Device for preparing and heating a pad before pressing.

Abstract

This utility model relates to an apparatus for preparing and heating a circulating pad before a press. The apparatus is used in a board production plant to prepare and heat a circulating pad formed from a mixture of pulverized material and optional adhesive before feeding it into a press. It includes at least one forming belt located below at least one distributing unit for preparing a pad with two surfaces and two small sides. At least two heating units for the pad or at least one layer of the pad are arranged in the production direction before the press. Each heating unit is characterized by heating at least one working area of ​​the pad. Control or regulating devices are arranged therein, and these devices are operable to divide a predetermined or calculated amount of energy required to heat the pad before it enters the press between the two heating units.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Furthermore, this invention relates to an apparatus for preparing and heating a pad before a press.

[0002] This apparatus is particularly suitable for factories that use presses to produce engineered boards or panels, which harden castable materials into 3D objects or flat boards. These materials preferably include wood, plastics, fibers, recycled materials, and / or adhesives. Such factories typically have several machines from different suppliers combined together to produce a predetermined product. Background Technology

[0003] When producing boards from shredded materials, primarily using granules of varying sizes, mainly flowable or free-flowing, containing lignocellulose and / or cellulose, such as fibers, chips, etc., are employed. These granules are typically discharged from a metering or measuring hopper after the binder has been provided and delivered to a spreading head, which serves as a dispensing device. At least one such device is usually used in conjunction with a forming station for mats. Through the spreading unit, the granules, chips, or fibers are spread to form layers of felt or mat on a continuously traveling forming belt, and then, in a subsequent pressing station, are shaped into finished panels primarily by heat and pressure.

[0004] As for the definition of boards, they mainly refer to particleboard, fiberboard, and other boards made from materials larger than fibers and particles. Larger materials are often oriented using a distributing device to obtain multiple layers of similarly oriented material, mostly longitudinally or transversely relative to the working direction. Such boards are commonly called oriented strand board (OSB). Fiberboard consists primarily of fibers, prepared by a fine mill, and preferably glued in a so-called blow molding line. For particleboard, wood is typically shredded to the desired size and then mechanically mixed with adhesives or binders in a drum mixer, and / or sprayed with adhesives during its free fall or pneumatic transport through pipes. In other areas, the recycling of waste wood or municipal waste is becoming increasingly popular, thus requiring the transport or handling of more difficult and dirtier combinations of materials on impermeable or permeable forming belts.

[0005] On the other hand, slats, rods, or veneers made of wood are used to form objects or pads to be pressed. The arrangement (structure) of these objects or pads or thicker elements can also be processed using different types of heating units before the press so that the glue can cure faster and / or properly.

[0006] Typically, various permeable tapes or meshes are used to form and transport the material as a pad before the main press, which usually has an impermeable steel tape. However, permeable tapes can also be used even in the main press, for example, when producing rigid or flexible insulation boards. Such tapes or meshes can consist of perforated metal or plastic tapes, braided tapes, or chain mail.

[0007] Such permeable belts have particular advantages and uses in degassing or ventilating equipment, such as pre-compression machines, where the pad is compressed and air is removed from it. Other equipment using such belts includes (pre)heating devices that inject electromagnetic waves, steam, or hot air into the pad, sometimes in conjunction with pad compression.

[0008] In existing technologies, preheating systems for pads typically operate as self-sufficient systems. The heating of the pads is arranged with varying degrees of accuracy, and its effects are reflected in the properties of the pressed sheets after the press. Therefore, it is necessary to utilize experience, intuition, and previous production cycles to achieve good quality.

[0009] Known devices and methods for treating pads before presses can be found in EP1140447B1, EP1323509B1, EP1769894B1 or EP2247418B1.

[0010] Sometimes, in factories used for board production, such heating and / or pressing units are typically constructed and installed separately as refurbishment kits. No conveyor pads are needed between the pressurizing or heating equipment.

[0011] Even if these devices are pre-installed at the plant by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), they may be components sourced from third-party suppliers. Typically, such equipment, located upstream of the press production line, can also be directly controlled from the plant's control room. Sometimes, controlling such devices requires different control panels compared to other plant control systems, and the control equipment is limited to turning on / off or setting parameters, especially when considering other plant equipment, such as the speed of the production process (e.g., the press) or planned production.

[0012] The purpose of this invention is to simplify and / or optimize the use of multiple heating systems for pads prior to a press, thereby reducing energy consumption, increasing efficiency, or maintaining or improving product quality. For manual controllers, it is extremely difficult to use different machines with varying efficiencies under their optimal conditions or parameters.

[0013] In an extension of the objectives of this invention, it is possible to more easily and efficiently combine separate systems from different manufacturers for heating materials on a belt. Preferably, optional settings should be specified fully automatically, or these optional settings should be implemented directly by the factory during production.

[0014] This invention is applicable not only to the production of engineering boards such as MDF, PB, or OSB, but also to the production of other products made from beams and decorative panels, or the production of plywood. Therefore, the production of almost all boards or similar boards using different heating elements prior to a press can benefit from this invention. Utility Model Content

[0015] The problems existing in the apparatus for preparing and heating the pad are solved according to the present invention.

[0016] This invention relates to an apparatus for preparing and heating a circulating pad, formed from a mixture of pulverized materials and optional adhesives, before it enters a press in a factory for producing boards. The apparatus includes at least one forming belt located below at least one distributing unit for preparing the pad having two surfaces and two small sides, wherein at least two heating units for at least one layer of the pad or the pad are arranged in the production direction before the press, the heating units being characterized for heating at least one working area of ​​the pad.

[0017] The objective of this invention is achieved by a device having a control or adjustment mechanism capable of operating at least two heating units such that a predetermined or calculated amount of energy NE required to heat the pad before it enters the press is allocated between the at least two heating units.

[0018] Preferably, and to avoid misunderstanding, the control or regulation device is connected via an interface or directly to the heating unit or its components to perform the necessary tasks. In the inventive concept, the control or regulation device may also be part of another heating unit to be installed in the factory or forming belt area, thus enabling the control or regulation of the other heating unit.

[0019] Preferably, the control or regulating equipment is integrated into one of these heating units, or into one of these heating units, or is part of the plant's control room. In a particular embodiment, the control or regulating equipment is arranged as an extension stage between the control room and a molding area with two heating units.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively, interfaces, particularly for heating units, for sensors or measuring devices to databases and / or to other control units in the plant, for bidirectional communication, are arranged within the control or regulating equipment.

[0021] In the most preferred embodiment, at least between the heating unit and / or the press, and especially in the control or regulation equipment, means for timestamping and / or path-time tracking of the pads on the forming belt are arranged.

[0022] Another advantageous application feature is a control or regulation device that includes at least a computer or system for performing tasks to calculate and / or allocate the required energy among the heating units.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, the computer or system is preferably capable of using algorithms, artificial intelligence, or neural networks for the purpose of improving the efficiency of the heating unit and / or uniformizing the temperature or energy amplitude of the pad before it enters the press.

[0024] On the other hand, it may be advantageous to arrange at least one heating unit in the production direction before the last dispensing unit and between the last dispensing unit and the press.

[0025] Also disclosed is a control or regulating device for a plant for producing boards or an apparatus for heating pads, the plant or apparatus having at least two separate heating units or working areas for heating a pad or at least one layer of the pad on a circulating forming belt before a press, the device being particularly designed as an extension of the plant or apparatus, wherein at least two interfaces for the heating units are arranged, and wherein the control or regulating device is capable of executing operating instructions for these heating units such that a predetermined or calculated amount of energy (NE) required for heating the pad is allocated between the two heating units before the pad enters the press.

[0026] Furthermore, this utility model also discloses a computer program product for controlling or regulating a computer in a factory for producing boards, particularly as an extension stage of the factory or apparatus having at least two separate heating units or working areas for heating a pad or at least one layer of the pad on a circulating forming belt before the pad enters the press. The computer program product includes instructions that, when the computer executes the program, cause the computer to perform operational control to operate these heating units by sending signals, such that a predetermined or calculated amount of energy (NE) required for heating the pad before it enters the press is allocated between the two heating units for this purpose.

[0027] By determining and / or calculating the amount of energy required for the heating pad, different heating units operating at their optimal state can be used, taking into account efficiency and / or resource consumption. Furthermore, mutually interfering control settings can be avoided, and the overall plant efficiency can be significantly increased. Other advantages of this invention, particularly features with further improvements, are detailed below.

[0028] Depending on various factors, such as the predetermined energy before it enters the press, the location of the heating units, the distance between and / or from the press, the operating mode, the materials used, the efficiency of the heating power supply, etc., an allocation (scheme) can be determined or established. The allocation (scheme) preferably has a division coefficient or ratio for the allocation between different heating units.

[0029] Preferably, the predetermined amount of temperature or energy EM in the pad is achieved before the pad enters the press, and is preferably used as the target value for the desired energy NE. By using the temperature or energy of the pad, calculations can be performed to obtain information about energy loss before and / or after the heating unit. This information can be provided by at least one sensor for the pad, or, in special cases, integrated by a specific heating unit before the pad enters and / or leaves the heating unit. In this case, an interface can help obtain the necessary measurements (values).

[0030] Advantageously, the control or regulation equipment is characterized by a device for calculating the required energy to be provided by the heating unit.

[0031] Additionally or alternatively, the control or regulation device is characterized as a closed loop for regulating the required energy NE supplied to the pad, particularly based on sensors or other measuring devices for the pad.

[0032] This may be another preferred embodiment, in which the control or regulation device distributes the required energy NE according to the number and / or capacity of the heating units, and / or according to the number and / or capacity of the working area (effective area) of the heating units. It may be advantageous if the heating units are integrated not only as a single heating unit, but also in various ways, such as their different working areas, as injection or heating devices above or below, or as multiple heating units in a row, into the system.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, other heating units and / or working areas located between the spreading units, before the press, in the spreading unit or in the metering chamber for the spreading unit may be used.

[0034] As a combination or alternative, the energy transferred to the pad can be transmitted or realized by infrared furnaces, convection and / or radiation devices, hot water, hot air, air-steam combination, saturated steam and / or electromagnetic waves, especially by microwaves or high frequencies.

[0035] In another advantageous possibility, the control or regulation device determines the ratio between working areas, preferably between the upper and lower working areas, particularly based on the capacity of the working areas, the permeability of the pad surface, the permeability of the mesh belt, and / or the density distribution (curve) of the pad. The height of the pad may also be taken into consideration.

[0036] In the most preferred embodiment, after the last spreading unit or before the press, the temperature or energy of the pad is increased to just below the initial or curing temperature of the adhesive or material used, preferably 5% to 10% below said temperature. This may be advantageous for fast-curing adhesives or bicomponent fibers with different melt temperatures.

[0037] In another aspect of this invention or its arrangement, energy balance is used to obtain or calculate the required energy NE and / or the proportion of energy distribution, and the energy balance preferably uses the sum of the energy EM before the press and the energy provided by the heating unit.

[0038] Additionally or alternatively, energy balance is used to obtain or calculate the required energy NE and / or the proportion of energy distribution, and energy balance uses the energy EB of the plate after the press as well as the sum of the energy provided by the heating unit and the energy provided by the press.

[0039] In another advantageous possibility, energy balance is achieved by using the sum of the energy of the plate after the press and the energy EM of the pad before the press, which is combined with the energy E17 provided by the press itself.

[0040] By comparing and using energy balance, this device enables the energy distribution in the pad to be further enhanced before the press.

[0041] Depending on the material or heating type, heating units closer to or directly in front of the press may fail to heat the pad at the expected rate because heat transfer within the pad is too slow. Therefore, it may be necessary to increase the energy input in the first heating unit to achieve the desired heat transfer within the pad.

[0042] Advantageously, when using energy balance or calculating the required energy NE, the energy E1 of the pad provided by the material on the forming belt, with or without the energy E14 of the material from the last forming station, is taken into account. This appears to be even more important for pads prepared at higher temperatures, for example, shortly after the dryer in production, or when measures are taken in the plant during production to stop the cooling of the material used.

[0043] In another aspect of this invention or its arrangement, the control or regulating device calculates the required and / or predetermined energy to be transferred into the pad based on the expected or existing mass flow rate (tons per hour (to / h) or kilograms per second), and preferably by a multiplier alpha, while preferably the mass flow rate is weighed at least by a scale before the heating unit, or given or calculated by other means, such as by a metering unit for the dispersing unit or by a target value for the density of the pad.

[0044] Preferably, the multiplier alpha ranges from 0.1% to 10% to preferably obtain the required energy NE or the required steam flow rate in the steam heating unit, in tons per hour or kilogram per second.

[0045] A preferred embodiment uses steam, particularly condensed steam in a pad, in the first heating unit, and electromagnetic waves, particularly for heating water after the condensation step, in the second heating unit.

[0046] In the most preferred embodiment, the pulverized material includes biomass materials, such as pulverized debris, fibers, flakes and / or particles, particularly for the production of particleboard, fiberboard or oriented strand board, as well as particles and / or pulverized materials from biomass, wood, synthetic materials, plastics, composite materials or component materials generated during recycling.

[0047] This may be another preferred embodiment when algorithms, artificial intelligence, or neural networks are used in control or regulation equipment, or when algorithms, artificial intelligence, or neural networks are used to improve control or regulation equipment. Preferably, the control or regulation equipment uses actual production data and / or a database containing data for learning purposes, particularly for pre-learning purposes.

[0048] Additionally or alternatively, the input, processed, and output data are converted by the control or regulation equipment, preferably automatically and / or through an interface, so that the control or regulation equipment can process the data and communicate with the connected devices, especially heating units, sensors, and / or presses.

[0049] Preferably, the control or regulation device is capable of changing the output of the heating unit or working area in such a way that, - Improve the efficiency of the heating unit by adjusting the output to be closer to the maximum efficiency level of the heating unit, and / or - Because of the path-time tracking performed on the pad before it enters the press, a surge in the pad's temperature or energy amplitude is avoided.

[0050] Especially with the help of path-time tracking, travel time can be calculated, and settings can be changed online.

[0051] As a combination or alternative, a homogeneous or single-layered mat is provided, the material, particularly the fibers, being the same as that used in at least one spreading unit before the first heating unit and in the last spreading unit, wherein the lower portion of the mat is first heated by the first heating unit, while the upper portion of the mat is heated by the second heating unit. This is also advantageous for cases with multiple layers and multiple spreading units.

[0052] Additionally or alternatively, control or regulation equipment can send output signals to the plant's control room or individuals, displaying status information, especially warnings about equipment malfunctions, insufficient capacity, and / or notifications regarding how to increase or decrease temperature before or during the press, or by how much. This can be particularly beneficial if information on how to increase the plant's or plate's production capacity is prepared or provided.

[0053] Another advantageous range of applications can be obtained if at least one heating unit is arranged in the production direction before the last dispensing unit, and at least one heating unit is arranged between the press and the last dispensing unit, especially directly before the press, and the heating unit is characterized as being used to heat at least one working area of ​​the pad.

[0054] Preferably, the pad is pre-pressed before the main press, or more preferably directly before, after, or during heating of the pad using the heating unit.

[0055] The following parameters or rules can be selected individually or in any combination for calculating and / or distributing the required energy: - The mass flow rate of the pad before the first heating unit and / or the second heating unit, preferably with a correction factor; - Energy, temperature and / or moisture of the pad preceding the first heating unit and / or the second heating unit; - The energy, temperature, and / or moisture of the pad following the first heating unit; - The energy, temperature and / or moisture of the materials used or provided by the different dispersing units are preferably measured before or during the dispersing units; - The temperature or energy of the plate being pressed after the press; - The energy E17 provided by the press or the temperature used in the press; - Energy E2 and E4 provided by the heating unit; - Production speed of the forming belt or press; - The temperature difference of the pad before and after the heating unit; - The predetermined amount or temperature of the energy EM in the pad before the press, which is calculated, influenced or regulated by the energy, temperature and / or moisture of the plate EB after the press, especially taking into account the energy already stored in the pad before the first heating unit or the second heating unit; - The energy, moisture or other properties of the material after its crushing, preparation, drying and / or mixing with a binder, or before the dispersal unit, especially in conjunction with the path-time tracking of the material until it reaches the first heating unit; - Production parameters of the pad or board, or parameters of the pad or board itself, especially the number of layers of the pad / board, the structure and / or consistency of each layer or pad / board, the materials used, especially the materials used in each layer or pad, production speed, density distribution, internal adhesion (bonding) of the board, temperature distribution of each layer in the pad or board, moisture content of the pad or board, and pressing coefficient (pressing coefficient). - Use the highest efficiency level of each heating unit or its working area as a target value, especially as a secondary target value for dividing the required energy NE or controlling the ratio between working areas.

[0056] The following advantages can be obtained through the features of this utility model: a) By fully utilizing multiple heating systems, the effect parameters of the first heating unit can be obtained locally, and the heating effect of the second heating unit can be adjusted to smooth the temperature profile of the pad before the press (pressing) over time. Therefore, the production of the sheet benefits from the static temperature and energy of the pad when it enters the press, as well as the continuous quality of the produced sheet.

[0057] b) Prior to the press, different heating methods, such as a combination of steam in the first heating unit and microwaves in the second heating unit, can be used more easily and readily by using a control or regulation device for controlling the amount of energy required to control the heating pad. This combination of heating units helps to take advantage of the specific advantages of each type, such as the high energy input from the steam condensation effect in the pad in the first heating unit, and the relatively (comparable) uniform energy distribution of microwaves in the moistened pad in the second heating unit. Different combinations may also be helpful depending on the pad's parameters and / or its structure.

[0058] c) Considering factors such as mass flow rate, dryness, particle size distribution, temperature, and pad permeability, undesirable changes or fluctuations in material parameters over time can be easily handled because the second heating unit can adjust its parameters in a timely manner. Therefore, the second heating unit can compensate for these undesirable changes through time / path-tracking of the pad and its temperature variations.

[0059] d) Another advantage is that it can hedge against fluctuations, especially those within the press itself. A pad several meters long, if heated to varying temperatures, will cause different energy consumption in the press, thus affecting the press's heat and pressure control.

[0060] e) Furthermore, the final cured zone of the pad moves within the press, which further impacts the quality of the sheet and the press's control system. Fluctuations in the control system can have undesirable effects, necessitating intervention from field service personnel to control the press system.

[0061] f) By distributing the required energy across at least two different heating systems, at least one heating unit can operate at an optimized level of efficiency, and it is even possible to better vary the energy output of each heating unit over time to achieve an optimized level of efficiency without jeopardizing production. This is challenging, but feasible, for combinations of different heating units, such as steam and microwave systems.

[0062] g) Last but equally important, self-learning neural networks can be used in control or regulation equipment, especially in conjunction with different heating systems at the front end of the plant. These neural networks must and can learn from past and / or actual production parameters in order to achieve better results over time. Better results can be obtained after learning from older production parameters.

[0063] In sheet production, a circulating pad is pressed into a circulating strip, which is then cut into sheets after being pressed by a press. According to this invention, as long as the energy, temperature, or other parameters after the press can be obtained at a reasonable distance from the press, or can be corrected for based on the energy lost to the surrounding environment after leaving the press, there will be no difference between the strips or sheets coming out of the press.

[0064] The above and subsequent features can be combined with the main idea of ​​this utility model, and can be used alone or in combination with other features to improve this utility model.

[0065] Preferably, the predetermined amount of energy for heating the pad is obtained by calculation, preferably by controlling or regulating the equipment and based on the mass flow rate, moisture content and / or predetermined temperature of the pad, especially before the pad enters the press.

[0066] Additionally or alternatively, the predetermined amount of energy is calculated based on the mass flow rate of the pad to be pressed and its energy, temperature and / or humidity levels after the press, wherein the corresponding levels after the press are preferably calculated taking into account (thermal) energy fed into the pad by the press.

[0067] Additionally or alternatively, at least one heating unit located after the last distribution unit transfers more energy to the pad than at least one heating unit located before the last distribution unit.

[0068] Additionally or alternatively, the produced mat includes at least one surface layer and at least two core layers, wherein a heating unit is installed or used after each distribution unit for the core layers.

[0069] Additionally or alternatively, heating units with upper and lower working areas transfer more energy to the upper surface than to the lower surface. In particular, parameters or ratios for the energy distribution between the upper and lower working areas are provided by control or regulation equipment.

[0070] Additionally or alternatively, at least one heating unit located before the last distribution unit transfers more energy to the pad than at least one heating unit located after the last distribution unit. In particular, parameters or proportions of energy distribution between the first (or last) heating unit are provided by a control or regulating device. Attached Figure Description

[0071] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying schematic diagrams and some preferred embodiments, in which: Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view is shown in the longitudinal direction of the circulating belt during the preparation of a pad to be fed into a press for plate production. A heating unit is arranged to increase the temperature of the pad before it reaches the press. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 An enlarged view of the area of ​​the heating unit used for the pad. Detailed Implementation

[0072] Figure 1A schematic cross-sectional view showing the production direction 13 of the forming belt 11 running longitudinally in the circulation direction, omitting the return stroke of the belt. Distributing units 12 and 14 are arranged from left to right along the movement and production direction 13 of the forming belt 11 for preparing the pad 1 to be pressed in the dual-belt press 17. After the press, the cured plate 21 is typically trimmed, sawn, cooled, and stacked. The final post-production stages are not shown in detail. Distributing units 12 and 14 are supplied with material by metering bins 22, and only one metering bin 22 is shown in the figures. The pad 1 on the forming belt 11 has an upper surface 15 and a lower surface 16 in contact with the forming belt 11.

[0073] For heating the pad, one or more heating units 2, 4 can be arranged in the production direction 13 before the press 17. In this arrangement, the first heating unit 2 is arranged before the last distributing unit 14 before the press 17, and the second heating unit 4 is arranged between the last distributing unit 14 and the press 17. Multiple heating units can also be arranged between the distributing units, or the first heating unit 2 can be arranged earlier between the distributing units 12. Alternatively, the first heating unit can be arranged after the last distributing unit 14. In this way, two or more heating units will be arranged before the press 17.

[0074] Heating units 2 and 4 have at least one working area for the heating pad. In this example, the first heating unit 2 has a working area 3 on the side of the upper surface of the pad 1. This may be useful if the forming belt is a closed belt. The pad 11 is transferred to the second heating unit 4, which has two different working areas 5 and 6. A looping belt (without reference numerals) transports the pad 1 through the heating units, and heating is provided by the working areas 5 and 6 of the heating units 4 via the upper surface 15 and the lower surface 16.

[0075] The installed control or regulating device 7 is shown as the box at the top. The letter NE represents the required energy NE, which is calculated as or otherwise given as a target value. The control or regulating device processes the required energy NE, thereby allocating it to at least two heating units 2, 4, such that each heating unit provides sufficient energy to provide the required energy NE after the second heating unit. Before the press 17, the energy EM for the pad 1 can be acquired or determined to calculate or correct the required energy in the control loop via the control or regulating device 7. The heating of the pad 1 can be better controlled or regulated by using a control or regulating device separate from the heating units. The operation of the control or regulating device can be further enhanced by using the energy EB of the plate 21 after the press 17 as a further target or correction value.

[0076] The control or regulation device can also contact the press 17 or the plant control room (not shown) to regulate the heating or energy supplied in the press 17.

[0077] Preferably, energy balance can be used in control or regulation device 7 to calculate, prepare, or control the energy required for the heating unit or curing plate 17. An energy graph is shown below the schematic diagram. The energy EB of the pad is typically highest directly at the outlet after the press 17. A certain amount of energy is provided when preparing each layer of the pad with material, which is shown as E12 in some cases. Energy E2 is provided to the pad 1 by the heating unit 2 before the final material is output by the distributing unit 14. The energy E14 provided by the material from the distributing unit 14 is almost negligible because the covering layer is typically composed of small particles and is relatively small. After energy E14, energy E4 is increased by the heating unit 4. After proper use, energy EM should reach the target value before the press 17.

[0078] To improve production, the energy E17 supplied and used in the press can be considered, which will ultimately result in the plate reaching its maximum energy, i.e., the energy EB after the press 17. This energy balance can be used as an additional calculation or regulation means for controlling or regulating the equipment 7 to determine or calculate the required energy NE to be allocated to two or more heating units 2, 4.

[0079] Figure 2 Further details regarding the connection of the control or regulation device 7, as previously described, are shown. Preferably, sensors 18 are arranged, and these sensors are capable of improving the control loop or providing information data about energy in pad 1 at certain steps of production, or preferably, utilizing timestamps and path-time tracking 20. In this separate embodiment, heating units 2, 4 are arranged as steam generators. A steam supply unit 8 is arranged for heating unit 2, and a steam supply unit 9 is arranged for heating unit 4. Because heating units 4 have different operating areas 5, 6, valves 10 are arranged to regulate the proportion of steam used in the different operating areas. This valve 10 can be controlled or supplied with parameters via the control and regulation device 7. The supply unit 9 can also be controlled based on the amount of steam supplied each time. The same applies to heating units 2 and / or supply units 8. Multiple sensors 18 and scales 19 can be arranged where deemed necessary.

[0080] Since factories typically have two or more different and self-sufficient heating units, more advanced control or regulation devices 9 can now be provided, especially as an extension stage, which can automatically control the heating units 2, 4 in the correct manner, particularly by preventing the two heating units from heating the pad too much or too little.

[0081] This can be achieved, in particular, by calculating or determining the amount of energy required for the pad and providing a certain proportion of energy among two or more heating units. This proportion and distribution (allocation) can be tested or learned and may depend on several factors, primarily the type and / or number of heating units or the characteristics of the working area.

[0082] List of reference numerals

[0083] 1 pad

[0084] 2 Heating Unit (First)

[0085] 3. Work Area

[0086] 4. Heating Unit (Second)

[0087] 5. Work Area

[0088] 6. Work Area

[0089] 7. Control or regulation equipment

[0090] 8 Supply Units

[0091] 9 Supply Units

[0092] 10 valves (in a ratio of 5 / 6)

[0093] 11 Forming Belt

[0094] 12 Distributed Units

[0095] 13 Production Direction

[0096] 14. Distribution unit (the last one before the press)

[0097] 15 Surface (above 1)

[0098] 16 Surface (below 1)

[0099] 17. Press

[0100] 18 sensors

[0101] 19 scales

[0102] 20 Path-Time Tracking

[0103] 21 boards

[0104] 22 Quantitative Storage Chamber

[0105] E1 energy (the pad before 2)

[0106] E2 energy (provided by 2)

[0107] E4 energy (provided by 4)

[0108] E17 Energy (provided by 17)

[0109] NE (Required) Energy (To be distributed)

[0110] Energy (pad) before the press.

[0111] EB refers to the energy (plate) after the press.

Claims

1. An apparatus for preparing and heating a circulating pad prior to a press, the apparatus being used in a board production plant to prepare and heat a circulating pad formed from a mixture of pulverized materials and optionally an adhesive before feeding it into a press. Includes at least one forming belt (11) located below at least one distributing unit (12, 14) for preparing a pad (1) with two surfaces (15, 16) and two small sides, and at least two heating units (2) arranged in the production direction (13) before the press (17) for the pad (1) or at least one layer of the pad (1). The heating unit (2, 4) is characterized by being used to heat at least one working area (3, 5, 6) of the pad (1), and is characterized in that, A control or regulating device (7) is provided, and the control or regulating device (7) is capable of operating the at least two heating units (2, 4) such that a predetermined or calculated amount of energy (NE) required to heat the pad (1) before it enters the press is allocated between the two heating units (2, 4).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control or regulation device (7) is integrated into one of the heating units (2, 4), or into one of the heating units (2, 4), or is part of the control room of the plant.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, An interface is provided within the control or regulation device (7).

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The interface is a bidirectional communication interface for the heating unit (2, 4), for sensors or measuring devices, to a database, to the press (17), and / or to the control unit of the plant.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A device for path-time tracking (20) of the pad (1) is arranged on the forming belt (11), at least between the heating unit and / or the press.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The device for path-time tracking (20) of the pad (1) is arranged in the control or regulation device (7).

7. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control or regulation device (7) includes at least a computer or system for formulating operating instructions for these heating units and / or their components, such that a predetermined or calculated amount of energy (NE) required to heat the pad before it enters the press is allocated between the two heating units.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, For the purpose of improving the efficiency of the heating unit and / or for the purpose of uniformizing the temperature or energy amplitude of the pad before it enters the press, the computer or system may use algorithms, artificial intelligence or neural networks.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one heating unit (2) for the pad (1) is arranged in the production direction (13) before the last distributing unit (14), and at least one heating unit (4) is arranged before the last distributing unit (14) and the press (17).

10. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The same or different types of heating units are arranged.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The heating unit is a heating unit that uses an infrared furnace, convection and / or radiation device, hot water, hot air, air-steam combination, saturated steam and / or electromagnetic waves.

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