Device and method for separating substances having different flow properties mixed together

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) constructed and adapted to separate substances with different fluidities which are mixed together, comprising: a frame structure (11), a circumferential surface (M) which is driven in rotation and mounted on the frame structure (11) and has a perforated surface and at least one at least partially open end side (S V , S H ), an annular pressing belt (13) which is rotationally driven and wound around a part of the circumferential surface of the hollow roller (12) and can be pressed against the hollow roller (12) from the outside, a product suction wedge (14) formed by the pressing belt (13) and the hollow roller (12) for guiding a product flow consisting of material to be pressed into the space between the hollow roller (12) and the pressing belt (13) into the device (10) in an inlet area (E) of the product flow, a supporting device (15) for the pressing belt (13) having at least one supporting element (16) located on the side of the pressing belt (13) opposite to the hollow roller (12), and a separating device (15) for separating material pressed through the perforated circumferential surface (M) into the hollow space of the hollow roller (12) from the at least partially open end side (S) of the hollow roller (12). V , S H ) discharge device (17), characterized in that a cooling device (19) which is designed and adapted to cool the separated material during processing by means of a low-temperature cooling medium (20) is assigned to the hollow drum (12). The invention also relates to a corresponding method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus constructed and adapted to separate substances with different fluidities that are mixed together, comprising a frame structure, a hollow roller that is rotationally driven and mounted on the frame structure and has a perforated circumferential surface and at least one at least partially open end side, a rotationally driven annular pressing belt that is wound around a portion of the circumferential surface of the hollow roller and can be pressed against the hollow roller from the outside, a product suction wedge formed by the pressing belt and the hollow roller for guiding a product flow consisting of material to be squeezed into a space between the hollow roller and the pressing belt into the apparatus in an inlet area of ​​the product flow, a supporting apparatus for the pressing belt having at least one supporting element located on a side of the pressing belt opposite to the hollow roller, and a device for discharging the separation material squeezed through the perforated circumferential surface into the hollow space of the hollow roller from the at least partially open end side of the hollow roller.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for separating substances with different fluidities that are mixed together, comprising the following steps: supplying a product flow consisting of a material to be squeezed into a product suction wedge, the product suction wedge being formed by a hollow roller with a perforated circumferential surface and a pressure belt, the pressure belt being against the outer side of the hollow roller while being wrapped around a portion of the circumference of the hollow roller, driving the hollow roller and / or the pressure belt to rotate so as to pull the product flow between the hollow roller and the pressure belt, the easier-flowing components of the product flow being squeezed as separation materials through the perforations of the circumferential surface of the hollow roller into the hollow space of the hollow roller by means of the pressure belt, and being discharged from the at least partially open end side of the hollow roller, while the more difficult-flowing components of the product flow remain on the outer side of the circumferential surface of the hollow roller and are discharged separately. Background Art

[0003] Substances, materials or products which differ from one another or whose compositions differ in their flow behavior can be separated within the meaning of the present invention. The possibility and / or necessity of separating substances with different flow properties which have been mixed together is particularly present in the production of foods of animal origin (e.g. separation of meat from skin, tendons, bones, fish bones, etc.), in the production of foods made from fruit and vegetables (e.g. separation of pulp from skin, stems, seeds, stones, etc.), in the processing of incorrectly packaged foods (e.g. separation of butter or cheese from packaging material), etc. Specific application examples include, for example, the unpacking of pitted / stoned dates or cheese slices packaged in film.

[0004] During use, core removal or removal or any other corresponding separation process, the product flow is conveyed from the product supply area to the product discharge area, which product supply area has a product suction wedge located between a pressing element such as a pressing belt and a hollow drum. The product suction wedge is formed by arranging the pressing belt relative to the hollow drum and forms a (suction) angle in the inlet area of ​​the product inflow device. Due to the rotational drive of the hollow drum and / or the rotational drive of the pressing belt, the product flow is sucked between the hollow drum and the pressing belt in the inlet area along the conveying direction F, thereby generating a distance / gap (filled with the product flow) between the pressing belt and the hollow drum. Downstream of the product suction wedge (relative to the conveying direction of the product flow), an extrusion area is formed between the pressing belt and the hollow drum by winding, and the product flow is conveyed through this extrusion area. By pressing the easy-flowing material into the hollow drum and discharging it from there, materials with different fluidities are separated, in the example of processing animal-origin products, meat is at least partially used as a separation material, and in the example of animal-origin products, the separation material consists of small meat filaments or small meat strands. The discharge takes place through the at least partially open end side of the hollow drum, for example on the front side of the device, wherein the front side can also be defined as the rear side. In the product discharge area, downstream of the conveying direction F of the product flow, the harder-to-flow material is collected and discharged, which again uses the example of animal-origin products, including bones, tendons, skin, etc. The part of the product flow that is squeezed through the perforated circumferential surface M into the interior of the hollow drum, that is, into the hollow space, is discharged and directed away for further processing. However, the residual product flow that is not squeezed through the perforated circumferential surface M into the interior of the hollow drum, including the harder-to-flow components, is usually at least partially attached to the outside of the circumferential surface of the hollow drum. This residual flow attached to the outside of the hollow drum can be loosened, for example, by a stripping device.

[0005] The product flow is pressed against the perforated circumferential surface of the hollow drum from the outside by means of a pressure belt or any other pressure element. Under this pressure, the easy-flowing components of the product flow are squeezed into the inner hollow space of the rotating hollow drum as separation materials through the perforations of the circumferential surface, while the more difficult-flowing components of the product flow remain on the outer side of the circumferential surface of the hollow drum and can be discharged in the outlet area downstream of the hollow drum in the conveying direction F. When the product flow is pulled between the hollow drum and the pressure belt on the one hand, and on the other hand in the actual separation process, considerable pressure and high levels of friction are generated, thereby heating the product flow, especially the separation material that has been pressed into or squeezed through the perforations. In particular, in the food processing industry, when processing fresh products such as meat and fruit, it is particularly important to cool the product as continuously as possible or to keep the cooling interruptions to a minimum. So far, it has been common practice to cool the product or product flow to be processed before processing and to cool the separation material after processing, that is, after the separation material leaves the device. However, the product flow can also be supplied to the preheated device. During processing, that is to say during the separation process inside the device, the cooling is interrupted. In any case, with devices of known type the interruption of the cold chain of the product flow is prolonged. As a result, the separation material is heated up the more due to the separation process caused by mechanical loads. Previously known solutions in which individual components of the device, such as press belts or press rollers, are insufficient to cool the separation material adequately. For example, direct cooling of the hollow drum is avoided in order not to increase the risk of cracking the hollow drum. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a simple, reliable device for the gentle separation of substances with different flow properties. The object is also to provide a corresponding method.

[0007] This task is solved by a device of the type described at the beginning, wherein a cooling device is assigned to the hollow drum, which is constructed and adapted to cool the separation material during processing by means of a cryogenic cooling medium. In the context of the present invention, during processing means that the separation material is cooled while still in the hollow drum, that is, it is directly and immediately cooled when the separation material appears as meat shreds or meat strands from the openings of the perforated circumferential surface of the hollow drum on the inner side. With this design according to the present invention, a device has been created for the first time, which allows the separation material to be processed and cooled simultaneously during processing in the device. In other words, with the device according to the present invention, a continuous cold chain can be achieved even during the separation process. By directly acting on the separation material during extrusion, the cryogenic cooling medium immediately reaches the hollow space, which ensures that at least the interruption of the cooling chain for the separation material is shortened. The cryogenic cooling medium, in particular the liquid refrigerant, allows the separation material to be effectively and quickly cooled when applied to the surface of the material. Of course, cryogenic gases can also be used, which liquefy at normal pressure at a critical temperature below room temperature. Since the meat to be separated has a very large surface area with its narrow filaments or strands, the cooling effect is correspondingly high, especially when a liquid cryogenic cooling medium is used. This makes the separation process particularly gentle on the product, since the cooling of the separated material already within the device compensates or even overcompensates for the heating due to the mechanical stresses, thus allowing a previously unattained level of process control of the separated material and product quality.

[0008] Advantageously, the cooling device is arranged in the hollow space of the hollow drum and comprises at least one nozzle, which is connected to a reservoir of a cooling medium via a supply line. On the one hand, this allows a compact and simple construction. On the other hand, the liquid cryogenic cooling medium can be easily and evenly distributed on the separation material. The number of nozzles and their placement in the hollow space can vary. The nozzle is preferably arranged on a support arm or the like, which protrudes into the hollow drum through the at least partially open end side of the hollow drum so that the rotation of the hollow drum is not weakened. The nozzle or each nozzle is connected to the reservoir via a flexible or rigid supply line. However, the nozzle or each nozzle can also be maintained in the hollow space via a substantially rigid supply line at this time. A suitable container for storing liquid refrigerants such as nitrogen, helium, argon, carbon dioxide or the like can be used as a reservoir, which supplies cooling medium to the nozzle via a suitable supply line.

[0009] Preferably, the or each nozzle is directed at least towards an area of ​​the inner surface of the hollow drum which is approximately opposite to the area of ​​the product intake wedge and / or towards a pressing area adjacent to the product intake wedge. This ensures a significant cooling of the separation material directly at the processing location. When the wire- or strand-shaped separation material is first formed or during its formation, it is cooled while still inside the hollow drum and can then be discharged in a cooled state.

[0010] A preferred improvement is characterized in that the nozzle or each nozzle is configured as a flat nozzle having a nozzle opening forming a spray fan, so that the cooling medium coming out of the nozzle is applied to the separation material pressed through the circumferential surface in a straight line extending over the entire width of the hollow drum. The flat nozzle or each flat nozzle ensures optimal ejection of the cooling medium. The line can also be wider, thereby allowing a flat (rectangular) application. The free end of the spray fan has a width that corresponds at least to the width or depth of the inner surface of the hollow drum, so that the spray fan covers each opening on the inner side of the perforated circumferential surface over the entire width or depth.

[0011] Advantageously, the or each nozzle is assigned a cover which at least partially covers the or each nozzle. The preferably roof-shaped cover protects the nozzle or the nozzle opening from contamination by material falling from the inner surface of the hollow drum on the one hand and ensures free access of the spray fan to the separated material on the other hand. However, other configurations for partial protection of the nozzles may also be used.

[0012] Particularly preferably, the cooling device is assigned a device for collecting and discharging the cooling medium guided into the hollow space of the hollow drum. The low-temperature cooling medium that meets the liquid phase separation material at least partially evaporates or is transferred into the gas phase. Thus, the heated or heated cooling medium is extracted and discharged in the form of gas, aerosol, mist, steam, smoke or still in droplet form, in order to protect the environment and the operator.

[0013] The device for collecting the cooling medium preferably comprises at least one hood and an exhaust fan connected to the hood via an exhaust pipe. According to the principle of a suction hood, for example, arranged in front of the open end side of the hollow drum, the "spent" cooling medium can be collected and discharged, for example via an exhaust pipe, an exhaust fan, etc. However, other suction systems inside or outside the hollow drum can also be used.

[0014] Particularly preferably, the supply line or each supply line for supplying the cryogenic cooling medium to the nozzle or each nozzle comprises a measuring and / or control component. The measuring and / or control component can be constructed in the supply line or at least partially replace it. By means of the measuring and / or control component, for example, the inflow, temperature, inflow speed, etc. of the cooling medium can be monitored and controlled in order to achieve an optimal cooling effect. In other words, the desired temperature can be set for optimal process control and product quality. Optionally, for example, leaks in the supply line can also be monitored and evaluated for control purposes.

[0015] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the cryogenic cooling medium is liquid nitrogen (LIN, also referred to as LN2). On the one hand, nitrogen is a readily available medium and, on the other hand, it has a high cooling capacity. Nitrogen is particularly advantageous because it creates an inert atmosphere within the hollow drum, in particular in the surface region of the separation material. Of course, nitrogen can also be used for cooling in gaseous form. Oxygen (O2) contained in the ambient air no longer reaches the product. This prevents certain chemical reactions from occurring in the separation material, which means that the separation material can remain fresher. The inert atmosphere also reduces bacterial growth on and in the separation material.

[0016] In another advantageous embodiment, the cryogenic cooling medium is liquid carbon dioxide (LIC, also referred to as LCO2). Carbon dioxide is also widely available and has a particularly high cooling effect. Of course, carbon dioxide can also be used for cooling in gaseous form. Of course, other cryogenic media can also be used.

[0017] The device for discharging the separated material advantageously comprises a stripping element and / or an ejector screw. In some embodiments, two components may be provided. However, preferably, one ejector screw or one stripping element is provided. However, other devices for separating the separated material from the inner surface and / or for discharging the separated material from the hollow drum may also be used.

[0018] Advantageously, the stripping element comprises a product stripping edge and a product guiding surface, the product guiding surface being shaped and / or aligned in such a way that the separated material stripped from the inner surface of the hollow drum by means of the product stripping edge is guided toward the open end side of the hollow drum. The stripping element can, for example, be arranged on a support protruding into the hollow space of the hollow drum. The stripping element is preferably arranged on a cross member, which is preferably removably attached to the frame structure in such a way that the stripping element protrudes into the hollow drum through the at least partially open end side. The stripping element can be formed as multiple pieces or as one piece. The separated material discharged from the hollow drum by means of a stripping element or an ejector screw or any other mechanism can, for example, fall onto a preferably cooled trough, a chute or any other discharge element and be transported away for further processing.

[0019] The object is also achieved by a method having the above-mentioned steps, wherein the separation material which is pressed through the perforated circumferential surface into the hollow space of the hollow drum is cooled in the hollow drum by means of a cryogenic cooling medium. This not only compensates for the temperature increase caused by the mechanical load, but can even further reduce the temperature of the separation material. A preferably liquid cryogenic cooling medium is applied to the separation material and cools it, the cryogenic cooling medium gradually at least partially transforming back into the gaseous phase after application.

[0020] Advantageously, the separated material is directly and immediately exposed to the low-temperature cooling medium during the separation process, that is, when being pressed through the circumferential surface and / or when being discharged from the hollow drum. Thus, as soon as the meat strands or meat strands are pressed through the perforated circumferential surface into the interior of the hollow drum, they are already cooled inside the device. This means that the cooling medium reaches the separated material at the earliest possible moment.

[0021] It is particularly advantageous if the cooling medium is applied in a linear manner over the entire width of the hollow drum onto the separated material which has been comminuted by the separation process. A planar application, for example in the form of a sector or the like, is also possible.

[0022] In a preferred variant, the separation material is exposed to nitrogen (N2) as cryogenic cooling medium.

[0023] In a further advantageous alternative, carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) is applied to the separation material as cryogenic cooling medium.

[0024] Advantageously, the desired temperature of the separated material is controlled by supplying a cooling medium to the material.By applying the cooling medium to the separated material and controlling it, in particular in terms of temperature and / or amount and / or velocity, optimal process control and product quality can be achieved.

[0025] A particularly advantageous further development is characterized in that the cooling medium introduced into the hollow space of the hollow drum is collected and discharged. Any gases, aerosols, mists, vapors, fumes or even liquid droplets produced can be extracted, that is to say all "unused" cooling medium is extracted, in order to protect the environment and in particular the operating personnel.

[0026] Preferably, the cooled separated material is peeled off from the inner surface of the hollow drum and discharged from the hollow drum.

[0027] Very particularly preferably, the method is performed with a device according to the present application.

[0028] Other advantages resulting from the above-described process steps have already been described with respect to the apparatus, so reference is made to the above explanation to avoid repetition. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Further useful and / or advantageous features and further developments of the device and method can be seen in the dependent claims and the description. A particularly preferred embodiment of the device and method is explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show the following:

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention,

[0031] Figure 2 is based on Figure 1 A view of the apparatus for observing the hollow drum with a cooling device,

[0032] Figure 3 is a hollow drum with a cooling device schematically shown in a perspective view as a separate component,

[0033] Figure 4 It is a hollow drum with the open end side viewed from the front.

[0034] Figure 5 is based on Figure 4 A diagram of the hollow drum in section along line VV, and

[0035] Figure 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a hollow drum, viewed from the open end side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The device shown in the drawings is used for separating meat on the one hand and bones, bone residues, tendons, cartilage, etc. on the other hand, and has a number of preferred features. Other embodiments with fewer or different features are not explicitly shown. The device can also be used in the same way to separate, for example, meat from seeds / cores, or for separating any other mixed substances with different flow properties.

[0037] The device 10 shown is constructed and adapted to separate substances with different flow properties that are mixed together. The device 10 comprises a frame structure 11, a circumferential surface M that is rotatably driven and mounted on the frame structure 11 and has a perforated surface and at least one at least partially open end side S. V , S HThe hollow drum 12 is a hollow drum 12, an annular pressing belt 13 which is rotationally driven and is wound around a part of the circumferential surface M of the hollow drum 12 and can be pressed against the hollow drum 12 from the outside, a product suction wedge 14 formed by the pressing belt 13 and the hollow drum 12 for guiding a product flow consisting of material to be pressed into the space between the hollow drum 12 and the pressing belt 13 into the device 10 in an inlet area E of the product flow, a supporting device 15 for the pressing belt 13 having at least one supporting element 16 located on the side of the pressing belt 13 opposite to the hollow drum 12, and a separating device 15 for separating the material pressed through the perforated circumferential surface M into the hollow space H of the hollow drum 12 from the at least partially open end side S of the hollow drum 12. V , S H Discharge device 17.

[0038] The device 17 for discharging the separated material from the hollow drum 12 can be an integral part of the hollow drum 12 or a separate component. V is open, while the opposite end side S H Preferably it is closed. H The opening 18 shown in the figure is used to receive or mount the hollow drum 12 on a drive shaft. The front and rear sides can also be reversed.

[0039] According to the invention, the device 10 is characterized in that a cooling device 19 is assigned to the hollow drum, which cooling device 19 is constructed and adapted to cool the separated material during processing by means of a low-temperature cooling medium 20 .

[0040] The features and further developments described below represent preferred embodiments individually or in combination with each other. It is particularly noted that the features summarized in the description and / or drawings or described in a common embodiment can also further form the above-described device 10 functionally independently.

[0041] The frame structure 11 can be, for example, a closed or at least partially closed shell or profile structure or the like. Preferably, the shell is substantially closed on all sides. A drive unit (not shown) for the hollow drum 12 and / or the press belt 13 is arranged on or in the frame structure 11. The drive unit may include a common drive or a separate drive mechanism. The axis of rotation R of the hollow drum 12 extends transversely to the conveying direction F of the product flow. Holes / openings (only suggested in the figure, not explicitly shown) are formed on the circumferential surface M of the hollow drum 12, which can be arranged in different patterns and allow a part of the product flow, especially a more fluid, soft and extrudable part, to pass through and enter the interior of the hollow drum 12. The hollow drum 12 is preferably provided with these openings over its entire depth or width B to form a working area. The press belt 13 is preferably made of an elastic material such as rubber, polyurethane or the like and is guided around a plurality of deflection elements 21. Preferably, the deflection element 21 is constructed and adapted as a drive roller 22. Particularly preferably, the deflection element 21 placed downstream of the hollow drum 12 in the conveying direction F is a drive roller 22, so as to guide the press belt 13 and thus the product flow through the hollow drum 12 in a pulling motion. Particularly preferably, the drive roller 22 is simultaneously configured and adapted as a pressure roller and / or tension roller for the press belt 13. For this purpose, the drive roller 22 is configured to be adjustable. The conveying of the product flow in the conveying direction F can be further supported by the drive of the hollow drum 12 itself.

[0042] Optionally, the stripping elements can be arranged in the inlet region E, that is, above the product suction wedge 14, and / or in the outlet region A, that is, downstream of the hollow roller 12, also called the perforated roller, in the conveying direction F. These stripping elements can be rigidly arranged, that is, at a fixed distance from the hollow roller 12 or more precisely from the circumferential surface M, or they can be variably controllable, that is, their distance from the hollow roller 12 or more precisely from the circumferential surface M can be variable. The hollow roller 12 and the press belt 13 can be driven at the same speed. However, optionally, the hollow roller 12 and the press belt 13 can also be driven at different speeds. The speed difference can be controlled and / or adjusted by the control and / or regulating device 23. The support device 15 can be a support chain or a support belt. In the embodiment shown, the support device 15 is configured as a roller 24, which includes a plurality of rollers arranged one after another and at least partially spring-mounted in the conveying direction F of the product flow.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the cooling device 19 or at least a part thereof is arranged in the hollow space H of the hollow drum 12 and comprises at least one nozzle 26 which is connected to a reservoir (not explicitly shown) of the cooling medium 20 via a supply line 27. The supply line 27 extends from the open end side S of the hollow drum 12 to the inner wall of the hollow drum 12. V Lead out. Figure 1 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , a cross member 28 detachably attached to the frame structure 11 is provided at the open end side S V The supply line 27 is connected directly or, as shown, via an at least partially covered open end side S V The form of the splash wall 29 is indirectly supported on the cross member 28. The drawings show only a single nozzle 26. However, optionally, multiple nozzles 26 can also be used. Other ways of fixing, supporting or resting the nozzle 26 and / or the supply line 27 are also possible.

[0044] The or each nozzle 26 is directed to an area of ​​the inner surface of the hollow drum 12 that is roughly opposite to the area of ​​the product intake wedge 14 and / or to an extrusion area P adjacent to the product intake wedge 14. For example, one nozzle 26 or nozzle rod can be directed to the area of ​​the product intake wedge 14 as shown, while a second nozzle 26 or nozzle rod (not shown) is directed to the extrusion area P. However, the position and / or orientation of each nozzle 26 is variable and changeable. Preferably, the or each nozzle 26 is in the form of a flat nozzle having a nozzle opening forming a spray fan 30, so that the cooling medium 20 coming out of the nozzle 26 is applied to the separation material being extruded through the circumferential surface M in a linear manner extending over the entire depth / width of the hollow drum 12. In other words, the spray fan 30 preferably covers the entire working width of the hollow drum 12. However, other designs of nozzles 26 with different nozzle openings can also be used.

[0045] The or each nozzle 26 can be freely arranged in the hollow space H. The or each nozzle 26 is preferably assigned a cover 31 that at least partially covers the or each nozzle 26. The cover 31 is roof-shaped and is preferably also arranged on the cross member 28. The or each nozzle 26 is arranged under the cover 31 that is closed upward and opened downward, so that the spray fan 30 can be formed without hindrance.

[0046] Optionally, the device 10 may include means (not explicitly shown) for collecting and discharging the cooling medium 20 directed into the hollow space H of the hollow drum 12, which are assigned to the cooling device 19. The means for collecting the cooling medium 20 may include at least one cover and an exhaust fan connected to the cover via an exhaust pipe. For example, in the sense of covering, the cover may surround the open end side S of the hollow drum 12. V The entire area of ​​the hollow drum 12 is provided to ensure the extraction of the used at least mainly gaseous cooling medium 20. Other designs for extracting the used cooling medium 20 from the hollow space H of the hollow drum 12 can also be used.

[0047] The or each supply line 27 for supplying the cryogenic cooling medium 20 to the or each nozzle 26 comprises measuring and / or control components, which may be part of the device 10 or part of a higher-level unit. Liquid nitrogen (LN2) is particularly preferred as cryogenic cooling medium 20. In other embodiments, for example, liquid carbon dioxide (LCO2) may also be used as cryogenic cooling medium 20. The cooling medium may also be used in gaseous form.

[0048] The separated material pressed through the circumferential surface M can be discharged from the hollow drum 12 by itself by the rotation of the hollow drum 12 alone. In this case, the hollow drum 12 itself forms the device 17 for discharging the separated material. The device 17 for discharging the separated material preferably comprises a stripping element 32 and / or an ejector screw. The figures show a preferred stripping element 32, which can also be removably attached to the cross member 28. The stripping element 32 comprises a product stripping edge 33 and a product guide surface 34, which is shaped and / or aligned in such a way that the separated material stripped from the inner surface of the hollow drum 12 by means of the product stripping edge 33 is discharged along the open end side S of the hollow drum 12. V Other configurations of the preferably one-piece stripping element 32 and other designs for discharging the separated material from the hollow space H of the hollow drum 12 can also be used. The discharged separated material can, for example, fall onto a discharge channel 35 or the like, which can optionally be cooled and connected to a corresponding device for this purpose.

[0049] The method is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The method is used and therefore constructed and adapted to separate substances with different fluidities that are mixed together. First, a product flow consisting of extruded material is fed to a product suction wedge 14 formed by a hollow drum 12 having a perforated circumferential surface M and a press belt 13 pressed against the outer side of the hollow drum 12 while being wound around a portion of its circumference. For the separation process, the hollow drum 12 and the press belt 13 are driven in rotation to draw the product flow between the hollow drum 12 and the press belt 13. Preferably, the hollow drum 12 (in accordance with Figure 1 ) is driven clockwise, while the drive roller 22 for pressing the belt (in accordance with Figure 1 and 2 12 is driven counterclockwise, so that the hollow drum 12 and the press belt 13 have the same conveying direction F in the wrapping area, that is, in the pressing area P, and the speeds are the same or different from each other. By conveying the product flow through the pressing area P, the more easily flowing components of the product flow as separation material are pressed by the press belt 13 through the perforations of the circumferential surface M of the hollow drum 12 into the inner hollow space H of the hollow drum 12 and out from the at least partially open end side S of the hollow drum 12. V and / or S HThe product flow is discharged while the harder-to-flow components of the product flow remain on the outside of the circumferential surface M of the hollow drum 12 and are discharged separately.

[0050] During the separation of the product flow into its components, the press belt 13 is preferably supported by a supporting device 15 comprising at least one supporting element 16 on the side of the press belt 13 opposite to the hollow cylinder 12 .

[0051] According to the invention, the method is characterized in that the separation material that is pressed through the perforated circumferential surface M into the hollow space H of the hollow drum 12 is cooled in the hollow drum 12 by means of a cryogenic cooling medium 20. The separation material is directly and immediately exposed to the cryogenic cooling medium 20 during the separation process, i.e., when being pressed through the circumferential surface M and / or being discharged from the hollow drum 12. The cooling medium 20 is applied to the already pulverized separation material and its surface area increased by the separation process in a straight line, fan-shaped or other manner over the entire width B (corresponding to the working depth / width) of the hollow drum 12 aligned parallel to the rotation axis R of the hollow drum 12. In order to cool the separation material, liquid nitrogen (LN2) as a liquid cryogenic cooling medium 20 or liquid carbon dioxide (LCO2) as a liquid cryogenic cooling medium is preferably supplied. However, other liquid or gas cryogenic cooling media 20 can also be used.

[0052] In principle, unused cooling medium 20 can escape into the environment in gaseous form and / or liquid form, for example, as aerosol, vapor, mist, smoke or the like, depending on the respective cooling medium 20. The cooling medium 20 introduced into the hollow space H of the hollow drum 12 is preferably collected and discharged. This can be done, for example, by suction. The cooled separation material can, for example, be discharged from the open end side S of the hollow drum 12 due to the rotation of the hollow drum 12. V However, it is preferred that the cooled separated material is peeled off from the inner surface of the hollow drum 12 and discharged from the hollow drum 12 .

[0053] Particularly preferably, the desired temperature of the separation material is controlled by supplying a cooling medium to the separation material. Measuring and / or control components in the supply line 27 can be used and utilized for this purpose. By means of measuring and / or control components, for example, the inflow, temperature, inflow speed, etc. of the cooling medium can be monitored and controlled in order to achieve an optimal cooling effect. In other words, the desired temperature can be set for optimal process control and product quality.

[0054] More particularly preferably, the method is performed using the device 10 according to the present application.

Claims

1. A device (10) constructed and adapted to separate substances with different fluidities which are mixed together, the device comprising a frame structure (11), a rotatably driven and mounted on the frame structure (11) and having a perforated circumferential surface (M) and at least one at least partially open end side (S V , S H ), an annular pressing belt (13) which is rotationally driven and wound around a part of the circumferential surface of the hollow roller (12) and can be pressed against the hollow roller (12) from the outside, a product suction wedge (14) formed by the annular pressing belt (13) and the hollow roller (12) for guiding a product flow consisting of material to be pressed into the space between the hollow roller (12) and the annular pressing belt (13) into the device (10) in an inlet area (E) of the product flow, a supporting device (15) for the annular pressing belt (13) having at least one supporting element (16) located on the side of the annular pressing belt (13) opposite to the hollow roller (12), and a separating device (15) for separating material pressed through the perforated circumferential surface (M) into the hollow space (H) of the hollow roller (12) from the at least partially open end side (S) of the hollow roller (12). V , S H ) discharge device (17), characterized in that A cooling device (19) constructed and adapted to cool the separated material by means of a low-temperature cooling medium (20) during processing is assigned to the hollow drum (12), wherein the cooling device (19) is arranged in the hollow space (H) of the hollow drum (12) and comprises at least one nozzle (26) which is connected to a reservoir of the low-temperature cooling medium (20) via a supply line (27).

2. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The nozzle (26) or each nozzle (26) is directed at least towards a region of the inner surface of the hollow drum (12) opposite the region of the product suction wedge (14) and / or towards a pressing region (P) adjacent to the product suction wedge.

3. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The nozzle (26) or each nozzle (26) is configured as a flat nozzle having a nozzle opening forming a spray fan (30) so that the low-temperature cooling medium (20) exiting the nozzle is applied to the separation material pressed through the circumferential surface (M) in a linear manner extending over the entire width (B) of the hollow drum (12).

4. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The or each nozzle (26) is assigned a cover (31) which at least partially covers the or each nozzle (26).

5. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The cooling device (19) is assigned means for collecting and discharging the low-temperature cooling medium (20) guided into the hollow space (H) of the hollow drum (12).

6. The device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that The device for collecting the low-temperature cooling medium includes at least one cover and an exhaust fan connected to the cover via an exhaust duct.

7. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The or each supply line (27) for supplying the cryogenic cooling medium (20) to the or each nozzle (26) comprises measuring and / or control means.

8. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The cryogenic cooling medium (20) is liquid nitrogen.

9. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The low temperature cooling medium (20) is liquid carbon dioxide.

10. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The device (17) for discharging the separated material comprises a stripping element (32) and / or an ejector screw.

11. The device (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that The stripping element (32) comprises a product stripping edge (33) and a product guiding surface (34), wherein the product guiding surface (34) is shaped and / or aligned in such a way that the separated material stripped from the inner surface of the hollow drum (12) by means of the product stripping edge (33) is guided in the direction of the open end side of the hollow drum (12).

12. A method for separating substances having different fluidities mixed together, comprising the steps of: - feeding a product flow consisting of the material to be pressed into a product intake wedge (14), which is formed by a hollow drum (12) with a perforated circumferential surface (M) and a press belt (13) which bears against the outside of the hollow drum (12) while being wound around a part of the circumference of the hollow drum, - driving the hollow drum (12) and / or the press belt (13) in rotation so as to draw the product flow between the hollow drum (12) and the press belt (13), - the more mobile components of the product flow are pressed as separation material through the perforations of the circumferential surface (M) of the hollow drum (12) into the hollow space (H) of the hollow drum (12) by means of the pressure belt (13) and out of the at least partially open end side (S) of the hollow drum (12) V , S H ), while the harder-to-flow components of the product flow remain on the outside of the circumferential surface (M) of the hollow drum (12) and are discharged separately, Characterized in that the separation material which is squeezed through the perforated circumferential surface (M) into the hollow space (H) of the hollow drum (12) is cooled in the hollow drum (12) by means of a low-temperature cooling medium (20), wherein the separation material is directly and immediately exposed to the low-temperature cooling medium (20) during the separation process, that is, when being squeezed through the circumferential surface (M) and / or when being discharged from the hollow drum (12).

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The low temperature cooling medium (20) is applied to the separated material that has been pulverized by the separation process in a linear manner over the entire width (B) of the hollow drum (12).

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that Liquid nitrogen is applied to the separation material as the cryogenic cooling medium (20).

15. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that Liquid carbon dioxide is applied to the separation material as the cryogenic cooling medium (20).

16. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The desired temperature of the separation material is controlled by supplying a cryogenic cooling medium (20) to the separation material.

17. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The low-temperature cooling medium (20) guided into the hollow space (H) of the hollow drum (12) is collected and discharged.

18. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The cooled separation material is peeled off from the inner surface of the hollow drum (12) and discharged from the hollow drum (12).

19. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that The method is performed using a device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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