Method and apparatus for filtering a liquid and / or a melt

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for filtering a liquid and / or a melt and to a filter device (1). The filter device (1) comprises a housing (2) having a supply channel (3), a discharge channel (4) and first and second filter arrangements. Each filter arrangement has a filter element which is guided through a filter chamber and which is held clamped by means of a clamping device. Each clamping device comprises a clamping element (21) and an adjustment element (22) which act together, each clamping element (21) being adjustably guided in the normal direction of the planar side of the respective filter element relative to the housing (2). The clamping element contact surfaces (23) and the adjustment element contact surfaces (24) which face towards one another accordingly are oriented in opposite directions and have an obliquely extending longitudinal orientation relative to the planar side of the respective filter element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for filtering liquids and / or melts. Background Technology

[0002] WO2017 / 163180A1 describes a filtration device for an uninterrupted extrusion process. In an extrusion process of a plastic material with a high proportion of contaminants to be recycled, a filtration device is employed to remove all contaminants present in the material before obtaining the final product. The filtration device includes a material inlet channel divided into a first inlet channel and a second inlet channel, with the first inlet channel leading to a first filter chamber and the second inlet channel leading to a second filter chamber. The first filter chamber has a first discharge channel at its outlet, and the second filter chamber has a second discharge channel at its outlet. Each discharge channel transitions into a common channel adapted to convey material to the extrusion head. A cylindrical locking element is provided for clamping the filter belt. Flow valves are provided in each inlet channel and also in each discharge channel to prevent the flow of plastic material during filter replacement. The relative position of the filter belt with respect to the filter housing may also change during filter belt clamping.

[0003] DE19722352A1 describes a discontinuous, automatically operating filter changer for filtering polymers, elastomers, and other filterable materials. Filter bars are rolled through the filter changer from the outlet and tensioned in the clamping portion of the drive shaft for the filter bars. The drive shaft and two sealing shafts are connected by two intermediate pinions, allowing the sealing shafts to be driven synchronously by the drive shaft. The material to be filtered forces the fine filter screen onto a support screen, which is supported on perforated plates. The rise of contaminants is detected by pressure measurement. When a predetermined value is reached, the drive shaft continues to rotate 1 / 3 of a revolution while simultaneously releasing the clamps of the sealing shafts. The fine filter screen is now pulled through the housing by 1 / 3 of a revolution, allowing a pressure drop through the clean filter surface. Instead of the two sealing shafts, clamping claws, each with a wedge face, can be provided on both sides, each clamping claw movable towards each other by means of an elbow assembly. During the clamping of the filter bars, changes in the relative position of the filter bars relative to the filter housing may occur.

[0004] EP2789447B1 describes an automatic filter replacement device, particularly suitable for use in equipment for manufacturing, processing, reusing, and handling thermoplastic materials, located downstream of an extrusion unit. The filter replacement device includes a frame, two opposing side plates fixed to the frame, and each side plate has an inlet opening and a pair of inlet channels, as well as an outlet opening and a pair of outlet channels. A filter unit with a filter belt that can be guided through a corresponding chamber is disposed between each inlet channel and each outlet channel. For clamping and holding the filter belt, a clamping wedge displaceable in the direction of adjustment of the filter belt is provided, the clamping wedge having a through-hole. The corresponding clamping wedge is received in a plate of its own, located between the opposing side plates, which is also displaceable in the direction of adjustment of the filter belt. The relative displacement of the corresponding plate relative to the opposing side plates may cause an interruption of the melt flow to the chamber located in the plate, thus enabling continued movement of the filter belt and consequently performing filter replacement. During the clamping of the filter belt, the relative position of the filter belt to the corresponding plate may also change. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The objective of this invention is to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and to provide a method and apparatus by which a user can perform a persistent filtration process over a long period of time at a constant pressure level. Another objective is to hold the corresponding filter element clamped in its filtration position, maintaining its position fixed without relative displacement during clamping.

[0006] The task is solved by the method and filtration device according to the present invention.

[0007] The method according to the invention is used to filter liquids and / or melts containing various contaminants by means of a filtration device, and is therefore used to filter flowable materials. The method includes at least the following steps: - Provide a housing with a common supply channel and a common outlet channel; - A first filtering device is provided, the first filtering device having a first inlet channel, a first filter chamber, a strip-shaped first filter element guided through the first filter chamber, a first clamping unit and a first discharge channel, wherein the first inlet channel is in flow connection with a common supply channel and the first discharge channel is in flow connection with a common outlet channel, and the first filter element is held clamped as needed on both sides of the first filter chamber by means of the first and second clamping devices of the first clamping unit when viewed in the adjustment direction of the first filter element; - A second filtration device is provided, the second filtration device having a second inlet channel, a second filter chamber, a strip-shaped second filter element guided through the second filter chamber, a second clamping unit and a second discharge channel, wherein the second inlet channel is in flow connection with a common supply channel and the second discharge channel is in flow connection with a common outlet channel, and the second filter element is held clamped as needed on both sides of the second filter chamber by means of a third and a fourth clamping device of the second clamping unit when viewed in the adjustment direction of the second filter element; - Provides liquid and / or melt to be filtered in a flowable, aggregated state, and directs the liquid and / or melt into a common supply channel, wherein the liquid and / or melt is further conveyed through at least one of the respective filtering devices to a common outlet channel and filtered thereon; further specifying: - Each clamping device of the first clamping unit and the second clamping unit includes a clamping element and an adjusting element that works in conjunction with the clamping element; - Each clamping element is adjustablely guided relative to the housing in the normal direction on the planar side of the corresponding filter element, and is set in a lateral orientation relative to the adjustment direction of the corresponding filter element; - Each adjustment element is adjustablely guided relative to the housing in a direction parallel to the planar side of the corresponding filter element and is also arranged in a lateral orientation relative to the adjustment direction of the corresponding filter element; - Each clamping element has a clamping element contact surface on its side facing the corresponding adjusting element; - Each adjusting element has an adjusting element contact surface on its side facing the corresponding clamping element; - Accordingly, the clamping element contact surfaces and adjusting element contact surfaces, which act together and face each other, are oriented extending in opposite directions, and the respective clamping element contact surfaces and adjusting element contact surfaces also have a longitudinal orientation that extends obliquely relative to the planar side of the respective filter element; and - When the adjusting element is adjusted relative to the clamping element acting with the adjusting element in the first adjusting direction, the clamping element is pressed against the housing into a clamping position against the corresponding filter element, and when the adjusting element is in a second adjusting direction opposite to the first adjusting direction, the clamping element acting with the adjusting element is adjusted to a release position for the corresponding filter element.

[0008] Advantageous in the chosen method steps is that a clamping force extending in the normal orientation is always applied to the corresponding filter element in the clamping position where the clamping elements of each clamping unit and its clamping device are in contact. This avoids shearing forces emanating from each clamping device to the corresponding filter element. By selecting an inclined contact surface extending between the clamping element and the adjusting element, a mechanically based force transmission and redirection is always achieved from the corresponding adjusting mechanism or drive element to the adjusting element and further to the clamping element. If pressure loss occurs in the adjusting mechanism or a failure occurs in the drive element after reaching the clamping position, the clamping force continues to be applied from the clamping element to the corresponding filter element. This avoids sealing problems in the areas of each clamping device and prevents undesirable leakage of liquid and / or melt. Furthermore, undesirable displacement of the filter element in the corresponding clamping area is prevented by the fact that each clamping element is only displaced relative to the corresponding filter element in the normal orientation.

[0009] Another advantageous approach is that, in which the correspondingly interacting clamping elements and adjusting elements are longitudinally held and guided in the region of their clamping element contact surfaces and adjusting element contact surfaces by means of a first guiding assembly. Therefore, joint adjustment and actuation can be achieved between the correspondingly interacting clamping elements and adjusting elements in two adjustment directions of the adjusting element.

[0010] Another advantageous embodiment features that the respective adjusting elements are longitudinally movable and guided on the housing on their side opposite to the respective filter element by means of a second guiding assembly. This allows for precise and reliable relative displacement and guidance of the respective adjusting elements on the housing.

[0011] Another advantageous approach is that each clamping element is circumferentially completely sealed against the housing from its clamping surface toward the corresponding filter element. This achieves a circumferential seal around the respective clamping element and prevents liquid and / or melt from passing through the corresponding adjustment element.

[0012] Another approach is characterized by each clamping device in each clamping unit, and especially each adjusting element in each clamping device, being adjusted independently between its clamping and release positions. This allows for a specific sequence of release and reset to the clamping position. Furthermore, it also allows for precise setting and control of the corresponding effective filter replacement or renewal process.

[0013] Another advantageous approach is that, when the clamping elements are in the clamped position, the corresponding filter chambers are sealed towards the housing. Therefore, undesirable leakage of liquid and / or melt from the respective filter chambers can be prevented during filtration operation.

[0014] Another advantageous method is characterized in that, during the filtration operation of the filtration device, at least 10% of the liquid and / or melt is always conveyed through one of the inlet channels, and the remaining portion of a total of 100% is conveyed through the other inlet channel. By selecting the minimum proportion of liquid and / or melt, sticking or blockage of one of the filter units can be reliably prevented. However, the timing of filter replacement or replacement of each other can also be set and determined differently between the two filter units. Furthermore, pressure fluctuations in the area of ​​the common outlet channel after the liquid and / or melt has passed through the respective filters can thus be minimized or completely avoided.

[0015] Another advantageous approach involves performing the following steps when updating the effective filter surface of one of the filter elements: - Reduce the supply share of liquid and / or melt to the corresponding filter chamber to up to 2% of the total mass flow rate or volume flow rate, or completely prohibit the supply of liquid and / or melt to the corresponding filter chamber; - Adjust the corresponding clamping device of the corresponding clamping unit to its release position; - Move the corresponding filter element through the corresponding filter chamber in its adjustment direction with a predetermined adjustment stroke; - Adjust one of the two clamping devices of the corresponding clamping unit to its clamping position; - Pre-tighten the corresponding filter element with a predetermined tension toward the other clamping device of the two clamping devices of the corresponding clamping unit; - Adjust the other clamping device of the two clamping devices of the corresponding clamping unit into its clamping position; and - Supply of liquid and / or melt to the corresponding filter chamber, which has a renewed filter surface of the corresponding filter element.

[0016] Advantageously, in these method steps, the predetermined pre-tightening of the corresponding filter element can thus be established and maintained during filter replacement or effective filter surface renewal. The filter element is immovably held in place by fixing its position in the area of ​​one of the two clamping devices, and clamping is only achieved in the area of ​​the other clamping device after a predetermined tension and associated pre-tightening have been reached.

[0017] Another advantageous aspect of the method is that the supply share of liquid and / or melt to the respective filter chamber is reduced by means of an adjustment mechanism in each inlet channel and / or in each outlet channel, or by means of an adjustment valve in the transition section leading to each first inlet channel.

[0018] Advantageously, adjusting mechanisms and / or adjusting valves can be used to reduce the proportion of liquid and / or melt supplied to the respective filter chambers, or to unload each filter unit in a way that reduces pressure; to use each filter unit evenly so as to avoid over-contamination of one filter unit, but especially to control the flow of liquid and / or melt through two filter units so that the two filter units do not need to be updated or replaced at the same time, which would result in the shut-off of the filter equipment and the stagnation of the liquid and / or melt.

[0019] Ideally, either a regulating valve would be used in the transition section, or a regulating mechanism would be used in the inlet or outlet channel. However, it is also possible to use both regulating valves and regulating mechanisms, and thus use them alternatively or jointly.

[0020] Alternatively, it is advantageous to use an adjustment mechanism and / or adjustment valve controlled by a control device.

[0021] Advantageously, the control device automatically and, where possible, more precisely adjusts the adjustment mechanism and / or control valve compared to manual operation, thus saving time, cost, and materials, while simultaneously reducing risks to equipment and operators.

[0022] Another approach is characterized by the fact that the tension applied to the corresponding filter element when updating the effective filter surface of the corresponding filter element is identified and / or monitored, thus avoiding over-tensioning or excessive loosening of the filter element in the filter chamber.

[0023] Another advantageous approach involves heating the filter element, particularly before its effective filter surface is replaced, to a temperature selected from a range prior to supply to the filter chamber. The lower limit of this range is 20°C above room temperature, specifically the melting temperature of the relevant melt, and the upper limit is 400°C, specifically the processing temperature or slightly above that temperature. By setting the temperature to a predetermined value, unwanted adhesion or partial cooling of the liquid and / or melt directly after filter replacement can be avoided.

[0024] Another advantageous method is characterized in that the corresponding filter element, especially after the effective filter surface of the filter element has been replaced, is heated to a temperature selected from a temperature range after passing through the corresponding filter chamber. The lower limit of this temperature range is 20°C above room temperature, especially the melting temperature of the corresponding melt, and the upper limit of this temperature range is 400°C, especially the corresponding processing temperature or slightly above the corresponding processing temperature. Therefore, rapid cooling of the corresponding filter element before winding on the winding device can be prevented after filter replacement.

[0025] Another advantageous approach is to detect, via a pressure sensor, the pressure established in the liquid and / or melt in each inlet channel and / or on the side facing the corresponding inlet channel in each filter chamber. Therefore, the pressure condition present in the respective filtration device can be identified, and based on this pressure condition, filter replacement or effective filtration surface renewal can be planned and performed.

[0026] Another embodiment specifies that the control device is configured to monitor the pressure detected by the pressure sensor and control the adjustment mechanism and / or adjustment valve to keep the pressure within a predetermined limit.

[0027] Therefore, it can be advantageously ensured that the pressure in the inlet channel does not become excessively high, which could negatively affect the filter and / or the liquid and / or melt. Alternatively or additionally, it can be ensured that the pressure does not become excessively low, which could also negatively affect the liquid and / or melt.

[0028] One advantageous approach specifies that the control device is configured, by means of machine learning, based on the pressure determined by a pressure sensor, the material parameters of the liquid and / or melt to be processed, and the adjustment parameters of the adjustment mechanism and / or adjustment valve, to proactively control the adjustment mechanism and / or adjustment valve so that the pressure is maintained within predetermined limits.

[0029] Advantageously, machine learning allows for the tracking of pressure changes and, based on earlier observations, the adjustment mechanism and / or control valve can be proactively controlled as soon as unwanted pressure begins to build up, ensuring that the pressure does not exceed or falls below threshold values. Therefore, ideally, the pressure can be maintained near the optimal value for filtration.

[0030] Another advantageous embodiment specifies that the liquid or melt is a polymer, especially a plastic, and / or a paste-like material. The material may also be, in particular, a molten secondary plastic material.

[0031] The proposed method according to the invention is particularly advantageous when applied to such polymers or pastes or secondary plastic materials, because the stillness and / or cooling of the material has a particularly large effect, such as material solidification and the associated cleaning costs.

[0032] However, the objective of the present invention is also solved, unrelated to this, by a filtration device with features described therein. This filtration device is used to filter liquids and / or melts having various different contaminants also contained within the liquids and / or melts, and the filtration device comprises: - Housing with a common supply channel and a common outlet channel; - A first filtration device having a first inlet channel, a first filter chamber, a strip-shaped first filter element guided through the first filter chamber, a first clamping unit, and a first outlet channel, wherein the first inlet channel is in flow connection with a common supply channel, and the first outlet channel is in flow connection with a common outlet channel, and the first filter element is held clamped as needed on both sides of the first filter chamber by means of the first and second clamping devices of the first clamping unit when viewed in the adjustment direction of the first filter element; - A second filtration device having a second inlet channel, a second filter chamber, a strip-shaped second filter element guided through the second filter chamber, a second clamping unit, and a second outlet channel, wherein the second inlet channel is in flow connection with a common supply channel, and the second outlet channel is in flow connection with a common outlet channel, and the second filter element, viewed in the adjustment direction of the second filter element, is held clamped as needed on both sides of the second filter chamber by means of a third and fourth clamping device of the second clamping unit; furthermore, it is specified that: - Each clamping device of the first clamping unit and the second clamping unit includes a clamping element and an adjusting element that works in conjunction with the clamping element; - Each clamping element is adjustablely guided relative to the housing in the normal direction on the planar side of the corresponding filter element, and is set in a lateral orientation relative to the adjustment direction of the corresponding filter element; - Each adjustment element is adjustablely guided relative to the housing in a direction parallel to the planar side of the corresponding filter element and is also arranged in a lateral orientation relative to the adjustment direction of the corresponding filter element; - Each clamping element has a clamping element contact surface on its side facing the corresponding adjusting element; - Each adjusting element has an adjusting element contact surface on its side facing the corresponding clamping element; - Accordingly, the clamping element contact surfaces and adjusting element contact surfaces, which act together and face each other, are oriented extending in opposite directions, and the respective clamping element contact surfaces and adjusting element contact surfaces also have a longitudinal orientation that extends obliquely relative to the planar side of the respective filter element; and - When the adjusting element is adjusted relative to the clamping element acting with the adjusting element in the first adjusting direction, the clamping element is pressed against the housing into a clamping position against the corresponding filter element, and when the adjusting element is in a second adjusting direction opposite to the first adjusting direction, the clamping element acting with the adjusting element is adjusted to a release position for the corresponding filter element.

[0033] The advantage of this is that a clamping force extending in the normal orientation is always applied to the corresponding filter element at the clamping position where the clamping elements of each clamping unit and its clamping device are in contact. This avoids shearing forces emanating from each clamping device to the corresponding filter element. By selecting an inclined contact surface extending between the clamping element and the adjusting element, a mechanically based force transmission and redirection is always achieved from the corresponding adjusting mechanism or drive element to the adjusting element and further to the clamping element. If a pressure loss occurs in the adjusting mechanism or a failure occurs in the drive element after reaching the clamping position, the clamping force continues to be applied from the clamping element to the corresponding filter element. This avoids sealing problems in the areas of each clamping device and prevents undesirable leakage of liquids and / or melts. Furthermore, undesirable displacement of the filter element in the corresponding clamping area is prevented by the fact that each clamping element is only displaced relative to the corresponding filter element in the normal orientation.

[0034] Another advantage is that the correspondingly interacting clamping elements and adjusting elements are longitudinally movable and guided to each other in the region of their clamping element contact surface and adjusting element contact surface by means of a first guiding assembly. Therefore, joint adjustment and actuation can be achieved between the correspondingly interacting clamping elements and adjusting elements in two adjustment directions of the adjusting element.

[0035] Another embodiment is characterized in that the respective adjusting elements are longitudinally movable and guided on the housing on their side opposite to the respective filter element by means of a second guiding assembly. This allows for precise and reliable relative displacement and guidance of the respective adjusting elements on the housing.

[0036] Another possible implementation features that each clamping element is circumferentially completely sealed to the housing in view of its clamping surface facing the corresponding filter element. This allows for a circumferential seal around the corresponding clamping element and prevents liquid and / or melt from passing through the corresponding adjustment element.

[0037] Another implementation specifies that each clamping device in each clamping unit, and especially each adjusting element in each clamping device, is in a drive connection with its own adjusting drive. Therefore, a specific sequence of release and reset to the clamping position can be achieved. However, the replacement or renewal process of the corresponding effective filter surface can also be precisely set and controlled.

[0038] In another embodiment, the filtration device further includes an adjustment mechanism in each inlet channel and / or in each outlet channel and / or an adjustment valve in the transition section leading to each first inlet channel, and the adjustment mechanism and / or adjustment valve is capable of limiting the supply share of liquid and / or melt into the respective filter chamber.

[0039] Advantageously, adjusting mechanisms and / or adjusting valves can be used to reduce the proportion of liquid and / or melt supplied to the respective filter chambers, or to unload each filter unit in a way that reduces pressure; to use each filter unit evenly so as to avoid over-contamination of one filter unit, but especially to control the flow of liquid and / or melt through two filter units so that the two filter units do not need to be updated or replaced at the same time, which would result in the shut-off of the filter equipment and the stagnation of the liquid and / or melt.

[0040] Ideally, either a regulating valve in the transition section or a regulating mechanism in the inlet or outlet channel should be used. However, it is also possible to use both a regulating valve and a regulating mechanism, and thus use them alternatively or jointly.

[0041] In another embodiment, the filtration device further includes a control device that controls the adjustment mechanism and / or adjustment valve.

[0042] Advantageously, the control device adjusts the adjustment mechanism and / or control valve automatically and, where possible, more precisely than manual operation, thus saving time, cost, and materials, while simultaneously reducing risks to equipment and operators.

[0043] Another embodiment is characterized by having a first heating device in each filter element, and each first heating device being positioned upstream of the corresponding filter chamber when viewed in the adjustment direction of the respective filter element. By setting a predetermined temperature value, unwanted adhesion or partial cooling of liquid and / or melt directly after filter replacement can be avoided.

[0044] Another preferred embodiment is characterized by providing a second heating device in each filter element, and each second heating device being positioned downstream of the corresponding filter chamber when viewed in the adjustment direction of the corresponding filter element. Therefore, rapid cooling of the corresponding filter element before it is wound on the winding device can be prevented after filter replacement.

[0045] Another advantage is that at least one pressure sensor is provided or received in each inlet channel and / or on the side facing the corresponding inlet channel in each filter chamber, and said pressure sensor is configured to determine the pressure established in the liquid and / or melt. Therefore, the pressure condition present in the corresponding filtration device can be determined, and based on this pressure condition, filter replacement or effective filtration surface renewal can be planned and performed.

[0046] Another embodiment specifies that the filtration device includes a control device configured to monitor the pressure detected by a pressure sensor and to control an adjustment mechanism and / or an adjustment valve to maintain the pressure within predetermined limits.

[0047] Therefore, it can be advantageously ensured that the pressure in the inlet channel does not become excessively high, which could negatively affect the filter and / or the liquid and / or melt. Alternatively or additionally, it can be ensured that the pressure does not become excessively low, which could also negatively affect the liquid and / or melt.

[0048] One advantageous embodiment specifies that the filtration device includes a control unit, which is configured by means of machine learning to proactively control the adjustment mechanism and / or adjustment valve based on the pressure determined by a pressure sensor, the material parameters of the liquid and / or melt to be processed, and the adjustment parameters of the adjustment mechanism and / or adjustment valve, so that the pressure is maintained within predetermined limits.

[0049] Advantageously, machine learning allows for the tracking of pressure changes and, based on earlier observations, the adjustment mechanism and / or control valve can be proactively controlled as soon as unwanted pressure begins to build up, ensuring that the pressure does not exceed or falls below threshold values. Therefore, ideally, the pressure can be maintained near the optimal value for filtration.

[0050] Another advantageous embodiment specifies that the liquid or melt is a polymer, especially a plastic, and / or a paste-like material. The material may also be, in particular, a molten secondary plastic material.

[0051] The proposed method according to the invention is particularly advantageous when applied to such polymers or pastes or secondary plastic materials, because the stillness and / or cooling of the material has a particularly large effect, such as material solidification and the associated cleaning costs. Attached Figure Description

[0052] To better understand the invention, it will be explained in more detail with the aid of the accompanying drawings.

[0053] The greatly simplified diagram is as follows: Figure 1 The filtration device is shown in a sectional top view; Figure 2 Press Figure 1 The section view of line II-II shows the arrangement of lines. Figure 1 The filtration device includes two filter elements, each in a fully shut-off position. Figure 3 Display by Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the channel guide section of a filtration device when a filter is in the filter replacement position; Figure 4 Displaying the button in the top view and zoomed-in view Figures 1-3 Filtering equipment and its clamping unit.

[0054] Figure 5 Press Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of line VV shows one of the clamping devices of each clamping unit; Figure 6 Other possible implementations of supply regulation of liquid and / or melt to two filtration devices are shown in the simplified schematic diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0055] First, it should be noted that in embodiments described in different locations, the same components are given the same reference numerals or the same component names, and the disclosure contained in the common description can be applied in the sense to the same components having the same reference numerals or the same component names. Positional descriptions mentioned in the specification, such as above, below, side, etc., also refer to the directly described and illustrated drawings, and these positional descriptions can be applied in the sense to the new position when the position changes.

[0056] The term "especially" is understood below to refer to possible more specific configurations or more detailed embellishments of an object or method step, but not necessarily to constitute a necessary preferred embodiment or a necessary manner of the object or method step.

[0057] In their current application, the terms “including,” “having,” “containing,” “having,” “containing,” and any variations thereof cover non-exclusive inclusion relationships.

[0058] As another term, "optionally" is also used. It is understood that the method step or the device component exists in principle, but can be used depending on the conditions of use, although it does not necessarily have to be implemented.

[0059] The liquid and / or melt to be filtered, such as a secondary plastic material, is a plastic material that has been processed at least once into a product and is to be supplied for further processing. The secondary plastic material is simply separated, perhaps crushed, and then preferably converted into a melt to be filtered in an extruder or similar melting device. The material to be filtered can be directed or supplied as a liquid and / or melt to the filtration device 1 described below, in which the filtration process is performed. The liquid and / or melt is in a flowable aggregated state for this purpose.

[0060] Secondary plastic materials, or melts thereof, can be, in particular, condensation polymer melts. Generally, secondary plastic materials, or secondary raw materials in general, are raw materials made from recycled materials through processing, such as recycling. Such secondary materials can be used to manufacture new products. Conversely, primary raw materials refer to so-called natural resources, i.e., materials obtained from nature. Examples of such plastics are: polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene terephthalate (PTT), polybutene-terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene glycol p-cycloalkyl ester (PEF), or polyamides. The material polyethylene terephthalate (PET) can be, in particular, PET-C, which is partially crystalline and constitutes a thin melt. PET-C melt has a low viscosity. Exemplary intrinsic viscosity values ​​in the application of this invention are between 0.45 and 1.2 dl / g.

[0061] Another application is the filtration of food products. Food products include, for example, highly viscous liquids such as honey, tomato products, sauces, jams, corn syrup and maple syrup, molasses, mustard, fruit juice, fruit concentrates, and vegetable concentrates; animal fats and highly viscous vegetable oils, dairy fats, margarine, cocoa butter, peanut butter, vegetable fats, and similar products. Similarly, the filtration of low-viscosity foods is also possible, such as beverages, spirits, wine, ketchup, molasses, mustard, soy sauce, syrups, vegetable oils, vinegar, and water. Depending on their properties and / or temperature, the aforementioned items can be classified as either highly viscous or low-viscosity foods.

[0062] exist Figures 1-5 The filtration device 1 is shown in various views and details, and some non-realistic illustrations are also chosen to improve the overall overview. Devices for crushing and melting, i.e., devices for providing liquids and / or melts, such as those using secondary plastic materials, are also omitted from the illustration. For this purpose, devices and apparatus known from the prior art can be used.

[0063] In principle, the filtration device 1 includes a housing 2, which is preferably composed of multiple components. At least one supply channel 3 and at least one outlet channel 4 are formed or arranged within the housing 2, which is described in a simplified manner. Preferably, a common supply channel 3 and a common outlet channel 4 are involved. Additionally, a first filtration device 5 and a second filtration device 6 are arranged or formed within the housing 2. The structures of the two filtration devices 5 and 6 are preferably chosen to be identical to each other in principle; for better distinction, the corresponding component parts are described separately below. In principle, the arrangement or configuration of the two filtration devices 5 and 6 in parallel with each other is involved. This can be achieved by overlapping or by placing them side by side. In the current embodiment, an arrangement is shown in which the two filtration devices 5 and 6 are arranged overlappingly.

[0064] Starting from the supply channel 3, the first filtering device 5 includes a first inlet channel 7, a first filter chamber 8, a strip-shaped first filter element 9 guided through the first filter chamber 8, a first clamping unit 10, and a first outlet channel 11. The filter element 9 may also be referred to as a belt filter or filter belt. The same applies to the second filter element 16, which is also described below. The first inlet channel 7 itself is in flow connection with the common supply channel 3. The first outlet channel 11 is immediately adjacent to the first filter chamber 8 and is in flow connection with the common outlet channel 4. It is also shown that, viewed in the adjustment direction of the first filter element 9, the first filter element 9 is held clamped as needed on both sides of the first filter chamber 8 by means of the first and second clamping devices 12, 13 of the first clamping unit 10.

[0065] A second filter device 6 is also defined or installed from the common supply channel 3, which, viewed in the flow direction, also enters and is in flow connection with the common outlet channel 4. The second filter device 6 includes a second inlet channel 14, a second filter chamber 15, a strip-shaped second filter element 16 guided through the second filter chamber 15, a second clamping unit 17, and a second outlet channel 18. The second inlet channel 14 is in flow connection with the common supply channel 3, and the second outlet channel 18 is in flow connection with the common outlet channel 4. To clamp the second filter element 16 on both sides, viewed in the adjustment direction of the second filter element 16, the second clamping unit 17 includes its own third clamping device 19 and fourth clamping device 20. By means of the two clamping devices 19 and 20 of the second clamping unit 17, the second filter element 16 can also be clamped as needed on both sides of the second filter chamber 15, or the second filter element can be held clamped as needed. This is achieved when the second filter device 6 is in filtration operation.

[0066] The liquid and / or melt provided and to be filtered is supplied to a common supply channel 3 for the filtration process. Depending on the selected operating mode of the filtration device 1, the liquid and / or melt is continued to be conveyed through at least one of the filtration devices 5 and 6 toward a common outlet channel 4 and filtered thereon. This is typically achieved by means of a conveying pressure, which is established, for example, by an extruder and / or a melt pump.

[0067] The two clamping devices 12 and 13 of the first clamping unit 10 and the two clamping devices 19 and 20 of the second clamping unit 17 will be described below together, as they have the same structure. Therefore, especially Figure 4 and 5 The same components are always represented by the same reference numerals.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, each clamping device 12, 13 of the first clamping unit 10 and each of the two clamping devices 19, 20 of the second clamping unit 17 includes a clamping element 21 and an adjusting element 22 that interacts with the clamping element. Each clamping element 21 is adjustablely guided relative to the housing 2 in the normal direction of the planar side of the respective filter element 9, 16, and is also arranged in a lateral orientation relative to the adjusting direction or longitudinal extension direction of the respective filter element 9, 16. The respective planar side of the filter element 9, 16 is the same planar side that is also defined in the filter surface of the respective filter device 5, 6.

[0069] Furthermore, each adjusting element 22 is adjustablely guided relative to the housing 2 in a direction parallel to the planar side of the corresponding filter element 9, 16, and is also arranged extending in the lateral orientation of the adjustment direction of the corresponding filter element 9, 16. It is further specified that the clamping elements 21 and adjusting elements 22, which interact with each other, have interacting contact surfaces on their respective sides facing each other. Each clamping element 21 has a clamping element contact surface 23, and each adjusting element 22 has an adjusting element contact surface 24 oriented in the opposite direction. The corresponding clamping element contact surfaces 23 and adjusting element contact surfaces 24 also have a longitudinal orientation that extends obliquely relative to the planar side of the corresponding filter element 9, 16. For mutual support and force transmission, each clamping element contact surface 23 abuts against an adjusting element contact surface 24 disposed opposite to it.

[0070] The clamping element contact surface 23 and / or the adjusting element contact surface 24 may be hardened, and / or have hardened inserts to reduce wear during operation.

[0071] On the respective opposing sides of the clamping element 21 and adjusting element 22, which act in concert, they each have end faces that preferably extend parallel to each other. The end face of the clamping element 21 always faces the corresponding filter element 9, 16 and is used to clamp it toward the housing 2. This end face can also be referred to as the clamping face. The end face of the adjusting element 22 is disposed on the opposing side of the corresponding adjusting element 22 and can be supported on the housing 2 as needed.

[0072] When the adjusting element 22 is adjusted relative to the clamping element 21 acting with it in the first adjustment direction, the clamping element 21 is pressed against the housing 2 to a clamping position against the corresponding filter elements 9, 16. In the case of a second adjustment direction opposite to the first adjustment direction, the clamping element acting with the adjusting element is adjusted to a release position for the corresponding filter elements 9, 16. This is achieved by a selected wedge-shaped configuration of the corresponding clamping element 21 and the adjusting element 22 on their mutually facing sides. The two adjustment directions of the adjusting element 22 and the clamping element 21 are respectively indicated by double arrows. The adjustment of the clamping element 21 is achieved by the relative adjustment of the adjusting element 22, wherein the corresponding adjustment directions extend in the normal plane of the planar side of the corresponding filter elements 9, 16 and clamp each other by approximately 90 degrees. The angle. The transmission of force from the corresponding adjusting element 22 to the clamping element 21 that acts with it is achieved by means of clamping force. When the tilting direction of the corresponding adjusting element 22 and the clamping element 21 is selected in the opposite direction, this is achieved by means of tension. The correspondingly applied adjusting force is turned 90 degrees. The angle.

[0073] To enable reliable adjustment movement of the clamping element 21 in both adjustment directions, the correspondingly interacting clamping element 21 and adjusting element 22 should be longitudinally movable and guided by means of a first guide assembly 25 in the region of their respective clamping element contact surfaces 23 and adjusting element contact surfaces 24, which face each other. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a T-slot guide device or a similar guide assembly. To also guide the respective adjusting elements 22 on the housing 2 in the linearly extending adjustment direction, the corresponding adjusting elements 22 can be longitudinally movable and guided on the housing 2 by means of a second guide assembly 26 on their sides opposite to the corresponding filter elements 9, 16. This can also be achieved, for example, by means of a T-slot guide device or a similar guide assembly.

[0074] In order to prevent or substantially prevent the undesirable outflow of liquid and / or melt from the respective filter chambers 8 and 15, at least in the region of each clamping element 21 at the clamping position where these clamping elements abut against the respective filter elements 9 and 16, the clamping element 21 should be completely circumferentially sealed against the housing 2 in a view of its clamping surface toward the respective filter elements 9 and 16. For this purpose, sealing elements (not described in more detail) can be provided. Thus, when the clamping element 21 is in the clamping position, the respective filter chambers 8 and 15 can be sealed against the housing 2.

[0075] For better overall clarity, more detailed illustrations of the adjusting devices or adjusting drives for the respective adjusting elements 22 are omitted. It should be noted that all devices suitable for this purpose can be employed, such as cylinder-piston assemblies, electric adjusting drives, linear drives, or the like. Preferably, each adjusting element 22 of both the first clamping unit 10 and the second clamping unit 17 is equipped with its own adjusting device or its own adjusting drive, which is in drive connection with the corresponding adjusting element. This makes it possible for each clamping device 12, 13; 19, 20 of each clamping unit 10, 17, and especially for each adjusting element 22 of each clamping device, to be independently adjustable between its clamping position and its release position.

[0076] During static filtration or filtration operation of the filtration device 1, but without effective filter surface renewal, at least 10% of the liquid and / or melt is always conveyed through one of the inlet channels 7 or 14. The remaining portion of the total 100% of the liquid and / or melt is conveyed through the other inlet channel 14 or 7. In the case of the aforementioned 10% liquid and / or melt portion, the remaining portion is 90%. This originates from the common supply channel 3. The description of the liquid and / or melt portion can relate to mass flow rate or volumetric flow rate.

[0077] By selecting this minimum proportion of liquid and / or melt, the sticking or solidification of the liquid and / or melt can be reliably prevented. Alternatively, the timing of the replacement or renewal of the corresponding filter elements 9 and 16 between the two filter devices 5 and 6 can be staggered. Figure 3 As shown, the first filter device 5 described above is introduced into the entire flow or volume of the liquid and / or melt, while in the case of the second filter device 6 described below, the supply of liquid and / or melt is completely stopped. This is explained in more detail below.

[0078] When updating the effective and operational filter surface of one of filter elements 9 and 16, the following steps should be performed: - Reduce the supply share of liquid and / or melt to the corresponding filter chambers 8, 15 to up to 2% of the total mass flow rate or volume flow rate, or completely prohibit the supply of liquid and / or melt to the corresponding filter chambers 8, 15. - Adjust the corresponding clamping devices 12, 13; 19, 20 of the corresponding clamping units 10, 17 to their release positions; - The corresponding filter elements 9 and 16 are moved through the corresponding filter chambers 8 and 15 in their adjustment direction with a predetermined adjustment stroke; - Adjust one of the two clamping devices 12, 13; 19, 20 of the corresponding clamping units 10, 17 to their clamping positions; - Pre-tighten the corresponding filter elements 9 and 16 with a predetermined tension toward the other clamping device 13, 12; 20, 19 of the two clamping devices of the corresponding clamping units 17 and 10; - Adjust the other clamping device 13, 12; 20, 19 of the two clamping devices of the corresponding clamping units 17, 10 into its clamping position; and - Supply of liquid and / or melt to the respective filter chambers 8, 15, the respective filter chambers having updated filter surfaces of the respective filter elements 9, 16.

[0079] To avoid unnecessary repetition in the instruction manual, the process for updating the effective filter surface is described for both filter devices 5 and 6. The updating of the effective filter surface is selectively performed only in one of the filter devices 5 or 6 to ensure that a uniform mass flow rate or uniform volumetric flow rate of the filtered liquid and / or melt is discharged or provided through the common outlet channel 4.

[0080] Because the clamping of the filter elements 9 and 16 is first achieved on one side of the filter chambers 8 and 15 depending on the selected adjustment direction, the filter elements 9 and 16 can be subjected to a predetermined preload and thus tension. Therefore, the tension applied to the filter elements when updating the effective filter surface of the filter elements 9 and 16 should be identified and / or monitored.

[0081] It should be noted that the forces applied by the clamping devices 12, 13; 19, 20 can be related to the contamination of the liquid and / or melt to be filtered. This force can be different for the two filtration devices. Tensile stress is generated due to the liquid and / or melt being pressed against the filtration device; this tensile stress can be measured and thus adapted to the applied force. Advantageously, because the filter surface can be held perfectly parallel to the cross-section of the liquid and / or melt to be filtered by the adapted pressure, the clamping element 21 only needs to open very slightly to allow movement of the corresponding filter elements 9, 16. This reduces material outflow from the filter chambers 8, 15, especially with very liquid materials. The tensile stress of the corresponding filter elements 9, 16 can therefore be controlled very precisely.

[0082] Here, the position of each clamping element 21 can be controlled such that their opening stroke is just large enough to pull the filter surface through the created opening. From a specific point on the filter surface, for example, with the beginning of the last third of the uncontaminated filter surface, the opening stroke or opening can be increased so that all contaminants can be removed from the filter chamber together. This control is particularly advantageous for low-viscosity liquids: only a small amount of material escapes from the system during filter surface replacement.

[0083] Another improvement in control is that the opening stroke of the clamping element is achieved in a wave-like manner, that is, the opening gap alternately switches back and forth between the minimum possible opening and the maximum possible opening. Figure 1The description further describes that in each filter element 9, 16 of the filtration device 1, a first heating device 27 and 28 can be provided. Each first heating device 27 and 28 is positioned upstream of the corresponding filter element 9, 16 in the adjustment direction of the respective filter element 9, 16. This allows the corresponding filter element 9, 16, especially before its effective filter surface is renewed, to be heated to a temperature selected from a temperature range before being supplied to the corresponding filter chamber 8, 15. The lower limit of this temperature range is 20°C above room temperature, especially the melting temperature of the corresponding melt, and the upper limit is 400°C, especially the corresponding processing temperature or slightly above the processing temperature. Through this preheating, the liquid and / or melt to be filtered will not cool upon first contact with the renewed filter surface when the corresponding filter element 5, 6 is restarted.

[0084] Another advantage is that a second heating device 29, 30 is provided for each filter element 9, 16 in each filter device 5, 6 of the filtration apparatus 1. Each second heating device 29 and 30 is positioned downstream of the corresponding filter chamber 8, 15, as viewed from the adjustment direction of the respective filter element 9, 16. This allows the corresponding filter element 9, 16, especially after its effective filtration surface has been renewed, to be heated to a temperature selected from a temperature range after passing through the corresponding filter chamber 8, 15. The lower limit of this temperature range is 20°C above room temperature, particularly the melting temperature of the corresponding melt, and the upper limit is 400°C, particularly the corresponding processing temperature or slightly above the processing temperature. This prevents the corresponding filter element 9, 16 from rapidly cooling and solidifying before it is wound.

[0085] Alternatively, the discharged filter surface can be heated as described above, so that the remaining material remains in a molten state and can flow downwards. Furthermore, the outflow of material can be supported by installing a scraper and guiding it through the filter surface via the scraper.

[0086] To determine the pressure conditions of the liquid and / or melt present in each filter element 5, 6, at least one pressure sensor 31 may be provided in each inlet channel 7, 14. Alternatively, each filter chamber 8, 15 may have its own pressure sensor 31 positioned on the side facing the corresponding inlet channel 7, 14. For simplicity, all pressure sensors 31 are given the same reference numerals. With this arrangement, the pressure established in the liquid and / or melt can be determined and transmitted or further directed to the control device 32. Based on the determined pressure conditions, it can be determined that an effective filter surface should be replaced in the corresponding filter element 5 or 6.

[0087] The condition and contamination of the corresponding filter elements 9 and 16 can be inferred from the determined pressure level. The more particles are filtered from the liquid and / or melt by the corresponding filter elements 9 and 16 and thus accumulate on them, the greater the decrease in the throughput rate of the liquid and / or melt through the filter elements 9 and 16, and the greater the increase in pressure before the corresponding filter elements 9 and 16. At the predetermined pressure level in the corresponding filtration devices 5 and 6, the replacement or effective renewal of the filter surface described above can be performed.

[0088] If the liquid and / or melt to be filtered involves a very low viscosity liquid and / or melt, such as a secondary plastic material, such as PET-C, then the support of the corresponding filter elements 9, 16 in the corresponding filter chambers 8, 15 can be omitted. However, it is also conceivable and possible to provide or specify a first support element 33 in the first filter device 5 and / or provide or specify a second support element 34 in the second filter device 6. The corresponding support elements 33, 34 are passed through through openings in a known manner, through which the filtered liquid and / or melt continues to flow towards the common outlet channel 4. It is also possible that the support elements 33, 34 are configured as support screens. In this case, it is conceivable that the support elements 33, 34 configured as support screens are fixedly positioned relative to the corresponding filter chambers 8, 15. However, regardless of this, the support screens can also move together with the corresponding filter elements 9, 16 each time the filter is replaced.

[0089] It is also quite possible that the corresponding filter elements 9 and 16 are constructed in a single layer or in multiple layers. Therefore, the filter layer or filter layer near the supply channel 3 can be constructed with slightly coarser pores to filter out contaminants with larger particle sizes. Subsequent filter layers or filter layers in the flow direction can be constructed with finer pores to also trap and retain contaminants with smaller particle sizes. The unwinding and winding devices are not described in further detail. They can be selected and employed according to known prior art.

[0090] As explained above regarding the update for one of the effective filter surfaces, a minimum fraction of liquid and / or melt is always guided into filter chambers 8, 15. This is true even when clamping devices 12, 13 or 19, 20 are open. To allow the continued flow of liquid and / or melt to exit from the respective filter chambers 9, 15 and the respective clamping devices 12 and / or 13 and / or 19 and / or 20 that are not in the clamping position, at least one independent outlet channel 35 is provided in housing 2. For simplicity, the same reference numerals are used for each outlet channel 35. Thus, after opening the clamping devices 12, 13 or 19, 20 that constitute each clamping unit 10, 17, a minimum fraction of liquid and / or melt can flow between the respective clamping element 21 and filter element 9 or 16.

[0091] As in Figure 3 The schematic diagram further illustrates that each inlet channel 7, 14 and each outlet channel 11, 18 has its own adjustment mechanism 36, which allows for the setting and control of the appropriate proportion of liquid and / or melt flowing into the corresponding filter chambers 8, 15. The adjustment direction is indicated by a double arrow in each adjustment mechanism 36. As described here, the first filter device 5 is fully engaged in filtration operation, and the second filter device 6 is not engaged in filtration operation. In this position of the adjustment mechanism 36, the first filter device 5 is introduced with approximately 100% or the entire 100% proportion of liquid and / or melt, and either only a small percentage is introduced during the renewal of the effective filter surface (here, the effective filter surface of the second filter element 16).

[0092] exist Figure 6 The diagram schematically simplifies another, and perhaps independently independent, implementation of filter devices 5 and 6, which have channel routing for constituting filter equipment 1, again as shown in the preceding diagram. Figures 1-5 The same reference numerals or component names are used for the same parts. To avoid unnecessary repetition, see or refer to the foregoing. Figures 1-5 See the detailed explanation in the document.

[0093] Here, and in Figure 3Compared to the scheme described above, an adjusting valve 37 has been installed in the supply channel 3 in the transition section leading to each inlet channel 7, 14. By means of this adjusting valve, the mass flow rate or volumetric flow rate of the liquid and / or melt to be filtered can be directed to the filter devices 5 and / or 6 in a predetermined proportion, depending on the position of the adjusting valve. Control can be achieved by means of a control device 32 to set the corresponding switching position and the proportioning of the liquid and / or melt. The illustration of the adjusting valve 37 is merely illustrative and can be freely selected according to known prior art. Furthermore, by means of arrows, in this selected switching position, the largest proportion of liquid and / or melt is directed to the first filter device 5 and a smaller proportion to the second filter device 6.

[0094] As already described, the control of the regulating valve 37 can be achieved by means of the control device 32. Alternatively or supplementarily, the regulating mechanism 36 can be controlled by the control device 32. The mass flow rate or volumetric flow rate of the liquid and / or melt to be filtered can be set, individually or jointly, not only by the regulating valve 37 but also by the regulating mechanism 36.

[0095] It is important to note that if the regulating valve 37 is configured as a simple distribution valve, then manipulating the regulating valve 37 only changes the distribution of the liquid and / or melt flowing through the supply channel 3 to the two inlet channels 7, 14 located downstream of the supply channel 3. In this case, the total pressure remains the same; that is, the liquid and / or melt entering at pressure p in the supply channel 3 is distributed to each of the inlet channels 7, 14 via the regulating valve 37, and the sum of the pressures p1 and p2 present in the inlet channels 7, 14 generates pressure p. Ideally, the regulating valve 37 has the possibility of specifically stopping the inflow to each of the two inlet channels 7, 14.

[0096] Due to contamination of the filters 5 and 6, the flow rate of the liquid and / or melt to be filtered changes, and consequently, the pressure in the corresponding section of the filter 1 also changes. To achieve optimized flow, the pressure in one of the inlet channels 7 or 14, as well as the pressure in the components of the filter 1 downstream of that inlet channel, can be reduced by manipulating the regulating valve 37. Excessive pressure may damage not only the filters 5 and 6 but also other components of the filter 1, and therefore should be avoided.

[0097] As a replacement or supplement to the regulating valve 37, the regulating mechanisms 36 can also independently change the pressure in each inlet channel 7, 14 and / or in each outlet channel 11, 18. If only the regulating mechanism 36 in inlet channel 7 or 14 is closed, the pressure after the corresponding regulating mechanism 36 decreases, i.e., the pressure decreases, for example, on filter device 5 or 6 or in filter chamber 8 or 15. Conversely, if only the regulating mechanism 36 in outlet channel 11 or 18 is closed, the pressure before the corresponding regulating mechanism 36 increases.

[0098] The supply ratio of liquid and / or melt to the respective filter chambers 8, 15 can also be reduced by closing or opening the respective adjustment mechanisms 36. Similarly, this reduction can be achieved by adjusting valves 37 in the transition sections leading to the respective inlet channels 7, 14.

[0099] As an alternative to manual operation of the adjusting mechanism 36 and / or adjusting valve 37, the control device 32 may also be provided for controlling the adjusting mechanism 36 and / or adjusting valve 37.

[0100] As described above, a pressure sensor 31 may also be provided in the filtration device 1. Such a pressure sensor 31 may be provided or specified in each inlet channel 7, 14 and in each filter chamber 8, 15 on the side facing the corresponding inlet channel 7, 14, or also in other components of the filtration device 1, for example, before the supply channel 3, after the outlet channel 4, in one or both of the outlet channels 11, 18, etc.

[0101] The control device 32 may be configured to monitor the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 31. Additionally, the control device 32 may be configured to control the adjustment mechanism 36 and / or the adjustment valve 37 to maintain the pressure within predetermined limits.

[0102] Exemplary limits to be noted include, for example, the maximum or minimum pressure in supply channel 3, outlet channel 4, inlet channel 7, 14, discharge channel 11, 18, and filter devices 5, 6.

[0103] Another option is that the control device 32 uses machine learning to control the adjustment mechanism 36 and / or the adjustment valve 37 so that exceptionally high pressures, such as pressure peaks, never occur. This can be achieved using a trained model, but also a self-learning, i.e., self-trained model. This model identifies or learns to recognize, based on the pressure detected by different pressure sensors 31, the material parameters of the liquid and / or melt to be processed, and the adjustment mechanism 36 and / or the adjustment valve 37, how the pressure trends at each pressure sensor 31 develop before a pressure peak occurs. Thus, it proactively controls the adjustment mechanism 36 and / or the adjustment valve 37 at the beginning of such development, keeping the pressure within predetermined limits, i.e., preventing pressure peaks from occurring.

[0104] This is particularly advantageous because such pressure spikes typically occur very rapidly, meaning that conventional pressure detection and responses to pressure rises are insufficient to prevent them in such situations. Control device 32 uses machine learning to monitor pressure, but it can also learn to recognize how pressure tends to develop before a rapid rise occurs, and thus preemptively prevent a pressure rise by controlling adjustment mechanism 36 and / or adjustment valve 37.

[0105] As already described above, the liquid and / or melt can be, for example, a polymer, especially a plastic, and / or a paste-like material. The material can also be, in particular, a molten secondary plastic material, as detailed above.

[0106] Finally, it should be mentioned that the various method steps and their chronological order do not necessarily need to be performed in the order described; a different chronological order is also possible. However, a sequential and therefore successive chronological order of the described method steps is preferred.

[0107] The various embodiments illustrate possible implementations. It should be noted that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, various combinations of the various embodiments are possible and such variations are within the capabilities of those skilled in the art based on the teachings of the present invention.

[0108] Individual features or combinations of features from the different embodiments shown and described can constitute an independent innovative solution. The task that forms the basis of an independent innovative solution can be derived from the specification.

[0109] In this specification, all data within a numerical range can be understood as including all any sub-ranges derived therefrom. For example, the data 1~10 can be understood as including all sub-ranges starting from a lower limit of 1 and an upper limit of 10. That is, all sub-ranges starting from a lower limit of 1 or a larger value and ending at an upper limit of 10 or a smaller value are included, such as 1~1.7, 3.2~8.1, or 5.5~10.

[0110] Finally, for the sake of clarity, it should be noted that, in order to better understand the structure, the elements are illustrated partially out of scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced.

[0111] List of reference numerals

[0112] 1. Filtration equipment

[0113] 2. Shell

[0114] 3. Supply channels

[0115] 4. Export Channel

[0116] 5 First Filtration Device

[0117] 6 Second filtration device

[0118] 7 First Entrance Channel

[0119] 8 First Filter Chamber

[0120] 9 First filter element

[0121] 10 First clamping unit

[0122] 11 First discharge channel

[0123] 12 First clamping device

[0124] 13 Second clamping device

[0125] 14 Second Entry Passage

[0126] 15 Second Filter Chamber

[0127] 16 Second filter element

[0128] 17 Second clamping unit

[0129] 18 Second discharge channel

[0130] 19 Third clamping device

[0131] 20 Fourth clamping device

[0132] 21 Clamping elements

[0133] 22 Adjustment elements

[0134] 23 Clamping element contact surface

[0135] 24. Adjust the contact surface of the components.

[0136] 25 First Boot Component

[0137] 26 Second Boot Component

[0138] 27 First heating device

[0139] 28 First heating device

[0140] 29 Second heating device

[0141] 30 Second heating device

[0142] 31 Pressure Sensor

[0143] 32 Control device

[0144] 33 First Support Element

[0145] 34 Second support element

[0146] 35 Export Channels

[0147] 36 Adjustment mechanism

[0148] 37 Adjusting valve

Claims

1. A method for filtering a liquid and / or melt containing impurities by means of a filtration device (1), wherein the method performs the following steps: - Provide a housing (2) having a common supply channel (3) and a common outlet channel (4); - A first filter device (5) is provided, the first filter device having a first inlet channel (7), a first filter chamber (8), a strip-shaped first filter element (9) guided through the first filter chamber (8), a first clamping unit (10), and a first outlet channel (11), wherein, The first inlet channel (7) is in a flow connection with the common supply channel (3), and the first outlet channel (11) is in a flow connection with the common outlet channel (4), and the first filter element (9) is observed in the adjustment direction of the first filter element (9) to be held clamped as needed on both sides of the first filter chamber (8) by means of the first and second clamping devices of the first clamping unit (10); - A second filter device (6) is provided, which has a second inlet channel (14), a second filter chamber (15), a strip-shaped second filter element (16) guided through the second filter chamber (15), a second clamping unit (17), and a second outlet channel (18), wherein the second inlet channel (14) is in flow connection with a common supply channel (3), and the second outlet channel (18) is in flow connection with a common outlet channel (4), and the second filter element (16) is held clamped as needed on both sides of the second filter chamber (15) by means of the third and fourth clamping devices of the second clamping unit (17) when viewed in the adjustment direction of the second filter element (16); - Provide liquid and / or melt to be filtered in a flowable aggregated state, and introduce the liquid and / or melt into a common supply channel (3), wherein the liquid and / or melt continues to be conveyed through at least one of the filtering devices to a common outlet channel (4) and is filtered at this time; Its features are, - Each clamping device of the first clamping unit (10) and the second clamping unit (17) includes a clamping element (21) and an adjusting element (22) that works in conjunction with the clamping element. - Each clamping element (21) is adjustablely guided relative to the housing (2) in the normal direction on the planar side of the corresponding filter element, and is set in a lateral orientation relative to the adjustment direction of the corresponding filter element; - Each adjustment element (22) is adjustablely guided relative to the housing (2) in a parallel direction relative to the planar side of the corresponding filter element and is also set in a lateral orientation relative to the adjustment direction of the corresponding filter element; - Each clamping element (21) has a clamping element contact surface (23) on its side facing the corresponding adjusting element (22); - Each adjusting element (22) has an adjusting element contact surface (24) on its side facing the corresponding clamping element (21); - Correspondingly, the clamping element contact surface (23) and the adjusting element contact surface (24), which act together and face each other, are oriented extending in opposite directions, and the corresponding clamping element contact surface (23) and the adjusting element contact surface (24) also have a longitudinally oriented, obliquely extending, relative to the planar side of the corresponding filter element; and - When the adjusting element (22) is adjusted relative to the clamping element (21) that acts with the adjusting element in the first adjusting direction, the clamping element (21) is pressed toward the housing (2) into a clamping position against the corresponding filter element, and when the adjusting element (22) is in a second adjusting direction opposite to the first adjusting direction, the clamping element (21) that acts with the adjusting element is adjusted to a release position for the corresponding filter element.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping elements (21) and adjusting elements (22) that interact with each other are longitudinally movable and guided in the region of their clamping element contact surface (23) and adjusting element contact surface (24) by means of the first guiding assembly (25).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The corresponding adjustment elements (22) are held and guided longitudinally on the housing (2) by means of the second guide assembly (26) on the side opposite to the corresponding filter element.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each clamping element (21) is completely sealed circumferentially toward the housing (2) in view of its clamping surface toward the corresponding filter element.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each clamping device in each clamping unit is adjusted independently between its clamping position and its release position.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each of the adjusting elements (22) of each clamping device is adjusted independently between its clamping position and its release position.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When each clamping element (21) is in the clamping position, the corresponding filter chamber is sealed toward the housing (2).

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, During the filtration operation of the filtration device (1), at least 10% of the liquid and / or melt is always conveyed through one of the inlet channels, and the remaining portion of the total 100% of the liquid and / or melt is conveyed through the other inlet channel.

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When updating the effective filter surface of one of the filter elements, perform the following steps: - Reduce the supply share of liquid and / or melt to the corresponding filter chamber to up to 2% of the total mass flow rate or volume flow rate, or completely prohibit the supply of liquid and / or melt to the corresponding filter chamber; - Adjust the corresponding clamping device of the corresponding clamping unit to its release position; - Move the corresponding filter element through the corresponding filter chamber in its adjustment direction with a predetermined adjustment stroke; - Adjust one of the two clamping devices of the corresponding clamping unit to its clamping position; - Pre-tighten the corresponding filter element with a predetermined tension toward the other clamping device of the two clamping devices of the corresponding clamping unit; - Adjust the other clamping device of the two clamping devices of the corresponding clamping unit into its clamping position; and - Supply of liquid and / or melt to the corresponding filter chamber, which has a renewed filter surface of the corresponding filter element.

10. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The reduction of the supply share of liquid and / or melt to the respective filter chamber is achieved by means of the adjustment mechanism (36) in each inlet channel and / or in each outlet channel, or by means of the adjustment valve (37) in the transition section leading to each inlet channel.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The adjustment mechanism (36) and / or adjustment valve (37) are controlled by the control device (32).

12. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Identify and / or monitor the tension applied to the respective filter element when updating the effective filter surface of the respective filter element.

13. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The corresponding filter element is heated to a temperature value selected from a temperature range before being supplied to the corresponding filter chamber, the lower limit of which is 20°C above room temperature and the upper limit of which is 400°C.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The corresponding filter element is heated to the specified temperature value before its effective filter surface is renewed and before it is supplied to the corresponding filter chamber.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The lower limit of the temperature range is the melting temperature of the corresponding melt, and the upper limit of the temperature range is the corresponding processing temperature.

16. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The corresponding filter element is heated to a temperature value selected from a temperature range after passing through the corresponding filter chamber. The lower limit of the temperature range is 20°C above room temperature, and the upper limit of the temperature range is 400°C.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, After the effective filter surface of the filter element is renewed, the corresponding filter element is heated to the temperature value after passing through the corresponding filter chamber.

18. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The lower limit of the temperature range is the melting temperature of the corresponding melt, and the upper limit of the temperature range is the corresponding processing temperature.

19. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In each inlet channel, and / or on the side of each filter chamber facing the corresponding inlet channel, the pressure established in the liquid and / or melt is determined by a pressure sensor (31).

20. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, In each inlet channel, and / or on the side of each filter chamber facing the corresponding inlet channel, the pressure established in the liquid and / or melt is determined by a pressure sensor (31); and The control device (32) is configured to monitor the pressure detected by each pressure sensor (31) and control the adjustment mechanism (36) and / or the adjustment valve (37) to keep the pressure within a predetermined limit.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The control device (32) is configured by means of machine learning to proactively control the adjustment mechanism (36) and / or adjustment valve (37) based on the pressure determined by each pressure sensor (31), the material parameters of the liquid and / or melt to be processed, and the adjustment parameters of the adjustment mechanism (36) and / or adjustment valve (37), so that the pressure is maintained within predetermined limits.

22. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The liquid or melt is a polymer and / or a paste-like material.

23. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The melt is plastic.

24. A filtration apparatus (1) for filtering liquids and / or melts containing contaminants, the filtration apparatus (1) comprising: - Housing (2), which has a common supply channel (3) and a common outlet channel (4); - A first filter device (5) having a first inlet channel (7), a first filter chamber (8), a strip-shaped first filter element (9) guided through the first filter chamber (8), a first clamping unit (10), and a first outlet channel (11), wherein the first inlet channel (7) is in flow connection with a common supply channel (3), and the first outlet channel (11) is in flow connection with a common outlet channel (4), and the first filter element (9) is held clamped as needed on both sides of the first filter chamber (8) by means of the first and second clamping devices of the first clamping unit (10) when viewed in the adjustment direction of the first filter element (9); - A second filter device (6) having a second inlet channel (14), a second filter chamber (15), a strip-shaped second filter element (16) guided through the second filter chamber (15), a second clamping unit (17), and a second outlet channel (18), wherein the second inlet channel (14) is in flow connection with a common supply channel (3), and the second outlet channel (18) is in flow connection with a common outlet channel (4), and the second filter element (16) is held clamped as needed on both sides of the second filter chamber (15) by means of the third and fourth clamping devices of the second clamping unit (17) when viewed in the adjustment direction of the second filter element (16); Its features are, - Each clamping device of the first clamping unit (10) and the second clamping unit (17) includes a clamping element (21) and an adjusting element (22) that works in conjunction with the clamping element. - Each clamping element (21) is adjustablely guided relative to the housing (2) in the normal direction on the planar side of the corresponding filter element, and is set in a lateral orientation relative to the adjustment direction of the corresponding filter element; - Each adjustment element (22) is adjustablely guided relative to the housing (2) in a parallel direction relative to the planar side of the corresponding filter element, and is also set in a lateral orientation relative to the adjustment direction of the corresponding filter element; - Each clamping element (21) has a clamping element contact surface (23) on its side facing the corresponding adjusting element (22). - Each adjusting element (22) has an adjusting element contact surface (24) on its side facing the corresponding clamping element (21). - Correspondingly, the clamping element contact surface (23) and the adjusting element contact surface (24), which act together and face each other, are oriented extending in opposite directions, and the corresponding clamping element contact surface (23) and the adjusting element contact surface (24) also have a longitudinally oriented, obliquely extending, relative to the planar side of the corresponding filter element; and - When the adjusting element (22) is adjusted relative to the clamping element (21) that acts with the adjusting element in the first adjustment direction, the clamping element (21) is pressed against the housing (2) into a clamping position against the corresponding filter element, and when the adjusting element (22) is in a second adjustment direction that is opposite to the first adjustment direction, the clamping element (21) that acts with the adjusting element can be adjusted to a release position for the corresponding filter element.

25. The filtration device (1) according to claim 24, characterized in that, The filtration device is used to implement the filtration method according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

26. The filtration device (1) according to claim 24, characterized in that, The clamping elements (21) and adjusting elements (22) that interact with each other are longitudinally movable and guided in the region of their clamping element contact surface (23) and adjusting element contact surface (24) by means of the first guiding assembly (25).

27. The filtration device (1) according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that, The corresponding adjustment elements (22) are held and guided longitudinally on the housing (2) by means of the second guide assembly (26) on the side opposite to the corresponding filter element.

28. The filtration device (1) according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that, Each clamping element (21) is completely sealed circumferentially toward the housing (2) in view of its clamping surface toward the corresponding filter element.

29. The filtration device (1) according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that, Each clamping device in each clamping unit is in drive connection with its own adjustment drive device.

30. The filtration device (1) according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that, Each of the adjusting elements (22) of each clamping device is in drive connection with its own adjusting drive.

31. The filtration device (1) according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that, The filtration device also includes an adjustment mechanism (36) in each inlet channel and / or in each outlet channel and / or an adjustment valve (37) in the transition section leading to each inlet channel, the adjustment mechanism (36) and / or the adjustment valve (37) being able to limit the supply share of liquid and / or melt to the respective filter chamber.

32. The filtration device (1) according to claim 31, characterized in that, The filtration device also includes a control device (32) that controls the adjustment mechanism (36) and / or the adjustment valve (37).

33. The filtration device (1) according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that, Each filter element is provided with a first heating device, and each first heating device is positioned upstream of the corresponding filter chamber when viewed in the adjustment direction of the corresponding filter element.

34. The filtration device (1) according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that, Each filter element is provided with a second heating device, and each second heating device is positioned downstream of the corresponding filter chamber when viewed in the adjustment direction of the corresponding filter element.

35. The filtration device (1) according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that, At least one pressure sensor (31) is provided in each inlet channel and / or on the side facing the corresponding inlet channel in each filter chamber, and each pressure sensor (31) constitutes a means of determining the pressure established in the liquid and / or melt.

36. The filtration device (1) according to claim 32, characterized in that, In each inlet channel, and / or on one side of each filter chamber facing the corresponding inlet channel, at least one pressure sensor (31) is provided, and each pressure sensor (31) constitutes a means of determining the pressure established in the liquid and / or melt; and The control device (32) is configured to monitor the pressure detected by the pressure sensor (31) and control the adjustment mechanism (36) and / or the adjustment valve (37) to keep the pressure within a predetermined limit.

37. The filtration device (1) according to claim 36, characterized in that, The control device (32) is configured by means of machine learning to proactively control the adjustment mechanism (36) and / or adjustment valve (37) based on the pressure determined by each pressure sensor (31), the material parameters of the liquid and / or melt to be processed, and the adjustment parameters of the adjustment mechanism (36) and / or adjustment valve (37), so that the pressure is maintained within a predetermined limit.

38. The filtration device (1) according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that, The liquid or melt is a polymer and / or a paste-like material.

39. The filtration device (1) according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that, The melt is plastic.

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