). In applications with coarse solid materials or solid sludge 16 and especially with very dry solid materials, discharge is difficult, especially if the outlet for discharging the solid materials 6 or the discharge connection 14 has a very small opening. If the discharge diameter is too small, there is a risk that the solid material or solid sludge 16 will flow off unfavourably or not at all or that the discharge connection 14 will become blocked. Therefore, a diameter adapted to the solid material must be selected for the outlet nozzle 6, the closure mechanism 7, as well as for the discharge connection 14 (in open condition).
[0073] FIG. 14A shows a variant of the invention with lateral outlet 6 for discharging solid materials and discharge connection 14. Solid materials 16 are discharged by opening the closure mechanism 7 (FIG. 14B). In addition, the flexible container 8 can be compressed by applying pressure in zone 2 through connection 4, which favours the complete discharge of the solid material or solid sludge 16.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0074] 1 Pressure vessel [0075] 1′ Lid of the pressure vessel [0076] 2 Pressure vessel zone [0077] 3 Environment [0078] 4 Pressure line [0079] 4′ Compressed air supply [0080] 4″ Vacuum supply [0081] 5′ Inlet nozzle [0082] 5″ Outlet nozzle [0083] 5″′ Filtrate discharge nozzle [0084] 6 Outlet for discharging solid materials, discharge outlet, discharge nozzle [0085] 7 Closure mechanism [0086] 7′ Clamping device, pinch valve [0087] 7″ Valve [0088] 8 Flexible container [0089] 8′ Connection of filtrate discharge connection to the flexible container [0090] 9 Inner zone of the flexible container [0091] 10 Filter element [0092] 11 Collection piece [0093] 12 Filtrate discharge connection [0094] 13′ Inlet connection [0095] 13″ Outlet connection [0096] 14 Extension, discharge connection [0097] 15 Liquid or gas, filtrate [0098] 16 Solid material [0099] 17′ Connecting piece [0100] 18′ O-Ring [0101] 18″ Flat seal [0102] 19′ Valve connection
