A MEMBRANE-BASED PISTON PUMP AND A HOMOGENISING APPARATUS COMPRISING THE MEMBRANE-BASED PISTON PUMP

Abstract

A piston pump including a membrane separating a product side from a hydraulic side for a hydraulic fluid, a reciprocating piston operatively active on the hydraulic fluid, and a valve system to establish a selective fluid communication between the hydraulic side and a tank containing the hydraulic fluid. The valve system includes a first valve arrangement that, in a working condition of the piston pump, is configured to discharge the hydraulic fluid having a pressure over a first threshold from the hydraulic side towards the tank and to draw the hydraulic fluid from the tank to the hydraulic side when a pressure in the hydraulic side dropping below a second threshold, and a second valve arrangement that, in at least one non-working condition of the piston pump, is configured to discharge the hydraulic fluid having a pressure over a third threshold from the hydraulic side towards the tank.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a membrane-based piston pump and a homogenising apparatus comprising the membrane-based piston pump. The invention proposed here is used in the food industry, in particular in the dairy sector. The invention can also be used in the chemical, pharmaceutical or cosmetic industry.

Even though in varying, currently known embodiments, a homogenising apparatus comprises a high-pressure pump and a homogenising valve that act on the fluid products containing particles in order to:

• • crush the particles to make their dimensions uniform, reducing the average size and the variance of the distribution in order to stabilise the product and to increase its shelf-life in the case of emulsions;
  • break the cell membranes in order to facilitate the extraction of the active ingredients in the case of pharmaceutical applications;
  • modify the structure of the particles in the case of chemical applications and cellulose.

In this context, the attention is focused on the pumping system.

BACKGROUND ART

The use of membrane (or diaphragm) pumps is known that employ a flexible member—precisely the “membrane” or “diaphragm”- for transmitting the pulsing force to the fluid to homogenise, ensuring the separation of the fluid itself with respect to the (contaminated) outside environment.

For example, document US 2012/0011998 shows a membrane pump in which the flexible member acts as a separator element between a containment chamber of the fluid to homogenise and a hydraulic chamber, containing oil, in which a piston is housed.

In the known solutions, the integrity of the membrane may be challenged during the cleaning of the system with a cleaning fluid at a pressure reaching 50 bar. This can lead to a quick wear and even a break of the membrane.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In this context, the technical task at the basis of the present invention is to propose a membrane-based piston pump and a homogenising apparatus comprising the membrane-based piston pump, which overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

In particular, the object of the present invention is to propose membrane-based piston pump where the integrity of the membrane is preserved also during cleaning or maintenance operation.

Another object of the present invention is to propose a membrane-based piston pump and a homogenising apparatus comprising the membrane-based piston pump that are compact and modular.

The stated technical task and specified objects are substantially achieved by a membrane-based piston pump for use in a homogenising apparatus, comprising:

• • a membrane means separating a product side for a fluid product from a hydraulic side for a hydraulic fluid;
  • a reciprocating piston operatively active on the hydraulic fluid;
  • valve means configured to establish a selective fluid communication between the hydraulic side and a tank containing the hydraulic fluid,

wherein the valve means comprise:

• • a first valve arrangement that, in a working condition of the piston pump, is configured to discharge the hydraulic fluid having a pressure over a first predefined threshold from the hydraulic side towards the tank and to draw the hydraulic fluid from the tank to the hydraulic side in response to a pressure in the hydraulic side dropping below a second predefined threshold;
  • a second valve arrangement that, in at least one non-working condition of the piston pump, is configured to discharge the hydraulic fluid having a pressure over a third predefined threshold from the hydraulic side towards the tank.

According to one aspect of the invention, the non-working condition is a maintenance condition.

According to one aspect of the invention, the non-working condition is a cleaning condition.

According to one aspect of the invention, the first predefined threshold is comprised between 50 bar and 450 bar, and the third predefined threshold is comprised between 5 bar and 50 bar.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first valve arrangement comprises a first overpressure valve and an anti-cavitation valve.

In particular, in the working condition of the piston pump, the first overpressure valve is configurable in:

• • an open position in response to the hydraulic fluid having a pressure over the first predefined threshold so as to discharge the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic side towards the tank;
  • a closed position in response to the hydraulic fluid having a pressure under the first predefined threshold.

In the working condition of the piston pump, the anti-cavitation valve is configurable in:

• • an open position in response to the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic side dropping below the second predefined threshold;
  • a closed position in response to the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic side being over the second predefined threshold.

According to one embodiment, the second valve arrangement comprises a second overpressure valve that, in the non-working condition of the piston pump, is configurable in:

• • an open position in response to the hydraulic fluid having a pressure over the third predefined threshold so as to discharge the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic side towards the tank;
  • a closed position in response to the hydraulic fluid having a pressure under the third predefined threshold.

Preferably, the second valve arrangement comprises a check valve that, in the working condition of the piston pump, is configured to prevent a flow of the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic side towards the tank.

The second overpressure valve is interposed between the tank and the check valve.

According to one embodiment, the membrane-based piston pump further comprises:

• • a membrane body housing the membrane means and a product chamber for the fluid product, the product chamber being obtained in the product side;
  • a pump body housing a hydraulic chamber for the hydraulic fluid, the piston being partially housed in the hydraulic chamber and slidably mounted therein;
  • a pipe interposed between the membrane body and the pump body, the pipe having a first end that emerges in the hydraulic side of membrane body and a second end that emerges in the hydraulic chamber, the valve means being configured to establish a selective fluid communication between the hydraulic chamber and the tank and/or between the pipe and the tank.

According to one embodiment, the membrane-based piston pump further comprises:

• • a single body housing the membrane means, a product chamber for the fluid product obtained in the product side, a hydraulic chamber for the hydraulic fluid obtained in the hydraulic side, the piston being partially housed in the hydraulic chamber and slidably mounted therein.

According to one embodiment, the membrane-based piston pump further comprises a valve body that houses both the first valve arrangement and the second valve arrangement.

According to one embodiment, the membrane-based piston pump further comprises a first valve body housing the first valve arrangement and a second valve body housing the second valve arrangement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will more fully emerge from the non-limiting description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a membrane-based piston pump and a homogenising apparatus comprising the membrane-based piston pump, as depicted in the attached figures:

FIG. 1 illustrates the hydraulic circuit of a membrane-based piston pump, according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a section of the membrane-based piston pump of FIG. 1 and the distribution of its components thereof;

FIG. 3 illustrates a part (valve body) of the membrane-based piston pump;

FIG. 4 illustrates the valve body of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 illustrates a homogenizing apparatus, according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates the membrane-based piston pumps of the homogenizing apparatus of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the figures, number 1 indicates a membrane-based piston pump 1, also shortly referred to as “piston pump” in the following disclosure.

The piston pump 1 comprises a membrane means 2 separating a product side for a fluid product P1 from a hydraulic side for a hydraulic fluid P2 (i.e., oil).

According to an aspect of the invention, the membrane means 2 comprise a single layer.

According to another aspect of the invention, the membrane means 2 comprise two layers mutually spaced in such a way as to define an intermediate chamber comprising a service fluid.

The layers of the membrane means are preferably made by a polymeric material, i.e. PTFE.

The piston pump 1 further comprises a reciprocating piston 3 operatively active on the hydraulic fluid P2.

The piston pump 1 comprises also valve means 4 configured to establish a selective fluid communication between the hydraulic side and a tank 10 containing the hydraulic fluid P2.

The piston pump 1 may be operated in a working condition and at least in a non-working condition, as it will be explained hereafter.

The valve means 4 comprise a first valve arrangement 5, 6 that, in a working condition of the piston pump 1, is configured to discharge the hydraulic fluid P2 having a pressure over a first predefined threshold from the hydraulic side towards the tank 10 and to draw the hydraulic fluid P2 from the tank 10 to the hydraulic side in response to a pressure in the hydraulic side 4 dropping below a second predefined threshold.

According to an aspect of the invention, the first predefined threshold is comprised between 50 bar and 450 bar in order to counter-balance the pressure of the fluid product (to be homogenized) in the product side.

According to one embodiment, the second threshold coincides with the first threshold.

The valve means 4 comprise also a second valve arrangement 7, 8 that, in at least one non-working condition of the piston pump 1, is configured to discharge the hydraulic fluid P2 having a pressure over a third predefined threshold from the hydraulic side 4 towards the tank 10.

According to an aspect of the invention, the third predefined threshold is comprised between 5 bar and 50 bar.

The first valve arrangement 5, 6 comprises a first overpressure valve 5 and an anti-cavitation valve 6.

In the working condition of the piston pump 1, the first overpressure valve is configurable in:

• • an open position in response to the hydraulic fluid P2 having a pressure over the first predefined threshold so as to discharge the hydraulic fluid P2 from the hydraulic side towards the tank 10;
  • a closed position in response to the hydraulic fluid P2 having a pressure under the first predefined threshold.

In the working condition of the piston pump 1, the anti-cavitation valve 6 is configurable in:

• • an open position in response to the hydraulic fluid P2 in the hydraulic side dropping below the second predefined threshold;
  • a closed position in response to the hydraulic fluid P2 in the hydraulic side being over the second predefined threshold. In particular, during the working condition the first overpressure valve 5 and the anti-cavitation valve 6 are controlled in such a way that only one may be open, i.e. they cannot be open both at the same time.

In non-working conditions of the piston pump 1, the first overpressure valve 5 and the anti-cavitation valve 6 are configurable in the closed position due to the pressure in the hydraulic side be lower than the second threshold and lower than the third threshold.

The second valve arrangement 7, 8 comprises a second overpressure valve 7 and a check valve 8.

The second overpressure valve 7 is interposed between the tank 10 and the check valve 8.

In a non-working condition of the piston pump 1, the second overpressure valve 7 is configurable in:

• • an open position in response to the hydraulic fluid P2 having a pressure over the third predefined threshold so as to discharge the hydraulic fluid P2 from the hydraulic side towards the tank 10;
  • a closed position in response to the hydraulic fluid P2 having a pressure under the third predefined threshold.

In the working condition of the piston pump 1, the check valve 8 is configured to prevent a flow of the hydraulic fluid P2 from the hydraulic side towards the tank 10.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 2, the piston pump 1 comprises a membrane body 9 and a pump body 12.

The membrane body 9 houses the membrane means 2 and a product chamber 11 for the fluid product P1. The product chamber 11 is obtained in the product side.

The pump body 12 houses a hydraulic chamber 13 for the hydraulic fluid P2.

The piston 3 is partially housed in the hydraulic chamber 13 and slidably mounted therein.

The membrane body 9 and the pump body 12 are connected by a pipe 14. The pipe 14 has a first end 14a that emerges in the hydraulic side of membrane body 9 and a second end 14b that emerges in the hydraulic chamber 13.

The valve means 4 is configured to establish a selective fluid communication between the hydraulic chamber 13 and the tank 10 and/or between the pipe 14 and the tank 10.

In this embodiment, the membrane body 9 is remotely connected to the pump body 12.

According to another embodiment (not shown), the piston pump 1 comprises a single body housing the membrane means 2, a product chamber 11 for the fluid product P1 obtained in the product side and a hydraulic chamber 13 for the hydraulic fluid P2 obtained in the hydraulic side.

The piston 3 is partially housed in the hydraulic chamber 13 and slidably mounted therein.

The piston pump 1 comprises a further valve 18 configured to allow the selective fluid communication between the tank 10 and the hydraulic chamber 13 before starting the operate the piston pump 1.

This valve 18 can be a check valve or a manually operated valve or a gate valve operated via control means.

According to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the piston pump 1 comprises a valve body 15 that houses both the first valve arrangement 5, 6 and the second valve arrangement 7, 8.

In particular, the first overpressure valve 5 and the anti-cavitation valve 6 are located along a first channel 16 extending from the tank 10 to the hydraulic chamber 13 (or the pipe 14).

The check valve 8 is located along a second channel 17 to establish a communication between the tank 10 and the hydraulic chamber 13 (or the pipe 14). The second channel 17 is distinct (separated) from the first channel 16.

According to another embodiment (not shown), the piston pump 1 comprises a first valve body housing the first valve arrangement 5, 6 and a second valve body housing the second valve arrangement 7, 8. The first valve body and the second valve body are thus distinct bodies that may be mounted close, i.e. packed together.

The functioning of the membrane-based piston pump according to the present invention, is explained below.

The piston pump 1 is in working condition, with the product chamber 11 filled with the product fluid P1 to be homogenized.

During the working condition of the piston pump 1, the first overpressure valve 5 is configurable either in an open position or in a closed position depending on the pressure value of the hydraulic fluid P2 in the hydraulic chamber (or in the pipe 4).

In particular, until the pressure value of the hydraulic fluid P2 remains under the first predefined threshold, the first overpressure valve 5 does not intervene, that means it is maintained in the closed position.

As soon as the pressure value of the hydraulic fluid P2 in the hydraulic chamber 13 (or in the pipe 4) raises over the first predefined threshold, the first overpressure valve 5 passes to the open position so as to establish a fluid communication between the hydraulic chamber 13 (or the pipe 14) and the tank 10, thus allowing the discharge of the hydraulic fluid P2 from the hydraulic chamber 13 (or the pipe 14) towards the tank 10.

In particular, an amount of the hydraulic fluid P2 is discharged from the hydraulic chamber 13 (or from the pipe 14) 4 to the tank 10 by means of the first channel 16, until the pressure value of the hydraulic fluid P2 in the hydraulic chamber 13 (or in the pipe 14) lowers down the first threshold.

During the working condition of the piston pump 1, the anti-cavitation valve 6 is configurable either in an open position or in a closed position, depending on the pressure value of the hydraulic fluid P2 in the hydraulic chamber 13 (or in the pipe 14).

In particular, until the pressure value of the hydraulic fluid P2 in the hydraulic chamber 13 (or in the pipe 14) remains above the second predefined threshold, the anti-cavitation valve 6 does not intervene, that means it is maintained in the closed position.

As soon as the pressure value of the hydraulic fluid P2 in the hydraulic chamber 13 (or in the pipe 14) drops below the second predefined threshold, the anti-cavitation valve 6 passes to the open position so as to establish the fluid communication between the hydraulic chamber 13 (or the pipe 14) and the tank 10, thus allowing to draw more hydraulic fluid P2 from the tank 10 to the hydraulic chamber 13 (or to the pipe 14).

In particular, an amount of the hydraulic fluid P2 is filled in the hydraulic chamber 13 from to the tank 10 by means of the first channel 16, until the pressure value of the hydraulic fluid P2 in the hydraulic chamber 13 (or in the pipe 14) reaches the second threshold. For example, a drop of the pressure valve below the second predefined threshold may occur in case of leakages.

When the piston pump 1 is the working condition, the check valve 8 is closed so that the fluid communication of the hydraulic chamber 13 with the tank 10 along the second channel 17 is interrupted.

Thus, the second overpressure valve 7 does not intervene, that means it is maintained in the closed position.

When the piston pump 1 needs to be cleaned, it is operated in a non-working condition (that is for example a cleaning condition)

The piston pump 1 is in the cleaning condition during a CIP cycle, wherein the product chamber 11 is filled with a cleaning fluid.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the non-working condition is a maintenance condition. When the piston pump 1 is in a non-working condition, the first overpressure valve 5 and the anti-cavitation valve 6 are configured in the closed position.

On the second channel 17, the check valve 8 is open, that means it allows a fluid communication between the hydraulic chamber 13 and the tank 10.

The second overpressure valve 7 is configurable either in an open position or in a closed position depending on the pressure value of the hydraulic fluid P2 in the hydraulic chamber 13 (or in the pipe 14).

In particular, until the pressure value of the hydraulic fluid P2 in the hydraulic chamber 13 (or in the pipe 14) remains under the third predefined threshold, the secondo overpressure valve 7 remains in the closed position.

As soon as the pressure value of the hydraulic fluid P2 in the hydraulic chamber 13 (or in the pipe 14) raises over the third predefined threshold, the second overpressure valve 7 passes to the open position so as to establish a fluid communication between the second hydraulic chamber 13 (or the pipe 14) and the tank 10, thus allowing the discharge of the hydraulic fluid P2 from the hydraulic chamber 13 (or from the pipe 14) towards the tank 10.

In particular, an amount of the hydraulic fluid P2 is discharged from the hydraulic chamber 13 (or from the pipe 14) to the tank 10 by means of the second channel 17, until the pressure value of the hydraulic fluid P2 in the hydraulic chamber 13 (or in the pipe 4) lowers down the third threshold.

In case the non-working condition is a cleaning condition, the second overpressure valve 7 is acted so as to counter-balance the pressure of the cleaning fluid in the product chamber 11 (that is comprised between 15 bar and 50 bar).

In FIG. 5 it is illustrated a homogenising apparatus 100 comprising:

• • a plurality of membrane-based piston pumps 1 (as described above);
  • a homogenising valve arranged downstream of the membrane-based piston pumps;
  • actuation means configured to reciprocate the pistons 3 of the membrane-based piston pumps 1.

As can be seen from FIG. 6, the plurality of membrane-based piston pumps 1 are arranged one beside the others, with the corresponding pipes 14 forming a bundle.

The characteristics and the advantages of a membrane-based piston pump and a homogenising apparatus comprising the membrane-based piston pump, according to the present invention, are clear, as are the advantages.

Thanks to the presence of the second valve arrangement that allows to discharge the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic side in order to counter-balance the pressure of the cleaning fluid in the product side, the stress on the membrane is maintained under control during cleaning or maintenance operations.

In particular, there is avoided to reach a value of pressure that may break or damage the membrane means, that would require to stop the apparatus and substitute said means.

Furthermore, the piston pump is compact since the valve arrangements may be housed in the same valve body.

This also results in a compact and modular homogenising apparatus.

Claims

1. A membrane-based piston pump for use in a homogenising apparatus, comprising: a membrane separating a product side for a fluid product from a hydraulic side for a hydraulic fluid;a reciprocating piston operatively active on the hydraulic fluid; anda valve system configured to establish a selective fluid communication between the hydraulic side and a tank containing the hydraulic fluid,

2. The membrane-based piston pump according to claim 1, wherein the non-working condition is a maintenance condition.

3. The membrane-based piston pump according to claim 1, wherein the non-working condition is a cleaning condition.

4. The membrane-based piston pump according to claim 1, wherein the first predefined threshold is comprised between 50 bar and 450 bar and the third predefined threshold is comprised between 5 bar and 50 bar.

5. The membrane-based piston pump according to claim 1, wherein the first valve arrangement comprises a first overpressure valve and an anti-cavitation valve.

6. The membrane-based piston pump according to claim 5, wherein in the working condition of the piston pump, the first overpressure valve is configurable in: an open position in response to the hydraulic fluid having a pressure over the first predefined threshold so as to discharge the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic side towards the tank; anda closed position in response to the hydraulic fluid having a pressure under the first predefined threshold.

7. The membrane-based piston pump according to claim 5, wherein in the working condition of the piston pump, the anti-cavitation valve is configurable in: an open position in response to the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic side dropping below the second predefined threshold; anda closed position in response to the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic side being over the second predefined threshold.

8. The membrane-based piston pump according to claim 1, wherein the second valve arrangement comprises a second overpressure valve that, in the at least one non-working condition of the piston pump, is configurable in: an open position in response to the hydraulic fluid having a pressure over the third predefined threshold so as to discharge the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic side towards the tank; anda closed position in response to the hydraulic fluid having a pressure under the third predefined threshold.

9. The membrane-based piston pump according to claim 8, wherein the second valve arrangement comprises a check valve that, in the working condition of said piston pump, is configured to prevent a flow of the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic side towards the tank, the second overpressure valve being interposed between the tank and said check valve.

10. The membrane-based piston pump according to claim 1, further comprising: a membrane body housing the membrane and a product chamber for the fluid product, said product chamber being obtained in the product side;a pump body housing a hydraulic chamber for the hydraulic fluid, the reciprocating piston being partially housed in the hydraulic chamber and slidably mounted therein; anda pipe interposed between the membrane body and the pump body, said pipe having a first end that emerges in the hydraulic side of membrane body and a second end that emerges in the hydraulic chamber, said valve system being configured to establish a selective fluid communication between the hydraulic chamber and the tank and/or between the pipe and the tank.

11. The membrane-based piston pump according to claim 1, further comprising: a single body housing the membrane, a product chamber for the fluid product obtained in the product side, a hydraulic chamber for the hydraulic fluid obtained in the hydraulic side, the piston being partially housed in the hydraulic chamber and slidably mounted therein.

12. The membrane-based piston pump according to claim 1, further comprising a valve body that houses both the first valve arrangement and the second valve arrangement.

13. The membrane-based piston pump according to claim 1, further comprising a first valve body housing the first valve arrangement and a second valve body housing the second valve arrangement.

14. A homogenising apparatus comprising: a plurality of membrane-based piston pumps, each of the plurality of membrane-based piston pumps comprising: a membrane separating a product side for a fluid product from a hydraulic side for a hydraulic fluid;a reciprocating piston operatively active on the hydraulic fluid; anda valve system configured to establish a selective fluid communication between the hydraulic side and a tank containing the hydraulic fluid, wherein the valve system comprises: a first valve arrangement that, in a working condition of said piston pump, is configured to discharge the hydraulic fluid having a pressure over a first predefined threshold from the hydraulic side towards the tank and to draw the hydraulic fluid from the tank to the hydraulic side in response to a pressure in the hydraulic side dropping below a second predefined threshold; anda second valve arrangement that, in at least one non-working condition of said piston pump, is configured to discharge the hydraulic fluid having a pressure over a third predefined threshold from the hydraulic side towards the tank;a homogenising valve arranged downstream of said membrane-based piston pumps; and an actuator configured to reciprocate the reciprocating pistons of the membrane-based piston pumps.

15. The homogenising apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the first valve arrangement of each of the membrane-based piston pumps comprises a first overpressure valve and an anti-cavitation valve.

16. The homogenising apparatus according to claim 15, wherein in the working condition of each of the membrane-based piston pumps, the first overpressure valve is configurable in: an open position in response to the hydraulic fluid having a pressure over the first predefined threshold so as to discharge the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic side towards the tank; anda closed position in response to the hydraulic fluid having a pressure under the first predefined threshold.

17. The homogenising apparatus according to claim 15, wherein in the working condition of each of the membrane-based piston pumps, the anti-cavitation valve is configurable in: an open position in response to the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic side dropping below the second predefined threshold; anda closed position in response to the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic side being over the second predefined threshold.

18. The homogenising apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the second valve arrangement of each of the membrane-based piston pumps comprises a second overpressure valve that, in the at least one non-working condition of each of the membrane-based piston pump, is configurable in: an open position in response to the hydraulic fluid having a pressure over the third predefined threshold so as to discharge the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic side towards the tank; anda closed position in response to the hydraulic fluid having a pressure under the third predefined threshold.

19. The homogenising apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the second valve arrangement of each of the membrane-based piston pumps comprises a check valve that, in the working condition of each of said membrane-based piston pumps, is configured to prevent a flow of the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic side towards the tank, the second overpressure valve being interposed between the tank and said check valve.

20. The homogenising apparatus according to claim 14, wherein each of the membrane-based piston pumps further comprises: a membrane body housing the membrane;a product chamber for the fluid product, said product chamber being obtained in the product side;a pump body housing a hydraulic chamber for the hydraulic fluid, the reciprocating piston being partially housed in the hydraulic chamber and slidably mounted therein; anda pipe interposed between the membrane body and the pump body, said pipe having a first end that emerges in the hydraulic side of membrane body and a second end that emerges in the hydraulic chamber, said valve system being configured to establish a selective fluid communication between the hydraulic chamber and the tank and/or between the pipe and the tank.