PROCEDURE FOR CLEANING AND REMOVING RESIDUAL FRACTION OF SEALANTS AND / OR ADHESIVES IN MIXING TUBES FOLLOWING A PRODUCTION AND FILLING PROCESS

Description

2 residual fractions have hardened. This is a problem that the known method cannot avoid due to the time-consuming manual scraping. There is a need for a method in which cleaning proceeds sufficiently quickly to avoid hardening as much as possible. 5 An additional disadvantage of the known method is that manual scraping is extremely physically demanding for a worker. The worker must reach over the edge of the mixing tank to remove the residual fraction in an extremely unnatural position. An additional disadvantage of the known method is that manual scraping requires a significant amount of solvent. This poses a health risk10 for the worker upon exposure to similar amounts of solvent, as well as an economic disadvantage due to the frequent use of solvent. An improved method is described in EP4205869. In this method, a number of steps are performed in an automated manner. The residual fraction 15 is mechanically scraped up and away using a scraper arm, and the mixing tank is also brushed using axially rotating brushes.A disadvantage of the known method is that the scraped-off residual fraction must be removed from the mixing tank through an open top. This is a difficult and time-consuming step, during which pieces of the scraped-off sealants and / or adhesives repeatedly fall back into the mixing tank. Another disadvantage is that solvents used during the cleaning of the mixing tank are discharged through the outlet nozzle of the mixing tank. However, the solvents can carry part of the residual fraction through the outlet nozzle, creating a risk that the outlet nozzle will become clogged and require cleaning multiple times. The present invention aims to find at least a solution to some of the above-mentioned problems or disadvantages. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect, the present invention concerns a method according to claim 1. The downward-facing position of the open top of the mixing tank is particularly advantageous because this causes the residual fraction to immediately fall out of the mixing tank during the mechanical brushing of the bottom35 and the inner wall.As a result, the outlet nozzle of the mixing tank cannot become clogged again by part of the residual fraction BE2024 / 5946 3, for example, which is discharged through the outlet nozzle together with solvents. The procedure can also be carried out much faster because the residual fraction does not have to be scooped out of the mixing tank through the open top. The cleaning and removal of the residual fraction from the mixing tank can be carried out entirely mechanically. 5 Preferred forms of the device are set out in conclusions 2 to 9. In a second aspect, the present invention concerns a device in accordance with claim 10 10. This device is particularly advantageous because the mixing tank can be positioned with the aid of the robot arm with the open top of the mixing tank facing downwards and over the first brush. This allows the bottom and the inner wall of the mixing tank to be fully mechanically brushed and the residual fraction will automatically fall out of the mixing tank. Cleaning of the mixing tank can be carried out more quickly with the aid of the device since the residual fraction will fall out of the mixing tank due to gravity.It is not necessary to scoop the residual fraction out of the mixing tank in an additional step. It is also advantageous that, as a result, the outlet nozzle of 20 cannot clog the mixing tank again. The device allows the mixing tank to be cleaned fully mechanically in order to remove the residual fraction from the mixing tank in a fully automated manner. Preferred forms of the method are described in the following conclusions 11 to 25 and with 15. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 shows a top view of a device according to design form 30 of the current invention. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the robot arm on Figure 1. Figure 3 shows a top view of the gripper on the robot arm on Figure 2. 35 Figure 4 shows a side view of a detail of the gripper on Figure 2. BE2024 / 5946 4 Figure 5 shows a detail of the mixing tank on Figure 1. Figure 6 shows a top view of a detail of the gripper on Figure 2. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a detail of the device on Figure 1. Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a clamping and tilting device according to a design of the present invention.10 Figure 9 shows a detail of the clamping and tilting device in Figure 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION 15 Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in the description of the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as they are generally understood by the expert in the technical field of the invention. For a better assessment of the description of the invention, the following terms are explicitly explained. 20 “A”, “the” and “the” in this document refer to both the singular and the plural unless the context clearly implies otherwise. For example, “a segment” means one or more than a segment. 25 The terms “comprising”, “comprising”, “consisting of”, “consisting of”, “provided with”, “contain”, “containing”, “include”, “containing” are synonyms and are inclusive or open terms that indicate the presence of what follows, and that do not exclude or prevent the presence of other components, characteristics, elements, members, steps, known from or described in the standard technique.30 Citing numerical intervals through the endpoints encompasses all integers, fractions and / or real numbers between the endpoints, including these endpoints. In the context of this document, sealants and / or adhesives refers to sealants or adhesives or a combination of both. BE2024 / 5946 5 A mixing tank preferably comprises a cylindrical tank. The cylindrical tank comprises a bottom, inner walls, and a top, with the entire top being open. Such a mixing tank is suitable for mixing sealants and / or adhesives during a production and filling process. The mixing tank is provided with an outlet nozzle at the bottom. It is conventional to drain a mixing tank via this outlet nozzle. Following a production and filling process, the mixing tanks are cleaned since residual fractions of the sealants and / or adhesives remain on the inner wall of the mixing tank. Preferably, mixing tanks are reused for a subsequent production and filling process, and it is important that the mixing tanks are completely cleaned.10 Moreover, sealants and / or adhesives harden after a certain period of time upon exposure to moisture, such as ambient air humidity. Consequently, it is important that the mixing tanks are cleaned thoroughly and quickly. The outlet nozzle has a circular cross-section with preferably a maximum diameter of 85 mm, preferably a maximum diameter of 80 mm, almost even more preferably a maximum diameter of 75 mm, and even more preferably a maximum diameter of 70 mm. The outlet nozzle preferably includes a shut-off valve or shut-off valve. The shut-off valve or shut-off valve is preferably removable for easy cleaning of the outlet nozzle. In a first aspect, the invention concerns a method for cleaning and removing a residual fraction of sealants and / or adhesives in mixing tanks following a production and filling process.The procedure comprises the steps of: - mechanically brushing the bottom and inner wall of the mixing tank using an axially rotating first brush;30 - mechanically brushing an outlet nozzle provided on the mixing tank using an axially rotating second brush. It is clear that mechanically brushing the bottom and inner walls can be interchanged with mechanically brushing the outlet nozzle. Preferably35 the bottom and inner wall are brushed first. This is advantageous because the inner wall at the level of the outlet nozzle is already cleaned and clear, making the BE2024 / 5946 6 mechanical brushing of the outlet nozzle easier. Optionally, the bottom, the inner walls and the outlet nozzle can be brushed simultaneously. The first brush comprises bristles and a core. The core is made of wood, plastic, or another suitable material. The first brush is cylindrical in shape. The 5 bristles are glued into the core. The core contains a recess for the placement of a shaft for rotating the brush. The core is preferably constructed from discs.The first brush has a diameter of at least 300 mm, preferably at least 350 mm and by even greater preference at least 375 mm. The first brush comprises two base surfaces and a casing. Preferably, bristles are present on both the casing and on at least one base surface of the cylinder shape, allowing brushing to be performed simultaneously with both the casing of the cylinder shape and the said base surface. This is particularly advantageous for the simultaneous brushing of the bottom and the inner wall of the mixing tank. The casing of the first brush is covered with bristles over a distance of at least 300 mm, preferably at least 325 mm, by even greater preference at least 350 mm, by even greater preference at least 375 mm and by even greater preference at least 400 mm. The distance is measured perpendicular to a base surface of the first brush. If on at least If bristles are present on one base of the cylinder shape, the distance is measured from at least one base.The sheath of the first brush is preferably covered with at least 6 bristles per cm², preferably at least 7 bristles, even more preferably at least 8 bristles, and even more preferably at least 9 bristles. The bristles are preferably made of steel or stainless steel. The bristles preferably have a tensile strength of at least 2200 N / mm² and at most 2900 N / mm². This makes the bristles sufficiently strong and wear-resistant. Preferably, the bristles are twisted bristles, where the bristles are bundled per 2 to 100 bristles, preferably per 10 to 50 bristles. The twisted bristles preferably fan out in a bundle-like manner. The twisted bristles preferably have a diameter of at a free end. at least 10 mm, preferably at least 15 mm, and almost even more preferably at least 20 mm. This is advantageous because it ensures the twisted bristles are sufficiently stiff, preventing them from lying flat when brushing the mixing tubs and also providing a large contact surface.The first brush is preferably rotated at a rotation speed between 200 revolutions per minute and 800 revolutions per minute, with greater preference between 300 revolutions per 35 minutes and 700 revolutions per minute, with even greater preference between 400 BE2024 / 5946 7 revolutions per minute and 600 revolutions per minute, and with even greater preference between 450 revolutions per minute and 550 revolutions per minute. The second brush is cylindrical in shape. The second brush preferably has a diameter of at least 80 mm, preferably at least 82.5 mm, and preferably at least 85 mm. The second brush comprises two base surfaces and a mantle. The cylindrical brush has bristles on its mantle with a diameter between 0.15 mm and 0.35 mm. The mantle of the cylindrical brush is covered with bristles over a distance of at least 100 mm, preferably at least 120 mm, preferably at least 130 mm, preferably at least 140 mm, and preferably at least 150 mm. The distance is measured perpendicular to a base surface of the cylindrical brush.The mantle of the cylindrical brush is preferably covered with at least 6 bristles per cm², preferably at least 7 bristles, almost even more preferably at least 8 bristles, and even more preferably at least 9 bristles. The bristles are preferably wavy. The wavy bristles are advantageous for achieving sufficient stiffness, so that the bristles do not lie flat when mechanically brushing the outlet nozzle. The bristles are preferably made of steel or stainless steel. The bristles preferably have a tensile strength of at least 2200 N / mm² and at most 2900 N / mm². This makes the bristles sufficiently strong and wear-resistant for removing sealants and / or adhesives from the outlet nozzle. The bristles preferably form a spiral on the mantle of the second brush. This is advantageous for moving the residual fraction out of the outlet nozzle. The at least 6 bristles per cm² in this case concerns the zone where the spiral is present. The second brush comprises on one side a shaft transverse to a 25 ground plane for driving the second brush.The second brush is preferably rotated at a rotation speed between 200 revolutions per minute and 800 revolutions per minute, preferably between 300 revolutions per minute and 700 revolutions per minute, even more preferably between 400 revolutions per minute and 600 revolutions per minute, and even more preferably between 450 revolutions per minute and 550 revolutions per minute. The second brush is suitable for cleaning the outlet nozzle of the mixing tank. Because the brushing is performed mechanically, cleaning is faster, giving sealants and / or adhesives less time to adhere to the mixing tank. If solvent is used, less solvent can be used as a result, and in that case, the solvent can be reused multiple times. BE2024 / 5946 8 According to a preferred design, during the mechanical brushing of the mixing tank, an open top of the mixing tank is directed downwards. The mixing tank is directed with the open top downwards during both the mechanical brushing of the bottom and the inner wall, as well as the outlet.The mixing tank is oriented with the open top facing downwards before mechanical brushing and is oriented with the open top facing upwards after cleaning is complete. Preferably, the mixing tank is turned mechanically. This is beneficial for the safety of an operator. The downward oriented open top of the mixing tank is particularly advantageous because this causes the residual fraction to fall out of the mixing tank immediately during the mechanical brushing of the bottom and the inner wall. As a result, the outlet of the mixing tank cannot become clogged again by part of the residual fraction that is discharged through the outlet together with solvents, for example. The method can also be carried out much faster because the residual fraction does not have to be scooped out of the mixing tank through the open top. Cleaning and the removal of the residual fraction from the mixing tank can be carried out entirely mechanically.20 In one design, during the mechanical brushing of the bottom and inner wall of the mixing tank, a height-adjustable axially rotating shaft is used, which rotating shaft is equipped with the first brush, such that the height of the first brush can be adjusted relative to the height of a residual fraction in the mixing tank. An advantage of such a design is that25 the height of the first brush can be changed in a simple manner without having to stop the mechanical brushing of the mixing tank. In one design, during the mechanical brushing of the bottom and inner wall of the mixing tank, the surface is brushed in a circular motion along the circumference of the mixing tank by means of the axially rotating first brush. In a further design, the first brush rotates according to a planetary motion, whereby the first brush rotates both around its own axis and around a central height-adjustable rotating shaft.35 BE2024 / 5946 9 Planetary motion encompasses that an object, in the case of the present invention a brush, rotates around its own axis as well as rotates around another object, in the case of the present invention around a central axis. According to a preferred design, the first brush is sprayed with solvent during the mechanical brushing of the mixing tank. This is preferably done with one or more spray nozzles directed at the first brush. The solvent is suitable for dissolving the sealants and / or adhesives. Spraying the first brush is beneficial for removing loose sealants and / or adhesives brushed off the first brush. Spraying the first brush is additionally beneficial for cooling the first brush. In a preferred form, the solvent comprises methoxypropoxypropanol, preferably in a concentration of 20-70%. Preferably, the solvent comprises methoxypropoxypropanol and a dearomatized organic solvent, in a ratio of 2:1-1:2. A non-exhaustive example of a dearomatized organic solvent is ExxsolD100.Preferably, the solvent is used between 18°C ​​and 22°C. In the preferred form, the bottom and inner wall of the mixing tank are sprayed with solvent during and preferably after the mechanical brushing of the mixing tank. Optionally, the bottom and inner wall are also sprayed with solvent before mechanical brushing. The solvent is preferably sprayed onto the bottom and inner wall using one or more spray nozzles. The solvent is preferably as in a previously described form. The solvent is preferably identical to the solvent used for spraying the first brush. This design is advantageous for softening the residual fraction in the mixing tank, so that the residual fraction detaches more easily from the bottom and the inner wall of the mixing tank during machine brushing. An additional advantage is that the open top of the mixing tank is directed downwards, so that the solvent flows out of the mixing tank automatically and so that the loosened residual fraction falls out of the mixing tank.In a further design, the mixing tank is dried after spraying the bottom and the inner wall of the mixing tank with solvent. An airflow is directed at the bottom and the inner wall. The airflow forms an angle of 45° ± 15° with the inner wall. The airflow on the inner wall is directed towards the open top side. The air in the airflow is not heated. This design is advantageous for removing residual solvent from the mixing tank. As a result, the mixing tank is immediately reusable for the production and filling process after cleaning. An airflow directed towards the open top side is advantageous because solvent can be blown out of the mixing tank even more efficiently in combination with gravity. This means that during drying, the mixing tank is preferably still oriented with the open top side facing downwards. 10 In a preferred configuration, the second brush is sprayed with solvent during the mechanical brushing of the outlet nozzle. This is preferably done using one or more spray nozzles directed at the second brush.The solvent is suitable for dissolving the sealants and / or adhesives. Spraying the second brush is beneficial for removing loose sealants and / or adhesives from the second brush. Spraying the second brush is additionally beneficial for cooling the second brush. The solvent is preferably as in a previously described configuration. The solvent is preferably identical to the solvent used for spraying the first brush. According to a preferred configuration, the solvent is collected on a belt filter during machine brushing. The belt filter is positioned under the mixing tank. The belt filter contains a filter cloth. The belt filter contains a collection tray under the filter cloth for collecting the solvent. The residual fraction of sealants and / or adhesives remains on the filter cloth and the solvent penetrates through the filter cloth. In this way, the recycled solvent is pure enough. to use during 10-1000 cleaning processes.According to a further design, the solvent from the collection tank is reused30 for spraying. The solvent is pumped from the collection tank to the spray nozzles. The solvent is reused for spraying the first brush, spraying the second brush, spraying the bottom and inner wall of the mixing tank, or any combination of the foregoing. Preferably, the solvent is reused for spraying the bottom and inner wall35 of the mixing tank. This is advantageous for limiting solvent consumption. BE2024 / 5946 11 According to a preferred design, the mixing tank is lifted for mechanical brushing using a clamping and tilting device and then turned upside down. This is advantageous because an operator does not have to perform any manual actions to turn the mixing tank over. Mixing vats are usually heavy metal vats. Manually rotating such a mixing vat would entail significant risks.It is clear that the same clamping and tilting device is preferably used to turn the mixing tank back upside down after cleaning. This is possible, but does not have to be, the same clamping and tilting device. Preferably, this is a second clamping and tilting device, so that while a cleaned mixing tank is being turned, a subsequent mixing tank can be turned upside down for cleaning. This speeds up the process. According to a preferred design, the mixing tank is placed upside down on a trolley after cleaning and removal of the residual fraction, after which the mixing tank is overhauled. This design is advantageous for repairing tanks that are damaged. An example is replacing wheels under the mixing tank. 20 In a second aspect, the invention concerns a device for the contamination and removal of a residual fraction of sealants and / or adhesives in mixing tanks following a production and filling process.The device comprises a first axially rotatable brush for mechanical brushing25 of the bottom and inner wall of the mixing tanks and a second axially rotatable brush for mechanical brushing of an outlet provided on the mixing tank. The first brush comprises bristles and a core. The core is made of wood, plastic, or another suitable material. The first brush is cylindrical in shape. The bristles are glued into the core. The core contains a recess for the placement of a shaft for rotating the brush. The core is preferably constructed of discs. The first brush has a diameter of at least 300 mm, preferably at least 350 mm, and more preferably at least 375 mm. The first brush comprises two base surfaces and a mantle. Preferably, bristles are present on both the mantle and on at least one base surface of the cylindrical shape. The mantle of the first brush is covered with bristles over a distance of at least 300 mm, preferably at least 325 mm, more preferably at least 350 mm, and even more. preferably at least 375 mm, and for even more, preferably at least 400 mm.The distance is measured perpendicular to the base of the first brush. If shaped bristles are present on at least one base of the cylinder, the distance is measured from at least one base. The mantle of the first brush is preferably covered with at least 6 bristles per cm², preferably at least 7 bristles, almost even more preferably at least 8 bristles, and even more preferably at least 9 bristles. The bristles are preferably made of steel or stainless steel. The bristles preferably have a tensile strength of at least 2200 N / mm² and at most 2900 N / mm². Preferably, the bristles are twisted bristles, where the bristles are bundled per 2 to 100 bristles, preferably per 10 to 50 bristles. The twisted bristles fan out at preferably open in a bundle-like shape. The twisted bristles preferably have a diameter of at least 10 mm at a free end, preferably at least 15 mm, and almost even more preferably at least 20 mm. The axis of the first bristles is preferably oriented in a vertical direction.The first brush is preferably mounted on a height-adjustable, axially rotatable shaft. The second brush is cylindrical in shape. The second brush preferably has a diameter of at least 80 mm, preferably at least 82.5 mm, and even more preferably at least 85 mm. The second brush comprises two base surfaces and a mantle. The cylindrical brush has bristles on its mantle with a diameter between 0.15 mm and 0.35 mm. The mantle of the cylindrical brush is covered with bristles over a distance of at least 100 mm, preferably at least 120 mm, preferably at least 130 mm, even more preferably at least 140 mm, and even more preferably at least 150 mm. The distance is measured perpendicular to a base surface of the cylindrical brush. The mantle of the cylindrical brush is preferably covered with at least 6 bristles per cm², preferably at least 7 bristles, and even more preferably at least 830 bristles, and preferably at least 9 bristles. The bristles are preferably wavy. The bristles are preferably made of steel or stainless steel.The bristles preferably have a tensile strength of at least 2200 N / mm² and at most 2900 N / mm². The bristles preferably form a spiral on the casing of the second brush. The at least 6 bristles per cm² in this case refers to the zone where the spiral is present. The second brush comprises on one side BE2024 / 5946 13 a shaft transverse to a ground plane for driving the second brush. The shaft of the second brush is preferably oriented in a horizontal direction. An advantage of the device is that a residual fraction of sealants and / or adhesives can be removed from mixing tanks in an ergonomic, economically advantageous, and efficient manner. According to a preferred load-bearing design, the device comprises a robot arm. The robot arm is configured for picking up the mixing tank, with the top of the mixing tank facing downwards, and for placing the mixing tank over the first brush. Optionally, the robot arm is configured for lowering the mixing tank.This is advantageous for cleaning the inner wall of the mixing tank over the full height of the inner walls for cleaning the bottom of the mixing tank. Alternatively, the first brush is mounted on a height-adjustable axially rotatable shaft. Optionally, the robot arm is configured to rotate the mixing tank around its axis. This is advantageous for cleaning the mixing tank over its entire inner perimeter. Alternatively, the first brush is placed eccentrically on a horizontal arm, where the horizontal arm is rotatable around a rotation point, with the rotation point located on the axis of the mixing tank. In this way, the mixing tank can also be cleaned over its entire perimeter. It is clear that a combination is also possible, for example where the first brush is mounted on a height-adjustable rotatable shaft and the robot arm is configured to rotate the mixing tank around its axis, or for example where the first brush is mounted on a horizontal arm, which is rotatable around a rotation point that coincides with the axis of the mixing tanks and where the robot arm is configured to move the mixing tank open and down.This device is particularly advantageous because the mixing tank can be positioned with the help of the robot arm with the open top of the mixing tank facing downwards and over the first 30 brush. This allows the bottom and inner wall of the mixing tank to be fully mechanically brushed, and the residual fraction will automatically fall out of the mixing tank. Cleaning the mixing tank can be carried out faster with the help of the device since the residual fraction will fall out of the mixing tank due to gravity. It is not necessary to scoop the residual fraction out of the mixing tank in an additional step. It is also advantageous that this prevents the outlet of the mixing tank from clogging again. The device allows the mixing tank BE2024 / 5946 14 to be cleaned fully mechanically in order to remove the residual fraction from the mixing tank in a fully automated manner. According to a design form, the second brush comprises an axis. The axis of the second brush is oriented in a horizontal direction. The second brush is movable in the horizontal direction. The second brush is automatically movable.This configuration is advantageous for moving the second brush in and out of the outlet nozzle during mechanical brushing. This removes the loosened residual fraction from the outlet nozzle. 10 According to a preferred configuration, the device comprises a belt filter. The belt filter is positioned under the first brush. The belt filter comprises a filter cloth. The belt filter comprises a solvent collection tank positioned under the filter cloth. The filter cloth is suitable for collecting residual fractions of sealants and / or adhesives, while solvent penetrates through the filter cloth15 and is collected in the collection tank. The collected solvent can thus be reused in the device. The device preferably comprises a pump for pumping solvent from the collection tank to spray nozzles for spraying solvent, as described in the configurations below. 20 According to a preferred design, the device comprises one or more spray nozzles for spraying solvents onto the bottom and inner wall of a mixing tank.Spraying solvents onto the bottom and inner wall is beneficial for softening the residual fraction in the mixing tank, so that the residual fraction detaches more easily from the bottom and inner wall of the mixing tank during mechanical brushing.25 Depending on the design, the device comprises one or more spray nozzles for spraying solvents onto the first brush. The one or more spray nozzles are preferably directed at the first brush. The solvent is suitable for dissolving the sealants and / or adhesives. Spraying the first brush is beneficial for removing loosened sealants and / or adhesives from the first brush. Spraying the first brush is additionally beneficial for cooling the first brush. According to a preferred design, the device comprises one or more 35 spray nozzles for spraying solvents onto the second brush. The one or more spray nozzles are preferably directed towards the second brush. The one or BE2024 / 5946 15 spray nozzles are preferably directed so that the solvent does not spray through the outlet nozzle.The solvent is suitable for dissolving the sealants and / or adhesives. Spraying the second brush is beneficial for removing loose sealants and / or adhesives from the second brush. Spraying the second brush is additionally beneficial for cooling the second brush. Depending on the design, the device includes a desiccant for drying the mixing tank. The desiccant preferably includes a disc, whereby the disc contains a supply of heated or unheated airflow on one underside. The disc contains an opening on the top side for blowing the airflow onto the bottom of the mixing tank. The disc contains one or more openings on one edge for blowing an airflow onto the inner wall of the mixing tank. The one or more openings direct the airflow at an angle of 45° ± 15° to the inner wall. The panel is preferably partially or fully foldable. This is advantageous for limiting the space required for installing the device.During mechanical brushing, the disc is partially or fully folded, so that the disc does not obstruct the first stone and / or the second brush, but allows the first stone and / or second brush to be placed close to the disc. This design is advantageous for removing residual solvent in the mixing tank. As a result, the mixing tank is immediately reusable for the production and filling process after cleaning. Depending on the preferred design, the device includes a clamping and tilting device for clamping and lifting a mixing tank. The clamping and tilting device includes scissors for clamping cams onto a mixing tank. The blades are preferably operated by cylinders. The clamping and tilting device comprises a cylinder for lifting the mixing tank. The clamping and tilting device further comprises a centering plate. The centering plate comprises a slot for picking up the top rim of a mixing tank. The centering plate is movable to and from the blades. The centering plate can therefore be clamped, as it were, onto the top rim of the mixing tank.The clamping and tilting device is rotatable around a horizontal axis for tilting a mixing tank. This design is advantageous because it means an operator does not have to perform manual operations to turn the mixing tank. Mixing tanks are usually heavy metal tanks. Manually turning such a mixing tank would entail significant risks. A skilled professional trained in the technical field will appreciate that a method according to the first aspect is preferably carried out with a device according to the second aspect and that a device according to the second aspect is preferably configured for carrying out a method according to the first aspect. Consequently, each mark described both above and below applies to each of the aspects of the present invention. 10 In what follows, the invention is described by means of non-limiting figures that illustrate the invention and that are not intended or should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention.FIGURE DESCRIPTION15 Figure 1 shows a top view of a device according to a design of the current invention. The device(1) comprises a robot arm(2). The robot arm(2) is configured to pick up a mixing tank(3). In this case, an open top of the mixing tank(3) is directed downwards. To this end, the robot arm(2) includes a gripper(4). In Figure 1, the mixing tank(3) is not gripped by the robot arm(2), but after cleaning, the mixing tank(3) is placed upside down on a trolley(5). Figure 1 also shows that the mixing tank(3) has wheels(6) on the underside for moving the mixing tank(3). In addition, there is also an outlet nozzle(7) and a pivot(8) on the underside. The function of the pivot(8) will be explained later. Opposite lugs(9) have been placed on an outer wall of the mixing tank(3). The function of these will also be described later.The device(1) further comprises a first axially rotatable brush(10) for mechanically brushing the bottom and inner wall of the mixing tank(3) and a second axially rotatable brush(11) for mechanically brushing the outlet nozzle(7) of the mixing tank(3). The second brush(11) is hidden by the robot arm(2) in Figure 1, but is visible in Figure 7. The device(1) comprises a hydraulic unit(12) for driving the first brush(10) and the second brush(11). The robot arm(2) is configured to position the mixing tank(3) over the first brush(10). The device(1) comprises spray nozzles(13) for spraying solvents onto the BE2024 / 5946 17 first brush(10), the second brush(11) and the bottom and inner wall of the mixing tank(3). The device(1) comprises a belt filter. The belt filter is positioned under the first brush(10). The belt filter comprises a filter cloth and a collection bin(14). The collection bin(14) is placed under the filter cloth. The filter cloth is not shown in Figure 1.The filter cloth is suitable for collecting residual fractions of sealants and / or adhesives, while solvent penetrates through the filter cloth and is collected in the collection tank(14). The device includes pumps(15) for pumping the solvent from the collection tank of the belt filter to the spray nozzles(13). This allows the solvent to be reused. The device(1) includes two clamping and tilting devices(16) for clamping and lifting the mixing tank(3). This is advantageous because a first mixing tank(3) can be placed on a first clamping and tilting device(16) for cleaning, while a second mixing tank(3) can be placed on a second clamping and tilting device(16) after cleaning. This allows the cleaning to continue. The clamping and tilting device(16) will be discussed further in Figure 8 and Figure 9. On the left clamping and tilting device15 (16) a gripper(4) is drawn to show the relative position of the clamping and tilting device(16) and the gripper(4) when lifting and replacing a mixing tank(3). Finally, the device(1) includes a desiccant(29) for drying the mixing tank(3).The desiccant(29) contains a disc. The disc contains on one underside a supply for the heated or unheated airflow.20 The disc contains on one top side an opening for blowing the airflow onto the bottom of the mixing tank(3). The disc contains on one edge several openings for blowing an airflow onto the inner wall of the mixing tank(3). 25 Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the robot arm on Figure 1. The robot arm(2) is placed on a pedestal(17). The controllers(18) of the robot arm(2) are integrated into the pedestal(17). The gripper(4) is attached to one end of the robot arm(2). Valves(19) are also placed on the robot arm(2). The valves(19) operate claws(20) and a locking mechanism(21) on the gripper(4). The claws (19) and the pivot lock (21) will be discussed further later. The pivot lock (21) is not visible in Figure 2. Figure 3 shows a top view of the gripper on the robot arm on Figure 2.35 BE2024 / 5946 18 The gripper (4) has four arms that form a cross. At the end of each arm are two claws (20) that are moved along the arm together with the help of a cylinder (22).In each arm(22) a similar cylinder(22) is placed. Pipes(23) run around the gripper(4) for operating the cylinders(22). Centrally located in the gripper(4) is an opening for the pivot lock(21). The pivot(8)5 of the mixing tank(3) is inserted into the opening of the pivot lock(21). The pivot lock(21) further comprises pins(24) that can be slid in and out of the central opening with the aid of cylinders and that can be inserted into a bore(25) in the pivot(8). The pivot lock(21) is an additional safety device next to the claws(20) to ensure that the mixing tank(3)10 cannot fall. This is shown even more clearly in Figure 5 and Figure 6. Figure 4 shows a side view of a detail of the gripper in Figure 2. Figure 4 shows the end of one arm of the gripper(4). The claw(20) contains a first recess(26) for gripping an upper ring of the mixing bowl(3) and a second recess(27) for gripping a lower ring of the mixing bowl(3).By moving the jaws (20) to the center of the gripper (4) with the help of the cylinders (22), either the top ring or the bottom ring is clamped in the jaws (20). This makes the gripper (4) suitable for 20 gripping the mixing bowl (3) in both a normal position and in a position where the open top of the mixing bowl (3) is facing downwards. There is also a locking pin (28) on each arm. The locking pins (28) move against the jaws (20) after clamping the mixing bowl (3) with the jaws (20). The locking pins (28) prevent the jaws (20) from releasing the bottom ring or the top ring. Figure 5 shows a detail of the mixing bowl in Figure 1. On the detail, the wheels (6) for moving the mixing tank (3) and the outlet nozzle (7) are clearly visible. Furthermore, there is a pivot (8) centrally located on the bottom of the mixing tank (3). In the pivot (8) there is a horizontal bore (25). The pins (24) of the pivot locking mechanism (21) are inserted into this bore (25). Figure 6 shows a top view of a detail of the gripper on Figure 2.35 BE2024 / 5946 19 On Figure 6, the central opening of the pivot locking mechanism (21) is shown.The pins (24) are extended in Figure 6. It is clear that when the pivot (8) is inserted into the central opening of the pivot lock (21), the pins (24) will slide into the bore (25) in the pivot (8), thereby securing the mixing tank (3) against falling. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a detail of the arrangement in Figure 1. Figure 7 clearly shows the collection bin (14) of the belt filter. The first brush (10) is placed above the collection bin (10). The first brush (10) can be rotated around a vertical shaft. Spray nozzles (13) are installed next to the first brush (10). Some of the spray nozzles (13) are directed to the left, towards the first brush (10). Another part of the spray nozzles (13) are directed upwards, towards the bottom of the mixing tank (3). Another part of the spray nozzles (13) are directed to the right, 15 towards the inner wall of the mixing tank (3). Finally, another spray nozzle (13) is directed towards the second brush (11). This is not visible in Figure 7. The second brush (11) is placed at the top of this part of the device. The second brush (11) can be rotated around a horizontal axis.Above the second brush(11) a cover(30) is placed to prevent the residual fraction that is brushed out of the outlet nozzle20(7) from splashing out of the device(1). The cover(30) will direct the brushed-out residual fraction to the collection bin(14). Above the collection bin(14) the desiccant(29) is also placed. As described previously, the desiccant(29) consists of a disc. The disc contains on one side a supply of the heated or unheated air stream. On one side the disc contains a central25 opening(31) for blowing the air stream onto the bottom of the mixing tank(3). Around it are additional openings on concentric circles(32). The disc encloses several openings(33) around one edge for blowing an air stream onto the inner wall of the mixing tank(3). The desiccant(29) is placed above the collection tray(14) so ​​that the solvent that is blown into the collection tray during the drying of the bottom and inner wall of the mixing tank(3). Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a clamping and tilting device according to a design of the current invention.35 The clamping and tilting device(16) includes a centering (34) for centering the mixing bowl(3) in the clamping and tilting device(16). In the centering (34) is a BE2024 / 5946 20 detector(35) for detecting the pivot(8) of the mixing bowl(3). If the pivot(8) is detected, this means that the mixing bowl(3) is correctly placed in the clamping and tilting device(16). The clamping and tilting device(16) further includes scissors(36). The scissors(36) rotate around a point of rotation by means of cylinders(37). In doing so, the scissors(36) close around the lugs(9) of the 5 mixing bowl(3). This is more clearly visible in Figure 9. The clamping and tilting device (16) further includes a cylinder(38) and guides(39) for lifting the mixing bowl(3) after the shears(36) have clamped around the cams(9). The clamping and tilting device(16) includes a centering plate(40). The centering plate(40) includes a slot(41) for lifting the top edge of the mixing bowl10 (3). The centering plate(40) can be moved to and from the shears(36) for clamping the top edge of the mixing bowl(3).It is clear that on the other side of the clamping and tilting device(16) a similar assembly of scissors(36), cylinders(37), centering plate(40), cylinder(38) and guides(39) is placed. After the scissors(36) have been clamped around the lugs(9), the centering plate(40) has been clamped against the top edge of the mixing tank(3) and the mixing tank(3) has been lifted sufficiently, the mixing tank(3) can be tilted. For this purpose, the centering plate(40) can be rotated around a horizontal shaft. In this configuration, the horizontal shaft runs through the lugs(9) of the mixing tank(3). Figure 9 shows a detail of the clamping and tilting device in Figure 8. In Figure 9 the scissors (36), the cylinders (37), the centering plate (40) and the slot (41) are clearly visible. It is clear in Figure 9 how the scissors (36) rotate around a pivot point (42) by extending and retracting the cylinders (37). It is also clear that when closing the scissors (36) the lugs (9) of the mixing bowl (3) are clamped into an opening (43) by the scissors (6). By lowering the centering plate (40), the top edge of the mixing bowl (3) is clamped into the slot (41). The numbered references are.