JP2018079457A - Method for reducing initial disposal amount of process liquid and system for processing process liquid - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for reducing an initial disposal amount of process liquid that can reduce water impregnated to a filter and process liquid to be disposed with residual liquid in a filter device, and to provide a system for processing process liquid.SOLUTION: A method for reducing an initial disposal amount of process liquid that is disposed with residual liquid in a filter device 10 provided to producing piping 30 includes: wetting a filter 12 of the filter device 10 with water before filtering process liquid through the filter device 10; performing an integrity test for the filter 12 based on variation in pressure on a primary side of the filter 12; and drying the filter device 10 with heated sterile air.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for reducing an initial waste amount of a process liquid to be discarded together with a liquid remaining in a filter device provided in a manufacturing pipe, and a process liquid processing system.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a plant that processes liquid process liquids such as injections and eye drops, a process of sterilizing the process liquid by filtering with a filter device including a filter is performed. Typically, this filter has been integrity tested. The filter integrity test is a test for confirming that the filter has no physical defect and has a defined performance. Since it is confirmed by this integrity test that the filtration function of the filter is not impaired, it is possible to ensure that the finally obtained process liquid is sterile (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  As an example of the integrity test, first, the filter is wetted with water so that no gas flows. Then, the primary side of the filter is set to a predetermined pressure, and the primary side pressure is measured. If there is no change in the measured pressure, it is determined that the function of the filter is not impaired. On the other hand, when the pressure decreases, the filter is broken, and it is determined that the function of the filter is impaired.

  After the completion of the integrity test, the filter itself is in a wet state, and water remains in the filter device that houses the filter. Water impregnated in the filter itself and water remaining around the filter are discharged to the downstream side of the filter together with the process liquid when the next process liquid is processed after the integrity test.

  For this reason, the initial portion of the process liquid obtained by filtering with a filter contains the water used in the integrity test, and therefore is discarded (the portion of the process liquid that is discarded in this way. Referred to as initial waste). In particular, since process liquids such as injections are very expensive even in a small amount, an increase in the initial waste amount causes a large loss.

  Such problems generally exist not only for liquid process liquids related to pharmaceuticals such as injections, but also for process liquids that require filtration with a filter.

JP 2014-128780 A

  In view of such circumstances, the present invention can reduce the amount of process liquid discarded together with the water impregnated in the filter and the liquid remaining in the filter device, and the process liquid treatment method and the process liquid treatment method. The purpose is to provide a system.

  A first aspect for achieving the above object is a method for reducing an initial waste amount of a process liquid to be discarded together with a liquid remaining in a filter device provided in a manufacturing pipe, wherein the process liquid is removed from the filter device. Before filtering with a filter, the filter of the filter device is wetted with liquid, the filter integrity test is performed based on the change in pressure on the primary side of the filter, and the filter device is dried with heated sterile air This is a method for reducing the initial waste amount of process liquid.

  In the first aspect, before the process liquid is filtered by the filter device, the filter of the filter device is wetted with water and the filter integrity test is performed. Then, the filter device is dried with heated aseptic air. According to such a method for reducing the amount of initial waste, even if the filter is moistened for the integrity test, it is dried with heated sterile air. As a result, the filter and the filter device can be in a sterile and dry state. Thereby, when the next process liquid is processed after drying, the initial waste amount of the process liquid can be reduced. Furthermore, since the integrity of the filter can be ensured by the integrity test, it can be ensured that the process liquid processed before the integrity test has been completely filtered.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the method for reducing the initial disposal amount of the process liquid described in the first aspect, the manufacturing pipe includes, as the filter device, an upstream first filter device and a downstream first filter device. Two filter devices, each of the filters of the first filter device and the second filter device is wetted with a liquid, the integrity test is performed, and two of the first filter devices of the manufacturing pipe are provided. The liquid remaining in the connecting pipe connecting the secondary side and the primary side of the second filter device is discharged, and the first filter device and the second filter device are dried by heated aseptic air. The method is to reduce the initial disposal amount of process liquid.

  In the second aspect, even if the first filter device, the second filter device, the connection piping, etc. are moistened with the liquid used in the integrity test, they are made sterile and dry by subsequent drying. Can do. Thereby, when the next process liquid is processed after drying, the initial waste amount of the process liquid can be reduced. Furthermore, since the integrity of the filter can be ensured by the integrity test, it can be ensured that the process liquid processed before the integrity test has been completely filtered.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the method for reducing an initial waste amount of process liquid described in the second aspect, a gas is supplied from the primary side of the second filter device to the connection pipe, and the gas is supplied after a predetermined time. In the method for reducing the initial disposal amount of the process liquid, the liquid remaining in the connecting pipe is discharged to the primary side of the second filter device by the pressure of the gas.

  In the third aspect, the liquid used in the integrity test can be discharged from the connection pipe by the gas supplied from the primary side of the second filter device. Since the gas is not directly supplied to the connection pipe, a configuration for supplying the gas to the connection pipe and a configuration for ensuring that the configuration is aseptic are not required, and the cost can be reduced.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a manufacturing pipe provided with a filter device, a liquid supply means for supplying a liquid for wetting the filter of the filter device, a sterile air supply means for supplying heated sterile air, A test device for testing the integrity of the filter of the filter device; and a control device for controlling the liquid supply means, the sterile air supply means, and the test device. Before filtering with a filter device, the liquid supply means supplies the liquid to the filter device to wet the filter, causing the test device to test the integrity of the filter, and to the sterile air supply means. In the process liquid processing system, the filter device is dried by supplying the sterile air to the filter device.

  In the fourth aspect, before the process liquid is filtered by the filter device, the filter of the filter device is wetted with water and a filter integrity test is performed. Then, the filter device is dried with heated aseptic air. According to such a process liquid processing system, even if the filter is wet for the integrity test, it is dried by heated sterile air. As a result, the filter and the filter device can be in a sterile and dry state. Thereby, when the next process liquid is processed after drying, the initial waste amount of the process liquid can be reduced. Furthermore, since the integrity of the filter can be ensured by the integrity test, it can be ensured that the process liquid processed before the integrity test has been completely filtered.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the process liquid processing system according to the fourth aspect, as the filter device, a first filter device on the upstream side of the manufacturing pipe and a second filter device on the downstream side A pressurizing means for supplying a gas for pressurizing the inside of a connecting pipe connecting a secondary side of the first filter device and a primary side of the second filter device among the manufacturing pipes; and the second A first valve provided in a transport pipe for gas discharged from the primary side of the filter device, and the control device is after the integrity test of the filter and the first filter device and the second filter Before the apparatus is dried, the pressurizing means supplies gas into the connection pipe from the primary side of the second filter apparatus, and the first valve is opened after a predetermined time has elapsed. processing There is the stem.

  In the fifth aspect, even if the first filter device, the second filter device, the connecting pipe, etc. are wetted with the liquid used in the integrity test, they are made sterile and dry by subsequent drying. Can do. Thereby, when the next process liquid is processed after drying, the initial waste amount of the process liquid can be reduced. Furthermore, since the integrity of the filter can be ensured by the integrity test, it can be ensured that the process liquid processed before the integrity test has been completely filtered.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the process liquid processing system according to the fifth aspect, the pressurizing means is provided on the primary side of the second valve provided in the connection pipe and the second filter device. A second gas supply means for pumping gas, and the control device is configured to turn on the second valve after the integrity test of the filter and before drying the first filter device and the second filter device. The gas is supplied from the primary side of the second filter device to the connection pipe by closing and supplying the gas to the second gas supply means, and the first valve is opened after a predetermined time has elapsed. In the process liquid treatment system.

  In the sixth aspect, the liquid used in the integrity test can be discharged from the connection pipe by the gas supplied from the primary side of the second filter device. Since gas is not directly supplied to the connecting pipe, a configuration for supplying gas to the connecting pipe and a configuration for ensuring that the configuration is aseptic are not required, and the cost can be reduced.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the process liquid processing system according to the fifth aspect, the pressurizing means includes a first gas supply means for pumping a gas to a primary side of the first filter device; Second gas supply means for pumping gas to the primary side of the second filter device, and the control device supplies the first gas after the filter integrity test and before the filter device is dried. Gas is supplied to the first gas supply means and the second gas supply means so that the gas supplied from the means has a higher pressure than the gas supplied from the second gas supply means, and after a predetermined time has elapsed. In the process liquid processing system, the first valve is opened.

  In the seventh aspect, the first gas supply means and the second gas supply means are used as the pressurizing means for supplying the gas for pressurizing the connecting pipe between the two first filter devices and the second filter device. By using these pressure differences, the liquid used in the integrity test can be discharged from the connection pipe.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the process liquid processing system according to the fifth aspect, the pressurizing unit includes a first gas supply unit that pumps a gas to a primary side of the first filter device. The control device supplies gas to the first gas supply means with the first valve closed after the filter integrity test and before the first filter device and the second filter device are dried. And the first valve is opened after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  In the eighth aspect, the gas flowing through the connection pipe can be moderated by the opening / closing operation of the first valve. Thereby, the liquid used in the integrity test can be discharged from the connection pipe.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the process liquid processing system according to the fifth aspect, the pressurizing means includes a second valve provided in the connection pipe, and a downstream side of the second valve. A tank communicating with the connection pipe provided, and the control device is for cleaning the connection pipe before supplying the process liquid to the first filter device and the second filter device. The gas is supplied to the connection pipe, the cleaning gas is stored in the tank, the first filter device and the second filter device are dried after the filter integrity test and before the first filter device is dried. In the process liquid processing system, the valve is opened, the second valve is closed, and the gas stored in the tank is supplied to the connection pipe.

  In the ninth aspect, the cleaning gas used in SIP or the like is stored in a tank, and after the liquid is supplied, the cleaning fluid is supplied from the tank to the connection pipe, whereby the liquid used in the integrity test remaining in the connection pipe. Can be discharged from the connecting pipe. Moreover, the cleaning gas used in SIP can be effectively used.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the reduction method of the amount of initial disposal of a process liquid and the processing system of a process liquid which can reduce the process liquid discarded with the water which impregnated the filter and the liquid which remained in the filter apparatus are provided. .

It is a schematic block diagram of the process liquid processing system. It is a schematic block diagram of a filter apparatus. It is the schematic of the processing system in the state which is feeding the chemical | medical solution. It is the schematic of the processing system at the time of washing | cleaning. It is the schematic of the processing system at the time of moisture. It is the schematic of the processing system at the time of implementation of an integrity test. It is the schematic of the processing system at the time of drying. It is a schematic block diagram of the processing system which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a schematic block diagram of the processing system which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a schematic block diagram of a 2nd filter apparatus. It is the schematic of the processing system at the time of liquid feeding which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the processing system after the wet which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is the schematic of the processing system which shows the discharge operation | movement of the residual water which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is the schematic of the processing system which shows the discharge operation | movement of the residual water which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is the schematic of the processing system which shows the discharge operation | movement of the residual water which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the processing system after the wet which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. It is the schematic of the processing system which shows discharge operation | movement of the residual water which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. It is the schematic of the processing system which shows discharge operation | movement of the residual water which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the processing system after the wet which concerns on Embodiment 4. FIG. It is the schematic of the processing system which shows discharge operation | movement of the remaining water which concerns on Embodiment 4. FIG. It is the schematic of the processing system which shows discharge operation | movement of the remaining water which concerns on Embodiment 4. FIG. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the processing system after the wet which concerns on Embodiment 5. FIG. It is the schematic of the processing system which shows discharge operation | movement of the residual water which concerns on Embodiment 5. FIG. It is the schematic of the processing system which shows discharge operation | movement of the residual water which concerns on Embodiment 5. FIG.

<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a process liquid processing system according to the present embodiment. The processing system 1 of the present embodiment is a part of a plant that manufactures liquid pharmaceutical products (hereinafter referred to as chemical solutions) as an example of a process liquid.

  Specifically, the processing system 1 includes a manufacturing pipe that connects the preparation tank 2 and the storage tank 3, and the manufacturing pipe 30 is provided with a filter device 10. The production pipe 30 includes a first pipe 31 that connects the preparation tank 2 and the filter device 10, and a second pipe 32 that connects the filter device 10 and the storage tank 3.

  The filter device 10 is a filter device including a filter for filtering a general liquid. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the filter device.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the filter device 10 includes a box-shaped housing unit 11 and a filter 12 provided in the internal space of the housing unit 11. A first pipe 31 is connected to the side surface of the casing 11, and a second pipe 32 is connected to the bottom of the casing 11. A transport pipe 41 is connected to the upper part of the filter device 10. The transport pipe 41 is a pipe connected to the primary side of the filter device 10, and is a pipe for transporting a cleaning fluid or heated aseptic air into the casing 11, and also vents air from the filter device 10. It is also a pipe used as a flow path for the generated air.

  The filter 12 circulates a liquid and filters impurities, germs, and the like in the liquid. Here, the filter 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and divides the inside of the housing portion 11 into two. The outside of the filter 12, that is, the inside of the housing 11 and the outside of the filter 12 is a primary side 13. The inside of the filter 12 is a secondary side 14. A first pipe 31 communicates with the primary side 13 of the filter 12, and a second pipe 32 communicates with the secondary side 14 of the filter 12.

  With such a configuration, the chemical solution is sent from the first pipe 31 to the primary side 13 of the filter device 10, passes through the filter 12, and is sent to the second pipe 32.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the processing system 1 includes a liquid supply unit 70. The liquid supply means 70 supplies water as a liquid for wetting the filter 12 of the filter device 10. For example, it is composed of a tank for storing water, a mechanism for applying pressure to water in the tank, piping, valves, and the like.

  The liquid supply means 70 is connected to the upstream side (preparation tank 2 side) of the valve A provided in the first pipe 31. The liquid supply means 70 pumps water to the filter device 10 via the first pipe 31. Although details will be described later, the filter 12 can be wetted by the water.

  Further, the processing system 1 includes a sterile air supply means 80. The aseptic air supply means 80 includes a heat exchanger 81 provided in the transport pipe 41 and an aseptic filter device 82. Air is supplied to the transport pipe 41 as a gas. The heat exchanger 81 heats the air supplied from the transport pipe 41 with a heat medium. The degree to which air is heated will be described later.

  The aseptic filter device 82 is provided in the transport pipe 41 on the downstream side of the heat exchanger 81. The aseptic filter device 82 is a device that removes impurities and germs in the air using a filter (not shown). Thereby, the air is sterilized by the aseptic filter device 82 and becomes aseptic air. Note that a valve B is provided in the transport pipe 41 on the downstream side of the aseptic filter device 82.

  As described above, the air is heated to aseptic air (hereinafter referred to as heated aseptic air) by the heat exchanger 81 and the aseptic filter device 82 and supplied to the filter device 10.

  Further, the processing system 1 includes a test apparatus 90. The test apparatus 90 is a general apparatus that tests the integrity of the filter 12 of the filter apparatus 10. Specifically, the test apparatus 90 is connected to a pipe 43 branched from the transport pipe 41. The test device 90 can measure the pressure on the primary side 13 of the filter device 10.

  The test device 90 measures the pressure on the primary side 13 of the filter device 10 in a state where the filter 12 is wet with water and the valve A and the valve B are closed. The test apparatus 90 determines that the function of the filter 12 is not impaired if the pressure is maintained for a predetermined time. Alternatively, the test apparatus 90 determines that the function of the filter is impaired when the pressure decreases.

  Further, the processing system 1 includes a device group (not shown) that supplies a cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid is a liquid such as a cleaning liquid used in CIP or SIP, or a gas such as a vapor. In the present embodiment, the cleaning fluid is supplied to the filter device 10 and the manufacturing pipe 30 via the transport pipe 41 and used for cleaning them. Of course, the present invention is not limited to the configuration in which the cleaning fluid is supplied to the filter device 10 and the manufacturing pipe 30 via the transport pipe 41. For example, it is good also as a structure which supplies the fluid for washing | cleaning also to the preparation tank 2 and the storage tank 3, and wash | cleans them.

  In addition, the processing system 1 includes a control device (not shown) such as a programmable logic controller (PLC) that controls processing of the processing system 1. The control device controls the feeding of the chemical solution from the preparation tank 2, the supply / stop of the cleaning fluid, the supply / stop of water by the liquid supply means 70, the supply / stop of heated sterile air by the sterile air supply means 80, the test It is possible to control the implementation of the integrity test of the filter 12 by the device 90.

  The preparation tank 2 is a tank for adjusting a chemical solution. Although not particularly illustrated, the preparation tank 2 is provided with an inlet for supplying a raw material of the chemical liquid to be manufactured and an outlet for discharging the manufactured chemical liquid, and can be opened and closed by a control signal from the control device. . The preparation tank 2 is connected to a compressed air supply device (not shown) for supplying compressed air therein. The compressed air supply device supplies air to the preparation tank 2 at a pressure specified by control from the control device. Thereby, a chemical | medical solution can be sent from the preparation tank 2 to the piping 30 for manufacture.

  The storage tank 3 is a tank that stores the chemical solution fed from the preparation tank 2 through the manufacturing pipe 30. Although not particularly shown, the storage tank 3 is provided with an inlet for feeding the pumped chemical and an outlet for discharging the chemical, and can be opened and closed by control from the control device. In addition, the storage tank 3 is connected to a filling machine that fills the container with the chemical liquid, and the chemical liquid can be discharged from the discharge port of the filling machine and supplied to the filling machine.

  Further, a valve C is provided in the pipe 43 branched from the transport pipe 41 to the test apparatus 90, a valve D is provided in the second pipe 32, and a pipe 35 branched from an upstream portion of the valve D of the second pipe 32 is provided. Is provided with a valve E. These valves C to E and the above-described valves A and B can be controlled to be opened and closed by a control device.

  The operation of the processing system configured as described above will be described. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the processing system 1 in a state in which a chemical solution is being sent from the preparation tank 2 to the storage tank 3. In addition, the hatch of FIG. 3 represents the chemical | medical solution. The open state of each valve is represented by white, and the closed state is represented by black.

  At the time of liquid feeding, the control device opens the valves A, B, and D, closes the valves C and E, and supplies compressed air to the preparation tank 2. By such control, the chemical solution is pumped from the preparation tank 2 to the storage tank 3 through the manufacturing pipe 30. Since the chemical solution is filtered by the filter device 10, the chemical solution is aseptic and stored in the storage tank 3.

  Next, in the processing system 1, an operation when the manufacturing pipe 30 and the like are washed after the chemical solution is fed will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the processing system 1 during cleaning. For example, at the time of cleaning, the control device closes the valves A, C, and D and opens the valves B and E. Then, the control device supplies the cleaning fluid from the transport pipe 41 to the filter device 10 and the manufacturing pipe 30 (second pipe 32). Specifically, the cleaning liquid is circulated through the filter device 10 and the manufacturing pipe 30 as the cleaning fluid to perform CIP, and then the steam is circulated through the filter device 10 and the manufacturing pipe 30 as the cleaning fluid to perform SIP. . The cleaning fluid after cleaning is discharged from the pipe 35.

  By such cleaning, the filter device 10 and the manufacturing pipe 30 are cleaned. In addition, after the SIP, the inside of the filter device 10 (in the filter 12 and the housing portion 11) and the manufacturing pipe 30 is almost dry.

  Next, the operation when the filter 12 is wetted in the processing system 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the processing system 1 when wet. The hatches in FIG. 5 represent water. When wet, the control device closes the valves C and D and opens the valves A, B and E. Then, the control device causes the liquid supply means 70 to supply water to the filter device 10.

  By supply of water by the liquid supply means 70, the inside of the housing portion 11 of the filter device 10 is filled with water, and the filter 12 is in a wet state. Although not particularly illustrated, the control device stops the supply of water by the liquid supply means 70 when a sufficient time has elapsed for the inside of the casing 11 of the filter device 10 to be filled with water. In addition, the control device opens the valve E and discharges water after a lapse of a certain time from the stop of water supply.

  Next, an operation for performing the integrity test of the filter 12 in the processing system 1 will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the processing system 1 when the integrity test is performed. After the filter 12 has been wetted, some amount of water remains in the primary side 13 of the filter device 10 (not shown), and the filter 12 is in a wet state with water.

  In performing the integrity test, the controller closes valve A, valve B, valve D, and valve E and opens valve C. That is, air is not leaked from the primary side 13 of the filter device 10 to the outside. Then, the control device causes the test device 90 to adjust the pressure on the primary side 13 to a predetermined pressure and measure the pressure on the primary side 13.

  Since the filter 12 is wet as described above, air does not permeate from the primary side 13 to the secondary side 14 of the filter 12 if the filter 12 is not damaged. Therefore, the test apparatus 90 determines that the filter 12 is not damaged if there is no change in the pressure on the primary side 13 or if the change is within an allowable range.

  On the other hand, if the filter 12 is damaged even though the filter 12 is wet, air passes from the primary side 13 to the secondary side 14 and the pressure on the primary side 13 decreases. The test apparatus 90 determines that the filter 12 is damaged when detecting a pressure drop on the primary side 13.

  In this way, the integrity test of the filter 12 is performed. As described above, the filter 12 is wetted prior to the integrity test, and is not particularly dried in the integrity test, so that it remains wet even after the completion of the integrity test. That is, a small amount of water remains on the primary side 13 of the filter device 10 and the filter 12 is wet. Thus, after the SIP, although they were dry, a substantial amount of water remained after the integrity test.

  As described in the prior art, these waters are discharged to the outside of the filter device 10 together with the chemical solution when the next chemical solution is filtered as shown in FIG. Thus, the initial portion of the chemical liquid filtered by the filter device 10 includes water that has been wetted by the filter 12 and water that has remained on the primary side 13, and is discarded.

  Here, it is also conceivable to perform the integrity test by wetting the filter 12 before performing CIP or SIP. According to this, since CIP and SIP are performed after the integrity test, the filter 12 is almost in a dry state, and there is almost no initial amount of chemical solution discarded. However, in the manufacture of chemicals, it is required to conduct an integrity test after SIP according to international regulations. Therefore, it is desired to reduce the initial discard amount on the premise that such an integrity test after SIP is performed.

  Therefore, in the processing system 1 and the method for reducing the initial waste amount according to the present embodiment, the filter 12 is dried after performing the integrity test. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the processing system 1 during drying. At the time of drying, the control device closes the valve A, the valve C, the valve D, and the valve E, and opens the valve B. Then, the control device causes the sterile air supply means 80 to supply heated sterile air to the filter device 10.

  Specifically, the heat exchanger 81 heats the air, and the sterile filter device 82 sterilizes the air to form heated sterile air, which is supplied to the filter device 10. The temperature of the heated sterilized air is set to a temperature that is lower than or equal to the temperature that the filter 12 can tolerate and that can dry the water of the filter 12. Further, the pressure of the heated aseptic air is not particularly limited, but is set to be equal to or lower than the pressure allowed by the filter 12.

  By supplying heated aseptic air to the filter device 10 in this way, the water impregnated in the filter 12 evaporates and the filter 12 can be dried. Further, the water remaining on the primary side 13 of the filter device 10 can be similarly dried. Moreover, since it dries with aseptic air, it can ensure that the inside of the filter apparatus 10 is aseptic.

  After the filter device 10 and the filter 12 are dried, the control device stops the supply of heated sterile air. After that, the next chemical solution may be processed, or the valve B is closed to shut off the manufacturing pipe 30 and the filter device 10 from the outside air so that the sterilized state is maintained, and waiting for the next chemical solution processing. You may let them.

  When the next chemical liquid is processed after the filter 12 is dried, the chemical liquid is filtered by the filter 12 (inside the filter device 10) which is aseptic and dry. Thereby, even if the chemical solution is filtered by the filter 12, the water used for the integrity test is not included, and therefore, it is not necessary to discard the initial portion of the chemical solution.

  In the processing system 1 and the method for reducing the initial waste amount described above, the filter 12 of the filter device 10 is moistened with water before the chemical solution is filtered by the filter device 10, and based on the change in pressure on the primary side of the filter 12. A completeness test of the filter 12 is performed. Then, the filter device 10 is dried with heated aseptic air.

  According to the processing system 1 and the method for reducing the initial waste amount, even when the filter 12 or the like is moistened for the integrity test performed after SIP, it is dried with heated aseptic air. As a result, the filter 12 and the primary side 13 of the filter device 10 can be in a sterile and dry state. Thereby, when processing the next chemical | medical solution after drying, the amount of initial disposal of the chemical | medical solution can be reduced. Furthermore, since the integrity of the filter 12 can be ensured by the integrity test after SIP, it can be ensured that the chemical solution processed before the integrity test has been completely filtered.

<Embodiment 2>
In the first embodiment, the processing system 1 including one filter device 10 has been described. In the present embodiment, the processing system 1 including two filter devices will be described. 8 and 9 are schematic configuration diagrams of the processing system 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of the second filter device. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same thing as Embodiment 1, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The processing system 1 of the present embodiment includes a first filter device 10 and a second filter device 20. The first filter device 10 has the same configuration as the filter device 10 of the first embodiment. The manufacturing pipe 30 includes a first pipe 31, a second pipe 32, and a third pipe 33. Among these, the 1st piping 31 is the same as that of Embodiment 1. In the present embodiment, the second pipe 32 connects the first filter device 10 and the second filter device 20. The third pipe 33 connects the second filter device 20 and the storage tank 3.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the second filter device 20 includes a box-shaped housing portion 21 and a filter 22 provided in the internal space of the housing portion 21. A second pipe 32 is connected to the side surface of the casing unit 21, and a third pipe 33 is connected to the bottom surface of the casing unit 21. In addition, a transport pipe 42 is connected to the upper part of the second filter device 20. The transport pipe 42 is a pipe connected to the primary side of the second filter device 20, is a pipe for transporting the gas for pressurization into the housing portion 21, and is discharged from the second filter device 20. It is also a pipe used as a flow path for air.

  The filter 22 circulates the liquid and filters impurities, germs, and the like in the liquid. Here, the filter 22 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and divides the inside of the housing portion 21 into two. The outside of the filter 22, that is, the inside of the housing portion 21 and the outside of the filter 22 is a primary side 23. The inside of the filter 22 is a secondary side 24. A second pipe 32 communicates with the primary side 23 of the filter 22, and a third pipe 33 communicates with the secondary side 24 of the filter 22.

  With such a configuration, the chemical solution is sent from the second pipe 32 to the primary side 23 of the second filter device 20, passes through the filter 22, and is sent to the third pipe 33.

  A gas supply means 60 is connected to a pipe branched from the transport pipe 42. The gas supply means 60 pumps the gas to the primary side 23 of the second filter device 20. The gas supply means 60 is not particularly limited as long as it can supply pressurized gas. In the present embodiment, the gas supply means 60 supplies heat-sterilized aseptic air as a gas. Specifically, the gas supply means 60 includes a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes air taken from outside to produce aseptic air, a pump that pressurizes aseptic air to a predetermined pressure, a pressure valve that adjusts the pressure, and the like. .

  Since the primary side 23 of the second filter device 20 communicates with the second pipe 32, the gas supply means 60 can supply aseptic air from the primary side 23 to the second pipe 32.

  A second valve 52 is provided in the second pipe 32. The second valve 52 is provided in a portion along the vertical direction of the second pipe 32. Further, the transport pipe 42 is provided with a first valve 51. The transport pipe 42 is a flow path for venting the second filter device 20. In this embodiment, the transport pipe 42 is a flow path for discharging aseptic air supplied to the second filter device 20 by the gas supply means 60. Is also used.

  In addition, a test device 91 is connected to branch from the transport pipe 42 connected to the second filter device 20. The test apparatus 91 is the same apparatus as the test apparatus 90 of Embodiment 1 except that the test target is the second filter apparatus 20.

  The operation of the processing system configured as described above will be described. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the processing system 1 in a state in which a chemical solution is being sent from the preparation tank 2 to the storage tank 3. The mesh hatch represents a chemical solution.

  In the processing system 1 of the present embodiment, the chemical solution supplied from the preparation tank 2 is filtered by the first filter device 10 and the second filter device 20 and sent to the storage tank 3. Specifically, at the time of liquid feeding, the control device opens the second valve 52 and supplies compressed air to the preparation tank 2. The first filter device 10 and the transport pipe 41 are closed, and the second filter device 20 and the transport pipe 42 are closed.

  By such control, the chemical solution is pumped from the preparation tank 2 to the storage tank 3 through the manufacturing pipe 30. Since the chemical solution is filtered through the first filter device 10 and the second filter device 20, the chemical solution is sterilized and stored in the storage tank 3.

  And although not shown in particular, after completion of liquid feeding, CIP and SIP are performed by the cleaning fluid as in the first embodiment. Thereafter, water is supplied from the liquid supply means 70 to the first filter device 10 in order to perform an integrity test. This water passes through the filter 12 (not shown) of the first filter device 10 and wets the filter 22 (not shown) of the second filter device 20 via the second pipe 32.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a state of the processing system after the filter is wetted. After the filters of both the first filter device 10 and the second filter device 20 are wetted, the water is discharged. Then, an integrity test is performed on the filter 12 of the first filter device 10 by the test device 90. Similarly, an integrity test is performed on the filter 22 of the second filter device 20 by the test device 91.

  After the integrity test, as in the first embodiment, the filters 12 and 22 of the first filter device 10 and the second filter device 20 are impregnated with water, and the primary side 13 and the primary side 23 are in contact with each other. Some water remains. Furthermore, a small amount of water also remains in the second pipe 32 (corresponding to the connection pipe in the claims) connecting the first filter device 10 and the second filter device 20.

  In the processing system 1 of the first embodiment, drying is performed after the integrity test is performed, but in the processing system 1 of the present embodiment, the water in the second pipe 32 is discharged before the drying is performed.

  FIGS. 13 to 15 are schematic views of the processing system showing the operation of discharging the water remaining in the second pipe 32. The arrows in FIGS. 13 to 15 represent the flow of aseptic air. As shown in FIG. 13, the control device closes the first valve 51 and the second valve 52 after performing the integrity test. Then, the gas supply means 60 is supplied with aseptic air to the primary side 23 of the second filter device 20.

  The aseptic air supplied to the primary side 23 of the second filter device 20 is filled in the second pipe 32 communicating with the primary side 23. The pressure of the sterilized air is preferably a positive pressure, and is preferably equal to or lower than the pressure that the filter 22 receives from water during liquid feeding. By using such an aseptic pressure, it is possible to avoid the filter 22 from being damaged.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 14, the control device opens the first valve 51 after a predetermined time has elapsed. If the 1st valve | bulb 51 is open | released, since the inside of the primary side 23 of the 2nd piping 32 and the 2nd filter apparatus 20 will be connected outside, those aseptic air inside those will be discharged | emitted outside.

  The predetermined time from the start of the supply of aseptic air from the gas supply means 60 to the opening of the first valve 51 is a time sufficient to fill the second pipe 32 with aseptic air.

  In this way, the pressurized sterile air is introduced into the second pipe 32 (FIG. 13), and then the sterile air is discharged (FIG. 14). The processing system 1 of this embodiment can push out the water remaining in the second pipe 32 to the primary side 23 of the second filter device 20 by forming such a sterile air flow.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the control device closes the first valve 51. Thereby, positive pressure sterile air is supplied to the primary side 23 of the second filter device 20 again. Due to the pressure of the aseptic air, water passes through the filter 22 and is pumped to the storage tank 3 via the third pipe 33.

  The introduction of aseptic air shown in FIG. 13, the discharge of aseptic air shown in FIG. 14, and the pumping of water to the third pipe 33 shown in FIG. 15 may be repeated a plurality of times. Thereby, the water remaining in the second pipe 32 can be more reliably sent to the second filter device 20.

  Thus, in the processing system 1, aseptic air for pumping water remaining in the second pipe 32 between the two first filter devices 10 and the second filter device 20 is used as the primary side of the second filter device 20. 23 to the second pipe 32 (see FIG. 13). Then, by discharging the sterilized air from the first valve 51 to the outside, the remaining water can be sent from the second pipe 32 to the second filter device 20 by the flow of the sterilized air exhaust (see FIG. 14). ). Then, water is discharged from the second filter device 20 to the outside through the pipe 35.

  Next, the control device causes the sterile air supply means 80 to supply heated sterile air to the first filter device 10. Thereby, the water remaining on the filter 12 and the primary side 13 of the first filter device 10 can be dried. Further, after the filter 12 is dried, the heated aseptic air passes through the filter 12, passes through the second pipe 32, and dries the water remaining on the filter 22 and the primary side 23 of the second filter device 20.

  Here, most of the water remaining in the second pipe 32 is discharged to the second filter device 20 by the processing shown in FIGS. As described above, since drying with heated aseptic air is performed in a state where there is almost no water in the second pipe 32, the second pipe 32 can be dried more quickly. In the case where heated aseptic air is circulated through the second pipe 32 without performing the processing shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, it takes time because much remaining water needs to be dried.

  According to the processing system 1 and the method for reducing the amount of initial waste described above, even if the filter 12 or the like is wet for the integrity test performed after SIP, it is dried with heated aseptic air. And before this drying, since the water remaining between the two first filter devices 10 and the second filter device 20 is discharged to the second filter device 20 side, the second pipe 32 is more reliably and more It can be dried quickly.

  As a result, even if the first filter device 10, the second filter device 20, the second pipe 32, etc. are wetted with the water used in the integrity test, they are made aseptic and dry by subsequent drying. be able to. Thereby, when processing the next chemical | medical solution after drying, the amount of initial disposal of the chemical | medical solution can be reduced. Furthermore, since the integrity of the filters 12 and 22 can be ensured by the integrity test after SIP, it can be ensured that the chemicals processed before the integrity test have been completely filtered. Unlike the present embodiment, it is assumed that water remaining in the second pipe 32 (connection pipe) is not discharged to the second filter device 20. In this case, since the water remaining in the second pipe 32 is discarded together with the next chemical solution, the initial amount of chemical solution is increased.

  Further, aseptic air is not sent directly into the second pipe 32 but is sent through the primary side 23 of the second filter device 20. That is, the transport pipe 42 for feeding sterile air is separated from the inside of the second pipe 32 and the second filter device 20. Unlike the second pipe 32 and the primary side 23 through which the chemical liquid circulates, an apparatus configuration for ensuring that the transport pipe 42 through which the chemical liquid does not circulate is aseptic is not necessary, and costs can be reduced.

  In addition, when sending aseptic air directly into the 2nd piping 32, you have to provide piping for air supply separately. In this case, in order to ensure that the air supply pipe is aseptic, an apparatus configuration for cleaning and sterilizing the air supply pipe is required, and the configuration of the processing system 1 becomes complicated and costs increase.

  Although not particularly shown, the second pipe 32 may be inclined so as to descend toward the second filter device 20. By setting it as such 2nd piping 32, the remaining water can be sent to the 2nd filter apparatus 20 more reliably.

<Embodiment 3>
In the second embodiment, the second valve 52 is closed, and aseptic air (gas) is supplied from the gas supply means 60 to pressurize the second pipe 32 and then the first valve 51 is opened, so that aseptic air is supplied. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram of a processing system according to the present embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same thing as Embodiment 2, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 16, in the processing system 1 of the present embodiment, the second valve 52 is not provided in the second pipe 32. The pressurizing means of the present embodiment is a first gas supply means and a second gas supply means 60. Since the second gas supply unit 60 is the same as the gas supply unit 60 of the second embodiment, a duplicate description is omitted. In the present embodiment, the first gas supply means is realized by the sterile air supply means 80. That is, as the first gas supply means, the sterile air supply means 80 pumps the gas to the primary side 13 of the first filter device 10.

  17 and 18 are schematic views of the processing system showing the operation of discharging the water remaining in the second pipe 32. FIG. The arrows in FIGS. 17 and 18 represent the flow of sterile air. Moreover, illustration of the 1st filter apparatus 10 is abbreviate | omitted in these figures.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the control device causes the second gas supply means 60 to supply aseptic air to the primary side 23 of the second filter device 20 after performing the integrity test. On the other hand, aseptic air supply means 80 supplies aseptic air to the primary side 13 of the first filter device 10 (see FIG. 16). At this time, the pressure of sterile air from the sterile air supply means 80 is set to be higher than the pressure of sterile air from the second gas supply means 60.

  The pressure is adjusted in this way, and sterile air is supplied to the sterile air supply means 80 and the second gas supply means 60. Thereby, the gas supplied from the second gas supply means 60 does not escape further upstream from the first filter device 10. Therefore, the aseptic air supplied from the second gas supply means 60 is suppressed from pushing back the water remaining in the second pipe 32 upstream.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 18, the control device opens the first valve 51 after a predetermined time has elapsed. If the 1st valve | bulb 51 is open | released, since the inside of the primary side 23 of the 2nd piping 32 and the 2nd filter apparatus 20 will be connected outside, those aseptic air inside those will be discharged | emitted outside.

  The predetermined time from the start of the supply of sterile air from the sterile air supply means 80 and the second gas supply means 60 to the opening of the first valve 51 is a time sufficient for filling the second pipe 32 with sterile air. And

  Aseptic air pressurized in this way is introduced into the second pipe 32 (FIG. 17), and then the aseptic air is discharged (FIG. 18). The processing system 1 of this embodiment can push out the water remaining in the second pipe 32 to the primary side 23 of the second filter device 20 by forming such a sterile air flow.

  After that, although not particularly shown, the control device closes the first valve 51. Thereby, positive pressure sterile air is supplied to the primary side 23 of the second filter device 20 again. Due to the pressure of the aseptic air, the chemical liquid passes through the filter 22 and is pumped to the storage tank 3 via the third pipe 33.

  According to the processing system 1 and the method for reducing the amount of initial waste described above, even if the filter 12 or the like is wet for the integrity test performed after SIP, it is dried with heated aseptic air. And before this drying, since the water remaining between the two first filter devices 10 and the second filter device 20 is discharged to the second filter device 20 side, the second pipe 32 is more reliably and more It can be dried quickly.

  As a result, even if the first filter device 10, the second filter device 20, the second pipe 32, etc. are wetted with the water used in the integrity test, they are made aseptic and dry by subsequent drying. be able to. Thereby, when processing the next chemical | medical solution after drying, the amount of initial disposal of the chemical | medical solution can be reduced. Furthermore, since the integrity of the filters 12 and 22 can be ensured by the integrity test after SIP, it can be ensured that the chemicals processed before the integrity test have been completely filtered. Unlike the present embodiment, it is assumed that water remaining in the second pipe 32 (connection pipe) is not discharged to the second filter device 20. In this case, since the water remaining in the second pipe 32 is discarded together with the next chemical solution, the initial amount of chemical solution is increased.

<Embodiment 4>
In the first embodiment, aseptic air (gas) is supplied from the second gas supply means 60, but aseptic air may be supplied only from the sterile air supply means 80.

  FIG. 19 is a schematic configuration diagram of a processing system according to the present embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same thing as Embodiment 2, 3, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in the figure, in the processing system 1 of the present embodiment, the second pipe 52 is not provided with the second valve 52. Further, aseptic air supply means 80 is provided as first gas supply means for supplying gas to the primary side of the first filter device 10. The pressurizing means of this embodiment is composed of first gas supply means.

  20 and 21 are schematic views of the processing system showing the operation of discharging the chemical solution remaining in the second pipe 32. FIG. The arrows in FIGS. 20 and 21 represent the flow of aseptic air. Moreover, illustration of the 1st filter apparatus 10 is abbreviate | omitted in these figures.

  As shown in FIG. 20, after detecting that the preparation tank 2 is empty, the control device causes the sterile air supply means 80 to supply sterile air to the primary side 13 of the first filter device 10. The control device keeps the first valve 51 closed.

  Even if aseptic air is supplied from the aseptic air supply means 80 with the first valve 51 closed as described above, the primary side 23 of the second pipe 32 and the second filter device 20 is a closed space. The flow is not so great.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 21, the control device opens the first valve 51 after a predetermined time has elapsed. When the first valve 51 is opened, the second pipe 32 and the inside of the primary side 23 of the second filter device 20 communicate with the outside, so that the sterilized air inside them is faster than in the state of FIG. It is discharged outside.

  The predetermined time from the start of the supply of sterile air from the sterile air supply means 80 to the opening of the first valve 51 is set to a time sufficient for filling the second pipe 32 with sterile air. Moreover, it is preferable that the pressure of the sterilized air supplied from the sterilized air supply means 80 is a pressure that does not hinder the filter 12 of the first filter device 10. For example, it is preferable to supply sterile air at a pressure equal to or lower than the pressure received by the filter 12 from the chemical solution during liquid feeding.

  Thus, the sterilized air pressurized into the second pipe 32 is introduced at a relatively low speed (FIG. 20), and then the sterilized air is discharged at a higher speed (FIG. 21). Such an operation may be repeated any number of times. The processing system 1 according to the present embodiment can supply the aseptic air flowing through the second pipe 32 to the downstream side with the first valve 51 being opened and closed. Thereby, the water remaining in the second pipe 32 can be pushed out to the primary side 23 of the second filter device 20 more effectively.

  Since the treatment system 1 of the present embodiment can push the water by gradually opening and closing the flow of sterile air by opening and closing the first valve 51, the sterile air supplied from the primary side 13 of the first filter device 10 is as follows. There is no need for excessive pressure. Conventionally, a strong pressure has to be applied in order to permeate the filter 12. However, in the present invention, even if sterile air is supplied from the primary side 13 at a pressure that does not damage the filter 12, Can be sufficiently pushed out to the second filter device 20.

  According to the processing system 1 and the method for reducing the amount of initial waste described above, even if the filter 12 or the like is wet for the integrity test performed after SIP, it is dried with heated aseptic air. And before this drying, since the water remaining between the two first filter devices 10 and the second filter device 20 is discharged to the second filter device 20 side, the second pipe 32 is more reliably and more It can be dried quickly.

  As a result, even if the first filter device 10, the second filter device 20, the second pipe 32, etc. are wetted with the water used in the integrity test, they are made aseptic and dry by subsequent drying. be able to. Thereby, when processing the next chemical | medical solution after drying, the amount of initial disposal of the chemical | medical solution can be reduced. Furthermore, since the integrity of the filter 12 can be ensured by the integrity test after SIP, it can be ensured that the chemical solution processed before the integrity test has been completely filtered. Unlike the present embodiment, it is assumed that water remaining in the second pipe 32 (connection pipe) is not discharged to the second filter device 20. In this case, since the water remaining in the second pipe 32 is discarded together with the next chemical solution, the initial amount of chemical solution is increased.

<Embodiment 5>
In Embodiments 2 to 4, aseptic air (gas) is supplied from the sterile air supply means 80 or the second gas supply means 60 as the first gas supply means, but the present invention is not limited to this aspect, and the processing system The remaining fluid in the second pipe 32 may be used for pressure feeding by the cleaning fluid used for the cleaning of No. 1.

  FIG. 22 is a schematic configuration diagram of a liquid feeding system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 are schematic diagrams of a liquid feeding system showing an operation for discharging the chemical liquid remaining in the second pipe 32. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same thing as Embodiment 2-4, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 22, in the processing system 1 of the present embodiment, a tank 4 for storing a cleaning fluid is connected to the second pipe 32. A third valve 53 is provided between the tank 4 and the second pipe 32. The third valve 53 can be controlled to open and close by a control device. The pressurizing means of this embodiment includes a second valve 52 and a tank 4 that communicates with the second pipe 32.

  In SIP, the control device opens the third valve 53 and sends high-temperature and high-pressure steam into the tank 4. When a sufficient time has elapsed for the tank 4 to be filled as described above, the third valve 53 is closed. As a result, aseptic air is stored in the tank 4. And after completion | finish of SIP, although not shown in figure, a control apparatus supplies the water to the 1st filter apparatus 10 and the 2nd filter apparatus 20, and wets the filter 12 and the filter 22. FIG. Thereafter, an integrity test is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the control device closes the first valve 51 and the second valve 52 after performing the integrity test.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 24, the control device opens the first valve 51 and the third valve 53. When the third valve 53 is opened, the steam stored in the tank 4 is sent to the second pipe 32. With this steam flow, the processing system 1 of the present embodiment can push the water remaining in the second pipe 32 to the primary side 23 of the second filter device 20.

  As described above, the processing system 1 of the present embodiment can effectively use the cleaning gas used in the SIP and push out the water remaining in the second pipe 32 to the second filter device 20. Conventionally, the cleaning gas used for SIP has not been used for the pumping of such residual water. However, in the present invention, such a cleaning gas can be used effectively.

  In FIG. 23 and FIG. 24, the tank 4 is connected near the center of the second pipe 32 for the sake of space, but is preferably connected upstream of the second pipe 32.

  According to the processing system 1 and the method for reducing the amount of initial waste described above, even if the filter 12 or the like is wet for the integrity test performed after SIP, it is dried with heated aseptic air. And before this drying, since the water remaining between the two first filter devices 10 and the second filter device 20 is discharged to the second filter device 20 side, the second pipe 32 is more reliably and more It can be dried quickly.

  As a result, even if the first filter device 10, the second filter device 20, the second pipe 32, etc. are wetted with the water used in the integrity test, they are made aseptic and dry by subsequent drying. be able to. Thereby, when processing the next chemical | medical solution after drying, the amount of initial disposal of the chemical | medical solution can be reduced. Furthermore, since the integrity of the filter 12 can be ensured by the integrity test after SIP, it can be ensured that the chemical solution processed before the integrity test has been completely filtered. Unlike the present embodiment, it is assumed that water remaining in the second pipe 32 (connection pipe) is not discharged to the second filter device 20. In this case, since the water remaining in the second pipe 32 is discarded together with the next chemical solution, the initial amount of chemical solution is increased.

<Other embodiments>
As mentioned above, although one embodiment of the present invention has been described, of course, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and addition, omission, replacement, etc., of a configuration is possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. And other changes are possible.

  The processing system 1 according to Embodiments 1 to 5 sent the chemical solution from the preparation tank 2 to the storage tank 3. However, the devices installed on the upstream side of the first filter device 10 and the downstream side of the second filter device 20 are not limited to the preparation tank 2 and the storage tank 3, and send the liquid to be processed through the manufacturing pipe 30. Any device can be used as long as it is a device for liquid.

  Although the processing system 1 which concerns on Embodiment 1-Embodiment 5 sent the chemical | medical solution as a process liquid, it is not limited to this, It is applicable when sending arbitrary process liquids, such as a drink. In the processing system 1 according to the second embodiment, the gas supply unit 60 supplies aseptic air, but is not limited thereto. Any gas that can pump the remaining process liquid may be used.

  In the processing system 1 according to the first to fifth embodiments, the second pipe 32 is substantially horizontal, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second pipe 32 may be inclined so as to descend toward the second filter device 20. By setting it as such 2nd piping 32, the remaining water can be sent to the 2nd filter apparatus 20 more reliably.

  Moreover, although an integrity test and drying of a filter apparatus are implemented before filtering a chemical | medical solution with the filter apparatus 10, there is no limitation in particular in a specific timing. For example, an integrity test or drying of the filter device may be performed immediately before the chemical solution is filtered by the filter device 10. In addition, after completing the filtration of the chemical solution, the integrity test and drying may be performed, and the next chemical solution may be filtered. In this case, the integrity test and drying are performed before the next chemical solution is filtered.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Processing system, 10 ... Filter apparatus (1st filter apparatus), 12, 22 ... Filter, 13, 23 ... Primary side, 14, 24 ... Secondary side, 20 ... 2nd filter apparatus, 30 ... Manufacturing piping, 31 ... 1st piping, 32 ... 2nd piping, 33 ... 3rd piping, 41, 42 ... Transport piping, 51 ... 1st valve, 52 ... 2nd valve, 60 ... Gas supply means (2nd gas supply means), 70 ... Liquid supply means, 80 ... Aseptic air supply means (first gas supply means), 90, 91 ... Test apparatus

A first aspect for achieving the above object is a method for reducing an initial waste amount of a process liquid to be discarded together with a liquid remaining in a filter device provided in a manufacturing pipe , wherein the manufacturing pipe includes The filter device includes a first filter device on the upstream side and a second filter device on the downstream side, and each filter of the first filter device and the second filter device is filtered before the process liquid is filtered by the filter device. The filter is subjected to a filter integrity test based on a change in pressure on the primary side of the filter, and the secondary side of the first filter device and the second filter of the manufacturing pipe. When discharging the liquid remaining in the connection pipe connecting the primary side of the apparatus, gas is supplied to the connection pipe from the primary side of the second filter apparatus, and after a predetermined time By discharging the gas, the liquid remaining in the connecting pipe at a pressure of the gas is delivered to the primary side of the second filter device, the heated sterile air the first filter device and the second filter device There is a method for reducing the initial waste amount of a process liquid characterized by drying.

In the first aspect, before the process liquid is filtered by the filter device, the filter of the filter device is wetted with water and the filter integrity test is performed. Then, the filter device is dried with heated aseptic air. According to such a method for reducing the amount of initial waste, even if the filter is moistened for the integrity test, it is dried with heated sterile air. As a result, the filter and the filter device can be in a sterile and dry state. Thereby, when the next process liquid is processed after drying, the initial waste amount of the process liquid can be reduced. Furthermore, since the integrity of the filter can be ensured by the integrity test, it can be ensured that the process liquid processed before the integrity test has been completely filtered.
Further, even when the first filter device, the second filter device, the connection piping, etc. are wetted with the liquid used in the integrity test, they can be made aseptic and dry by subsequent drying. Thereby, when the next process liquid is processed after drying, the initial waste amount of the process liquid can be reduced. Furthermore, since the integrity of the filter can be ensured by the integrity test, it can be ensured that the process liquid processed before the integrity test has been completely filtered.
Further, the liquid used in the integrity test can be discharged from the connection pipe by the gas supplied from the primary side of the second filter device. Since the gas is not directly supplied to the connection pipe, a configuration for supplying the gas to the connection pipe and a configuration for ensuring that the configuration is aseptic are not required, and the cost can be reduced.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a manufacturing pipe provided with a filter device, a liquid supply means for supplying a liquid for wetting the filter of the filter device, a sterile air supply means for supplying heated sterile air, A test device for testing the integrity of the filter of the filter device, the liquid supply means, the sterile air supply means, a control device for controlling the test device, and the filter device as an upstream side of the manufacturing pipe The first filter device, the downstream second filter device, and the manufacturing pipe, the inside of the connecting pipe that connects the secondary side of the first filter device and the primary side of the second filter device are added. and pressurizing means for supplying a gas for pressurizing, and a first valve provided in the transportation pipeline of the gas exiting the primary side of the second filter device, said control device, process Prior to filtration the liquid in the filter device, the liquid supply means, liquid wetted the filter by causing supplied to the filter device, to the test apparatus, to test the integrity of the filter, the filter After the integrity test and before the drying of the first filter device and the second filter device, the pressurizing means supplies gas from the primary side of the second filter device into the connection pipe for a predetermined time. In the process liquid processing system, the first valve is opened after a lapse of time, and the sterilized air supply means supplies the sterilized air to the filter device to dry the filter device.

In the second embodiment, the filter of the filter device is wetted with water and the filter integrity test is performed before the process liquid is filtered by the filter device. Then, the filter device is dried with heated aseptic air. According to such a process liquid processing system, even if the filter is wet for the integrity test, it is dried by heated sterile air. As a result, the filter and the filter device can be in a sterile and dry state. Thereby, when the next process liquid is processed after drying, the initial waste amount of the process liquid can be reduced. Furthermore, since the integrity of the filter can be ensured by the integrity test, it can be ensured that the process liquid processed before the integrity test has been completely filtered.
Further, even when the first filter device, the second filter device, the connection piping, etc. are wetted with the liquid used in the integrity test, they can be made aseptic and dry by subsequent drying. Thereby, when the next process liquid is processed after drying, the initial waste amount of the process liquid can be reduced. Furthermore, since the integrity of the filter can be ensured by the integrity test, it can be ensured that the process liquid processed before the integrity test has been completely filtered.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the process liquid treatment system according to the second aspect, the pressurizing means is provided on a primary side of the second valve provided in the connection pipe and the second filter device. A second gas supply means for pumping gas, and the control device is configured to turn on the second valve after the integrity test of the filter and before drying the first filter device and the second filter device. The gas is supplied from the primary side of the second filter device to the connection pipe by closing and supplying the gas to the second gas supply means, and the first valve is opened after a predetermined time has elapsed. In the process liquid treatment system.

In the third aspect, the liquid used in the integrity test can be discharged from the connection pipe by the gas supplied from the primary side of the second filter device. Since the gas is not directly supplied to the connection pipe, a configuration for supplying the gas to the connection pipe and a configuration for ensuring that the configuration is aseptic are not required, and the cost can be reduced.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the process liquid processing system according to the second aspect, the pressurizing unit includes a first gas supply unit that pumps a gas to a primary side of the first filter device; Second gas supply means for pumping gas to the primary side of the second filter device, and the control device supplies the first gas after the filter integrity test and before the filter device is dried. Gas is supplied to the first gas supply means and the second gas supply means so that the gas supplied from the means has a higher pressure than the gas supplied from the second gas supply means, and after a predetermined time has elapsed. In the process liquid processing system, the first valve is opened.

In a 4th aspect, a 1st gas supply means and a 2nd gas supply means are used as a pressurization means to supply the gas for pressurizing the connection piping between two 1st filter apparatuses and a 2nd filter apparatus. By using these pressure differences, the liquid used in the integrity test can be discharged from the connection pipe.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the process liquid processing system according to the second aspect, the pressurizing unit includes a first gas supply unit that pumps a gas to a primary side of the first filter device, The control device supplies gas to the first gas supply means with the first valve closed after the filter integrity test and before the first filter device and the second filter device are dried. And the first valve is opened after a predetermined time has elapsed.

In the fifth aspect, the gas flowing through the connection pipe can be moderated by the opening / closing operation of the first valve. Thereby, the liquid used in the integrity test can be discharged from the connection pipe.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the process liquid processing system according to the second aspect, the pressurizing means is provided on the downstream side of the second valve provided in the connection pipe and the second valve. A tank communicating with the connection pipe provided, and the control device is for cleaning the connection pipe before supplying the process liquid to the first filter device and the second filter device. The gas is supplied to the connection pipe, the cleaning gas is stored in the tank, the first filter device and the second filter device are dried after the filter integrity test and before the first filter device is dried. In the process liquid processing system, the valve is opened, the second valve is closed, and the gas stored in the tank is supplied to the connection pipe.

In the sixth aspect, the cleaning gas used in SIP or the like is stored in a tank, and after the liquid is supplied, the cleaning fluid is supplied from the tank to the connection pipe, whereby the liquid used in the integrity test remaining in the connection pipe. Can be discharged from the connecting pipe. Moreover, the cleaning gas used in SIP can be effectively used.

Claims (9)

A method for reducing the initial waste amount of a process liquid to be discarded together with a liquid remaining in a filter device provided in a manufacturing pipe,
Before filtering the process liquid through the filter device,
Wetting the filter of the filter device with a liquid and performing an integrity test of the filter based on a change in pressure on the primary side of the filter;
A method for reducing an initial waste amount of a process liquid, wherein the filter device is dried with heated aseptic air. In the method for reducing the initial waste amount of the process liquid according to claim 1,
The manufacturing pipe includes, as the filter device, a first filter device on the upstream side and a second filter device on the downstream side,
Wetting each of the filters of the first filter device and the second filter device with a liquid and performing the integrity test;
Among the production pipes, discharge the liquid remaining in the connection pipe connecting the secondary side of the first filter device and the primary side of the second filter device,
A method for reducing an initial waste amount of a process liquid, wherein the first filter device and the second filter device are dried with heated aseptic air. In the method for reducing the initial disposal amount of the process liquid according to claim 2,
By supplying gas from the primary side of the second filter device to the connection pipe and discharging the gas after a predetermined time, the liquid remaining in the connection pipe at the pressure of the gas is sent to the primary side of the second filter device. A method for reducing the initial disposal amount of process liquid, characterized in that the process liquid is sent out. A production pipe provided with a filter device;
Liquid supply means for supplying a liquid for wetting the filter of the filter device;
Sterile air supply means for supplying heated sterile air;
A test device for testing the integrity of the filter of the filter device;
A control device for controlling the liquid supply means, the sterile air supply means, and the test device;
The controller is
Before filtering the process liquid through the filter device,
Allowing the liquid supply means to supply the liquid to the filter device to wet the filter;
Let the test equipment test the integrity of the filter;
The process liquid processing system, wherein the filter apparatus is dried by causing the sterile air supply means to supply the sterile air to the filter apparatus. In the process liquid processing system according to claim 4,
As the filter device, a first filter device on the upstream side of the manufacturing pipe, and a second filter device on the downstream side,
A pressurizing means for supplying a gas for pressurizing the inside of the connecting pipe connecting the secondary side of the first filter device and the primary side of the second filter device among the pipes for manufacturing;
A first valve provided in a transport pipe for gas discharged from the primary side of the second filter device,
The controller is
After testing the integrity of the filter and before drying the first filter device and the second filter device,
A process liquid treatment system, wherein the pressurizing means is configured to supply gas into the connection pipe from the primary side of the second filter device, and to open the first valve after a predetermined time has elapsed. In the process liquid processing system according to claim 5,
The pressurizing means is
A second valve provided in the connection pipe;
A second gas supply means for pumping gas to the primary side of the second filter device,
The controller is
After testing the integrity of the filter and before drying the first filter device and the second filter device,
By closing the second valve and supplying the gas to the second gas supply means, gas is supplied from the primary side of the second filter device to the connection pipe, and the first valve is opened after a predetermined time has elapsed. A process liquid processing system. In the process liquid processing system according to claim 5,
The pressurizing means is
First gas supply means for pumping gas to the primary side of the first filter device;
A second gas supply means for pumping gas to the primary side of the second filter device,
The controller is
After testing the integrity of the filter and before drying the filter device,
Gas is supplied to the first gas supply means and the second gas supply means so that the gas supplied from the first gas supply means has a higher pressure than the gas supplied from the second gas supply means. The process liquid processing system is characterized in that the first valve is opened after a predetermined time has elapsed. In the process liquid processing system according to claim 5,
The pressurizing means is
A first gas supply means for pumping gas to the primary side of the first filter device;
The controller is
After testing the integrity of the filter and before drying the first filter device and the second filter device,
A process liquid treatment system, wherein gas is supplied to the first gas supply means with the first valve closed, and the first valve is opened after a predetermined time has elapsed. In the process liquid processing system according to claim 5,
The pressurizing means is
A second valve provided in the connection pipe;
A tank communicating with the connection pipe provided on the downstream side of the second valve,
The controller is
Before supplying the process liquid to the first filter device and the second filter device, a cleaning gas for cleaning the connection pipe is supplied to the connection pipe, and the cleaning gas is stored in the tank. ,
After testing the integrity of the filter and before drying the first filter device and the second filter device,
The process valve processing system, wherein the first valve is opened, the second valve is closed, and the gas stored in the tank is supplied to the connection pipe.

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