BTPX 305 separator

Abstract: This thesis analyzes BTPX 305, a biotech separator developed by Alfa Laval. It focuses on a problem found in the vertical drive where the machine's vibration absorber and damper take place. Today the machine is experiencing vibration above the normal levels, and the product that the machine usually separates is very sensitive to vibration. Therefore, the damping mechanism in the machine needs to be serviced often because of wear in the damping mechanism. In the report, a variety of methods are used, TIPS (the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving) for example are used to model and describe the problem in more detail, and internal/external research is done to possibly find inspiration from other machines that have solutions to similar problems. Solution ideas were generated in brainstorming sessions that were mostly inspired by the information gathered from both the internal and external sources. The concepts were then adapted to then become a solution proposal to the problem. With the help of a priority matrix, it was decided which of the concepts should be considered reasonable as a solution proposal. A couple of experiments were conducted on the concepts that were further taken from the priority matrix to ensure that the theory works in practice.