Method and system for filtering liquids and / or molts

Description

1 / 35 DESCRIPTIVE REPORT “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FILTRATION OF LIQUIDS AND / OR MOLTS”

[001] The invention relates to a method and a system for filtering liquids and / or melts.

[002] Document WO 2017 / 163180 A1 describes a filtering device for uninterrupted extrusion methods. During an extrusion method of plastic materials to be regenerated with a high impurity content, a filtering device is used whose function is to remove all impurities present in the material before obtaining the final product. The filtering device comprises a material inlet channel that is divided into a first inlet channel and a second inlet channel, and the first inlet channel leads to a first filter chamber and the second inlet channel leads to a second filter chamber. The first filter chamber is equipped with a first egress channel at its outlet, and the second filter chamber is equipped with a second egress channel at its outlet. The egress channels, in turn, merge into a common channel that is suitable for transporting the material to an extruder head.Cylindrical locking elements are provided to secure the filter belts. A flow valve is provided in each of the inlet channels and also in each of the outlet channels in order to prevent the plastic material from flowing during the time the filter is changed. Also in this document, when securing the filter belts, a relative change in position relative to the filter housing may occur.

[003] Document DE 197 22 352 A1 describes a batch, self-operating screen changer for filtering polymers, elastomers, and other filterable materials. The filter strip is guided by the ejection roller through the screen changer and tensioned at the filter strip drive shaft attachment. The drive shaft and the two sealing shafts are connected by two intermediate pinions, so that the sealing shafts are driven synchronously by the drive shaft. The material to be filtered is pressed by the fine sieve onto a support sieve, which rests on a perforated disc. The increase in contamination is Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pages 129 / 179 2 / 35 recorded by pressure measurement. When a predetermined value is reached, the drive shaft is rotated another 1 / 3 of a turn to simultaneously release the sealing shaft clamps. The fine sieve is pulled through the housing by 1 / 3 of a turn so that the pressure can be reduced across the clean filter surface. Instead of the two sealing shafts, clamping bars on both sides can also be provided, each with a wedge-shaped surface, which are movable towards each other by means of a hinged lever arrangement. When the filter strip is clamped, it can change its relative position with respect to the filter housing.

[004] Document EP 2 789 447 B1 describes an automatic screen changer device, particularly suitable for use in production, processing, recycling and treatment systems for thermoplastic materials, which are connected downstream of an extruder device. The screen changer device comprises a frame, two opposing side plates fixed to the frame and equipped with an inlet opening and a pair of inlet channels and an outlet opening and a pair of inlet channels. A sieve unit with a filter belt, which can be passed through the respective chamber, is arranged between each of the inlet channels and each of the outlet channels. To fix and hold the filter belt, a fixing wedge is provided, which is movable in the direction of the adjustment movement of the filter belt, with a passage hole passing through it.The respective fixing wedge is housed in its own plate, located between the opposite side plates, which is also movable in the direction of the filter belt adjustment movement. Through a relative displacement of the respective plate in relation to the opposite side plates, an interruption of the flow of molten material to the chamber located in the plate could be caused, thus making it possible to move the filter belt and, therefore, change the filter. Also in this document, when fixing the respective filter belts, a relative change of position in relation to the respective plate may occur.

[005] The objective of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the state of Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pp. 130 / 179 3 / 35 technique and provide a method and device by which a user is able to perform a permanent filtration process at a constant pressure level for a long period. Another objective is to keep the respective filter elements in a stationary position, fixed in their filtration position without relative displacement during the fixing process.

[006] These objectives are solved by a method and a filtering system according to the claims.

[007] The method according to the invention is used to filter liquids and / or melts containing a wide variety of impurities by using a filtration system and thus to filter a fluid material. The method involves at least the following: - to provide housing with a common supply channel and a common discharge channel, - To provide a first filtering device with a first inlet channel, a first filtering chamber, a first filter element in the form of a belt, guided through the first filtering chamber, a first fixing unit and a first discharge channel, wherein the first inlet channel is in flow connection with the common supply channel, and the first discharge channel is in flow connection with the common discharge channel, and the first filter element, viewed in the sense of fitting the first filter element, is held fixed on both sides of the first filtering chamber by means of a first and second fixing devices of the first fixing unit, if necessary, - To provide a second filter device with a second inlet channel, a second filter chamber, a second filter element in the form of a belt, guided through the second filter chamber, a second fixing unit and a second outlet channel, wherein the second inlet channel is flow-connected to the common supply channel, and the second outlet channel is flow-connected to the common discharge channel, and the second filter element, viewed from the adjustment direction of the second filter element, is held fixed in both. Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pp. 131 / 179 4 / 35 the sides of the second filter chamber by means of a third and fourth fastening devices of the second fastening unit, if necessary, - To supply the liquid and / or melt to be filtered in a fluid aggregate state and feed the liquid and / or melt into the common feed channel, wherein the liquid and / or melt is conveyed further through at least one of the filtering devices to the common discharge channel, and is filtered in the process, wherein it is further provided - that each of the fastening devices of the first fastening unit and the second fastening unit comprises, each one, a fastening element and an adjusting element that interacts with it, - that each of the fastening elements is guided in a normal direction on a flat side of the respective filter element in a manner adjustable relative to the housing and is arranged in a transverse orientation relative to the adjustment direction of the respective filter element, - that each of the adjustment elements is guided in a parallel direction relative to a flat side of the respective filter element in a manner adjustable relative to the housing and is also arranged in a transverse orientation relative to the adjustment direction of the respective filter element, - that each of the fastening elements has a contact surface on the side facing the respective adjustment element, - that the adjustment elements each comprise a contact surface of the adjustment element on the side facing the respective fastening element, - that the respective contact surfaces of the fastening element and the contact surfaces of the adjusting element, which interact and face each other, are aligned along their length in an opposite manner to each other, and the respective contact surfaces of the fastening element and the contact surfaces of the adjusting element additionally comprise an oblique longitudinal orientation relative to the flat side of the respective filter element and - that, with a relative adjustment of the adjustment element, in the direction of a Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pp. 132 / 179 5 / 35 first adjustment direction in relation to the fastening element that interacts with it, the fastening element is pressed against the housing in a fastening position supported on a respective filter element and, with a second adjustment direction of the adjustment element, opposite to the first adjustment direction, the fastening element, which interacts with it, is moved to a release position and adjusted to the respective filter element.

[008] Advantageously, in the method steps selected in this document, in the adjacent fixing position of the fastening elements of the individual fastening units with their fastening devices, a compressive force in normal alignment is always exerted on the respective filter element. Thus, shear forces on the respective filter element of each of the fastening devices are avoided. By selecting oblique contact surfaces between the fastening element and the adjustment element, there is always a transmission of force and mechanical base deflection, by contact, from the respective actuator or drive means to the adjustment element and, from there, to the fastening element. In the event of a loss of pressure in the actuator or a defect in the drive means after the fixing position is reached, the compressive force from the fastening element continues to be exerted on the respective filter element.This prevents leakage problems in the area of ​​the individual fastening devices and prevents unwanted escape of liquid and / or molten material. Furthermore, the relative displacement of the individual fastening elements exclusively in normal alignment with their respective filter elements prevents unwanted displacement of the filter element in its respective fastening area.

[009] Furthermore, a procedure is advantageous in which the fastening elements and the adjusting elements that interact with each other are held and guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner against each other in the area of ​​their contact surfaces of the fastening element and contact surfaces of the adjusting element by means of a first guiding arrangement. This means that joint adjustment and guidance can be achieved between the respective fastening elements that interact with the Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pp. 133 / 179 6 / 35 adjustment elements in both directions of adjustment of the adjustment elements.

[010] Another advantageous approach is characterized by the respective adjustment elements being held and guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner in the housing, on the opposite side to the respective filter element, by means of a second guide arrangement. In this way, a relatively clear and safe storage and guidance of the respective adjustment element in the housing can be achieved.

[011] A variant of the method is also advantageous, in which the fastening elements are completely sealed circumferentially against the housing when viewed on their fastening surface facing the respective filter element. This allows a comprehensive seal around the respective fastening element and prevents liquid and / or melt from passing into the respective adjustment element.

[012] Another approach is characterized by each of the fastening devices of the fastening units, in particular each of their adjustment elements, being adjusted independently of each other between their fastening position and their release position. This allows for an individual sequence of release and return to the fastening position. Furthermore, the process of changing or renewing the respective active filter surface can also be precisely adjusted and controlled.

[013] Furthermore, a procedure is advantageous in which the respective filter chamber is sealed against the housing when the fastening elements are in the fastening position. This can prevent unwanted leakage of liquid and / or melt from the respective filter chamber during filter operation.

[014] Another advantageous approach is characterized by, during the filtration operation of the filtration system, at least a proportion of 10% of the liquid and / or melt being always transported through one of the inlet channels, and the remaining proportion up to 100% being transported to the other inlet channel. By selecting a minimum proportion of liquid and / or melt, clogging or blockage of one of the filtering devices can be reliably avoided. In addition, the timing of filter renewal or replacement can also be defined and Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pages 134 / 179 7 / 35 determined differently between the two filtering devices. Furthermore, pressure fluctuations after the liquid and / or molten material passes through the respective filter chambers into the common discharge channel area can be minimized or completely avoided.

[015] A variant of the method is also advantageous in which, when the active filter surface of one of the filter elements is renewed, the following steps are performed. - Reduce the proportion of liquid and / or melt fed to the respective filter chambers to a maximum of 2% of the total mass / volume flow, or completely stop feeding liquid and / or melt to the respective filter chambers. - Adjust the respective fastening devices of the respective fastening unit to their release position, - move the respective filter element, in its adjustment direction, along a predetermined adjustment path through the respective filter chamber, - Adjust one of the two fastening devices of the respective fastening unit to its fastening position, - pre-tension the respective filter element with a predetermined tensile force towards the other of the two fastening devices of the respective fastening unit, - Adjust the other of the two fastening devices of the respective fastening unit into its fastening position and

[016] - release the liquid and / or melt feed to the respective filter chamber with the renewed filter surface of the respective filter element.

[017] The advantage of these steps in the method is that a predetermined pre-tensioning of the respective filter element can be created and maintained during filter replacement or renewal of the active filter surface. By positioning the respective filter element in a stationary manner in the area of ​​one of the two fixing devices, an immobile capture of the filter element can be achieved and only after Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pp. 135 / 179 8 / 35 Once the predetermined tensile force and associated pre-tensioning are achieved, the fastening can occur in the area of ​​the other fastening device.

[018] Another advantageous configuration of the method is if the reduction of the proportion of liquid and / or melt fed to the respective filter chamber occurs by actuators in each of the inlet channels and / or in each of the outlet channels or by an adjustment valve in the transition section up to the first inlet channels.

[019] The advantage of this is that the actuators and / or the adjustment valve can be used to reduce the proportion of liquid and / or melt fed to the respective filter chamber, in order to relieve the filter devices by reducing the pressure, use the filter devices uniformly, avoid excessive contamination of a filter device, but, in particular, in order to control the flow of liquid and / or melt through the two filter devices, so that both do not have to be renewed or replaced at the same time, which would result in the shutdown of the filtration system and the stoppage of the liquid and / or melt.

[020] Ideally, a control valve is used in the transition section or actuators in the inlet or outlet channels. However, it is also conceivable that the control valve and actuators are used together and then used alternately or together.

[021] Furthermore, a procedure in which the actuators and / or the adjustment valve are controlled by a control device is advantageous.

[022] The advantage of this is that the control device can adjust the actuators and / or the adjustment valve automatically and possibly more precisely compared to manual operation, which can save time, costs and materials and at the same time can reduce a risk to the system and the operator.

[023] Another approach is characterized by the determination and / or monitoring of the tensile force applied to the respective filter element when its active filter surface is renewed. This can prevent excessive tension or a filter element that is too loose in the filter chamber.

[024] Furthermore, a procedure in which the respective element is advantageous Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pages 136 / 179 9 / 35 filter media, particularly before the renewal of its active filter surface, is heated to a temperature value selected from a range of temperature values ​​with a lower limit of 20 °C above ambient temperature, in particular the melting temperature of the respective melt, and with an upper limit of 400 °C, in particular the respective processing temperature or slightly above the respective processing temperature, before feeding into the respective filter chamber. By bringing it to a predetermined temperature value, undesirable sticking or partial cooling of the liquid and / or melt can be achieved immediately after changing the filter.

[025] Another advantageous approach is characterized by the respective filter element, in particular after the renewal of its active filter surface, being heated to a temperature value selected from a range of temperature values ​​with a lower limit of 20 °C above ambient temperature, in particular the melting temperature of the respective melt, and with an upper limit of 400 °C, in particular the respective processing temperature or slightly above the respective processing temperature, after being guided to the respective filter chamber. After changing the filter, this can prevent the respective filter element from cooling down too quickly before being wound onto a winding device.

[026] A variant of the method is also advantageous in which the pressure accumulated in the liquid and / or melt is determined by pressure sensors in each of the inlet channels and / or in each of the filter chambers, on the side facing the respective inlet channel. This allows the determination of the prevailing pressure conditions in the respective filter device and, depending on this, the replacement of the filter or the renewal of the active filter surface can be planned and executed.

[027] Another configuration provides that the control device is configured to monitor the pressures determined by the pressure sensors and to control the actuators and / or the adjustment valve in such a way that the pressures remain within predetermined limits. Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pp. 137 / 179 10 / 35

[028] This can advantageously ensure that the pressure in the inlet channels does not become too high, for example, which could have a negative effect on the filtering devices and / or the liquid and / or the melt. Alternatively or additionally, it can be ensured that the pressure does not become too low, which could also have a negative effect on the liquid and / or the melt.

[029] An advantageous configuration provides that the control device is configured for proactive control of the actuators and / or the adjustment valve, using machine learning, based on pressures determined by pressure sensors, material parameters of the liquid and / or melt to be processed and adjustment parameters of the actuators and / or the adjustment valve, so that the pressures remain within predetermined limits.

[030] The advantage of this is that changes in pressure can be tracked through machine learning and, based on previous observations, the actuators and / or the adjustment valve can be proactively controlled, i.e., when an undesirable pressure begins to accumulate, in such a way that the pressures do not exceed or fall below the limit values. Ideally, this allows the pressures to be maintained close to the ideal values ​​for filtration.

[031] Another advantageous configuration provides that the liquid or melt is a polymer, in particular a plastic and / or a paste material. The material may also be, in particular, a melted secondary plastic material.

[032] The proposed inventive method is particularly advantageous when applied to such a polymer or paste material, or secondary plastic material, since a standstill and / or cooling of the material has particularly large effects, such as the solidification of the material and the cleaning effort associated with such an event.

[033] However, the objective of the invention is also achieved independently by a filtration system according to the features specified herein. The filtration system serves for filtering fluids and / or melts still containing different impurities, wherein the filtration system comprises - accommodation with a common power supply channel and a channel of Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pp. 138 / 179 11 / 35 common discharge, - a first filtering device with a first inlet channel, a first filtering chamber, a first filter element in the form of a belt, guided through the first filtering chamber, a first fixing unit and a first outlet channel, wherein the first inlet channel is in flow connection with the common feed channel, and the first outlet channel is in flow connection with the common discharge channel, and the first filter element, viewed in the direction of adjustment of the first filter element, is held fixed on both sides of the first filtering chamber by means of a first and second fixing devices of the first fixing unit, if necessary, - a second filtering device with a second inlet channel, a second filtering chamber, a second filter element in the form of a belt, guided through the second filtering chamber, a second fixing unit and a second outlet channel, wherein the second inlet channel is flow-connected to the common feed channel, and the second outlet channel is flow-connected to the common discharge channel, and the second filter element, viewed in the direction of adjustment of the second filter element, is held fixed on both sides of the second filtering chamber by means of a third and fourth fixing device of the second fixing unit, if necessary, wherein it is further provided additionally. - that each of the fastening devices of the first fastening unit and the second fastening unit comprises, each one, a fastening element and an adjusting element that interacts with it, - that each of the fastening elements is guided in a normal direction on a flat side of the respective filter element in a manner adjustable relative to the housing and is arranged in a transverse orientation relative to the adjustment direction of the respective filter element, - that each of the adjustment elements is guided in a parallel direction relative to a flat side of the respective filter element in a manner adjustable relative to the housing and is also arranged in a transverse orientation Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pages 139 / 179 12 / 35 in relation to the adjustment direction of the respective filter element, - that each of the fastening elements has a contact surface on the side facing the respective adjustment element, - that the fitting elements each comprise a contact surface of the fitting element on the side facing the respective fastening element, - that the respective contact surfaces of the fastening element and the contact surfaces of the fitting element, which interact and face each other, are aligned along their length in an opposite manner to each other, and the respective contact surfaces of the fastening element and the contact surfaces of the fitting element further comprise an oblique longitudinal orientation relative to the flat side of the respective filter element and - that, with a relative adjustment of the adjustment element, in the direction of a first adjustment direction in relation to the fastening element that interacts with it, the fastening element is pressed against the housing in a fastening position supported on a respective filter element and, with a second adjustment direction of the adjustment element, in relation to the first adjustment direction that is opposite to it, the fastening element that interacts with it can be moved to a release position and adjusted to the respective filter element.

[034] The advantage lies in the fact that, in the adjacent fixing position of the fastening elements of the individual fastening units with their fastening devices, a compressive force in normal alignment is always exerted on the respective filter element. Thus, shear forces on the respective filter element of each of the fastening devices are avoided. By selecting oblique contact surfaces between the fastening element and the adjustment element, there is always a transmission of force and mechanical base deflection, by contact, from the respective actuator or actuation means to the adjustment element and, from there, to the fastening element. In the event of a loss of pressure in the actuator or a defect in the actuation means after the fixing position is reached, the compressive force from the fastening element continues to be exerted on the respective element. Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pp. 140 / 179 13 / 35 filter. This prevents leakage problems in the area of ​​the individual fastening devices and prevents unwanted escape of liquid and / or molten material. Furthermore, the relative displacement of the individual fastening elements exclusively in normal alignment with respect to their respective filter elements prevents unwanted displacement of the filter element in its respective fastening area.

[035] Furthermore, it may be advantageous that the fastening elements and the adjusting elements that interact with each other be held and guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner against each other in the area of ​​their contact surfaces of the fastening element and contact surfaces of the adjusting element by means of a first guide arrangement. This means that joint adjustment and guidance can be achieved between the respective fastening elements that interact with the adjusting elements in both adjustment directions of the adjusting elements.

[036] Another embodiment is characterized by the respective adjustment elements being held and guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner in the housing, on the opposite side to the respective filter element, by means of a second guide arrangement. In this way, a relatively clear and safe storage and guidance of the respective adjustment element in the housing can be achieved.

[037] Another possible embodiment has the feature of the fastening elements being completely sealed circumferentially against the housing when viewed on their fastening surface facing the respective filter element. This allows a comprehensive seal around the respective fastening element and prevents liquid and / or melt from passing into the respective fitting element.

[038] Another concept envisions each of the fastening devices of the fastening units, in particular each of their adjustment elements, being in drive connection with its own adjustment actuator. This allows an individual sequence of release and return to the fastening position. Furthermore, the process of changing or renewing the respective active filter surface can also be precisely adjusted and controlled.

[039] An additional configuration provides that the filtering system comprises Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pp. 141 / 179 14 / 35 additionally actuators in each of the inlet channels and / or in each of the outlet channels and / or an adjustment valve in the transition section up to the first inlet channels, and that the actuators and / or the adjustment valve can limit the proportion of liquid and / or melt fed to the respective filter chamber.

[040] The advantage of this is that the actuators and / or the adjustment valve can be used to reduce the proportion of liquid and / or melt fed to the respective filter chamber, in order to relieve the filter devices by reducing the pressure, use the filter devices uniformly, avoid excessive contamination of a filter device, but, in particular, in order to control the flow of liquid and / or melt through the two filter devices, so that both do not have to be renewed or replaced at the same time, which would result in the shutdown of the filtration system and the stoppage of the liquid and / or melt.

[041] Ideally, a control valve is used in the transition section or actuators in the inlet or outlet channels. However, it is also conceivable that the control valve and actuators are used together and then used alternately or together.

[042] Another configuration provides that the filtration system additionally comprises a control device that controls the actuators and / or the adjustment valve.

[043] The advantage of this is that the control device can adjust the actuators and / or the adjustment valve automatically and possibly more precisely compared with manual operation, which can save time, costs and materials and at the same time can reduce a risk to the system and the operator.

[044] Another embodiment is characterized by a first heating device being provided for each of the filter elements, and each of the first heating devices being arranged upstream of the respective filter chamber, when viewed in the direction of adjustment of the respective filter element. By bringing it to a predetermined temperature value, undesirable sticking or partial cooling of the liquid and / or melt can be achieved immediately. Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pages 142 / 179 15 / 35 after changing the filter.

[045] An additional embodiment is characterized by a second heating device being provided for each of the filter elements, and each of the second heating devices being disposed downstream of the respective filter chamber, when viewed in the direction of adjustment of the respective filter element. After changing the filter, this can prevent the respective filter element from cooling down too quickly before being wound onto a winding device.

[046] Furthermore, it may be advantageous that at least one pressure sensor be disposed or accommodated in each of the inlet channels and / or in each of the filter chambers, on the side facing the respective inlet channel, and the pressure sensors be designed to determine the pressure accumulated in the liquid and / or melt. This allows the determination of the prevailing pressure conditions in the respective filter device and, depending on this, the replacement of the filter or the renewal of the active filter surface can be planned and executed.

[047] Another configuration provides that the filtration system comprises a control device, and the filtration system is configured to monitor the pressures determined by the pressure sensors and to control the actuators and / or the adjustment valve in such a way that the pressures remain within predetermined limits.

[048] This can advantageously ensure that the pressure in the inlet channels does not become too high, for example, which could have a negative effect on the filtering devices and / or the liquid and / or the melt. Alternatively or additionally, it can be ensured that the pressure does not become too low, which could also have a negative effect on the liquid and / or the melt.

[049] An advantageous configuration provides that the filtration system comprises a control device and the filtration system is configured for proactive control of the actuators and / or the adjustment valve, using machine learning, based on pressures determined by pressure sensors, material parameters of the liquid and / or melt to be processed and parameters of Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pp. 143 / 179 16 / 35 Adjust the actuators and / or the adjustment valve so that the pressures remain within predetermined limits.

[050] The advantage of this is that changes in pressure can be tracked through machine learning and, based on previous observations, the actuators and / or the adjustment valve can be proactively controlled, i.e., when an undesirable pressure begins to accumulate, in such a way that the pressures do not exceed or fall below the limit values. Ideally, this allows the pressures to be maintained close to the ideal values ​​for filtration.

[051] Another advantageous configuration provides that the liquid or melt is a polymer, in particular a plastic and / or a paste material. The material may also be, in particular, a melted secondary plastic material.

[052] The proposed inventive method is particularly advantageous when applied to such a polymer or paste material, or secondary plastic material, since a standstill and / or cooling of the material has particularly large effects, such as the solidification of the material and the cleaning effort associated with such an event.

[053] For a better understanding of the invention, it will be explained in more detail by means of the following Figures.

[054] They show, in a highly simplified schematic representation: Figure 1 shows the filtration system in cross-section from a top view; Figure 2 shows the filtration system according to Figure 1 with its two respective filtering devices, each in the completely blocked position, in section along lines II-II in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the channel feed of the filtration system according to Figure 2 with a filter device in the filter change position; Figure 4 shows the filtration system according to Figures 1 to 3 with its fixing units, in top view and enlarged view; Figure 5 shows one of the fastening devices for the fastening units, in cross-sectional view along the VV lines in Figure 4; Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pages 144 / 179 17 / 35 Figure 6 shows another possible design for controlling the feed of liquid and / or molten material to the two filtering devices, in a simplified schematic representation.

[055] As an introduction, it should be noted that, in the modalities described differently, the same parts are provided with the same numerical references or the same component names, whereby the disclosures contained in the entire description can be transferred analogously to the same parts with the same numerical references or the same component names. The positional information selected in the description, such as, for example, above, below, sideways, etc., is also related to the figure directly described and represented and, in case of a change of position, this positional information must be transferred accordingly to the new position.

[056] The term in particular is understood below as meaning that it may refer to a possible more in-depth conception or a more detailed specification of an object or step of the method, but does not necessarily have to represent a mandatory and preferred modality of the same procedure or an imposed procedure.

[057] As used in this document, the terms including, features, featuring, includes, including, contains, containing and any variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion.

[058] Another term used is optionally. This means that this step of the method or this component of the system is basically present, but can be used depending on the operating conditions, but this does not necessarily have to be done.

[059] The liquid and / or melt to be filtered, for example a secondary plastic material, is, for example, a plastic material that has already been processed into a product at least once and must be sent for reprocessing. A secondary plastic material is separated according to type, optionally crushed and then preferably transferred to the melt to be filtered in an extruder. Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pages 145 / 179 18 / 35 dedicated or similar melting system. The material to be filtered can be fed or supplied as liquid and / or melt to a filtration system 1 described below, in which the filtration process is carried out. For this purpose, the liquid and / or melt is in a fluid aggregate state.

[060] A secondary plastic material, or the melt formed from it, may in particular be a polycondensate melt. In general, a secondary plastic material, or more generally a secondary raw material, is a raw material produced from discarded material through processing such as recycling. These secondary materials can be used to manufacture new products. Primary raw materials, on the other hand, are so-called natural resources, i.e., substances taken from nature. Examples of such plastics include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene furanoate (PEF), or polyamides. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material, in particular, may be PET-C, which is partially crystalline and forms a thin melt. PET-C melt has low viscosity.Illustrative values ​​of intrinsic viscosity, in the case of application of the present invention, are between 0.45 and 1.2 dl / g.

[061] Another application is, for example, food filtration. This includes, for example, highly viscous liquid foods, such as honey, tomato products, sauces, jams, corn and maple syrup, molasses, mustard, juices, fruit and vegetable concentrates; highly viscous animal fats and vegetable oils, lard, margarine, cocoa butter, peanut butter, vegetable fats and similar products. Filtration is also applicable to low-viscosity liquid foods such as beverages, spirits, wine, ketchup, molasses, mustard, soy sauce, sugar syrup, vegetable oils, vinegar and water. Depending on their nature and / or temperature, these products can be classified as high or low viscosity foods.

[062] In Figures 1 to 5, the filtering system 1 is shown in different views and detailed representations, in which a stylized representation, in some Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pages 146 / 179 19 / 35 cases, was chosen for clarity. The representation of the device for grinding and melting, that is, for supplying the liquid and / or melt, for example, made of a secondary plastic material, was also omitted. For this purpose, systems and devices of the known state of the art can be used.

[063] Basically, the filtration system 1 comprises a housing 2, which may be, or preferably is, composed of several components. At least one feed channel 3 and at least one discharge channel 4 are formed or arranged in the simplified housing 2. Preferably, it is a common feed channel 3 and a common discharge channel 4. In addition, a first filtering device 5 and a second filtering device 6 are arranged or formed within the housing 2. The structure of the two filtering devices 5, 6 is preferably chosen to be fundamentally identical to each other, wherein the respective components are described separately below for better differentiation. It is basically a parallel arrangement or design of the two filtering devices 5, 6 relative to each other. This may be done one above the other or one next to the other.In the present exemplary embodiment, an arrangement is shown in which the two filtering devices 5, 6 are arranged one above the other.

[064] Starting from the feed channel 3, the first filter device 5 comprises a first inlet channel 7, a first filter chamber 8, a first filter element 9 in strip form, guided through the first filter chamber 8, a first fixing unit 10 and a first outlet channel 11. The filter element 9 can also be described as a filter belt or filter strip. The same also applies to the second filter element 16 described below. The first inlet channel 7 is, in turn, flow connected to the common feed channel 3. The first outlet channel 11 connects to the first filter chamber 8 and is flow connected to the common discharge channel 4. Furthermore, it is also indicated that the first filter element 9, viewed in the direction of adjustment of the first filter element 9, is or will be held fixed on both sides of the first filter chamber 8 by means of a first and a second fixing devices 12. Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pages 147 / 179 20 / 35 of the first fastening unit 10.

[065] Also from the common feed channel 3 is supplied or disposed the second filter device 6, which, viewed in the direction of flow, also empties into the common discharge channel 4 and is flow connected to it. The second filter device 6 comprises a second inlet channel 14, a second filter chamber 15, a second filter element 16, in the form of a belt, passing through the second filter chamber 15, a second fixing unit 17 and a second discharge channel 18. The second inlet channel 14 is flow connected to the common feed channel 3, and the second discharge channel 18 is flow connected to the common discharge channel 4. To fix the second filter element 16 on both sides in its adjustment direction, the second fixing unit 17 comprises a third fixing device 19 and a fourth fixing device 20 of its own.By means of the two fastening devices 19, 20 of the second fastening unit 17, the second filter element 16 can also be fastened on both sides of the second filter chamber 15, if necessary, or can be held fastened, if necessary. This occurs when the second filter device 6 is in filtration operation.

[066] The supplied liquid and / or melt to be filtered is fed to the common feed channel 3 for the filtration process, wherein the liquid and / or melt is conveyed onward through at least one of the filtering devices 5, 6 to the common discharge channel 4, depending on the selected operating mode of the filtration system 1. This normally occurs by means of a delivery pressure, which is created, for example, by an extruder and / or a melt pump.

[067] The two fastening devices 12, 13 of the first fastening unit 10 and the two fastening devices 19, 20 of the second fastening unit 17 are described together below, since each of them has the same structure. This is why, especially in Figures 4 and 5, the same components are always given the same numerical references.

[068] In this exemplary form shown, each of the fastening devices Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pages 148 / 179 21 / 35 12, 13 of the first fastening unit 10 and each of the two fastening devices 19, 20 of the second fastening unit 17 each comprise a fastening element 21 and an adjustment element 22 cooperating with them. Each of the fastening elements 21 is or will be relatively guided, in an adjustable manner, in a normal direction, on a flat side of the respective filter element 9, 16, in relation to the housing 2, and is further arranged in a transverse orientation in relation to the adjustment direction or the longitudinal extension of the respective filter element 9, 16. The respective flat side of the filter element 9, 16 is that which also defines the filtering surface in the respective filter device 5, 6.

[069] Furthermore, each of the adjustment elements 22 is or will be guided in a parallel direction relative to a flat side of the respective filter element 9, 16 in a manner adjustable relative to the housing 2 and is further arranged in a transverse orientation relative to the adjustment direction of the respective filter element 9, 16, running towards it. In addition, it is also provided that the fastening elements 21 and the adjustment elements 22, which interact respectively with each other, have mutually interactive contact surfaces on their mutually opposite sides. The fastening elements 21 each have a contact surface of the fastening element 23 and the adjustment elements 22 each have a contact surface of the adjustment element 24 running in the opposite direction.The respective contact surfaces of the fastening element 23 and the contact surfaces of the adjusting element 24 also have an oblique longitudinal orientation relative to the flat side of the respective filter element 9, 16. For mutual support and force transmission, a contact surface of the fastening element 23 rests on a contact surface of the adjusting element 24 disposed opposite it.

[070] The contact surface of the fastening element 23 and / or the contact surfaces of the adjusting element 24 may be hardened and / or provided with hardened inserts to reduce wear during operation.

[071] On the sides separated from each other of the fastening elements 21 and of Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pages 149 / 179 22 / 35 adjustment elements 22 that interact with each other, each of them preferably has end faces that run parallel to each other. This end face of the fastening element 21 is always facing the respective filter element 9, 16 and serves to fix it against the housing 2. This can also be called a fixing surface. This end face of the adjustment element 22 is located on the opposite side of the respective adjustment element 22 and can be supported on the housing 2, if necessary.

[072] When the adjusting element 22 is relatively adjusted in the direction of a first adjustment direction relative to the interacting fastening element 21, the fastening element 21 is or will be pressed against the housing 2 in a fastening position supported on the respective filter element 9, 16. If the second adjustment direction of the adjusting element 22 is opposite to the first adjustment direction, the interacting fastening element 21 is or will be adjusted in a release position for the respective filter element 9, 16. This occurs due to the selected wedge-shaped design of the respective fastening elements 21 and adjusting elements 22 on their mutually opposite sides. The two adjustment directions of the adjusting elements 22 and the fastening elements 21 are each indicated by a double arrow.The adjustment of the fastening elements 21 is effected by the relative adjustment of the adjusting elements 22, wherein the respective adjustment directions extend in a normal plane over the flat side of the respective filter element 9, 16 and form an angle of approximately 90° with respect to each other. The force transmission from the respective adjusting element 22 to the fastening element 21 that interacts with it occurs by means of a compressive force. If the selected gradient of the respective adjusting elements 22 and the fastening elements 21 is opposite to each other, this occurs by means of a tensile force. The adjustment force is deflected by an angle of 90°.

[073] In order to allow safe adjustment movement of the fasteners 21 in both adjustment directions, the fasteners 21 and the adjusting elements 22, which interact with each other, must be held against each other. Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pages 150 / 179 23 / 35 and guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner, in the area of ​​their respective contact surfaces of the fastening element 23 and the contact surfaces of the adjustment element 24, facing each other, by means of a first guide arrangement 25. This can be achieved, for example, by using a T-shaped guide groove or similar guide arrangements. To be able to guide the individual adjustment elements 22 in a straight adjustment direction in the housing 2, the respective adjustment elements 22 can be held and guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner in the housing 2, on the side facing away from the respective filter element 9, 16 by means of a second guide arrangement 26. This can also be achieved, for example, by using a T-shaped guide groove or similar guide arrangements.

[074] In order to prevent or largely avoid unwanted leakage of liquid and / or melt from the respective filter chamber 8, 15 into the area of ​​the individual fastening elements 21, at least in their fastening position adjacent to the respective filter elements 9, 16, the fastening elements 21, viewed from their fastening surface facing the respective filter element 9, 16, need to be circumferentially sealed against the housing 2. For this purpose, unspecified sealing elements may be provided. This means that when the fastening elements 21 are in the fastening position, the respective filter chamber 8, 15 may be or will be sealed against the housing 2.

[075] For clarity, the detailed representation of the adjustment means or adjustment actuators for the respective actuating elements 22 has been omitted. It should be noted that all suitable devices from the known state of the art can be used for this purpose, such as, for example, cylinder-piston arrangements, electric actuators, linear drives or the like. Preferably, each of the individual adjustment elements 22 and each of the first fastening unit 10 and the second fastening unit 17 is assigned its own adjustment means or adjustment actuator, which is in drive connection with the respective adjustment element 22. This creates the possibility for each fastening device 12, 13; Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pages 151 / 179 24 / 35 19, 20 of the fastening units 10, 17, in particular, each of their adjustment elements 22, can be adjusted independently of each other between their fastening position and their release position.

[076] During a stationary filtration operation or filtration operation of filtration system 1, but not when the active filter surface is renewed, at least a proportion of 10% of the liquid and / or melt is always conveyed through one of the inlet channels 7 or 14. Through the other of the inlet channels 14 or 7, the remaining proportion up to 100% of the liquid and / or melt is conveyed. Considering the previously indicated proportion of 10% of the liquid and / or melt, this is 90%. This is based on the common feed channel 3. The indication of the proportion of liquid and / or melt may refer to mass flow or volume flow.

[077] This selected minimum proportion of liquid and / or melt can prevent them from clumping or solidifying. Furthermore, the timing of when the respective filter element 9, 16 needs to be renewed or replaced can also be compensated for between the two filter devices 5 and 6. Figure 3 shows that the entire stream or total quantity of liquid and / or melt is supplied to the first filter device 5 shown above in this document, and the liquid and / or melt feed is completely interrupted at the second filter device 6 shown below. This will be explained in more detail below.

[078] During the renewal of the active filter surface of one of the filter elements 9, 16, which is in filtration operation, the following steps must be performed: - reduce the proportion of liquid and / or melt fed to the respective filter chambers 8, 15 to a maximum of 2% of the total mass / volume flow, or completely stop feeding liquid and / or melt to the respective filter chambers 8, 15, - adjust the respective fastening devices 12, 13; 19, 20 of the respective fastening unit 10, 17 to their release position, Petition 870240028166, dated April 1, 2024, pages 152-179 25 / 35 - move the respective filter element 9, 16, in its adjustment direction, along a predetermined adjustment path through the respective filter chamber 8, 15, - adjust one of the two fastening devices 12, 13; 19, 20 of the respective fastening unit 10, 17 into its fastening position, - pre-tension the respective filter element 9, 16 with a predetermined tensile force towards the other of the two fixing devices 13, 12; 20, 19 of the respective fixing unit 17, 10, - adjust the other of the two fastening devices 13, 12; 20, 19 of the respective fastening unit 17, 10 into its fastening position and - to release the liquid and / or molten feed to the respective filter chamber 8, 15 with the renewed filter surface of the respective filter element 9, 16.

[079] To avoid unnecessary repetition in the description, the active filter surface renewal process has been described for each of the filter devices 5 and 6. The active filter surface renewal is optionally performed only on one of the filter devices 5 or 6, in order to be able to supply or provide a uniform mass flow or a uniform volume flow of liquid and / or molten filtrate in the common discharge channel 4.

[080] Since, depending on the selected adjustment direction of the respective filter element 9, 16, the fixing of the respective filter element 9, 16 occurs first on one side of the respective filter chamber 8, 15, the respective filter element 9, 16 may be subjected to a predetermined pre-tensioning force and therefore to traction. To this end, the traction force applied to the respective filter element 9, 16 during the renewal of its active filter surface must also be determined and / or monitored.

[081] It should be noted that the force applied by the clamping devices 12, 13; 19 may depend on the contamination of the liquid and / or melt to be filtered. This force may be different for the two filtering devices. The tensile stress that arises as a result of the pressure of the liquid and / or melt to be filtered on the filtering device can be measured, and thus the force to be applied can be regulated. A Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pages 153 / 179 26 / 35 The advantage presented here is that, since the filter surface can be kept completely parallel to the cross-sectional surface of the liquid and / or melt to be filtered due to the regulated pressure, the fastening elements 21 only need to be opened very slightly to move the respective filter elements 9, 16. This reduces the escape of material from the filter chambers 8, 15, particularly in the case of very liquid materials. In this way, the tensile stress of the respective filter elements 9, 16 can be controlled very precisely.

[082] The position of the fastening elements 21 can be controlled in such a way that their opening path is large enough for the filter surface to be pulled through the resulting opening. From a specific point on the filter surface, for example, at the beginning of the last third of the contaminated filter surface, the opening path, or the opening, can be widened to allow for the removal of all contaminants from the filter chamber. This control has the advantage, especially with low viscosity liquids, of only a small amount of material leaking from the system during filter surface replacement.

[083] Further improved control is due to the fact that the opening path of the fastening elements 21 occurs in a wave-like manner, i.e., the opening range is alternately activated between the smallest possible opening and the largest opening. Figure 1 also shows that, in each of the filtering devices 5 and 6 of the filtering system 1, a first heating device 27 and 28 can be provided for each of the filtering elements 9, 16. The first heating devices 27 and 28 are arranged upstream of the respective filtering chamber 8, 15, viewed in the adjustment direction of the respective filtering element 9, 16.This creates the possibility of heating the respective filter element 9, 16, in particular before renewing its active filter surface, to a temperature value selected from a range of temperature values ​​with a lower limit of 20 °C above ambient temperature, in particular the melting temperature of the respective melt, and with an upper limit of 400 °C, in particular the respective processing temperature or slightly above the respective processing temperature. Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pages 154 / 179 27 / 35 before feeding into the respective filter chamber 8, 15. Due to this preheating, when the respective filter device 5, 6 is put back into operation, the liquid and / or melt to be filtered does not cool down on initial contact with the renewed filter surface.

[084] Furthermore, it may be advantageous that a second heating device 29 and 30 be provided for each of the filter elements 9 and 16 in each of the filter devices 5 and 6 of the filtration system 1. The second heating devices 29 and 30 are arranged downstream of the respective filter chamber 8, 15, viewed in the direction of adjustment of the respective filter element 9, 16. This creates the possibility of the respective filter element 9, 16, in particular after renewal of its active filter surface, being heated, being able to heat up to a temperature value selected from a range of temperature values ​​with a lower limit of 20 °C above ambient temperature, in particular the melting temperature of the respective melt, and with an upper limit of 400 °C, in particular the respective processing temperature or slightly above the respective processing temperature, after being guided through the respective filter chamber 8, 15.This can prevent the respective filter element 9, 16 from cooling and solidifying too quickly before being wound.

[085] The previously described heating of the egress filter surface can also be used, so that any material still adhering to it remains in a molten state and can flow downwards. In addition, the flow of material can be sustained by attaching a scraper and guiding the filter surface over this scraper.

[086] To be able to determine the prevailing pressure conditions of the liquid and / or melt in each of the filter devices 5 and 6, at least one separate pressure sensor 31 may be arranged in each of the inlet channels 7 and 14. However, it would also be possible to provide or arrange a separate pressure sensor 31 in each of the filter chambers 8 and 15 on the side facing the respective inlet channel 7, 14. For simplicity, all Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pages 155 / 179 28 / 35 pressure sensors 31 are equipped with the same numerical reference. This arrangement allows the pressure accumulated in the liquid and / or melt to be determined and transmitted or routed to a control device 32. Based on the determined pressure conditions, it can be determined that, under those conditions, a change of the active filter surface must be performed in the respective filter device 5 or 6.

[087] Depending on the determined pressure level, a conclusion can be drawn regarding the state and contamination of the respective filter element 9, 16. The more particles are filtered from the liquid and / or melt by the respective filter element 9, 16 and thus deposited on the filter element 9, 16, the more the rate of passage of the liquid and / or melt through the filter element 9, 16 decreases and the pressure before the respective filter element 9, 16 increases or grows. At a predetermined pressure level in the respective filter device 5, 6, the replacement or renewal of the active filter surface described above must be carried out.

[088] If the liquid and / or melt to be filtered has a very low viscosity, such as, for example, a secondary plastic material, such as PET-C, the support of the respective filter element 9, 16 in the respective filter chamber 8, 15 may be dispensed with. However, an arrangement or provision of a first support element 33 in the first filter device 5 and / or a second support element 34 in the second filter device 6 would also be conceivable and possible. It is known that the respective support element 33, 34 is penetrated by passage openings through which the filtered liquid and / or melt flows towards the common discharge channel 4. It would also be possible to conceive of the support element 33, 34 as a support sieve. In this case, it would be conceivable to arrange the support element 33, 34, conceived as a support sieve, stationary in relation to the respective filter chamber 8, 15.Regardless, the support sieve can also be moved with the respective filter element 9, 16 each time the filter is changed.

[089] It would also be possible to design the respective filter element 9, 16 in Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pages 156 / 179 29 / 35 one or more layers. This means, for example, that the filter strip or filter layer closest to the feed channel 3 may be designed to have slightly larger pores in order to filter contaminants with a larger particle size. The additional filter strip or filter layer arranged downstream in the flow direction must be made with finer porosity to be able to capture and retain even contaminants with a smaller particle size. The detailed description of an unwinding device and a winding device has been omitted. They may be selected and used according to the known state of the art.

[090] As described above for the renewal of one of the active filter surfaces, a minimum proportion of liquid and / or melt is always fed to the filter chamber 8, 15. This also applies when the fixing devices 12, 13 or 19, 20 are open. To allow the liquid and / or melt, which continues to be supplied, to be diverted from the respective filter chamber 8, 15 and the fixing device 12 and / or 13 and / or 19 and / or 20, when not in the fixing position, at least one separate discharge channel 35 must be provided in housing 2. For simplicity, the same numerical reference has been used for each of the diversion channels 35. After the fixing devices 12, 13 or 19, 20 are opened, each forming a fixing unit 10, 17, the minimum proportion of liquid and / or melt can flow out between the respective fixing element 21 and the filter element 9 or 16.

[091] In the schematic representation of Figure 3, it is further shown that a separate actuator 36 is provided in each of the inlet channels 7, 14 and in each of the outlet channels 11, 18, in order to make it possible to adjust and control the respective proportion of liquid and / or melt to the respective filter chambers 8, 15. The adjustment direction is indicated for each of the actuators 36 with a double arrow. It is shown in this document that the first filter device 5 is fully in filtering operation and the second filter device 6 is not in filtering operation. In this position of the actuators 36, the first filter device 5 receives a Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pages 157 / 179 30 / 35 proportion of almost 100%, or the total proportion of 100%, of liquid and / or molten, or receives only a small proportion of some percentage during the renewal of the active filter surface, in this document, the second filter element 16.

[092] Figure 6 shows an additional, schematically simplified embodiment, possibly independent of filtering devices 5 and 6 with their channel course to form filtering system 1, in which the same numerical references or component names are used for the same parts as in Figures 1 to 5. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in Figures 1 to 5 above.

[093] In contrast to the variant shown in Figure 3, an adjustment valve is provided in this document already in the feed channel 3, in the transition section to the inlet channels 7, 14, by means of which, depending on its position, the mass flow or volume flow of the liquid and / or melt to be filtered is adjusted proportionally so that they can be fed to the filtering devices 5 and / or 6. Control can be achieved by means of the control device 32 to define the corresponding switching position and the proportional distribution of the liquid and / or melt. The representation of the adjustment valve 37 is purely schematic and can be freely selected according to the known state of the art. Furthermore, it is indicated by arrows that, in this selected switching position, the greater proportion of liquid and / or melt is supplied to the first filtering device 5 and a smaller proportion to the second filtering device 6.

[094] As already explained, the adjusting valve 37 can be controlled by means of the control device 32. Alternatively or additionally, the actuators 36 can be controlled by the control device 32. The mass flow or volume flow of the liquid and / or melt to be filtered can be adjusted by either the adjusting valve 37 or the actuators 36, individually or together.

[095] It should be noted that if the adjustment valve 37 has been designed as Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pages 158 / 179 31 / 35 a simple distribution valve, only the distribution of the liquid and / or melt flowing through the feed channel 3 to the two inlet channels 7, 14, behind it, can be altered by actuating the adjustment valve 37. The total pressure remains the same, that is, the liquid and / or melt arriving at the feed channel 3 with a pressure p is distributed to the inlet channels 7, 14 by the adjustment valve 37, where the sum of the pressures p1 and p2, prevailing in the inlet channels 7, 14, in turn, results in the pressure p. Ideally, the adjustment valve 37 has the possibility of stopping the inlet flow to each of the two inlet channels 7, 14 individually.

[096] As a result of contamination of the filter devices 5, 6, the flow rate of the liquid and / or melt to be filtered changes and, therefore, so does the pressure in the respective section of the filtration system 1. To obtain an ideal flow, the pressure of an inlet channel 7 or 14, and of the parts of the filtration system 1 behind it, can be reduced by actuating the adjustment valve 37. Excessive pressure can damage the filter devices 5, 6, as well as other parts of the filtration system 1 and should therefore be avoided.

[097] Alternatively or in addition to control valve 37, actuators 36 may also be used, which change the pressure in each of the inlet channels 7, 14 and / or in each of the outlet channels 11, 18 independently of each other. If only actuator 36 in inlet channel 7 or 14 is closed, the downstream pressure of the corresponding actuator 36, for example, in the filter device 5 or 6 and in the filter chamber 8 or 15, is reduced. On the other hand, if only actuator 36 in outlet channel 11 or 18 is closed, the upstream pressure of the corresponding actuator 36 increases.

[098] By closing or opening the actuators 36, the proportion of liquid and / or melt supplied to the respective filter chamber 8, 15 can also be reduced. This reduction can also be caused by an adjustment valve 37 in the transition section to the inlet channels 7, 14.

[099] As an alternative to manually operating actuators 36 and / or the valve Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pages 159 / 179 32 / 35 adjustment 37, the control device 32 can also be configured to control the actuators 36 and / or the adjustment valve 37.

[0100] As explained above, pressure sensors 31 can also be arranged in the filtration system 1. Such pressure sensors 31 can be arranged or provided in each of the inlet channels 7 and 14, in each of the filter chambers 8 and 15, on the side facing the respective inlet channel 7, 14, or in other parts of the filtration system 1, such as in front of the feed channel 3, after the discharge channel 4, in one or both of the outlet channels 11, 18 etc.

[0101] The control device 32 can be configured to monitor the pressures determined by the pressure sensors 31. The control device 32 can also be configured to control the actuators 36 and / or the adjusting valve 37, so that the pressures remain within predetermined limits.

[0102] Examples of limits that must be taken into consideration are, for example, maximum or minimum pressures in the feed channel 3, discharge channel 4, inlet channels 7, 14, outlet channels 11, 18 and filtering devices 5, 6.

[0103] Another option is that the control device 32 uses machine learning to control the actuators 36 and / or the adjustment valve 37 in such a way that particularly high pressures, for example, pressure peaks, do not occur. For this purpose, a trained model can be used, but also a self-learning model, that is, a self-training model, which, based on the pressures determined by the various pressure sensors 31, material parameters of the liquid and / or melt to be processed and adjustment parameters of the actuators 36 and / or the adjustment valve 37, recognizes or learns to recognize how the pressure curves in the individual pressure sensors 31 develop before a pressure peak occurs.In this way, the control device 32 can then proactively control the actuators 36 and / or the adjustment valve 37 right at the beginning of such development in such a way that the pressures remain within predetermined limits, that is, pressure peaks cannot even occur. Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pages 160 / 179 33 / 35

[0104] This is particularly advantageous since such pressure spikes normally occur very rapidly, i.e., normal pressure detection and reaction to a pressure increase are not sufficient in such cases to prevent the occurrence of pressure spikes. A control device 32, which monitors pressures using machine learning, can learn to recognize how pressure curves develop before drastic increases in one of the pressures occur and thus, by controlling the actuators 36 and / or the adjusting valve 37 in advance, prevent a pressure increase.

[0105] As mentioned above, the liquid and / or melt may be, for example, a polymer, in particular a plastic, and / or a paste-like material. The material may also be, in particular, the molten secondary plastic material described in detail above.

[0106] Finally, it should be mentioned that the individual steps of the method and their chronological sequence do not necessarily have to occur in the order listed, but a different chronological sequence is also possible. However, a successive and therefore consecutive chronological sequence of the listed steps of the method is preferred.

[0107] The illustrative embodiments show possible embodiment variants, at which point it should be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiment variants specifically illustrated, but rather that various combinations of the individual embodiment variants are possible among themselves and, due to the teaching of the act of the technique by means of the invention in question, this possibility of variation is within the capacity of the person versed in the technique who works in the area.

[0108] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and drawings should be used for the interpretation of the claims. Individual features or combinations of features of the different exemplary embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions in themselves. The underlying objective of the independent inventive solutions can be found in the description. Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pages 161 / 179 34 / 35

[0109] All information regarding value ranges in this description should be understood as encompassing any and all sub-ranges, for example, the information from 1 to 10 should be understood as encompassing all sub-ranges, starting with the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10, i.e., all sub-ranges start with a lower limit of 1 or higher and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, for example, from 1 to 1.7, or from 3.2 to 8.1, or from 5.5 to 10.

[0110] For the sake of clarity, it is important to point out that, for a better understanding of the construction, some elements have sometimes been presented out of scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size. LIST OF NUMERICAL REFERENCES filtration system housing feed channel discharge channel first filter device second filter device first inlet channel first filter chamber first filter element first fixing unit first outlet channel first fixing device second fixing device second inlet channel second filter chamber second filter element second fixing unit second outlet channel third fixing device Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pages 162 / 179 35 / 35 fourth fastening device fastening element adjusting element contact surface with the fastening element contact surface with the adjusting element first guide arrangement second guide arrangement first heating device first heating device second heating device second heating device pressure sensor control device first support element second support element bypass channel actuator adjusting valve Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pages 163 / 179

Claims

1 / 10 CLAIMS 1. Method for filtering fluids and / or melts containing impurities, by means of a filtering system (1), in which the following steps are performed - providing a housing (2) with a common feed channel (3) and a common discharge channel (4), - providing a first filtering device (5) with a first inlet channel (7), a first filter chamber (8), a first filter element (9) in the form of a belt, guided through the first filter chamber (8), a first fixing unit (10) and a first discharge channel (11), wherein the first inlet channel (7) is in flow connection with the common feed channel (3), and the first discharge channel (11) is in flow connection with the common discharge channel (4), and the first filter element (9), seen in the direction of fitting the first filter element (9),is held fixed on both sides of the first filter chamber (8) by means of a first and second fixing devices (12, 13) of the first fixing unit (10), if necessary, - provide a second filter device (6) with a second inlet channel (14), a second filter chamber (15), a second filter element (16) in the form of a strap, guided through the second filter chamber (15), a second fixing unit (17) and a second outlet channel (18), wherein the second inlet channel (14) is in flow connection with the common feed channel (3), and the second outlet channel (18) is in flow connection with the common discharge channel (4), and the second filter element (16), seen in the direction of adjustment of the second filter element (16), is held fixed on both sides of the second filter chamber (15) by means of a third and fourth fixing devices (19, 20) of the second fixing unit (17), if necessary,- to supply the liquid and / or melt to be filtered in a fluid aggregate state and feed the liquid and / or melt into the common feed channel (3), wherein the liquid and / or melt is carried forward through at least one of the filtering devices (5, 6) to the common discharge channel (4), being filtered in the process, Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, page. 164 / 179 2 / 10 characterized by - each of the fastening devices (12, 13; 19, 20) of the first fastening unit (10) and the second fastening unit (17) comprising, each, a fastening element (21) and an adjustment element (22) that interacts with it, - each of the fastening elements (21) being guided in a normal direction on a flat side of the respective filter element (9, 16) in a manner adjustable in relation to the housing (2) and being arranged in a transverse orientation in relation to the adjustment direction of the respective filter element (9, 16),- each of the adjustment elements (22) being guided in a parallel direction in relation to a flat side of the respective filter element (9, 16) in a manner adjustable in relation to the housing (2) and also being arranged in a transverse orientation in relation to the adjustment direction of the respective filter element (9, 16), - each of the fastening elements (21) having a contact surface of the fastening element (23) on the side facing the respective adjustment element (22), - the adjustment elements (22) each comprising a contact surface of the adjustment element (24) on the side facing the respective fastening element (21), - the respective contact surfaces of the fastening element (23) and the contact surfaces of the adjustment element (24), which interact and face each other, being aligned along their length in an opposite manner to each other,and the respective contact surfaces of the fastening element (23) and the contact surfaces of the adjustment element (24) further comprise an oblique longitudinal orientation in relation to the flat side of the respective filter element (9, 16) and - with a relative adjustment of the adjustment element (22), in the direction of a first adjustment direction in relation to the fastening element (21) that interacts with it, the fastening element (21) is pressed against the housing (2) in a fastening position supported on a respective filter element (9, 16) and, with a second adjustment direction of the adjustment element (22), opposite to the first adjustment direction, the fastening element (21), which interacts with it, is moved to a release position and adjusted to the respective filter element (9, 16).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening elements (21) and the adjusting elements (22) that interact with each other are held and guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner against each other in the area of ​​their contact surfaces of the fastening element (23) and contact surfaces of the adjusting element (24) by means of a first guide arrangement (25).

3. Method, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the respective adjustment elements 22 can be held and guided in a displaceable manner, longitudinally, in the housing 2, on the side facing away from the respective filter element 9, 16 by means of a second guide arrangement 26.

4. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the fastening elements (21), viewed from their fastening surface facing the respective filter element (9, 16), need to be circumferentially sealed against the housing (2).

5. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each fastening device (12, 13; 19, 20) of the fastening units (10, 17), in particular, each of its adjustment elements (22), can be adjusted independently of each other between its fastening position and its release position.

6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, when the fastening elements (21) are in the fastening position, the respective filter chamber (8, 15) is sealed against the housing (2).

7. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, during the filtration operation of the filtration system (1), at least a proportion of 10% of the liquid and / or melt is always transported through one of the inlet channels (7, 14), and the remaining proportion up to 100% is transported to the other inlet channel (14, 7).

8. Method, according to any of claims 1 to 7, Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, p. 166 / 179 4 / 10 characterized in that, when the active filter surface of one of the filter elements (9, 16) is renewed, the following steps are performed - reduce the proportion of liquid and / or melt fed to the respective filter chambers (8, 15) to a maximum of 2% of the total mass / volume flow, or completely interrupt the feeding of liquid and / or melt to the respective filter chambers (8, 15), - adjust the respective fixing devices (12, 13; 19, 20) of the respective fixing unit (10, 17) to their release position, - move the respective filter element (9, 16), in its adjustment direction, along a predetermined adjustment path through the respective filter chamber (8, 15), - adjust one of the two fixing devices (12, 13;19, 20) of the respective fixing unit (10, 17) in its fixing position, - pre-tension the respective filter element (9, 16) with a predetermined tensile force towards the other of the two fixing devices (13, 12; 20, 19) of the respective fixing unit (17, 10), - adjust the other of the two fixing devices (13, 12; 20, 19) of the respective fixing unit (17, 10) in its fixing position and - release the liquid and / or melt feed to the respective filter chamber (8, 15) with the renewed filter surface of the respective filter element (9, 16).

9. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the reduction of the proportion of liquid and / or melt fed to the respective filter chamber (8, 15) occurs by actuators (36) in each of the inlet channels (7, 14) and / or in each of the outlet channels (11, 18) or by an adjustment valve (37) in the transition section up to the first inlet channels (7, 14).

10. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the actuators (36) and / or the adjusting valve (37) are controlled by a control device (32). Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, p. 167 / 179 5 / 10 11. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the tensile force applied to the respective filter element (9, 16) during the renewal of its active filter surface is also determined and / or monitored.

12. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the respective filter element (9, 16), in particular before renewal of its active filter surface, is heated to a temperature value selected from a range of temperature values ​​with a lower limit of 20 °C above ambient temperature, in particular the melting temperature of the respective melt, and with an upper limit of 400 °C, in particular the respective processing temperature or slightly above the respective processing temperature, before feeding into the respective filter chamber (8, 15).

13. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the respective filter element (9, 16), in particular after renewal of its active filter surface, is heated to a temperature value selected from a range of temperature values ​​with a lower limit of 20 °C above ambient temperature, in particular the melting temperature of the respective melt, and with an upper limit of 400 °C, in particular the respective processing temperature or slightly above the respective processing temperature, after being guided to the respective filter chamber (8, 15).

14. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the pressure accumulated in the liquid and / or melt is determined by pressure sensors (31) in each of the inlet channels (7, 14) and / or in each of the filter chambers (8, 15), on the side facing the respective inlet channel (7, 14).

15. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the control device (32) is configured to monitor the pressure determined by the pressure sensors (31) and control the actuators (36) and / or the adjusting valve (37) in such a way that the pressures remain within predetermined limits.

16. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the control device (32) is configured for the proactive control of the actuators (36) and / or the adjustment valve (37), using machine learning, based on the pressures determined by the pressure sensors (31), material parameters of the liquid and / or melt to be processed and adjustment parameters of the actuators (36) and / or the adjustment valve (37), so that the pressures remain within predetermined limits.

17. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the liquid and / or melt is a polymer, in particular, a plastic and / or a paste-like material.

18. Filtration system (1) for filtering fluids and / or melts containing impurities, wherein the filtration system (1) comprises - a housing (2) with a common feed channel (3) and a common discharge channel (4), - a first filter device (5) with a first inlet channel (7), a first filter chamber (8), a first filter element (9) in the form of a belt, guided through the first filter chamber (8), a first fixing unit (10) and a first discharge channel (11), wherein the first inlet channel (7) is flow-connected to the common feed channel (3), and the first discharge channel (11) is flow-connected to the common discharge channel (4), and the first filter element (9), viewed in the direction of adjustment of the first filter element (9), is held fixed on both sides of the first filter chamber (8) by means of a first and second fixing device of the first fixing unit (10), if necessary,- a second filtering device (6) with a second inlet channel (14), a second filter chamber (15), a second filter element (16) in the form of a belt, guided through the second filter chamber (15), a second fixing unit (17) and a second outlet channel (18), wherein the second inlet channel Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, page. 169 / 179 7 / 10 (14) is in flow connection with the common feed channel (3), and the second outlet channel (18) is in flow connection with the common discharge channel (4), and the second filter element (16), viewed in the sense of adjusting the second filter element (16), is held fixed on both sides of the second filter chamber (15) by means of a third and fourth fixing devices of the second fixing unit (17), if necessary, in particular for carrying out the filtering method as defined in any of claims 1 to 17, characterized by - each of the fixing devices (12,13; 19, 20) of the first fastening unit (10) and the second fastening unit (17) each comprising a fastening element (21) and an adjustment element (22) that interacts with it, - each of the fastening elements (21) being guided in a normal direction on a flat side of the respective filter element (9, 16) in a manner adjustable in relation to the housing (2) and being arranged in a transverse orientation in relation to the adjustment direction of the respective filter element (9, 16), - each of the adjustment elements (22) being guided in a parallel direction in relation to a flat side of the respective filter element (9, 16) in a manner adjustable in relation to the housing (2) and also being arranged in a transverse orientation in relation to the adjustment direction of the respective filter element (9, 16), - each of the fastening elements (21) having a contact surface of the fastening element (23) on the side facing the respective adjustment element (22),- the adjustment elements (22) each comprising a contact surface of the adjustment element (24) on the side facing the respective fastening element (21), - the respective contact surfaces of the fastening element (23) and the contact surfaces of the adjustment element (24), which interact and face each other, being aligned along their length in an opposite manner to each other, and the respective contact surfaces of the fastening element (23) and the contact surfaces of the adjustment element (24) further comprising an oblique longitudinal orientation in relation to the flat side of the respective filter element (9, 16) and - with a relative adjustment of the adjustment element (22), in the direction of a first sense of adjustment in relation to the fastening element (21) that interacts with it,the fastening element (21) is pressed against the housing (2) in a fastening position supported on a respective filter element (9, 16) and, with a second adjustment direction of the adjustment element (22), opposite to the first adjustment direction, the fastening element (21), which interacts with it, can be moved to a release position and adjusted to the respective filter element (9, 16).

19. Filtering system (1), according to claim 18, characterized in that the fastening elements (21) and the adjustment elements (22) that interact with each other are held and guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner against each other in the area of ​​their contact surfaces of the fastening element (23) and contact surfaces of the adjustment element (24) by means of a first guide arrangement (25).

20. Filtration system (1), according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the respective adjustment elements 22 can be held and guided in a displaceable manner, longitudinally, in the housing 2, on the side facing away from the respective filter element 9, 16 by means of a second guide arrangement 26.

21. Filtration system (1), according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the fastening elements (21), viewed from their fastening surface facing the respective filter element (9, 16), need to be circumferentially sealed against the housing (2).

22. Filtering system (1), according to any one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that each of the fastening devices (12, 13; 19, 20) of the fastening units (10, 17), in particular each of its adjustment elements (22), is in actuation connection with its own adjustment actuator.

23. Filtration system (1), according to any one of claims 18 to 22, further comprising actuators (36) in each of the inlet channels (7, 14) and / or in each of the outlet channels (11, 18) and / or an adjustment valve (37) in the transition section up to the first inlet channels (7, 14), characterized in that the actuators (36) and / or the adjustment valve (37) can limit the proportion of liquid and / or melt fed to the respective filter chamber (8, 15).

24. Filtration system (1), according to any one of claims 18 to 23, further comprising a control device (32), characterized in that the control device (32) controls the actuators (36) and / or the adjustment valve (37).

25. Filtration system (1), according to any one of claims 18 to 24, characterized in that a first heating device (27, 28) is provided for each of the filter elements (9, 16) and each of the first heating devices (27, 28) is disposed upstream of the respective filter chamber (8, 15), when viewed in the direction of adjustment of the respective filter element (9, 16).

26. Filtration system (1), according to any one of claims 18 to 25, characterized in that a second heating device (29, 30) is provided for each of the filter elements (9, 16) and each of the second heating devices (29, 30) is disposed downstream of the respective filter chamber (8, 15), when viewed in the direction of adjustment of the respective filter element (9, 16).

27. Filtration system (1), according to any of claims 18 to 26, characterized in that at least one pressure sensor (31) is disposed or accommodated in each of the inlet channels (7, 14) and / or in each of the filter chambers (8, 15), on the side facing the respective inlet channel (7, 14), and the pressure sensors (31) are designed to determine the pressure accumulated in the liquid and / or melt.

28. Filtration system (1), according to any one of claims 18 to 27, further comprising a control device (32), characterized in that the control device (32) is configured to monitor the pressure determined by the pressure sensors (31) and to control the actuators (36) and / or the adjusting valve (37) in such a way that the pressures remain within predetermined limits.

29. Filtration system (1), according to any one of claims 18 to 28, further comprising a control device (32), characterized in that the control device (32) is configured for the proactive control of the actuators (36) and / or the adjustment valve (37), using machine learning, based on the pressures determined by the pressure sensors (31), material parameters of the liquid and / or melt to be processed and adjustment parameters of the actuators (36) and / or the adjustment valve (37), so that the pressures remain within predetermined limits.

30. Filtration system (1), according to any one of claims 18 to 29, characterized in that the liquid and / or melt is a polymer, in particular, a plastic and / or a paste material. Petition 870240028166, dated 01 / 04 / 2024, pp. 173 / 179

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