Barrel sequence plate for a barrel arrangement, corresponding barrel arrangement and method for operating a barrel sequence plate

Abstract

The invention relates to a drum follower plate (1) for a drum assembly, comprising a base body (2) and an elastic seal (7) projecting radially beyond the base body (2) with respect to a longitudinal center axis (6) of the drum follower plate (1) for circumferential contact with an inner circumferential surface of a drum. Compression means (15) are provided for compressing the seal (7) axially to adjust a compression state selected from several compression states, wherein the seal (7) is designed such that in a first of the compression states it has first dimensions in the radial direction and in a second of the compression states it has second dimensions in the radial direction that differ from the first dimensions. The invention further relates to a drum assembly with a drum and a drum follower plate (1) arranged in the drum, as well as a method for operating a drum follower plate (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a drum follower plate for a drum assembly, comprising a base body and an elastic seal projecting radially beyond the base body with respect to a longitudinal center axis of the drum follower plate for circumferential contact with an inner circumferential surface of a drum, and with compression means for compressing the seal axially to adjust a compression state selected from several compression states, wherein the seal is configured such that in a first of the compression states it has first dimensions in the radial direction and in a second of the compression states it has second dimensions in the radial direction that differ from the first dimensions. The invention further relates to a drum assembly and a method for operating a drum follower plate.

[0002] For example, German patent application DE 10 2016 010 622 A1 describes a device for conveying viscous material from a drum-like container, which has a bottom and a circumferential wall extending from the bottom to the top and is open towards the top. The device includes a follower plate with a material outlet connected to a fluid pump for closing the container. The follower plate has a circumferential wiper ring, and the wiper ring has a radially outwardly projecting contact area for bearing against an inner surface of the container wall facing the follower plate. The contact area can be subjected to a variable contact force to press against the inner surface of the container wall.

[0003] Furthermore, German patent application DE 10 2017 100 712 A1 discloses a device for conveying viscous material, as described above. It is provided that the follower plate is mounted on a horizontally extending crossbeam by means of at least one vertically extending support rod, the crossbeam being mounted at or near a first end on a lifting device for raising and lowering the crossbeam, while its second end is free.

[0004] German patent application DE 20 2007 015 059 U1 discloses a guide frame for a follower plate pump, which has at least one guide element for guiding the follower plate. It is designed so that, when placed on the container to be emptied, the guide frame can be inserted into the container by being guided by the follower plate.

[0005] The publication EP 0 224 032 A2 discloses a device for melting and pumping a molten liquid from a drum containing a solid at room temperature, wherein the device comprises a plate arrangement with an upper plate and a lower heating plate, the heating plate being dependent on and vertically movable relative to the upper plate. A flexible and expandable sealing element extends between the edges of the upper plate and the lower heating plate such that, as a result of a downward movement of the upper plate towards the heating plate, the expandable sealing element extends radially to contact an inner surface of the drum when the plate arrangement is lowered into the upper opening of the drum containing the solid and comes into contact with the top surface of the solid.When the plate assembly is lifted out of the barrel, the upper plate moves away from the lower heating plate, thereby reducing the diameter of the expandable sealing element and moving it away from the inner surface of the barrel.

[0006] Furthermore, the prior art documents US 2012 / 0 091 145 A1 and WO 2008 / 066 848 A2 are known.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a drum follower plate for a drum arrangement which has advantages over known drum follower plates, in particular enabling easy removal of the drum follower plate from the drum in a structurally simple manner.

[0008] This is achieved according to the invention with a barrel follower plate for a barrel arrangement with the features of claim 1. It is provided that at least one spacer is displaceably arranged on the base body, which in a first position is further received in the base body than in a second position.

[0009] Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments described in the description are not limiting; rather, any variations of the features disclosed in the description, the claims, and the figures are possible.

[0010] The drum follower plate is preferably an integral part of the drum assembly, but can of course also be separate from it, particularly up to an arrangement of the drum follower plate on or in the drum. In addition to the drum follower plate, the drum assembly includes the drum in which the drum follower plate is at least temporarily located. The drum contains a fluid, in particular a liquid fluid. The drum follower plate is arranged in the drum in such a way that the fluid volume available for the fluid is variable. The fluid volume is limited by the drum and the drum follower plate together, in particular in the axial direction by the drum on one side and the drum follower plate on the other, and in the radial direction outwards by the drum.

[0011] The drum follower plate serves to enable the continuous withdrawal of fluid from the drum, in particular by ensuring that a sufficient quantity of fluid is always available at the dispensing point. For this purpose, the drum follower plate is in contact with the fluid and moves with it when the fluid level changes. Preferably, the drum follower plate is forced towards the fluid by the force of gravity, so that it moves with the fluid when the fluid level changes.

[0012] For example, a withdrawal line projects from the drum follower plate into the drum, more precisely into the fluid volume receiving the fluid, preferably through a withdrawal opening in the drum follower plate. The withdrawal line is, for example, in the form of a pipe or a hose, but can, in principle, be designed in any way. Preferably, the withdrawal line extends beyond the drum follower plate in the direction of the fluid volume, so that the fluid is withdrawn through the withdrawal line at a distance from the drum follower plate. A fluid conveying device, in particular a pump or the like, is connected to the fluid volume via the withdrawal line. With the aid of the fluid conveying device, the fluid is conveyed, at least temporarily, from the fluid volume towards a fluid consumer.

[0013] The drum follower plate comprises the base body and the seal. The base body is essentially made of a rigid material, such as metal or plastic. It is incompressible in the radial direction with respect to the longitudinal center axis of the drum follower plate, particularly under conditions occurring during normal operation of the drum follower plate or the drum assembly. The seal is attached to the base body and projects radially beyond it with respect to the longitudinal center axis. It is positioned such that, when the drum follower plate is installed in the drum, it at least temporarily forms a sealing contact with the inner circumferential surface of the drum.In particular, when the drum follower plate is arranged inside the drum, the seal seals against both the base body and the inner circumferential surface of the drum. For example, it is arranged radially between the base body and the inner circumferential surface. The seal is elastic and therefore made of an elastic material. For example, the seal is in the form of a hose, especially a gas-filled hose.

[0014] During normal operation of the drum follower plate or the drum assembly, the follower plate is inserted into the drum filled with fluid, in particular through a drum opening, and subsequently at least some of the fluid is removed from the drum. This means that the follower plate is inserted into the drum when it reaches a first fill level, and the drum is then emptied towards a second fill level, so that the second fill level is lower than the first. Accordingly, the follower plate, moving with the fluid, travels into the drum.

[0015] Because the seal is designed to reliably seal off the external environment of the drum assembly from the fluid volume, resulting in little to no fluid exchange between the external environment and the fluid volume, removing the drum follower plate from the drum is difficult. This is primarily due to an adhesive force acting between the drum follower plate and the fluid, which holds the drum follower plate in place. This adhesive force is particularly pronounced if the drum follower plate is to be removed after only partially emptying the drum, for example, because the fluid is no longer needed temporarily.

[0016] To remove the drum follower plate, it is known to introduce compressed air into the fluid volume, particularly through the removal opening. The compressed air pushes the drum follower plate away from the fluid, especially towards the drum's opening. Once the drum follower plate has been displaced sufficiently far, it is both spaced away from the fluid and positioned closer to the opening. From this position, it can be removed relatively easily through the drum's opening. However, the compressed air is costly, as its supply requires a significant amount of energy.

[0017] For this reason, a structurally simple design for the drum follower plate is to be implemented, which ensures easy removal of the drum follower plate even if compressed air is not introduced into the drum. It is known from the prior art to pressurize the seal with compressed air after the drum follower plate has been inserted, so that it seals against the inner circumferential surface of the drum. This compressed air is then released from the seal to remove the drum follower plate from the drum. Accordingly, this procedure also requires compressed air, which is lost when the drum follower plate is removed from the drum.

[0018] To eliminate the need for compressed air, the follower plate incorporates compression elements designed to compress the seal axially, thereby establishing a specific compression state. This compression state is selected from several options. In the first compression state, the seal exhibits the first set of radial dimensions, while in the second, it exhibits the second set of radial dimensions. For example, in the first compression state, the seal is more compressed than in the second compression state, due to the compression elements acting upon it.Accordingly, in the first compression state it has larger dimensions in the radial direction than in the second compression state, meaning that in the first compression state it is pushed more strongly towards the inner circumferential surface of the barrel than in the second compression state.

[0019] The compression means are designed to compress the seal in the axial direction with respect to the longitudinal center axis in order to push it outwards in the radial direction towards the inner circumferential surface of the barrel and / or conversely, by relaxing the seal in the axial direction, to reduce the size of the seal in the radial direction in order to distance it from the inner circumferential surface of the barrel or at least to reduce the contact pressure with which the seal rests against the inner circumferential surface.

[0020] For example, it is intended that the seal be adjusted to the second compression state using the compression agents before the drum follower plate is inserted into the drum. In this state, the seal protrudes less far beyond the base body in the radial direction, or has smaller dimensions in the radial direction. After the drum follower plate is inserted into the drum, the first compression state is adjusted using the compression agents, so that the seal is compressed axially and pushed outwards in the radial direction.For example, the compression states are selected and / or the seal is designed such that, in the first compression state, the seal is in continuous and uninterrupted contact with the inner circumferential surface in the circumferential direction with a specific contact pressure, and / or in the second compression state, it is arranged radially away from the inner circumferential surface or at least in contact with the inner circumferential surface with a lower contact pressure than in the first compression state. This facilitates both the easy insertion and removal of the drum follower plate from the drum.

[0021] A further development of the invention provides that the seal is arranged between two axially displaceable segments of the base body, which form the compression means. In a first position of the segments, the first compression state exists, and in a second position different from the first, the second compression state exists. The base body comprises several segments, namely at least two segments. These are axially displaceable relative to one another, preferably mounted one behind the other in such a way as to be axially displaceable. The segments of the base body form the compression means by which the seal can be compressed axially.Preferably, for this purpose, the segments accommodate the seal in the axial direction between them, and when different distances between the segments are adjusted, different compression states of the seal result, as well as correspondingly different protrusions of the seal over the base body in the radial direction or different dimensions of the seal in the radial direction.

[0022] The division of the base body into multiple segments allows for a particularly simple implementation of the compression elements. The displacement of the segments relative to one another can be implemented in virtually any way. For example, manual displacement of the segments is possible, particularly with the aid of at least one actuating element. This actuating element can, for instance, be in the form of an adjusting spindle, so that a rotary movement of the actuating element displaces the segments axially relative to one another with respect to the longitudinal center axis. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement of the segments can be performed mechanically or by motor, i.e., using a drive, particularly an electric drive. This allows for particularly rapid and efficient adjustment of the selected compression state.

[0023] A further development of the invention provides that the seal is arranged in a receiving groove that is open radially outwards and is formed in at least one of the segments, and in particular is formed jointly by both segments. The receiving groove is formed in the base body and preferably completely and continuously encompasses the longitudinal center axis. The seal is arranged in the receiving groove such that it projects out of the receiving groove and accordingly extends radially beyond the base body. In other words, viewed radially or in longitudinal section with respect to the longitudinal center axis, the seal is only partially arranged in the receiving groove, for example, to a maximum of 50%, 40%, or 30%.

[0024] The receiving groove is, for example, formed exclusively in one of the segments. In this case, the receiving groove is open axially in the direction corresponding to the other segment, so that in at least one position of the segments relative to each other, the seal protrudes axially from the receiving groove and is compressed by the interaction of the segments when they slide towards each other. Preferably, however, the receiving groove is provided in both segments, i.e., partially in one segment and partially in the other. In any case, this ensures reliable compression of the seal by sliding the segments towards each other in the axial direction.

[0025] A further development of the invention provides that the compression means have a drive, in particular a manual or a mechanical drive. The adjustment of the compression state, i.e., the compression of the seal in the axial direction, is accordingly carried out using the drive. Preferably, the segments of the base body can be displaced relative to each other using the drive, namely at least from the first position to the second position and vice versa. The drive can be manual or mechanical. In the former case, the compression means can be operated manually using the drive to compress the seal. For example, in this case, the drive has the aforementioned adjusting spindle.

[0026] Preferably, the drive is mechanical, particularly electric. For example, the drive has an electric motor that controls the compression elements to set the selected compression state. Specifically, the electric motor is used to move the segments of the base body relative to each other. In this case, for example, an adjusting spindle is provided, whereby a rotary movement of the adjusting spindle causes the compression state of the compression elements to be set or the segments of the base body to be moved relative to each other. The adjusting spindle can be driven by the electric motor. In this way, compressed air for adjusting the contact pressure of the seal can be easily dispensed with.

[0027] A further development of the invention provides that, axially spaced from the first seal, a second seal projects radially beyond the base body for circumferential contact with the inner surface of the barrel, and that the compression state of the second seal can be adjusted by means of compression means. The second seal is present in addition to the first seal. Preferably, the seals are identically designed, so that the descriptions of the first seal also apply to the second seal. The two seals are arranged axially spaced from each other, in particular, they are located in parallel sealing planes. For example, the first seal extends continuously in a first sealing plane in the circumferential direction, and the second seal extends continuously in a second sealing plane in the circumferential direction, with the two sealing planes being arranged parallel to each other.Preferably, the sealing planes are each perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis of the barrel follower plate.

[0028] Both the seal and the additional seal are compressible or adjustable to the selected compression state using the compression means. Preferably, the base body has an open-edged receiving groove for each of the seals, namely a receiving groove as described in this description. Preferably, each of the seals is arranged between two of several segments of the base body such that, when these segments are moved towards each other, it is compressed axially and correspondingly pushed outwards in the radial direction.

[0029] In the case of the seal and the additional seal, the base body has at least three segments, with the seal being arranged axially between a first and a second segment, and the additional seal between the second and a third segment. Preferably, the multiple segments of the base body are jointly displaceable, so that the segments are displaced simultaneously and, in particular, uniformly towards or away from each other, or at least are displaceable. For example, the aforementioned adjusting spindle engages each of the segments for this purpose. The use of multiple seals ensures a particularly reliable seal between the fluid volume and the external environment.

[0030] The invention provides that at least one spacer is movably arranged on the base body, being recessed further into the base body in a first position than in a second position. The spacer is arranged on the base body such that it can be extended towards the bottom of the barrel. It serves to space the barrel follower plate away from the barrel bottom, thus facilitating the removal of the spacer and, consequently, the removal of the barrel follower plate from the barrel. In particular, the spacer serves to create an air gap between the fluid and the barrel follower plate, which is provided by moving the barrel follower plate away from the barrel bottom. To facilitate the removal of the barrel follower plate from the barrel bottom, it is advantageous to create the smallest possible contact area.For this purpose, it is provided, for example, that the cross-section of the spacer decreases towards the bottom of the barrel, in particular abruptly or continuously. Preferably, the spacer is conical, pyramidal, or spherical or semi-spherical on its side facing the bottom of the barrel.

[0031] The spacer is movably mounted on the base body and can be arranged in different positions relative to it, namely at least in the first position and the second position. In the first position, the spacer is recessed further into the base body than in the second position. Conversely, this means that in the second position it extends further from the base body than in the first position. For example, in the first position, the spacer is completely recessed into the base body or is flush with the underside of the base body on its side facing the bottom of the barrel. In the second position, however, it protrudes from the base body, thus extending beyond it in the axial direction.

[0032] Preferably, the spacer is repositionable by means of a drive mechanism. This drive can be manual or mechanical, and in particular, it is electric. The spacer is preferably connected to an electric motor by means of which it can be repositioned. It is possible that only a single spacer is present. However, it is particularly preferred that several spacers are used, which are mounted at intervals from one another on the base body and are repositionable. For example, the spacers are arranged at uniform intervals from one another in the circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal center axis.

[0033] Where this description refers to the at least one spacer or the spacer, the explanations are always equivalent. Explanations concerning the at least one spacer are therefore applicable to the spacer, and explanations concerning the spacer are applicable to the at least one spacer. If several spacers are present, the descriptions for the spacer or the at least one spacer are preferably applicable to each of the several spacers analogously. The spacer further simplifies the removal of the drum follower plate from the drum.

[0034] A further development of the invention provides that at least one spacer extends through a base formed by one of the segments of the base body. The base bounds the base body and thus the drum follower plate in the direction of the fluid volume. It is formed by one of the segments, in particular the segment facing the fluid volume. For example, only this one segment has such a base. The other segment(s) are each ring-shaped and adjoin the segment facing the fluid volume. This makes the drum follower plate particularly simple in design.

[0035] The invention further relates to a barrel arrangement comprising a barrel and a barrel follower plate arranged in the barrel, in particular a barrel follower plate as described in this description, wherein the barrel follower plate has a base body and an elastic seal projecting radially beyond the base body with respect to a longitudinal center axis of the barrel follower plate for circumferential contact with an inner circumferential surface of the barrel. Compression means are provided for compressing the seal in the axial direction to set a compression state selected from several compression states, wherein the seal is designed such that in a first of the compression states it has first dimensions in the radial direction and in a second of the compression states it has second dimensions in the radial direction that differ from the first dimensions.

[0036] The advantages of this design of the barrel assembly and the barrel follower plate have already been mentioned. Both the barrel assembly and the barrel follower plate can be further developed as explained in this description, to which reference is made in this respect. It is further provided that at least one spacer is mounted on the base body, which in a first position is recessed deeper into the base body than in a second position.

[0037] The invention further relates to a method for operating a drum follower plate, in particular a drum follower plate as described in this description, wherein the drum follower plate has a base body and an elastic seal projecting radially beyond the base body with respect to a longitudinal center axis of the drum follower plate for circumferential contact with an inner circumferential surface of a drum. It is provided that a compression state is selected from several compression states of the seal and set by means of compression means for compressing the seal in the axial direction, wherein the seal is designed such that in a first of the compression states it has first dimensions in the radial direction and in a second of the compression states it has second dimensions in the radial direction that differ from the first dimensions.It is further provided that, in order to remove the drum follower plate from the drum, the compression means are first adjusted in such a way that the dimensions of the seal decrease in the radial direction and then at least one spacer, which is movably mounted on the base body, is moved in such a way that it pushes the drum follower plate away from a drum bottom of the drum.

[0038] Reference is again made to the explanations in this description regarding the advantages and possible beneficial further developments of the barrel follower plate and the procedure for operating it.

[0039] The invention provides that, to remove the drum follower plate from the drum, the compression means are first adjusted such that the dimensions of the seal decrease in the radial direction, and then at least one spacer, which is movably mounted on the base body, is moved such that it pushes the drum follower plate away from the bottom of the drum. This procedure has already been explained above, so it will not be discussed in more detail here. It allows for particularly easy removal of the drum follower plate from the drum, especially if the drum is completely or only partially empty.

[0040] The features and combinations of features described in the description, in particular those described in the following figure description and / or shown in the figures, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments that are not explicitly shown or explained in the description and / or the figures, but which emerge from or can be derived from the explained embodiments, are also to be considered as encompassed by the invention.

[0041] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing, without limiting the invention. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a barrel follower plate having a seal for a barrel arrangement, Fig. 2 a schematic partial sectional view of the barrel follower plate, wherein the seal is in a first compression state, as well as Fig. 3 a schematic partial sectional view of the barrel follower plate with the seal in a second compression state.

[0042] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a drum follower plate 1, which is designed and configured for installation in a drum of a drum assembly. The drum follower plate 1 has a base body 2, which in the embodiment shown here is composed of three segments 3, 4, and 5. The base body 2 is circumferentially encompassed with respect to a longitudinal center axis 6 of the drum follower plate 1 by seals 7 and 8, which each project radially beyond the base body 2, namely continuously in the circumferential direction. The seals 7 and 8 are arranged in receiving grooves 9 and 10, which are produced in the base body 2, preferably also continuously and without interruption in the circumferential direction.

[0043] The seals 7 and 8 are generally ring-shaped and elastic. They are made of an elastic material that differs from the material of the base body 2. Specifically, the seals 7 and 8 are made of a sealing material, preferably an elastomer or rubber, while the base body 2 is made of a rigid material, such as metal or plastic. In any case, the material of the base body 2 has a higher strength than the material of the seals 7 and 8.

[0044] Segment 3 forms a base 11 of the drum follower plate 1. Segments 4 and 5, on the other hand, are essentially ring-shaped and enclose an interior space 12 of the base body 2. A dispensing opening 13 is formed in the base 11, which extends through a dispensing nozzle 14. The dispensing nozzle 14 is preferably integrally formed with segment 3, particularly its base 11, and made of the same material. It extends through the interior space 12 and is radially spaced from segments 3 and 4. The dispensing opening 13 serves to insert a dispensing line into the aforementioned drum, allowing fluid to be drawn from it.

[0045] Segments 3, 4, and 5 are axially displaceable relative to each other with respect to the longitudinal center axis 6 and form compression elements 15 by means of which the seals 7 and 8 can be compressed axially. The compression elements 15 also have actuating elements 16, which are only indicated here. The actuating elements 16 allow segments 3, 4, and 5 to be displaced relative to each other. Preferably, the actuating elements 16 comprise a drive for the compression elements 15, in particular an electric drive. Furthermore, the drum follower plate 1 has spacers 17 (not shown here) which are arranged on the base 11 of segment 3. In particular, the spacers 17 are located in housings 18 and can be extended from them such that they project beyond the base 11 in the direction away from the interior 12.

[0046] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic longitudinal section of the drum follower plate 1 in a first compression state of the seals 7 and 8. In this state, segments 3, 4, and 5 are displaced towards each other, specifically abutting each other in the axial direction. This compresses seals 7 and 8 axially and, correspondingly, pushes them outwards in the radial direction, so that they have a first radial projection beyond the base body 2. Furthermore, the spacers 17 are received in their housings 18, specifically such that they do not project beyond the base 11 but are flush with it. An adjusting means 19 for displacing segments 3, 4, and 5 relative to each other is also visible. The adjusting means 19 is specifically in the form of an adjusting spindle.

[0047] The Fig.Figure 3 shows a schematic longitudinal section of the drum follower plate 1 in a second compression state of the seals 7 and 8. In this state, segments 3, 4, and 5 are displaced from one another, resulting in no or only weaker compression of the seals 7 and 8 in the axial direction. Accordingly, a second projection of the seals 7 and 8 extends radially beyond the base body 2, which is smaller than the first projection. Furthermore, the spacers 17 are extended from the housings 18, so that they project beyond the base 11 in the direction away from the interior 12. This significantly simplifies lifting the drum follower plate 1 from the drum base and thus removing it from the drum. REFERENCE MARK LIST: 1 Barrel sequence plate 2 basic shapes 3 Segment 4 segments 5 segments 6 Longitudinal center axis 7 Seal 8 Seal 9 recordings 10 recordings 11 Floor 12 Interior 13. Sampling opening 14 extraction ports 15 compression agents 16 Actuator 17 spacers 18 cases 19 Actuators

Claims

[1] Drum follower plate (1) for a drum arrangement, comprising a base body (2) and an elastic seal (7) projecting in a radial direction with respect to a longitudinal central axis (6) of the drum follower plate (1) beyond the base body (2) for circumferential contact with an inner circumferential surface of a drum and with compression means (15) for compressing the seal (7) in an axial direction to set a compression state selected from several compression states, wherein the seal (7) is designed such that in a first of the compression states it has first dimensions in the radial direction and in a second of the compression states it has second dimensions in the radial direction that differ from the first dimensions, characterized by , that at least one spacer (17) is displaceably mounted on the base body (2), which in a first position is further received in the base body (2) than in a second position. [2] Barrel follower plate according to claim 1, characterized by , that the seal (7) is arranged between two segments (3, 4) of the base body (2) which are axially displaceable relative to each other and which form the compression means (15), wherein in a first position of the segments (3, 4) the first compression state is present and in a second position different from the first position the second compression state is present. [3] Barrel follower plate according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the seal (7) is arranged in a receiving groove (9) which is open in a radial direction to the outside and which is formed in at least one of the segments (3, 4). [4] Barrel follower plate according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the compression means (15) have a drive. [5] Barrel follower plate according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that in the axial direction a further seal (8) is spaced apart from the seal (7) for circumferential contact with the inner circumferential surface of the barrel and extends radially beyond the base body (2) and a compression state of the further seal can be adjusted by means of the compression means (15). [6] Barrel follower plate according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one spacer (17) penetrates a base (11) of the base body (2) formed by one of the segments (3, 4). [7] Barrel arrangement comprising a barrel and a barrel follower plate (1) arranged in the barrel, in particular a barrel follower plate (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the barrel follower plate (1) has a base body (2) and an elastic seal (7) projecting radially beyond the base body (2) with respect to a longitudinal central axis (6) of the barrel follower plate (1) for circumferential contact with an inner circumferential surface of the barrel and with compression means (15) for compressing the seal (7) in the axial direction to set a compression state selected from several compression states, wherein the seal (7) is designed such that in a first of the compression states it has first dimensions in the radial direction and in a second of the compression states it has second dimensions in the radial direction that differ from the first dimensions, characterized by, that at least one spacer (17) is displaceably mounted on the base body (2), which in a first position is further received in the base body (2) than in a second position. [8] Method for operating a drum follower plate (1), in particular a drum follower plate (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, wherein the drum follower plate (1) has a base body (2) and an elastic seal (7) projecting radially beyond the base body (2) with respect to a longitudinal central axis (6) of the drum follower plate (1) for circumferential contact with an inner circumferential surface of a drum, wherein a compression state is selected from several compression states of the seal (7) and is set by means of compression means (15) for compression of the seal (7) in the axial direction, wherein the seal (7) is designed such that in a first of the compression states it has first dimensions in the radial direction and in a second of the compression states it has second dimensions in the radial direction that differ from the first dimensions, characterized by, that to remove the drum follower plate (1) from the drum, the compression means (15) are first adjusted such that the dimensions of the seal (7) decrease in the radial direction and then at least one spacer (17) which is movably mounted on the base body (2) is moved such that it pushes the drum follower plate (1) away from a drum bottom of the drum.

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