Method and apparatus for processing printing technology liquids

Abstract

This invention relates to a method for processing a printing technology liquid (F), wherein the liquid is defoamed in a container (5), air is introduced into the liquid (F) through a conduit (2), the air forms bubbles (B) in the liquid (F), and the liquid level of the liquid (F) in the container (5) is determined by measuring the air pressure in the conduit (2). It also relates to an apparatus for processing a printing technology liquid (F), the apparatus comprising a container (5) for storing the liquid (F), a suction gun (1) extending into the container (5) and combined with a conduit (2) connected to a compressed air source (7), and a pressure sensor (3) for measuring the air pressure in the conduit (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for processing liquids used in printing technology, wherein the liquid is defoamed in a container. It also relates to an apparatus for processing liquids used in printing technology, including a container for storing the liquid. Background Technology

[0002] Printing technology liquids include, for example, printing pigments and varnishes used in printing presses, and inks used in inkjet printers. These liquids are typically stored in containers located within or connected to the machine. However, air bubbles can form in the liquid within the containers, which is a problem.

[0003] DE 10 2020 100 770 A1 describes a method for degassing water-based inks, wherein an ink reservoir is connected to a pump via a hose, and the pump generates a negative pressure to remove at least partially the gas bound to the ink through a breathable membrane.

[0004] Another issue that arises when using printing liquids is determining their consumption. For example, knowing the consumption rate helps ensure that the liquid level in the container is always sufficiently high.

[0005] DE 10 2007 044 216 A1 describes a method for measuring the consumption of printing liquid, wherein the liquid is pumped to a consumer (e.g., a metering device in a varnishing mechanism) using a feed pump and then pumped away from the consumer using a return pump. The consumption is determined by the difference in transmission power between the two pumps. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The objective of this invention is to provide an alternative method and apparatus for processing liquids used in printing technology.

[0007] The task is solved by a method for treating liquids used in printing technology, wherein the liquid is defoamed in a container, characterized by introducing air into the liquid through a pipe, the air forming bubbles in the liquid, and determining the liquid level in the container by measuring the air pressure in the pipe.

[0008] The task is also addressed by an apparatus for processing printing technology liquids, comprising a container for storing the liquid, characterized in that a suction gun extends into the container and is combined with a conduit connected to a compressed air source, and is provided with a pressure sensor for measuring the air pressure in the conduit.

[0009] One advantage of this invention is its low cost and feasibility.

[0010] An additional advantage is that it not only defoams the liquid but also determines the liquid level. Particularly advantageous is that the same component, such as the piping along with the air within it, can be used for both purposes (defoaming and determining the liquid level). This synergistic effect of defoaming and level determination is effective for many different container types and requires minimal adjustments.

[0011] The method according to the present invention has different feasible extension schemes:

[0012] In one extended embodiment, large bubbles are generated in the liquid by air introduced into the liquid. These large bubbles absorb air from small bubbles (foam bubbles) as they rise and remove them from the liquid.

[0013] Optionally, when measuring air pressure, the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid in the container affects the volume of air contained in the pipeline.

[0014] A pressure sensor can be used to measure the air pressure of the air volume contained in the pipeline.

[0015] In another extension, the pipeline can be connected to a compressed air source via a valve, the pressure sensor can be positioned between the outlet of the pipeline and the valve, and the valve can be held in a closed switching position when measuring the air pressure in the pipeline.

[0016] The device according to the present invention has the following feasible expansion schemes:

[0017] In one extended embodiment, the conduit has at least one discharge opening for compressed air. Here, the pressure sensor may be positioned between the discharge opening and a valve.

[0018] In another extension, the pipeline has multiple discharge openings for compressed air. Here, the pressure sensor can be positioned between these discharge openings and a valve.

[0019] In another extension, in the valve's open / closed switching position, during defoaming, the pipeline is connected to the compressed air source. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Advantageous extensions of the invention can also be derived from the following description of embodiments and accompanying drawings, which show:

[0021] Figure 1 Applicable to equipment for implementing the method according to the invention;

[0022] Figure 2a and 2b Modification schemes for the equipment at different assembly stages; and

[0023] Figure 3 Another modification option. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Figure 1 An apparatus for supplying printing technology liquid F to a printing press (not shown) is illustrated. The printing press may be an offset printing press for printing on sheets of paper. Liquid F may be a varnish processed in the varnishing mechanism of the printing press. Liquid F is stored in a container 5, and a suction gun 1 extends into the container 5, the suction gun 1 being connected via a hose 10 to a transfer pump (not shown). The transfer pump transfers liquid F from the container 5 to a consumable device (e.g., a cavity doctor blade) in the printing press via the suction gun 1. The container 5 may be arranged in a cabinet adjacent to or within the printing press. The suction gun 1 is a pipe fitting extending to the bottom of the container 5.

[0025] A conduit 2 extends parallel to the suction gun 1, and the conduit 2 is connected to a compressed air source 7 via a valve 4. The conduit 2 is configured as a flexible hose and is fastened to the suction gun 1. The compressed air source 7 is provided by the central compressed air supply unit of the printing press or printing plant.

[0026] A pressure sensor 3 is integrated into the pipeline 2, located outside the section of the pipeline 2 parallel to the suction gun 1. The pipeline 2 has a first end in the form of a discharge opening 8 and an opposite second end, the second end of which is connected to the valve 4. The pressure sensor 3 is arranged near the second end of the pipeline 2. The pressure sensor 3 and the valve 4 are jointly arranged in the housing 6. By arranging the pressure sensor 3 outside the container 5, the pressure sensor 3 does not come into contact with the liquid F. Therefore, it is not necessary to clean the pressure sensor 3 of corrosive or dried-out media. Arranging the pressure sensor 3 in the housing 6 protects the pressure sensor 3 from damage.

[0027] exist Figure 2a and 2b The image shows such a device, which is related to Figure 1 The only difference in the device lies in the configuration of the first end of the pipe 2, where a plurality of outlet nozzles 11 branch off, each nozzle having a discharge opening 8 for compressed air. Spring elements 9 are arranged between these outlet nozzles 11, configured to branch the outlet nozzles 11 away from each other. Figure 2b The positions shown. These outlet nozzles 11 are able to overcome the resistance of these spring elements 9 and be pressed together, so that these outlet nozzles 11 pass through the top cover opening 12 in the top cover of the container 5.

[0028] Figure 2a The illustration shows the suction gun 1 and the tubing 2 secured thereto being passed through the top cover opening 12 and introduced into a container 5 filled with the liquid F. Here, the outflow nozzles 11 are still folded together.

[0029] Figure 2b The outflow nozzles 11, spread out from each other, are shown in their operating position at the bottom of the container 5. By distributing the multiple discharge openings 8 at the bottom of the container 5, a significant portion of the volume of the liquid F is touched by rising air bubbles B, which are formed by compressed air discharged from the conduit 2 within the liquid F.

[0030] exist Figure 3 In the modified embodiment shown, the liquid levels in multiple containers 5 are determined sequentially using the pressure sensor 3. For this purpose, a pipe 2, fastened to the suction gun 1 of the container 5, is connected to a reversing valve 13, which is connected to the valve 4 via a pipe fitting 14 containing the pressure sensor 3. In each switching position of the reversing valve 13, a different pipe 2 is connected to the pressure sensor 3.

[0031] refer to Figure 1 The execution of the method and the function of the device are explained below:

[0032] The valve 4 is opened, allowing compressed air to flow from the compressed air source 7 into the pipeline 2 through the valve 4. This compressed air flows out from the discharge opening 8 and forms large bubbles B. These large bubbles B rise to the surface of the liquid F and are "collected" there, carrying many small foam bubbles, thereby defoaming the liquid F.

[0033] The measurement cycle for determining the liquid level of the liquid F in the container 5 also begins with the opening of the valve 4. As soon as some air or a bubble B escapes from the drain opening 8, the entire section of the conduit 2 between the drain opening 8 and the valve 4 is filled with air, and the valve 4 is then closed. The pressure in the conduit 2 and at the pressure sensor 3 thereon then corresponds to the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid F at the drain opening 8.

[0034] The pressure sensor 3 reads the measured value and the mass of the liquid F in the container 5 is calculated by multiplying the measured pressure by the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the container 5 and then dividing by the acceleration due to gravity. This calculation is performed by, for example, an electronic computer (not shown) connected to the pressure sensor 3 in the machine control unit. The measurement cycle is repeated whenever the current value of the mass of the liquid F in the container 5 is needed, and thus the current value of the liquid level in the container 5 is required.

[0035] The machine control unit can calculate the liquid level, operation data, and task data obtained by the pressure sensor 3 and automatically issue a warning if the container 5 overflows or lacks liquid F.

[0036] Between each cycle of liquid level measurement, valve 4 can be briefly opened at any time to allow bubbles B to rise from the bottom of the container. These bubbles B absorb smaller bubbles in the liquid F and transport them to the liquid surface, thereby defoaming the liquid F.

[0037] List of reference numerals

[0038] 1. Suction gun

[0039] 2 Piping

[0040] 3. Pressure sensor

[0041] 4 valves

[0042] 5 containers

[0043] 6. Shell

[0044] 7 Compressed air source

[0045] 8. Discharge opening

[0046] 9. Spring elements

[0047] 10 Hose

[0048] 11 Outflow nozzle

[0049] 12. Top cover opening

[0050] 13. Reversing valve

[0051] 14 Piping fittings

[0052] B bubbles

[0053] F Printing Technology Liquid

Claims

1. An apparatus for supplying a printing technology liquid (F) to a printing press, the apparatus comprising a container (5) for storing the liquid (F). Its features are, The device includes a suction gun (1) configured to transfer the liquid (F) from the container (5) to a consumable in the printing press. The suction gun (1) extends into the container (5) and is connected to a conduit (2) connected to a compressed air source (7). Air is introduced from the compressed air source (7) into the liquid (F) through the conduit (2). The air introduced into the liquid (F) generates large bubbles (B) in the liquid (F). These large bubbles, as they rise, absorb air from smaller bubbles and remove them from the liquid (F), thereby defoaming the liquid in the container (5). A pressure sensor (3) is provided to measure the air pressure in the pipeline (2) to determine the liquid level (F) in the container (5), wherein the consumption of the consumable is determined by the determined liquid level.

2. The device according to claim 1, Its features are, The pipeline (2) has at least one discharge opening (8) for compressed air.

3. The device according to claim 1, Its features are, The pipeline (2) has multiple discharge openings (8) for compressed air.

4. The device according to claim 2, Its features are, The pressure sensor (3) is arranged between the discharge opening (8) and the valve (4).

5. The device according to claim 3, Its features are, The pressure sensor (3) is arranged between the plurality of discharge openings (8) and the valve (4).

6. The device according to claim 4 or 5, Its features are, In the switching position where the valve (4) is open, during defoaming, the pipeline (2) is connected to the compressed air source (7).

7. A method for processing printing technology liquid (F) in the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in, The liquid is defoamed in container (5). Its features are, Air is introduced into the liquid (F) through the pipe (2), and the air forms bubbles (B) in the liquid (F). The liquid level (F) in the container (5) is determined by measuring the air pressure in the pipe (2).

8. The method according to claim 7, Its features are, Large bubbles (B) are generated in the liquid (F) by air being introduced into the liquid (F). These large bubbles absorb air from the smaller bubbles as they rise and remove them from the liquid (F).

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, Its features are, When measuring air pressure, the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid (F) in the container (5) affects the volume of air contained in the pipeline (2).

10. The method according to claim 9, Its features are, The air pressure of the air volume contained in the pipeline (2) is measured by means of a pressure sensor (3).

11. The method according to claim 10, Its features are, The pipeline (2) is connected to the compressed air source (7) via a valve (4). The pressure sensor (3) is arranged between the discharge opening (8) of the pipeline (2) and the valve (4), and When measuring the air pressure in the pipeline (2), the valve (4) is held in the closed switching position.

Images