Mixing system

Abstract

A mixing system has a single-use container (1) with flexible walls and a mixing device. The mixing device has at least one encapsulated drive (5) and a mixer shaft (3). The drive (5) can be disposed of after use together with the mixer shaft (3) and the single-use container (1). The mixing system can be used in biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry for mixing liquids, dissolving solids or cultivating cells and microorganisms.

Claims

1. A mixing system, comprising a single-use container (1) with flexible walls defining an interior (2) and a mixing device, the mixing device having at least one drive (5) and a mixer shaft (3), the drive (5) being encapsulated and embedded in a capsule (6) made of a plastic material so that the drive is surrounded by the plastic material of the capsule (6), the capsule (6) having an opening that opens toward the interior (2) of the container (1), a seal (7) in the capsule (6) in proximity to the opening and surrounding the mixer shaft (3), wherein the drive (5) can be disposed of after use together with the mixer shaft (3) and the single-use container (1).

2. The mixing system of claim 1, wherein the drive (5) is situated in the container interior (2).

3. The mixing system of claim 1, wherein the drive (5) is situated outside of the container interior (2).

4. The mixing system of claim 3, wherein the drive (5) is configured to set the mixer shaft (3) into rotation.

5. The mixing system of claim 3, wherein the drive (5) is confioured to set the mixer shaft (3) into linear up and down motion.

6. The mixing system of claim 4, wherein the drive (5) can be driven by electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic power.

7. The mixing system of claim 1, in which the drive (5) is sterilized.

8. The mixing system of claim 2, wherein the drive (5) is configured to set the mixer shaft (3) into rotation.

9. The mixing system of claim 2, wherein the drive is configured to set the mixer shaft (3) into linear up and down motion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows a schematic overview over a mixing system with a drive for single use, in which the drive is situated outside of the single-use container.

(2) FIG. 2 shows a schematic overview over a mixing system with a drive for single use, in which a rotating drive is situated within the container interior.

(3) FIG. 3 shows a schematic overview over a mixing system with a drive for single use, in which a linear drive is situated within the container interior.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(4) In accordance with FIG. 1, the mixing system consists of a single-use container 1, which has a container interior 2. In the container interior 2 there is a mixer shaft 3 with the mixing elements 4 and 4. The mixer shaft 3 is set into a rotating motion by a drive 5 that is situated outside of the container interior 2. The drive is surrounded by an encapsulation 6 made of plastic. In order to prevent media from the container interior 2 from penetrating said encapsulation, the opening thereof to the container interior 2 is provided with a seal 7 that encompasses the mixer shaft 3. Two bearings are used to accommodate the mixer shaft 3, of which a first bearing 8 is connected to the encapsulation 6 and a second bearing 9 is situated on the base of the single-use container 1.

(5) In accordance with FIG. 2, the mixing system consists of a single-use container 1, which has a container interior 2. In the container interior 2 there is a mixer shaft 3 with the mixing elements 4 and 4. The mixer shaft 3 is set into a rotating motion by a drive 5 that is situated within the container interior 2. The drive is surrounded by an encapsulation 6 made of plastic. In order to prevent media from the container interior 2 from penetrating said encapsulation, the opening thereof to the container interior 2 is provided with a seal 7 that encompasses the mixer shaft 3. Two bearings are used to accommodate the mixer shaft 3, of which a first bearing 8 is connected to the encapsulation 6 and a second bearing 9 is situated on the base of the single-use container.

(6) According to FIG. 3, the mixing system consists of a single-use container 1, which has a container interior 2. In the container interior there is a mixer shaft 3 with a mixing element 4. The mixer shaft 3 is set into a linear up and down motion by a drive 5 that is situated within the container interior. The drive is surrounded by an encapsulation 6 made of plastic. In order to prevent media from the container interior 2 from penetrating said encapsulation, the opening thereof to the container interior 2 is provided with a lip seal 7 that encompasses the mixer shaft 3, or additional flexible bellows made of plastic are formed onto the encapsulation 6, the former confining a section of the mixer shaft below the encapsulation in a sealing fashion (not illustrated).