1. Field of Invention
This invention pertains generally to the monitoring of parameters in sanitary process lines and, more particularly, to an inline multi-port flow cell for use in monitoring multiple parameters in a sanitary process line.
2. Related Art
Inline monitoring or measurement of parameters such as pH, oxygen, carbon dioxide, specific Ion, conductivity, temperature, and optical absorbance is commonly employed in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. With processes in which multiple parameters are to be monitored, the complexity of the piping and layout of the measurement systems can be problematic, and the integrity of the system can be compromised.
Sensors for making inline measurements are typically mounted on flow cells, and when more than one parameter must be measured, multiple flow cells are required. In installations of this type, the flow cells are typically stacked.
Heretofore, optical and electro-chemical sensors have been individually placed in process lines, and if both electro-chemical and optical measurements are needed on the same process line, then two or more flow cells are also required.
It is, in general, an object of the invention to provide a new and improved flow cell for use in monitoring multiple parameters in a sanitary process line.
Another object of the invention is to provide a flow cell of the above character which overcomes the limitations and disadvantages of flow cells heretofore provided.
These and other objects are achieved in accordance with the invention by providing an inline flow cell having a body with opposing end walls, a flow passageway extending along an axis between the end walls, and a plurality of side walls disposed tangentially about the axis, inlet and outlet fittings communicating with the passageway at the ends of the body for connecting the flow cell in a sanitary process line with fluid in the line flowing through the passageway, and monitoring ports opening through more than two of the side walls for receiving sensors for monitoring multiple parameters in the fluid.
As illustrated in
A flow passageway 21 extends along the z-axis of the body between top wall 12 and bottom wall 13, with inlet and outlet fittings 22, 23 communicating with the passageway on the upper and lower sides of the body for connecting the flow cell inline with a sanitary process line, with fluid in the line flowing through the passageway. In the embodiment illustrated, the inlet and outlet fittings are tri-clamp fittings which are formed integrally with the body and have connecting flanges 22a, 23a with O-ring grooves 22b, 23b at their outer ends. However, other suitable fittings can be utilized, if desired.
Monitoring ports 26, 27 open through side walls 16, 17 on opposite sides of the body for receiving sensors for monitoring parameters in the fluid. Each of these ports has an inner bore 26a, 27a and an outer bore 26b, 27b which extend along the x-axis of the body, with the inner bores intersecting flow passageway 21 and the outer bores opening through the side walls. The outer bores are larger in diameter than the inner bores, and a pair of annular shoulders 28, 29 are formed between the bores. Annular recesses 31 with inner or bottom walls 32 are formed at the outer ends of outer bores 26b, 27b for receiving portions of the sensors and/or the hardware with which the sensors are attached to the ports. Mounting holes 33 are spaced circumferentially about the ports and open through the outer shoulders. In a stainless steel body, the mounting holes are threaded, whereas in a Kynar body, they are unthreaded and extend all the way through the body.
Additional monitoring ports 36, 37 open through side walls 18, 19 on the remaining sides of the body for receiving additional sensors for monitoring additional parameters in the fluid. These ports are similar to ports 26, 27 and include inner bores 26a, 27a and outer bores 26b, 27b which extend along the y-axis of the body, with the inner bores intersecting the flow passageway and the outer bores opening through the side walls. The outer bores are larger in diameter than the inner bores, with annular shoulders 38, 39 between the bores. Mounting holes 41 open through side walls 18, 19 and are spaced circumferentially about outer bores 36b, 37b for use in attaching sensors to the ports. Like mounting holes 33, they are threaded In a stainless steel body and unthreaded in a Kynar body.
With the shoulders between the bores and the bottom walls of the outer recesses all facing in an outward direction, these surfaces and the walls of the bores are readily accessible for sanitization by steam or other cleaning processes without removing the cell from the process line.
In the embodiment shown in
With this embodiment, it is possible to make optical measurements at the same time and in the same place that conductivity, temperature and pH are being monitored or measured.
The embodiment illustrated in
In this embodiment, pH probe assembly 56 is mounted in port 36, and conductivity probe 46 is mounted in port 37, with retaining plates 54, 58 being affixed to the flow cell body by mounting screws 68 threaded into the opposing ends dowel rods 69 which extend through the body in mounting holes 41. With a stainless steel body, the mounting screws would be threaded directly into the mounting holes. As in the embodiment of
The invention has a number of important features and advantages. It permits multiple parameters to be monitored or measured simultaneously at a single point in a sanitary process line. With fewer flow cells and measuring points, there is less hold-up space in the line, and both installation and instrumentation are simplified. Moreover, when interdependent process variables are measured at one point, the measurements are synchronized. Cost is reduced by integrating multiple measurements at one point, and sanitation of a process line is also easier with fewer monitoring or measuring points in the line.
It is apparent from the foregoing that a new and improved flow cell for use in monitoring multiple parameters in a sanitary process line has been provided. While only certain presently preferred embodiments have been described in detail, as will be apparent to those familiar with the art, certain changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20100269940 A1 | Oct 2010 | US |