EMPTYING SYSTEM FOR EMPTYING PASTY MATERIAL FROM BARRELS

Abstract

Emptying system for emptying pasty material from barrel-shaped containers with a barrel follower plate - preferably retractable into the interior of the container like a stamp - which has a vent opening, with a pump in operative connection with the vent opening for drawing off the material enclosed in the collection space between the barrel bottom and the barrel follower plate, wherein at least one agitator is provided in the collection space which forces a movement relative to the barrel follower plate on the material enclosed in the collection space.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a discharge system for emptying pasty material from preferably barrel-shaped containers according to the preamble of claim 1, and a method for emptying pasty material from barrel-shaped containers. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional emptying systems for pasty materials can already be used to empty viscous materials from containers, preferably drum-like containers. This is usually done using a pump and a drum follower plate. The drum follower plate, which has a discharge opening, is pressed downwards – towards the material – while the pump simultaneously draws the material out of the container through the discharge opening. For more viscous materials, the material is often heated first to reduce its viscosity and increase its flowability.

[0003] However, for some materials, even heating the material in combination with the pump's output is insufficient to pump the highly viscous material out of the container. In this case, the material is either not fluid or not fluid enough and therefore does not actually move towards the discharge opening.

[0004] DE 10 2015 000 410 A1 describes a device and a method for pumping highly viscous and solid masses from a container, wherein the mass to be pumped is pressed around the pump inlet by rotating a paddle wheel or an inclined plate, which may have one or more blades, and is conveyed further by the pump.

[0005] US Patent 4,592,491 A relates to a device for emptying a container holding a high-viscosity product, comprising an arrangement for inserting a plate, the dimensions of which substantially correspond to those of the container's opening, into the container, and a pump for removing the product in conjunction with the plate. The plate includes a scraper system that is set in motion by a drive system to convey the product adjacent to the front surface of the plate toward the pump's discharge zone. TASK OF INVENTION

[0006] Accordingly, the object of the invention is to provide a means by which highly viscous materials, preferably even those which cannot be conveyed from a container using the prior art, can be conveyed from a container. INVENTIONAL SOLUTION

[0007] The first main claim offers a solution to this problem.

[0008] A discharge system for emptying pasty material from preferably barrel-shaped containers is proposed, featuring a follower plate that can be lowered into the container interior like a plunger. Preferably, the follower plate itself is moved and retracted into the container interior. Alternatively, the bottom of the barrel can be moved towards the stationary follower plate, resulting in "only" a corresponding relative movement – ​​which may be sufficient, although this is not preferred. The barrel can be positioned on its bottom, suspended upside down with the opening facing downwards (preferred), or lying on its side – particularly when handling modeling clay in prototype or body prototype construction. The latter is not preferred.The drum follower plate has a preferably central exhaust opening and, in the case just mentioned, is ideally designed and movably mounted in such a way that it can be inserted vertically into a drum-like container, from top to bottom in the direction of its longitudinal axis.

[0009] Furthermore, the emptying system includes a pump for removing the material trapped in the collection space between the drum bottom and the drum follower plate, wherein the pump is in operative communication with the extraction opening and preferably draws the material from the collection space via the extraction opening.

[0010] The emptying system is characterized by the fact that at least one agitator is provided in the collection chamber, which forces the material enclosed in the collection chamber to move relative to the drum follower plate.

[0011] The material being treated by the agitator is ideally so highly viscous that it cannot be extracted by pumping alone in a decomposition-free heated state. Ideally, the agitator is designed such that the material being treated and intended for pumping is subjected to a movement by the agitator that causes the material's viscosity to decrease, at least temporarily.

[0012] The agitator causes the material, or preferably parts of the material, to move relative to the drum follower plate. This relative movement reduces the viscosity of the material, or at least parts of the material, preferably through shearing or by loosening and / or substantially separating parts from the surface region of the material in the collection chamber. As a result, the material, or at least parts of the material, can be drawn off by the pump through the drum follower plate, usually upwards, into an area above the drum follower plate.

[0013] Barrel-like containers, as described here, are containers that have a closed bottom and, as a rule, self-supporting side walls, as well as a discharge opening opposite the bottom, which is generally not recessed or not significantly so, but rather provides complete access to the interior of the container. The self-supporting feature is sufficiently pronounced that the side walls do not collapse under the influence of the frictional forces exerted on them by the drum follower plate when lowered into the barrel-like container. The term "barrel-like container" in its broader sense is not limited to barrels in the strict sense, but can also include rectangular tanks or any other storage containers in which the material to be pumped remains completely or substantially motionless until it is drawn in by the pump.However, the term also has a preferred, narrower meaning in the sense that a barrel-shaped container is such that it shows essentially round cross-sections everywhere or at least a series of them when cut at different heights perpendicular to its longitudinal or rotational axis.

[0014] In some, but rare, cases, the drum follower plate does not rest against the side walls of the drum-like container itself, but against a lining bag or pouch that needs to be emptied. The upper end of this lining or pouch is then securely fixed to the drum-like container, allowing the bag or pouch to be emptied by scraping it from the inside. In such a case, the agitator(s) must maintain sufficient radial distance from the bag or pouch to avoid catching it.

[0015] In many preferred cases, the drum follower plate, by continuously immersing itself further into the drum-like container, keeps the material to be pumped under a certain pre-tension or pressure, thereby motivating the material to move through the discharge opening of the drum follower plate towards the pump suction area.

[0016] The precise physical effect underlying the invention has not yet been fully investigated. However, as a first approximation, the following can be stated: The highly preferred effect of the invention is that the agitation according to the invention is carried out with the necessary means in such a way that the material to be pumped is subjected to a more than negligible shear rate in the intake or suction or inlet area of ​​the pump (ideally essentially only there). The shear rate is so high that the material undergoes shear thinning in this area, thus achieving a more than negligible reduction in local viscosity. As a first approximation, this can be imagined as the shear reducing the internal cohesion of the material to be pumped—for example, in materials consisting of long-chain molecules, by pulling apart molecular entanglements.The effect seems to be particularly pronounced where non-Newtonian fluids are to be pumped, which is why the invention is particularly well suited for bringing such fluids into a pumpable state.

[0017] In many cases, it can be said that the agitator according to the invention is preferably designed in such a way that it only sets the uppermost level or the surface area of ​​the mass or material to be conveyed into motion, preferably essentially into a sliding or shearing motion. PREFERRED DESIGN OPTIONS FOR THE INVENTION

[0018] A preferred embodiment of the emptying system consists in the agitator being at least one shearing bar – preferably extending substantially radially to the central longitudinal axis of the container to be emptied – which is attached to the end face of the drum follower plate facing the collection chamber and projects from there into the collection chamber. This shearing bar allows portions of the material to be sheared off and / or loosened from the surface area of ​​the material in the collection chamber. Furthermore, the shearing bar guides the loosened and / or sheared material towards the discharge opening during its relative movement, thus further facilitating the suction of the material.

[0019] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the drum follower plate is fixed against rotation and the emptying system has a rotatably driven container carrier. This provides a simple way to create the relative movement between the drum follower plate, preferably with shear bars fixed to it, or between shear bars and material in the collection chamber.

[0020] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the agitator is at least one shear bar – preferably extending substantially radially to the central longitudinal axis of the container to be emptied – which is held rotating with the agitator on an extension of the pump rotor that projects through the drum follower plate, preferably through its discharge opening, into the collection chamber, with the container to be emptied preferably being held rotationally fixed. This represents another simple way of ensuring the relative movement between the material and the drum follower plate by utilizing the rotational movement of the pump rotor, which is necessary anyway, to ensure a rotational movement of the at least one shear bar.

[0021] Another preferred embodiment consists in the said working extension being connected to the pump rotor via a gearbox, so that it rotates at a different speed relative to the pump rotor. A planetary gearbox or a similarly functioning gearbox is preferably used for this purpose.

[0022] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the at least one shear bar has a crenellated ring on its end face directly facing the bottom of the container. Preferably, this crenellated ring has crenellations that project deeper into the collecting space in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the container, with notches located between them. In this way, the crenellated ring at least partially divides and / or tears apart the material to be emptied, thereby reducing the viscosity of the material.

[0023] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if several shear bars with a crenellated ring are provided, and the crenellations of the shear bar following in the direction of rotation assume a radial position that differs more than only insignificantly from the crenellations of the preceding shear bar. With this arrangement, the following crenellations do not move along the same paths established by the preceding crenellations during the rotation of the shear bars, thus preventing them from loosening the material, or at least preventing them from doing so significantly.

[0024] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the side of the at least one shear blade that leads in the direction of rotation is concavely curved. This shape improves the collection and concentration of the mass to be emptied and, during the rotation of the shear blade, directs the material to the discharge opening, which is preferably located centrally in the follower plate, thus resulting in a material transfer in a radially inward direction.

[0025] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the end of the at least one shear bar extends directly to the discharge opening – preferably even overlapping it with its clear cross-section – and ideally terminates approximately or substantially tangentially to the lining of the discharge opening. The material to be discharged, which is accumulated by the shear bar, is thus conveyed to the discharge opening with particular efficiency and transferred to the pump suction downstream.

[0026] Another preferred embodiment consists in the drum follower plate being completely or predominantly conical on its side facing the collection chamber, so that the radial outer edges of the drum follower plate precede its discharge opening when lowered into the container, preferably with a cone angle between less than or approximately 1° and a maximum of 10°, better only a maximum of 5°.

[0027] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the drum follower plate has a flat gasket on its outer circumference, and preferably a flat gasket forming a lip seal, which is bent over in the opposite direction of lowering. The following ratio preferably applies to its radial width B and axial thickness D – based on the longitudinal axis of the container to be emptied, which forms the axial direction: B < 2 x D.

[0028] Further design options, modes of operation and advantages will become apparent from the description of the exemplary embodiment and / or from the figures. LIST OF FIGURES The Fig. Figure 1 shows a system with two parallel operating emptying systems in a three-dimensional view. The Fig. Figure 2 shows a barrel sequence plate with shear strips in a bottom view. The Fig. Figure 3 shows a barrel follower plate with shear strips in a three-dimensional view from below. The Fig. Figure 4 shows a barrel follower plate with shear bars in a three-dimensional view from below, wherein the barrel follower plate is attached to a hollow column of a pump - wherein the hollow column is preferably the stator of the progressive cavity pump. The Fig. Figure 5 shows a barrel follower plate in a three-dimensional view from above, with the barrel follower plate attached to a hollow column of a pump. The Fig. Figure 6 shows the rotating driven container carrier of the emptying system in a three-dimensional view. The Fig. Figure 7 shows a second embodiment of a drum follower plate with shear bars in a three-dimensional view from below, wherein the drum follower plate is attached to a hollow column of a pump. It should be noted here that shear bars are possible in a wide variety of numbers, designs, contours, and lengths, deviating from the preferred embodiments shown in this embodiment. The Fig. Figure 8 shows the second embodiment of a barrel sequence plate made of Fig. 7 in a three-dimensional view from above. The Fig. Figure 9 shows an emptying system with a lowered barrel follower plate in a partially cut-away front view. The Fig. Figure 10 shows an enclosure for the emptying system according to the invention or a higher-level system thereof in a vertical plane section. The Fig. Figure 11 shows a front view of what the Fig. 10 shows. PREFERRED EXAMPLES

[0029] The invention begins, as explained above, with highly viscous, non-flowable materials (e.g., clay, modeling compound) in a barrel-shaped container 2. The material can be present in the container 2 in several forms. For example, the container 2 can be completely filled; in the extreme case, the material can be in rod form, but it can also be in lump or particle form, or even in the form of chips.

[0030] First, it shows Fig. 1. A system with two parallel-operable draining systems 1, each comprising a pump with a liftable and lowerable hollow column 13, which preferably also forms the stator housing of the progressive cavity pump or merges into it. The pump used in this embodiment is in Fig. Figure 1 shows the motor 5, preferably flanged to the uppermost end of the hollow column, while the eccentric screw, which in this case generates the actual pumping action, is located inside the hollow column 13 and is therefore not visible from the outside. This hollow column 13 is attached to a drum follower plate 3; preferably such that it encloses the preferably central discharge opening 4 of the drum follower plate 3 on one side. The drum follower plate 3 also preferably includes a flat gasket 12, which is located on the outer radius of the drum follower plate 3 and slides along the inner wall of the container during the lowering and lowering process of the drum follower plate 3. When the drum follower plate 3 is pressed downwards onto the material by means of the lifting and lowering mechanism of the hollow column 13, a collection space 6 is created in the container 2 between the drum follower plate 3 and the container bottom, with the material to be emptied being contained in this collection space 6.The barrel follower plate 3 also preferably includes an agitator 7, which will be discussed in more detail later. This described preferred embodiment of an emptying system 1 can also be used in . Fig. 9 can be identified, whereby the collection space 6 between the barrel sequence plate 3 and the container bottom is better shown by the sectional view.

[0031] Preferably, the container 2 is mounted on a container support 9, which is driven by rotation (see also Fig. 6) This is preferably done by means of a motor, a belt, and a pulley, which in turn drives the device on which the container 2 stands. Alternatively, but not preferably, a chain or friction wheel drive is also possible, or possibly a gear drive. Thus, the container 2 preferably rotates during the emptying process to ensure relative movement between the stationary drum follower plate 3 and the material in the container 2.

[0032] It should be noted, however, that this rotational or relative motion can also be achieved in other ways. For example, it is possible for the container 2 to remain stationary while only the agitator 7 rotates. This could be achieved by rigidly connecting the agitator 7 to the drum follower plate 3. This drum follower plate 3 would then be rotated by a suitable rotary device, thus generating the relative velocity between the material and the agitator 7. This rather theoretical solution will initially be included here for patent reasons, even though it entails some additional effort. In a clearly preferred embodiment, the agitator 7 is not connected to the drum follower plate 3, and the drum follower plate 3 is not rotatable. Due to the technical specifications of the pump 5 used, it is possible in this variant to attach the agitator 7 directly to the pump rotor.Thus, even on the barrel side, an additional rotating device is not necessarily required, because the rotary movement of the agitator 7 can be introduced directly via the rotary movement of the pump rotor, preferably the rotor of an eccentric screw shaft - without prejudice to the possibility of summing rotary movements of the barrel-like container and the agitator.

[0033] A first preferred version of Agitator 7 can be found in the Fig. 2 to Fig. 5. The agitator 7 preferably consists of at least two, preferably even at least three, shear bars 8, which (at least usually) each carry a crenellated ring 10. In the preferred embodiment shown, the shear bars 8 are firmly connected to the barrel follower plate 3.

[0034] Various test series revealed that the viscosity of the material decreases under shearing conditions, which is ensured by the shear bars 8 in combination with the aforementioned relative movement. The tin rings 10 are arranged in such a way that shear forces are continuously introduced into the material as long as the drum follower plate 3 rests on the material. The combination of the rotary motion and the specially arranged shear bars 8 generates a very high shear force in the material, further reducing its viscosity. Furthermore, these shear bars 8 are arranged to simultaneously convey the material towards the suction opening of the pump or the discharge opening 4.

[0035] This makes it possible to pump extremely viscous materials from a container 2. To achieve further optimization, care should be taken to optimally adjust the ratio between the pump speed and the relative speed between the material and the follower plate 3 with the agitator 7. The optimal speed of both the pump 5 and the rotary unit depends on the design of the shear bars 8, the feed rate, the pump size / design, and the quantity of material to be pumped. In many cases, it will be advantageous to provide the user with a means of individual speed adjustment so that they can set the speed to maximize the pumping flow rate.

[0036] In general, the drum follower plate 3 is preferably designed as a round plate with an opening in the middle, the so-called vent opening 4. This vent opening 4 acts as a suction opening, to which the suction nozzle of the pump 5 is attached, ideally in the middle of the plate, in order to keep the path of the material from all directions to the suction opening as short as possible.

[0037] The flat gasket 12 on the drum follower plate 3 serves as a seal between the drum follower plate 3 and the container 2. Preferably, in this embodiment, the width of the flat gasket 12 is kept as small as possible (width < 2x thickness of the flat gasket 12) so that this flat gasket 12 cannot fold over and the material cannot be forced past it at the side.

[0038] To ensure the shearing function, at least one shear bar 8 must be installed as an agitator 7. However, a minimum of two or three shear bars is preferred. Installing more than six or at least more than eight shear bars 8 generally does not result in any noticeable improvement and should therefore be avoided.

[0039] As mentioned, the shear ribs 8 preferably each support a crenellated ring 10 with crenellations that preferably form a peak-valley combination. The "peak" has the total height htotal from the barrel sequence plate 3 to the highest point of the peak. The "valley" has the height h1 from the valley to the barrel sequence plate 3. The height h2 then describes the difference between the peak and the valley.

[0040] The shear bars can thus be divided into two areas. The height h1 is continuous across the entire radius of the drum follower plate 3 and is therefore the hydraulic surface that is always fully engaged by the rotational movement and serves as a guide or baffle plate to convey the material towards the center and the suction opening. The height h1 should be at least 0.05% of the diameter of the drum follower plate 3. The maximum height is theoretically unlimited, but anything above 5% of the drum follower plate diameter becomes impractical. While it is technically possible to make the shear bars 8 too high, the forces and torques required to move these large shear bars 8 through the material become extremely high and uneconomical.

[0041] In contrast, the height h2—in the preferred case shown here—is not continuous over the entire radius and always has a peak and a valley. Here, the peak engages with the material and generates the necessary shear in the subsequent layer to reduce the viscosity and restore flowability. Once the material has been made flowable by this section, it is then moved through the guide section h1 towards the suction opening. The height h2 should preferably correspond substantially to the height h1. The design of the peaks and valleys is variable. For example, the jagged structure of the crenellated ring 10 shown in the figures is preferred, but other structures, such as wave contours, are also possible.

[0042] The shear bars 8 of the first preferred embodiment shown are preferably not identical or symmetrical. Peaks and valleys are always arranged offset. Viewed from radially inward to radially outward, one shear bar 8 begins with a peak and the other with a valley. This continues radially outward. Thus, one shear bar 8 has a valley at its outermost point and the other has a peak. Due to the rotational movement, a peak always follows a valley and a valley follows a peak, and a shearing action is necessarily generated.

[0043] The shear bars 8 of the first preferred embodiment also preferably have a radius. The radius of the shear bars 8 is preferably 1 / 4 of the diameter of the drum follower plate 3. Furthermore, the direction of rotation and the bending of the shear bars 8 are preferably coordinated such that the rotational movement conveys the material inwards towards the center of the drum follower plate 3.

[0044] Due to a conical design of the barrel sequence plate 3 (similar to a cone, see Fig. 7 and Fig. 8) Pressing down the barrel follower plate 3 would further contribute to moving the material towards the center, towards the suction opening of the pump or the discharge opening 4. The agitator 7 consists of shear bars 8 with a crenellated ring 10, preferably with at least 4 shear bars being used.

[0045] The barrel follower plate 3 also preferably has at least one vent valve 11 and at least one compressed air connection 14.

[0046] The vent valve 11 opens when the drum follower plate is lowered into the interior of the container or is otherwise to be positioned by relative movement to the bottom of the container, and must close completely without an air gap between it and the mass to be conveyed or removed. The compressed air connection 14 serves a different purpose. Compressed air can be selectively supplied via it (with the vent valve 11 simultaneously closed) to push the drum follower plate 3 and the bottom of the container apart relative to each other when the container 2 is emptied and a new container 2 is to be inserted.

[0047] In general, the emptying system 1 is preferably equipped with a heating device that primarily warms the material in the collection chamber 6. Ideally, the entire emptying system 1 is not heated internally – even at different locations – but is housed in an enclosure that allows the entire emptying system 1 to be heated as a whole, ideally to a temperature of or approaching 60°C.

[0048] Such a facility with an enclosure reveals the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. As can be seen, the enclosure defines at least two, preferably three, substantially separate compartments 17, 18, 19. Preferably, each of these compartments is heated, usually by controlled or regulated heating, to a temperature above the ambient temperature, or to a temperature which, while not yet enabling pumping in most cases, significantly facilitates it. Two compartments 17, 18 each contain a drainage system 1 of the design according to the invention, preferably in its entirety.

[0049] Ideally, alternating operation is used.

[0050] In the case shown here, the emptying system 1 on the right is running in a straight line, i.e., it pumps out the contents of its associated barrel-shaped container 2. It then preferably discharges the contents to the outside via a U-shaped loop 16, preferably to a booster pump BOR, which will be discussed in more detail below. From the booster pump, the mass is delivered via a feed line 20, e.g., to the nozzle MST or a type of applicator gun, with which the mass emptied from the barrel-shaped container is applied in situ at its intended point of use.

[0051] In the case shown here, another, preferably identical, emptying system is located in the left compartment 17. It is being refilled by inserting a fresh or different barrel-shaped container 2. As soon as the barrel-shaped container 2 of the system in the right compartment 19 is empty, the material is pumped (completely or at least substantially) seamlessly from the barrel-shaped container 2 of the system in the left compartment 17, preferably in such a way that the mass in the pipework 20 behind the booster pump remains continuously in motion, which helps to avoid potentially problematic restart processes of mass that has come to a standstill in the pipework behind the booster pump.

[0052] The compartments 17 and 19 containing the systems preferably each have at least one storage space (not shown in figures) where another barrel-shaped container 2 can already be stored and thus kept at a sufficiently high temperature for a sufficient length of time, while the system is pumping from another barrel-shaped container.

[0053] Due to the thermally separated compartments, each preferably accessible directly from the outside via its own door 21, 22, 23 or flap, the respective emptying system can be recharged and / or serviced without risk of temporary cooling. The door or flap preferably has a glazed inspection opening through which the interior of the compartment can be checked without having to open the door or flap (see figure). Fig. 11.

[0054] Ideally, at least the emptying system compartments should be designed so that work can be carried out even with the door or flap closed. This is useful to prevent cooling of the compartment currently being changed or undergoing maintenance, which could impair its readiness for restarting or conveying.

[0055] Once the mass to be pumped has been drawn in through one or both of the discharge systems according to the invention and set in motion, thereby reducing its viscosity, a booster pump can then contribute to pumping the mass over a longer pipe and / or hose run to its point of use. For this purpose, the compartment that typically houses the booster pump is preferably temperature-controlled and ideally thermally separated from the other compartments.

[0056] From the booster pump, the pumped mass is preferably discharged upwards via the roof of the enclosure, because it is advantageous for the uniformity of the mass discharge at the nozzle if the mass can be supplied to it at the end of the line in a downward flow. GENERAL REMARKS

[0057] Additionally, i.e., independently and depending on the claims already made, protection will also be claimed at a later time for the use of the emptying system described by one or more of the claims for emptying a barrel or container containing modeling compound intended to replicate a vehicle body under development, preferably at least at a scale of 1:3, ideally - at least substantially or completely - at a scale of 1:1.

[0058] Ideally, the aforementioned modeling compound is a modeling compound based on at least one wax and preferably contains fillers and / or color pigments.

[0059] Often, or even as a rule, the aforementioned modeling compound is such that, at temperatures below the temperature at which it begins to change adversely and / or decompose and / or is at risk of ignition, it is not sufficiently viscous in its stationary state to be pumped.

[0060] Often, or even as a rule, the aforementioned modeling compound has a (vented) density of 0.8 g / cm3 to 1.2 g / cm3 and / or a processing temperature of 45°C to 65°C and / or a Shore A hardness of 65 to 80 at 20°C.

[0061] The agitation according to the invention is preferably designed such that the mass or modeling compound to be emptied from the container can be pumped after agitation in the container – preferably without the need for further such agitation at a subsequent location – over a distance of more than 6 m or at least more than 4 m. Ideally, pumping can even continue further, or at least over the distance from the container to the tube- or hose-fed dispenser or nozzle, through which the user dispenses the modeling compound at the point of use, i.e., usually on the model car body under construction.

[0062] To cover greater distances, relay stations can be used if necessary. Stations are conceivable in which the mass is placed in a buffer tank or storage container, where it is subjected to agitation according to the invention, in order to then be pumped onward from there.

[0063] To improve or equalize pumping capacity, it can be useful to completely enclose the barrel-shaped container along with its contents, the frame holding it, and possibly also the turntable on which it stands, including the screw pump extracting from it, in a heated enclosure – in many cases several hours before pumping begins.

[0064] Irrespective of the claims already stated, independent protection will also be claimed at a later date for the following emptying system, with or without reference to the claims or dependent claims already stated: Emptying system 1 for emptying pasty material from preferably drum-shaped containers 2 with a drum follower plate 3 – preferably retractable into the interior of the container like a stamp – which has a dispensing opening 4, with a pump 5 operatively connected to the dispensing opening 4 for drawing off the material enclosed in the collecting space 6 between the drum bottom and the drum follower plate, characterized in that at least one means – preferably a vibrator, an oscillator, a shaker and / or an ultrasonic transducer – is provided which imposes a movement on the material present in the collecting space, at least in the area of ​​the dispensing opening, which ideally includes or substantially represents a shearing movement.so that its viscosity is reduced in the area of ​​the vent opening.

[0065] Further advantageous embodiments and / or features according to the invention are listed below, each of which can also be added individually to and / or combined with all the above embodiments or features. One further advantageous embodiment (AF) according to the invention is as follows.

[0066] AF 1: Emptying system 1 for emptying pasty material from drum-like containers 2 with a drum follower plate 3 - preferably which can be lowered into the interior of the container in a stamp-like manner - which has a vent opening 4, with a pump 5 in operative connection with the vent opening 4 for drawing off the material enclosed in the collection chamber 6 between the drum bottom and the drum follower plate 3, characterized in that at least one agitator 7 is provided in the collection chamber 6, which forces a movement relative to the drum follower plate 3 on the material enclosed in the collection chamber 6.

[0067] Further advantageous features or features according to the invention are listed below, each of which can also be added individually to and / or combined with all embodiments or features. Further advantageous features or features according to the invention are also advantageous in conjunction with the embodiments (AFs) mentioned below or above, as follows.

[0068] AF 2: Emptying system 1 according to AF 1, characterized in that the agitator 7 is at least one shear bar 8 which is attached to the end face of the drum follower plate 3 facing the collection chamber 6 and projects from there into the collection chamber 6.

[0069] AF 3: Emptying system 1 according to AF 2, characterized in that the drum follower plate 3 is held rotationally fixed and the emptying system 1 has a rotatably driven container carrier 9.

[0070] AF 4: Emptying system 1 according to AF 1, characterized in that the agitator 7 is at least a shear bar 8 which is held on an effective extension of the pump rotor which projects through the drum follower plate 3 into the collecting chamber 6, wherein the container 2 to be emptied is preferably held rotationally fixed.

[0071] AF 5: Emptying system 1 following the immediately preceding AF, characterized in that the said working extension is connected to the pump rotor via a reduction gear, so that it rotates at a speed variable relative to the pump rotor.

[0072] AF 6: Emptying system 1 according to AF 2 or 4, characterized in that the at least one shear bar 8 has a crenellated ring 10 on its end face directly facing the bottom of the container.

[0073] AF 7: Discharge system 1 according to at least one of AFs 2, 4 or 6, characterized in that several shear bars 8 with crenellated ring 10 are provided, and the crenellations of the shear bar 8 following in the direction of rotation assume a different radial position than the crenellations of the preceding shear bar 8.

[0074] AF 8: Discharge system 1 according to at least one of the AFs 2, 4 or 6, characterized in that the side of the shear bar 8 that leads in the direction of rotation is concavely curved.

[0075] AF 8: Emptying system 1 according to at least one of the AFs 2, 4, 6 or 7, characterized in that the end of the at least one shear bar 8 extends directly to the extraction opening 4 and ideally extends tangentially to the lining of the extraction opening 4.

[0076] AF 9: Emptying system 1 according to one of the preceding AFs, characterized in that the drum follower plate 3 has at least one venting valve 11 for removing any air cushion in the collection chamber 6.

[0077] AF 10: Emptying system 1 according to one of the preceding AFs, characterized in that the drum follower plate 3 is conical on its side facing the collection chamber 6, so that the radial outer edges of the drum follower plate 3 precede its discharge opening 4 when lowered into the container 2, preferably with a cone angle between less than 1° and a maximum of 10°, better only a maximum of 5°.

[0078] AF 11: Emptying system 1 according to one of the preceding AFs, characterized in that the drum follower plate 3 has a flat seal 12 - and preferably a flat seal 12 forming a lip seal - on its outer circumference, which is bent over when lowering against the lowering direction - for whose radial width B and axial thickness D the following applies: B < 2 x D.

[0079] AFs 12: Emptying system 1 according to one of the preceding AFs, characterized in that the drum follower plate 3 with its vent opening 4 is attached to a hollow column 13 which can be raised and lowered relative to the emptying container 2, in the interior of which an eccentric screw pump is arranged to draw in material through the vent opening 4.

[0080] AF 13: Method for emptying pasty material from barrel-shaped containers 2 by pumping, preferably using an emptying system 1 according to one of the preceding AFs, characterized in that the material to be pumped is preferably heated and then loosened by an agitator 7.

[0081] AF 14: Method according to AF 14, characterized in that the agitator 7 exerts forces on the material to be pumped, which move at least part of the material in the direction towards the suction nozzle of a pump 5.

[0082] AF 15: Use of an agitator 7 preferably with the agitator features of at least one of the preceding AFs, for improving, or preferably, for the first time producing the flowability of material to be pumped out in the immediate radial vicinity of the suction opening of a pump 5, ideally an eccentric screw pump, which pumps through a drum follower plate 3. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 Drainage system 2 barrel-shaped containers 3 Barrel sequence plate 4 Exhaust opening 5 Pump motor 6 Collection room 7 Agitator 8 Shear bar 9 container carriers 10 crenellated parapets 11. Vent valve 12 Flat gasket 13 Hollow column 14 Compressed air connection 15 Enclosure 16 U-shaped cable loops 17 first compartment 18 second compartment 19 third compartment 20 Feed line 21 Door or flap 22 Door or hatch 23 Door or hatch B radial width flat gasket D axial thickness flat gasket BOR Booster Pump MST mouthpiece Total height of "mountain" h1 Height “Valley” h2 Difference between mountain and valley

Claims

[1] Emptying system (1) for emptying pasty material from drum-like containers (2) comprising a drum follower plate (3) – preferably retractable into the interior of the container like a stamp – which has a vent opening (4), comprising a pump (5) operatively connected to the vent opening (4) for drawing off the material enclosed in the collection chamber (6) between the drum bottom and the drum follower plate (3), wherein at least one agitator (7) is provided in the collection chamber (6) which forces a movement relative to the drum follower plate (3) on the material enclosed in the collection chamber (6), wherein the agitator (7) is at least one shear bar (8) which is held on an active extension of the pump rotor which projects through the drum follower plate (3) into the collection chamber (6), characterized by , that the said working extension is connected to the pump rotor via a reduction gear, so that it rotates at a speed that is variable relative to the pump rotor. [2] Drainage system (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the agitator (7) is at least a shear strip (8) which is attached to the end face of the barrel follower plate (3) facing the collection chamber (6) and extends from there into the collection chamber (6). [3] Drainage system (1) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the barrel follower plate (3) is held rotationally fixed and the emptying system (1) has a rotatingly driven container carrier (9). [4] Drainage system (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the container (2) to be emptied is held in a rotationally fixed position. [5] Drainage system (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 4, characterized by , that the at least one shear bar (8) bears a crenellated ring (10) on its end face directly facing the bottom of the container. [6] Drainage system (1) according to at least one of claims 1, 2, 4 or 5, characterized by, that several shear bars (8) with crenellated ring (10) are provided, and the crenellations of the shear bar (8) following in the direction of rotation assume a different radial position than the crenellations of the preceding shear bar (8). [7] Drainage system (1) according to at least one of claims 1, 2, 4 or 5, characterized by , that the side of the at least one shear bar (8) that leads in the direction of rotation is concavely curved. [8] Drainage system (1) according to at least one of claims 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6, characterized by , that the end of the at least one shear strip (8) extends directly to the extraction opening (4) and ideally terminates tangentially to the reveal of the extraction opening (4). [9] Drainage system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the barrel follower plate (3) has at least one vent valve (11) to eliminate any air cushion in the collection chamber (6). [10] Drainage system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the drum follower plate (3) is conical on its side facing the collection chamber (6) so that the radial outer edges of the drum follower plate (3) precede its discharge opening (4) when lowered into the container (2), preferably with a cone angle between less than 1° and a maximum of 10°, better only a maximum of 5°. [11] Drainage system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the barrel follower plate (3) has a flat gasket (12) on its outer circumference - and preferably a flat gasket (12) forming a lip gasket - which is bent over when lowering against the direction of lowering - for whose radial width B and axial thickness D the following applies: B < 2 x D. [12] Drainage system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the barrel follower plate (3) with its vent opening (4) is attached to a hollow column (13) which can be raised and lowered relative to the emptying container (2), inside of which an eccentric screw pump is arranged to draw in material through the vent opening (4). [13] Method for emptying pasty material from barrel-shaped containers (2) by pumping using an emptying system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the material to be pumped is preferably heated and then loosened by an agitator (7). [14] Method according to claim 13, characterized by , that the agitator (7) exerts forces on the material to be pumped, which move at least part of the material towards the intake nozzle of a pump (5). [15] Use of an agitator (7) having the agitator features of at least one of the preceding claims, for improving, or preferably for the first time producing, the flowability of material to be pumped out in the immediate radial vicinity of the suction opening of a pump (5), ideally an eccentric screw pump, which pumps through a drum follower plate (3).

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