Center post system for transporting lenticular filter cartridge assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure utilizes a unique system for initially installing, removing and transporting cartridge disk stacks, the apparatus includes a center post member; a connecting member, operatively positioned relative to the center post member and operatively connected thereto; and a adapter member member, operatively connected to the center post member, for supporting at least one disk thereon when the center post is operatively connected to a housing base and for supporting at least one disk during the installation/removal of at least one disk from the housing base. Systems and methods for utilizing the apparatus are also disclosed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates to systems, apparatuses and methods for easily installing and removing disk stacks from any one of a plurality of different housings and transporting the disk stacks, such as removable cell-type filters, through which fluids are passed for filtration, more particularly to systems, apparatuses and methods for easily, safely and effectively installing and removing and transporting disk stacks, such as removable cell-type filter cartridges, from any one of a plurality of different removable cell-type filter cartridge housings and, most particularly, to a modified center post for easily, safely and effectively installing, removing and transporting disk stacks, such as cell-type filter cartridges, from any one of a plurality of different removable filter cartridge housing.

[0003] Cell-type filter cartridges have long been known and have been increasingly used in a variety of filtration applications. These types of filter cartridges are typically fabricated from individual cells generally having two layers of filter media separated from each other by an annular space. Liquid typically flows from the outside of the filter medium into the space between the layers of the filter media toward the central portion of the cell where the center point is located. A significant advantage to cell-type filter cartridges is that the surface area of filter material is quite large when compared to the total volume of an assembled cell-type filter cartridge.

[0004] Disposed between each filter medium is a separator which is typically formed in the shape of disks having ribs radially extending from the central aperture in a spoke-like pattern. In addition to separating the two layers of filter media, it provides for fluid flow from the filter media toward the central aperture of the filter media.

[0005] The separator disk conventionally has stiffening members formed at the central aperture of the cell, which are attached to a plurality of separating ribs to provide a rigid, box-like structure sufficient to impart substantial cantilever strength to the ribs. Further, one of the stiffening disks is conventionally positioned proximate the ends of the separator ribs in order to act as a loadbearing surface to prevent media intrusion of the filtering medium and to prevent blocking the area of the flow path with the filtered liquid. Accordingly, one distinct advantage in this type of separator is that during use, erosion of the filter media is eliminated.

[0006] Generally, all of the aforementioned filter cartridges perform as anticipated during normal operating conditions. As can be expected after extended use, the filter becomes clogged and the flow rate diminishes accordingly. Then, the filter cartridges are typically replaced by grasping the periphery or edge of the uppermost filter cell, and then carefully lifting the attached filters over the center post away from the filter housing. This method relies on the strength of the individual wet cells, as well as that of the bands which interconnect the multiple filter cells, to prevent any one of the attached filter cells from breaking apart. The aforementioned method is problematic because of the increased weight of a wet filter cartridge as compared to the weight of a dry filter cartridge. This increased load is generally concentrated toward the center of the cartridge, thus resulting in the likelihood of the cartridge separating during the lifting operation.

[0007] A wet filter cartridge that breaks during removal from a filter housing causes several problems. Primarily, if the cartridge breaks while still in the vicinity of the housing, the particulate matter removed by the filters may re-enter the housing, thus requiring additional cleaning operations in and around the housing.

[0008] It is known to provide handles for lifting and carrying bulky items such as filter cartridge assemblies including handles operatively disposed on the filter cell cartridge, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,584 assigned to the assignee of the present application, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference to the extent not inconsistent with the present disclosure. However, the prior art does not provide means for removing a filter cartridge from a location, after removal of the filter cartridge dome, without an operator physically lifting the filter cartridge from its operating position and manually transporting the filter cartridge to a location removed from the operating position. Because the manual removal of the cartridge from the operating position often involves the use of stairs by an operator while transporting the heavy cartridge, as well as possibly contacting toxic substances on the exterior portion of the filter cartridges, systems including a lifting device and methods of using the lifting device that would eliminate the need for an operator to manually transport the cell-type filter cartridges and to reduce the overall time needed to initially install, remove and replace the cell-type filter cartridges in the housing is desirable.

[0009] As is known, many pharmaceutical and food and beverage filtration processors perform clean-in-place (CIP) and steam-in-place (SIP) operations to filter housings for sanitation, sterilization, and cleaning purposes. The internal design features of the housing greatly affect the efficiency, in terms of time and sanitation, of the CIP procedures. Prior to CIP, the filter cartridges must be removed from the filter housing. Therefore, it is desirable to remove fouled cartridges, and other related internal components, quickly and easily prior to CIP operations being conditional. Zeta-Plus cartridges, such as, for example, those made by the assignee of the present application, and other similar cartridges, pose a special concern due to the physical size and weight thereof. For example, a single 16″ Zeta-Plus cartridge can weigh about 50 pounds when saturated, requiring at least two (2) people and a considerable amount of time to complete a cartridge change-out, resulting in considerable equipment down time.

[0010] There have been previous attempts to solve the cartridge removal problem. In that regard, Cuno, Inc, the assignee of the present application, has developed a Basket/Cage and a Zeta-Grip® lifting device. There have also been previous attempts to improve cleanability. In that regard, Seitz offers a double o-ring plug-in connector that is integral with the filter cartridge.

[0011] Presently, the above accessory devices can be used to eliminate direct operator lifting of the used cartridges. Accessories can be installed in the housing, such as the cage, which increases cleaning difficulty, or external, such as, for example, the Zeta-Grip® lifting device, as described and claimed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/133,013, filed Aug. 12, 1998, entitled LIFTING DEVICE FOR TRANSPORTING DISK STACKS, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,139,253 issued Oct. 31, 2000, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference to the extent not inconsistent with the present disclosure.

[0012] However, these devices all have significant shortcomings. Specifically, 12″ and 16″ diameter cartridges with a removable center post are typically removed by lifting a single cartridge up and over the center post. Following the removal of all the cartridges, the center post can be removed from the housing for cleaning. The attachment of the center post to the housing base has several shortcomings. Existing center posts are usually threaded for attachment to the housing base. These known stainless center posts (such as, for example, 316 stainless steel) can gall to the stainless housing base (such as, for example, 316 stainless steel) each time the center post is removed. The blind tapped hole located in the conventional housing base which interacts with the center post is presently not cleanable during CIP operations. Currently, the outlet flow path of the filtered fluid consists of three (3) semicircular webbed openings that cannot be sufficiently cleaned via CIP or without disassembling the housing outlet piping. Additionally, the housing outlet nozzle is typically single welded to the housing base, from the outside of the housing, producing an internal crevice that can not be cleaned by any means.

[0013] The above-described shortcomings may seem unrelated; however, they are all due to the center post being threaded into the center of the housing base and passing up through the center of the stack of cartridges. The center post can be used alone or in conjunction with a cage or the Zeta-Grip® lifting device.

[0014] The Cuno cage allows the removal of one 12″ or 16″ diameter cartridge stack (up to 4 high) with the use of a hoist and chains. Once removed from the housing, the cartridges must be handled by an operator for removal from the cage. Use of the cage requires a large piece of extra hardware that must be enclosed in the pressure vessel during the filtration process. Cage vibration causes damage to the polished housing base and polished vessel shell. The cage can be removed from the pressure vessel for cleaning; however, it includes several crevices that are extremely difficult to clean. With the cage, steam-in-place (SIP) operations are more difficult as additional hardware is enclosed in the housing vessel. Finally, cages are fabricated from stainless steel wire that can easily be damaged.

[0015] The Zeta-Grip® lifting device allows the removal of a single 12″ or 16″ diameter cartridge with the use of a hoist. One benefit is that no handling of the cartridge is required by the operator. Removing a single cartridge at a time using a hoist is extremely slow. Additionally, the Zeta-Grip® lifting device requires a great deal of headroom for proper operation (approximately 45″ above the housing vessel dome). The Zeta-Grip® lifting device is physically large (weighs about 50 pounds and sized approximately 20″×20″×45″). Finally, the Zeta-Grip® lifting device is not integral with the housing and must be stored remote from the housing when the housing is in use.

[0016] Seitz offers a double o-ring plug-in connector that is integral with the filter cartridge. The double o-ring plug-in connector secures to the housing using locking tabs, similar to a bayonet lock connector. While this approach does relieve some cleaning issues, such as the absence of a center post, tightening nuts and threads, it also causes others such as internal locking tabs recesses that are difficult to clean. The double o-ring plug-in connector feature does not aid in cartridge removal.

[0017] Using the above-described equipment, existing Zeta-Plus systems and similar systems require a great deal of time to change out filter cartridges. Additionally, existing cartridge and housing systems are not CIP or SIP operationally friendly. Developing solutions to the above described problems would save considerable down time during process equipment maintenance.

[0018] Thus, there is a continuing need for improved systems and methods for easily, safely and effectively installing new, removing used and then transporting used disk stacks, such as cell-type filter cartridges, used in filtration operations from their operative position in housings after the housing enclosure has been removed. Such systems and methods should avoid manual lifting and transporting of the disk stacks. Such systems and methods should eliminate or at least minimize direct contact between operators and the cell-type filter disks in order to minimize operator contact with possible dangerous or toxic substances and minimize contaminating the environment of the filter housing with slippery, toxic or dangerous material that may have been collected on the outer surfaces of the cell-type filter disk. Such systems and methods should eliminate or endeavor to minimize any heavy lifting required by an operator, thereby contributing to a safer operating environment. Such systems and methods should endeavor to reduce the overall time required to change cell-type filter cartridges and thereby reduce the downtime attributable thereto. Such systems and methods should provide for cleaner, less contaminated filter surfaces when new replacement cell-type filter cartridges are positioned in filter housings. Such systems and methods should provide for simplification of the filter-housing base, thereby enhancing the flow characteristics of cleaning solutions and steam. Such systems and methods should provide for the production of a truly pharmaceutical grade Zeta-Plus filter housing design.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0019] An object of the present application is to provide systems and methods that significantly reduce, if not eliminate, the manual removal and transportation of cell-type filter cartridges.

[0020] Another object of the present application is to provide systems and methods for easily, safely and effectively removing and transporting used cell-type filter cartridges from an initial operating position in a filter housing unit to a remote location.

[0021] Still another object of the present application is to provide systems and methods for quickly, easily, safely and effectively installing new cell-type filter cartridges from a remote location to an initial operating position in a filter housing unit.

[0022] A further object of the present application is to provide systems and methods that minimize contact by an operator with possible toxic materials contained on the used cell-type filter cartridges.

[0023] Yet another object of the present application is to provide systems and methods for minimizing contamination of the filter housing environment.

[0024] Yet a further object of the present application is to provide systems and methods for reducing the overall time required changing cell-type filter cartridges in a filter housing.

[0025] Yet another object of the present application is to provide systems and methods for efficiently conducting CIP and/or SIP operations to the housings.

[0026] In accordance with these and further objects, one aspect of the present application includes an apparatus for handling filter disks, the handling apparatus comprising a center post member with opposed first and second end portions, an attachment member and an adapter member. The attachment member is operatively connected to the first end portion of the center post member and provides a means for operatively connecting or attaching to the handling apparatus and providing for the lifting thereof from a first position to a second position. The adapter member is operatively connected to the second end portion of the center post member and supports at least one filter disk which is slid over the first end portion onto the center post member.

[0027] It is envisioned that the handling apparatus further includes a lifting device operatively connected to the attachment member for vertically raising the handling apparatus such that the at least one filter disk can be transported from the first position to the second position. In one embodiment, the lifting device is a motor powered hoist. Alternatively, the lifting device can be a manually operated chain hoist, a bridge crane or any other mechanical device used for lifting operations.

[0028] It is presently preferred that the first position is an installed position within a filter assembly. In this position, fluid passes through the at least one filter disc which has been slid onto the center post member and is conditioned thereby. In this embodiment, the second position is a remote location, exterior to the filter assembly, where the at least one filter disk can be removed and replaced with a new filter disk.

[0029] It is envisioned that the attachment member is an eyebolt assembly having threads associated therewith for engaging with corresponding threads formed on the first end portion of the center post member. Alternatively, the attachment member can be a swivel hoist ring assembly having threads associated therewith which engage with the corresponding threads associated with the center post member. Still further, the attachment member can include a lifting eye which has been welded to the first end portion of the center post member.

[0030] Preferably, the attachment member has an outside diameter which is smaller than a central aperture formed in the at least one filter disk, thereby allowing the at least one filter disk to be slid over the attachment member.

[0031] In this embodiment it is preferred that the adapter member is configured to support at least fourteen (14) filter disks. However, the adapter member can be configured to support at least fifty-six (56) filter disks. It is envisioned that in this embodiment, the adapter member has female threads formed therein for operatively engaging with corresponding male threads formed on the second end portion of the center post member.

[0032] The adapter member further includes at least one aperture formed therein which provides a flow passage through the adapter member. The apertures formed in the adapter member can be circular, semi-circular or any shape which suitable for providing a crevice free flow path.

[0033] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a filter assembly comprising a housing, a base member, and at least one insert assembly. The housing has an interior chamber, a central axis and a bottom portion. The base member has opposed upper and lower surfaces and at least an inlet portion and an outlet portion, the upper surface being operative to sealingly engage the bottom portion of the housing.

[0034] The at least one insert assembly is sealingly engaged within the at least one outlet portion of the base member. The insert assembly includes an upper surface which mates with the upper surface of the base member and a central aperture. The central aperture sealing engages with a center post assembly that has at least one filter disk engaged thereon. The central aperture also provides a crevice-free flow path through the insert assembly when the center post assembly is disengaged therefrom which facilitates the cleaning of the interior chamber.

[0035] It is presently preferred that the upper surface of the base member has a raised portion located peripherally and lower portion positioned adjacent to the insert assembly. It is further envisioned that in this embodiment, the upper surface further includes a transition portion positioned between the raised and lower portion, the transition portion being at an angle with respect to the lower portion. This configuration facilitates the flow of fluid or cleaning material from the outer periphery of the base member to the insert assembly.

[0036] Alternatively, the upper surface of the base member can include a raised portion which is located along its periphery and a central region. The raised portion is adapted for sealing engagement with the bottom portion of the housing and connected to the central region by a concave surface.

[0037] It is further envisioned that the center post assembly presently preferably comprises a center post member, an attachment member and an adapter member. The center post member has a first end portion and a second end portion. The attachment member is operatively engaged with the first end portion of the center post member and provides a means for connecting or attaching to the center post assembly and disengaging it from the at least one insert assembly.

[0038] In this configuration, the adapter member is operatively connected to the second end portion of the center post member. The adapter member supports at least one filter disk which is slid onto the center post member over the first end portion and also sealingly engages with the central aperture of the insert assembly when the center post assembly is in an installed position.

[0039] It is further envisioned that the adapter member further includes at least one circumferential groove formed in its outer portion, along the periphery. The groove is adapted and configured for receiving an o-ring which facilitates the sealing engagement of the adapter member with the central aperture of the insert assembly. Still further the adapter member includes at least one aperture formed therein for providing a flow passage through the adapter member when the center post member is in the installed position. As before the aperture can be circular or semi-circular.

[0040] Still another aspect of the present disclosure includes a method for handling filter disks from an initial position to a second position. The method includes the steps of providing at least one filter disk to be moved, sliding the at least one filter disk onto a handling apparatus, attaching a hoist device to the handling apparatus and vertically raising the handling apparatus and the at least one filter disk and effecting relocation of the at least one disk from the initial position the second position.

[0041] The handling apparatus which is utilized to transfer the filter disks from a first position to a second position includes a center post member having a first end portion and a second end portion, an attachment member, and an adapter member. The attachment member is operatively engaged with the first end portion of the center post member and the attachment member provides a means for connecting to the handling apparatus and facilitating the lifting of the apparatus from the initial position to the second position. The adapter member is operatively connected to the second end portion of the center post member and supports at least one filter disk which is slid over the first end portion onto the center post member.

[0042] Still yet another aspect of the present disclosure includes an apparatus for handling filter disks, the handling apparatus comprising an elongated post member having first and second end portions, an attachment member and an adapter member. The attachment member is operatively connected to the first end portion of the elongated post member and provides a means for connecting to the handling apparatus and facilitating the lifting thereof from an installed position to a remote location. As described from previous embodiments, when the handling apparatus is operatively positioned within a filter housing it is in the installed position and when it is located exterior to the filter housing, it is in the “remote” location.

[0043] It is further envisioned that, the adapter member is operatively connected to the second end portion of the elongated post member and supports at least one filter disk which is slid over the first end portion onto the elongated post member. A lifting device is operatively connected to the attachment member for vertically raising the handling apparatus such that the at least one filter disk can be transported from the installed position to the remote location.

[0044] Similarly to the previously described embodiments, the lifting device can include a motor powered hoist, a manually operated chain hoist or any other mechanical device suitable for lifting. Additionally, the attachment member can be an eyebolt or a swivel hoist ring assembly which have threads associated therewith for engaging with corresponding threads formed on the first end portion of the elongated post member. Alternatively, the attachment member can be a lifting eye welded to the first end portion of the elongated post member. Preferably, the attachment member has an outside diameter which is smaller than a central aperture formed in the at least on filter disk thereby allowing the at least one filter disk to be slid over the attachment member.

[0045] It is envisioned that the adapter member is configured to support at least fourteen (14) filter disks, and can be configured to support at least fifty-six (56) disks. Still yet further, the adapter member includes female threads formed therein for operatively engaging with corresponding male threads formed on the second end portion of the elongated post member and at least one aperture for providing a flow passage.

[0046] Still yet another aspect of the present disclosure includes a filter assembly that comprises a housing, a base member, at least one filter disk, a center post assembly and at least one insert assembly. The housing has an interior chamber, a central axis and a bottom portion. The base member has opposed upper and lower surfaces and at least an inlet portion and an outlet portion. The upper surface being operative to sealingly engage with the bottom portion of the housing. The at least one filter disk having a central aperture operatively formed therein to allow the disk to be slidably engaged with the center assembly.

[0047] Presently preferably, the center post assembly includes a center post member having first and second end portions, an attachment member, and an adapter member. The attachment member operatively connected to the first end portion of the center post member, for operatively connecting and disengaging the center post assembly from the at least one insert assembly. The adapter member is operatively connected to the second end portion of the center post member for supporting the at least one filter disk when the at least one filter disk is operatively positioned on the center post member and sealingly engaged with the central aperture, when the center post member is in the installed position in the housing.

[0048] The at least one insert assembly is sealingly engaged within the at least one outlet portion of the base member and includes an upper surface which mates with the upper surface of the base member, a central aperture for sealing engagement with the center post assembly having at least one filter disk operatively positioned thereon. The central aperture provides a crevice-free flow path through the insert assembly when the center post member is disengaged therefrom thereby facilitating the cleaning of the interior chamber. It is presently preferred that he upper surface of the base member is downwardly sloped toward the insert assembly.

[0049] Other objects and advantages of the application will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a representative system used with the methods of the present application illustrating the filter disk handling apparatus of the present disclosure;

[0051] FIG. 2 illustrates the filter disk removal/handling apparatus of FIG. 1 positioned in a representative multiround housing;

[0052] FIG. 3 illustrates the filter disk removal/handling apparatus of FIG. 1 positioned in a representative split dome housing and having a bridge crane positioned overhead;

[0053] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the filter disk handling apparatus which includes a center post member having an attachment member and an adapter member operatively connected thereto;

[0054] FIGS. 5 a -c illustrate the adapter member of the present disclosure which has six apertures, a central tapped hole and a circuferential recess formed therein;

[0055] FIG. 5 d is an enlarged perspective view of the center post member operatively engaged with the adapter member;

[0056] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the handling apparatus illustrating a plurality of stacked filter disks being lifted by the apparatus as it is disengaged from a filter housing base structure;

[0057] FIG. 7 illustrates the innovative filter disk removal system of the present disclosure being disengaged from within a plurality of stacked filter disks;

[0058] FIG. 8 a is a side elevational view of the CIP/SIP features of the present housing;

[0059] FIG. 8 b is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the CIP/SIP features of the present housing;

[0060] FIG. 9 a is a side elevational view of a prior art filter housing;

[0061] FIG. 9 b is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the prior art filter housing of FIG. 9a;

[0062] FIG. 9 c is a plan view of the prior art filter housing insert;

[0063] FIG. 10 is a cross-section of the insert/outlet assembly of the present disclosure; and

[0064] FIG. 11 illustrates the innovative cartridge removal system of the present disclosure with the center post member threadably engaged with the adapter member and the assembly formed thereby slideably engaged within the insert/outlet assembly of the housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0065] As shown in FIGS. 1-11, the system 100 disclosed in the present application is useful for both the initial installation and the removal of various filter cartridges from split dome housings and multi-round housings, with the system 100 being particularly effective in facilitating CIP and/or SIP operations.

[0066] The system 100 of the present disclosure includes a filter disk handling apparatus 10 for installing, removing and transporting a plurality of cell-type filter cartridge assemblies 14 from an initial operating position to a remote location. The filter disk handling apparatus 10 includes center post member 30, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5d, 7 and 11 and, when used in the installing, removing and transporting mode, system 10 may further include a coupling 18 and attachment member 20 operatively positioned thereon. As shown herein, the coupling 18 and attachment member are of two-piece construction, however, they can be formed as a single structure. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the attachment member 20 is an eyebolt which has been threadably engaged with the coupling 18 of the center post member 30.

[0067] One new and unique component of the filter disk handling apparatus 10 and methods of the present disclosure is the adapter member 40 which is operatively connected to the opposite end of the center post 30 from the coupling 18 and the attachment member 20, as shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 5d, 6, and 7. The center post 30 is operatively connected to the adapter member, presently preferably, via the connection of a male member, such as, for example, a screw, operatively positioned on the end of the center post 30 into a female member operatively positioned in the adapter member 40. Details of the connection and the adapter member 40 will be discussed below.

[0068] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, one representative cartridge removal system 100 is positioned inside a representative stack of cell-type filter cartridges 14 and can be operatively connected to a hoist 80 (shown in FIG. 3 only). FIG. 1 illustrates the stack of cell-type filter cartridges 14 being suspended slightly above a housing base 50. The filter disk handling apparatus 10, including the center post 30 and the adapter member 40, are in position for engagement with the housing base 50, or, in the event that the stack of cell-type filter cartridges 14 are plugged, are in a position to be transported from the location shown to a remote location for the removal of the center post 30 from between the stack of cell-type filter cartridges 14.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 2, the system 100 provides for the rapid removal of used cartridges from a dome housing 60 after removal of the dome 62 and the rapid cartridge loading of a stack of the cell-type filter cartridges 14 into the base 64. In addition to the tremendously decreased cartridge removal and cartridge loading times, the filter disk handling apparatus 10 of a present disclosure significantly improves CIP/SIP of the filtration systems, as will be discussed in detail below.

[0070] A split dome housing 70 using the filter disk handling apparatus 10 of the present disclosure is illustrated in FIG. 3. As will be noted, the split dome housing 70 has only one stack of cell-type filter cartridges positioned therein. This is in contrast to the multi-round housing 60 illustrated in FIG. 2 wherein multiple stacks of cell-type filter cartridges 14 are positioned inside the dome 62 during normal operations.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 4, 5d and 11, a center post member 30 is shown assembled to the adapter member 40. Presently, the center post member has a threaded portion 32 associated with the end thereof which mates with a threaded tapped hole 42 (see FIG. 11) inside the adapter member 40. While the thread and screw are presently preferred methods of connecting the center post member to the adapter member, it should be understood that any known method of connecting the center post to the adapter member could be used as long as the weight of the used cell-type filter cartridge stack can be safely removed from the housing base and transported to a remote location.

[0072] Referring now to FIGS. 3-7, in order to remove the cartridge stack, the housing 70 is vented, drained, and opened with the removal of the dome 72, as is known to those skilled in the art. A tightening nut 74 and protector plate 76 are removed from the upper end of the center post member 30, as is known to those skilled in the art. An attachment member 20, sized to be smaller than the central aperture of the cartridges, is then operatively connected to the center post 30. Such attachment member 20 should not be fully tightened and should turn freely after assembly thereon. Next, a hoist hook is attached to the attachment member 20 and an operator then raises the hoist straight up an appropriate distance, presently preferably about three inches, which is sufficient to clear the end of the adapter member 40 from the insert 70 of housing base 66. In FIG. 6, the representative cartridge stack 14 is shown suspended above the housing base 66.

[0073] Once the adapter member 40 clears the insert 70, the cartridge stack is maneuvered to a disposal area via hoist. At this point, the cartridge stack is lowered to a horizontal position (FIG. 7) and the hoist hook is removed from the attachment member 20. The center post 30 is then removed from the cartridge stack by sliding the filter disk handling apparatus 10 out from the center of the cartridge stack, as shown in the Figures. Upon the removal of the filter disk handling apparatus 10, the used cartridges are discarded and the center post device, after appropriate maintenance and cleaning, may then be returned for use with another stack of cartridges.

[0074] Installation of the filter disk handling assembly 10 and the assembly of the cartridge stack 14 into the housing base may be accomplished similarly, as described above, but in reverse sequence.

[0075] FIGS. 8 a and 8b illustrate the improved housing of the subject disclosure which is designated by reference number 200. As discussed supra, the prior art standard housing is not particularly amenable to CIP/SIP operations. Specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 9a-c, the configuration of the prior art housing 300 includes sharp corners 310 which trap contaminants and are difficult to clean. Also, due to the configuration of the prior art center post system and its engagement with insert 314, the housing 300 further includes a blind tapped hole 312 for engagement with the center post. This bind tapped hole 312 and flow apertures formed in the insert 314 also trap contaminants and are extremely difficult to clean. Additionally, the configuration of the insert 314 is such that an inaccessible surface 316 and a crevice 318 exist which further complicate cleaning operations.

[0076] Housing 200 of the present disclosure eliminates the cleaning obstacles associated with prior art housings. Additionally, the sharp corner formed in the base is eliminated by incorporating a radius corner 210. The bottom 268 of the base 266 is tapered from inlet 270 into the filtered fluid outlet 272. There are no blind holes or tapped holes formed in base 266. Additionally, there are no crevices, thus there is a simple, direct flow path of the fluid after the removal of the filter disk handling apparatus from its mating position in the housing with the insert 274.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 10, by removing structure of the adapter member 314 (FIGS. 9a-9c) from the prior art position permanently attached to the inside of the outlet of the base 366 and restructuring the adapter member as a removable member operatively connected to the center post, tremendous advantages in CIP and in the removability and installation of the cell-type filter cartridges are obtained.

[0078] FIG. 11 shows the new adapter member 40 operatively positioned in the insert 274. As shown, an O ring groove 42 is operatively positioned as close as possible to the inside diameter in order to minimize any crevice. As shown in FIG. 8a, in one specific embodiment, about a one-half inch radius 210 is machined into the base 266 for improved cleaning operations, about a one degree taper toward the inlet is provided for improved drainage and approximately a 4½ inch wide flat area is provided for weld fabrication, polishing and cartridge sealing purposes. An anti-rotation pin (not shown) is operatively positioned in the base for restricting the adapter member 40 from rotation while tightening the cartridge seal nut 74 (FIG. 3). The anti-rotation pin engages with a corresponding recess 49 formed in adapter member flange 44 (see FIG. 5a)About a one degree taper continues toward the inlet for drainage facilitation. Details of the center post insert/outlet 70/274 are shown in FIG. 10 and are representative of a design which greatly facilitates CIP and/or SIP operation.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 5a-c, details of a representation adapter member 40 are illustrated. As shown, one specific embodiment of the adapter member comprises a base plate 44 or a base member having a flange 46. The base member has, presently preferably, six apertures 48 positioned therein for allowing the filtered fluid to be moved from the fluid filtration system to a filtered fluid collection. The apertures 48 are, presently preferably, equally spaced about a tapped, threaded hole 42, operatively positioned in the middle thereof for receiving the threaded portion 32 of the center post 30. Two grooves 43 are formed in the outer portion of the post adapter 40 for receiving O rings for sealing with the insert 274.

[0080] The center post removal device of the present disclosure is also advantageous to initially place cell-type filter cartridges in the operating position prior to being enclosed within an enclosure, in order to reduce reloading time.

[0081] With an empty housing and the dome removed from the housing base, installation of the modified center post containing a stack of cartridges to the modified housing base is accomplished as follows: (a.) Install two (2) new O-rings on adapter member; (b.) lubricate the O-rings using water or process fluid; (c.) install the center post into the housing base, the housing base being bored and tapered to accept the adapter member and an anti-rotation pin is welded to the housing base; (d.) when inserting the adapter into the housing base, ensure the anti-rotation pin is correctly aligned; (e.) install the following: the housing gasket, the baffle plate, the filter cartridges, the protector plate, tightening nut, and (f.) close the housing.

[0082] By adapting a conventional center post with a plug-in connector, one entire cartridge stack (1 or more cartridges) can be detached from the housing base in a single motion using a hoist. The housing can then be closed for CIP operations or immediately loaded with fresh cartridges on a preloaded center post. Process downtime is drastically reduced. Once the process is back on-line or CIP has begun, the fouled cartridges and internals can be disassembled, cleaned, or discarded. Other existing shortcomings (blind tapped hole, webbed outlet flow path, weld crevice, etc.) will no longer exist as the housing base will be modified to accept the plug-in connector. With the internals removed, the outlet flow path is a simple, tapered through hole that can easily be cleaned.

[0083] Several possible variations of the system of the present disclosure exist. The plug-in connector could be sealed to the housing base via a single o-ring, double o-rings, mechanical seals, or gaskets. The adapter flange surface could be tapered for drainage. The anti-rotation pin and groove might become a pin and tongue to simplify assembly. The flow path through the adapter will be enlarged and semi-circularly shaped. The center post could be welded to the adapter rather than threaded into the adapter. Materials, dimensions, fits, lead-in angle may be modified and optimized.

[0084] The innovations described above primarily provide for rapid cartridge stack removal and installation. These new features also provide for greater simplification of the filter-housing base, thereby enhancing the flow characteristics of cleaning solutions and steam. Combined, the new innovations provide for the production of a truly pharmaceutical grade filter housing design.

[0085] By modifying the standard center post with a double o-ring plug-in connector, one entire cartridge stack (4 cartridges) can be detached from the housing base in a single motion using a hoist. The housing can then be closed for CIP operations or immediately loaded with fresh cartridges on a preloaded modified center post modified in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. Among the benefits derived from the modified center post and housing base of the present disclosure is the drastically reduced process downtime achieved. Once the process is back on-line using a preloaded modified center post, the fouled cartridges and internals can be disassembled, cleaned, or discarded.

[0086] It should be clear that the systems, apparatus and methods of the present disclosure have met the objectives of the application. Specifically, the systems methods provide for easy, safe and effective handling of unused and used disk stacks, such as cell-type filter cartridges, used in filtration operations including, but not limited to, the use of the center post removal device and remove used cartridges from their operative position in a housing after the housing enclosure has been removed; provide for the avoidance of manual lifting and transporting of the disk stacks; have eliminated or at least minimized direct contact between an operator and the cell-type disk stacks in order to minimize operator contact with possible dangerous or toxic substances and minimizing contaminating the environment of the filter housing with slippery, toxic or dangerous materials that may have collected on the outer surfaces of the cell-type filter disk; have eliminated or at least minimized any heavy lifting required by an operator; have endeavored to reduce the overall time required to change cell-type filter cartridges and thereby reduce the down time attributable thereto.

[0087] While the systems and methods for using the systems contained herein constitute preferred embodiments of the disclosure, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to these precise systems and methods, and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the disclosure which is defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for handling filter disks, the apparatus comprising: a center post member having first and second end portions; an attachment member operatively connected to the first end portion of the center post member, the attachment member including means for facilitating the lifting of at least one filter disks from a first position to a second position; and an adapter member, operatively connected to the second end portion of the center post member, the adapter member supporting the at least one filter disk which is operatively positioned relative to the center post member.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a lifting device operatively connected to the attachment member for vertically raising the handling apparatus such that the at least one filter disk can be transported from the first position to the second position.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the lifting device comprises: a motor powered hoist.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the lifting device comprises: a manually operated chain hoist.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first position is an installed position within a filter assembly in which fluid passes through the at least one filter disk operatively positioned relative to the center post member and the second position is a remote location exterior to the filter assembly where the at least one filter disk can be removed from the center post member and replaced with at least one new filter disk thereon.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment member is an eyebolt assembly having threads associated therewith for engaging with corresponding threads formed on the first end portion of the center post member.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment member is a swivel hoist ring assembly having threads associated therewith, the threads for engaging with corresponding threads formed on the first end portion of the center post member.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment member comprises: a lifting eye welded to the first end portion of the center post member.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment member has an outside diameter which is smaller than a central aperture formed in the at least on filter disk, thereby allowing the at least one filter disk to be slid over the attachment member.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adapter member is configured to support at least fourteen (14) filter disks.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the adapter member is configured to support at least fifty-six (56) filter disks.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adapter member has female threads formed therein for operatively engaging with corresponding male threads formed on the second end portion of the center post member.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adapter member further comprises: at least one aperture formed therein for providing a flow passage through the adapter member.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the at least one aperture is semi-circular.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one filter disk is operatively positioned relative to the center post member by sliding the at least one disk over the first end portion of the center post member.

16. A filter assembly comprising: a housing having an interior chamber, a central axis and a bottom portion; a base member having opposed upper and lower surfaces and at least an inlet portion and an outlet portion, the upper surface being operative to sealingly engage the bottom portion of the housing; and at least one insert assembly sealingly engaged within the at least one outlet portion of the base member, the insert assembly comprising: an upper surface which mates with the upper surface of the base member; and a central aperture for sealing engagement with a center post assembly that has at least one filter disk engaged thereon, the central aperture providing a crevice-free flow path through the insert assembly when the center post assembly is disengaged therefrom thereby facilitating the cleaning of the interior chamber.

17. The filter assembly of claim 16, wherein the upper surface of the base member has a raised portion along located peripherally and lower portion positioned adjacent to the insert assembly.

18. The filter assembly of claim 17, wherein the upper surface has a transition portion between the raised and lower portion, the transition portion at an angle with respect to the lower portion.

19. The filter assembly of claim 16, wherein the upper surface of the base member includes a raised portion located along the periphery of the upper surface and a central region, the raised portion engaging with the bottom portion of the housing and connected to the central region by a concave surface.

20. The filter assembly of claim 16, wherein the center post assembly comprises; a center post member having a first end portion and a second end portion; an attachment member operatively engaged with the first end portion of the center post member, the attachment member including means for connecting to the center post assembly and disengaging from the at least one insert assembly; and an adapter member, operatively connected to the second end portion of the center post member and supporting the at least one filter disk which is operatively positioned relative to the center post member, the adapter member sealingly engaging the central aperture of the insert assembly when the center post assembly is in an installed position.

21. The filter assembly of claim 20, wherein the adapter member further comprises: at least one circumferential groove formed in an outer portion of the adapter member for receiving an o-ring and facilitating the sealing engagement of the adapter member with the central aperture of the insert assembly.

22. The filter assembly of claim 21, wherein the adapter member further comprises: at least one aperture formed therein for providing a flow passage through the adapter member when the center post member is in the installed position.

23. The filter assembly of claim 22, wherein the at least one aperture is semi-circular.

24. A method for handling filter disks from an initial position to a second position, the method comprising the acts of: providing at least one filter disk; operatively positioning the at least one filter disk onto a handling apparatus, the handling apparatus comprising: a center post member having a first end portion and a second end portion; an attachment member, operatively engaged with the first end portion of the center post member and including means for facilitating the lifting of at least one filter disk from an initial position to a second position; and an adapter member, operatively connected to the second end portion of the center post member for supporting the at least one filter disk operatively positioned relative to the center post member; attaching a hoist device to the handling apparatus; and vertically raising the handling apparatus and the at least one filter disk; and relocating the at least one disk from the initial position the second position.

25. An apparatus for handling filter disks, the apparatus comprising: an elongated post member having first and second end portions; an attachment member operatively connected to the first end portion of the elongated post member, the attachment member providing means for facilitating the lifting of the handling apparatus from an installed position to a remote location; the installed position being when the handling apparatus is operatively positioned within a filter housing and the remote location being a location exterior to the filter housing; an adapter member, operatively connected to the second end portion of the elongated post member, the adapter member supporting at least one filter disk which is operatively positioned relative to the elongated post member; and a lifting device operatively connected to the attachment member for vertically raising the handling apparatus such that the at least one filter disk can be transported from the installed position to the remote location.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the lifting device comprises: a motor powered hoist.

27. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the lifting device comprises: a manually operated chain hoist.

28. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the remote location is where the at least one filter disk can be removed and replaced with a new filter disk.

29. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the attachment member is an eyebolt assembly having threads associated therewith for engaging with corresponding threads formed on the first end portion of the elongated post member.

30. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the attachment member is a swivel hoist ring assembly having threads associated therewith, the threads engaging with corresponding threads formed on the first end portion of the elongated post member.

31. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the attachment member comprises a lifting eye welded to the first end portion of the elongated post member.

32. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the attachment member has an outside diameter which is smaller than a central aperture formed in the at least on filter disk thereby allowing the at least one filter disk to be slid over the attachment member.

33. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the adapter member is configured to support at least fourteen (14) filter disks.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the adapter member is configured to support at least fifty-six (56) filter disks.

35. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the adapter member has female threads formed therein for operatively engaging with corresponding male threads formed on the second end portion of the elongated post member.

36. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the adapter member further comprises at least one aperture formed therein, the at least one aperture providing a flow passage through the adapter member.

37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the at least one aperture is semi-circular.

38. A filter assembly comprising: a housing having an interior chamber, a central axis and a bottom portion; a base member having opposed upper and lower surfaces and at least an inlet portion and an outlet portion, the upper surface being operative to sealingly engage the bottom portion of the housing; at least one insert assembly sealingly engaged within the at least one outlet portion of the base member, the insert assembly comprising: an upper surface which mates with the upper surface of the base member; a central aperture for sealing engagement with the center post assembly having at least one filter disk operatively positioned thereon, the central aperture providing a crevice-free flow path through the insert assembly when the center post member is disengaged therefrom thereby facilitating the cleaning of the interior chamber. at least one filter disk having a central aperture operatively formed therein; and a center post assembly comprising; a center post member having first and second end portions; an attachment member operatively connected to the first end portion of the center post member, for operatively connecting and disengaging the center post assembly from the at least one insert assembly; and an adapter member, operatively connected to the second end portion of the center post member for supporting the at least one filter disk when the at least one filter disk is operatively positioned on the center post member and for sealingly engaging with the central aperture, when the center post member is in the installed position in the housing.

39. The filter assembly of claim 38, wherein the upper surface of the base member is downwardly sloped toward the insert assembly.

40. The filter assembly of claim 38, wherein the upper surface of the base member includes a raised portion located along the periphery of the upper surface and a central region, the raised portion engaging with the bottom portion of the housing and connected to the central region by a concave surface.

41. The filter assembly of claim 38, wherein the adapter member further comprises: at least one circumferential groove formed in an outer portion of the adapter member for receiving an o-ring and facilitating the sealing engagement of the adapter member with the central aperture of the insert assembly.

42. The filter assembly of claim 41, wherein the adapter member further comprises: at least one aperture formed therein for providing a flow passage through the adapter member when the center post member is in the installed position.

43. The filter assembly of claim 42, wherein the at least one aperture is semi-circular.