Mixing device for mixing feed components for insect feed, related feed kitchen and use

Abstract

Mixing device (2, 2') for mixing feed components, in particular for the production of an insect feed, with - a mixing container (4) for receiving feed components, and - a stirrer (6) for mixing the feed components, with a stirring agent (8), wherein the stirring agent (8) is rotatable in the mixing container (4) along a longitudinal axis (L) R ) is arranged, characterized in that the stirring agent (8) is a multiple spiral (18) with two along the longitudinal axis (L R ) complained snail wings (54a, 54b) wherein the multiple spiral (18) is designed such that it displaces feed components taken up in the mixing container (4) downwards in the middle of the mixing container (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a mixing device for mixing feed components, in particular for producing insect feed, comprising a mixing container for receiving feed components and an agitator for mixing the feed components, wherein the agitator has a stirring agent which is rotatably arranged in the mixing container along a longitudinal axis.

[0002] Such mixing devices are known from the prior art and are used in particular for the production of feed for pigs. For example, a mixing device is known from the company WEDA in which the mixing container has a polygonal cross-section. An agitator is arranged inside the mixing container, which serves to mix the feed components.

[0003] The use of such mixing devices has proven effective in the preparation of pig feed, as pig feed typically consists of fine components. This results in a low viscosity of the feed to be mixed, meaning it offers minimal resistance to the agitator.

[0004] Insects, and in particular black soldier fly larvae and mealworms, are fed a significantly firmer and drier feed compared to pig feed, with a higher dry matter content and higher viscosity. The feed has a liquid, mushy, or firm consistency and consists of moist and dry components, such as wheat bran, sugar beet pulp, mineral feed, vegetable residues, by-products from the food industry, and silage. Compared to feed for pigs, insect feed has a higher dry matter content and also a higher viscosity.

[0005] The term liquid, mushy or solid feed includes both a relatively liquid feed with a dry matter content of 5% or greater, and a very solid feed with a dry matter content of up to 40%, the mushy feed preferably being pumpable.

[0006] A particular challenge here is that the feed for the aforementioned insects also serves as their habitat, which is why feed that is too moist can cause the larvae to drown. Therefore, for successful insect breeding, it is crucial to produce a high-fiber feed with a high dry matter content of, for example, 25-30%. Commonly available mixing equipment optimized for pig feed production is generally not capable of creating a homogeneous mixture from the various feed components required to produce such insect feed.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome, at least in part, the disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, a mixing device was to be provided which is suitable for producing a homogeneous feed mixture from the different feed components, even when dealing with liquid, mushy, or solid, fibrous feed.

[0008] According to the invention, the problem in a mixing device of the type mentioned above is solved by the stirring agent having a multiple spiral with at least two screw wings arranged along the longitudinal axis, wherein the multiple spiral is designed such that it displaces feed components received in the mixing container downwards in the center of the mixing container (claim 1).

[0009] The invention is based on the understanding that the multi-spiral agitator is characterized by particularly smooth and consistent running properties, as the forces acting on the agitator cancel each other out. In comparison, a single-spiral agitator would cause more vibrations in the tank because the agitator runs less smoothly. Preferably, the multi-spiral agitator is designed as a double-spiral agitator. The double-spiral agitator is less complex and is characterized by smooth and quiet running properties. According to an alternative embodiment, the multi-spiral agitator is designed as a triple- or quadruple-spiral agitator. With such a design, the forces would also cancel each other out, resulting in smooth running properties.

[0010] The multi-spiral conveyor preferably comprises a shaft and two screw flights arranged on the shaft. The screw flights extend spirally along the shaft. Rotation of the shaft also sets the screw flights in rotation. The direction of rotation of the shaft is preferably selected such that the feed components are conveyed downwards along the center of the shaft.

[0011] The design and use of the agitator differ from typical mixing devices known from the prior art, in which the medium to be conveyed is conveyed upwards and thereby mixed. In the mixing device according to the invention, the exact opposite occurs, namely, the feed components are displaced downwards along a central shaft of the agitator within the mixing vessel. This results in the feed components in the lower region of the mixing vessel being displaced radially outwards and rising upwards on the outside of the mixing vessel. From there, they return radially inwards and are fed back into the agitator.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the multi-spiral auger is designed as a double helix. The double helix has two auger wings extending helically along the shaft. The auger wings are preferably attached to a shaft by means of a fastening element. The auger wings extend along the shaft with a preferably constant pitch. Each individual auger wing has, in a sense, the shape of a cylindrical spiral. Preferably, two fastening elements are provided to ensure secure attachment of the auger wings. According to an alternative embodiment, three or more fastening elements are provided. This configuration can be structurally advantageous, particularly for larger container volumes, higher conveying capacities, and especially viscous feed compositions.

[0013] According to an alternative embodiment, the screw flights have a progressive pitch. The pitch can therefore increase or decrease along the axial screw path.

[0014] The worm gear flights are attached to the shaft by preferably at least two arms. Preferably, at least one arm is connected to a worm gear flight and holds it relative to the shaft. According to one embodiment, two arms are provided, each of which is connected to both worm gear flights and holds them relative to the shaft. The shaft can have a rectangular or square cross-section. Alternatively, the shaft cross-section can also be round, hexagonal, or octagonal.

[0015] According to one embodiment, a bottom agitator is arranged on the underside of the stirring element, in particular the multi-spiral agitator, which preferably has at least two agitator blades. The bottom agitator can, for example, also have four or six agitator blades, which preferably have a substantially constant distance from each other in the circumferential direction. The bottom agitator is preferably arranged on the shaft below the screw blades. A bottom agitator is understood to be an agitator that is arranged on the underside of the stirring element, in particular adjacent to the bottom of the container.

[0016] The agitator blades of the bottom agitator serve to convey the feed to be mixed from a lower section of the mixing container to the outside. It has also been found that the bottom agitator is particularly important when small quantities of feed are to be mixed with the mixing device. By equipping the bottom agitator with appropriate agitator blades, homogeneous mixing can be achieved even with small quantities. The agitator blades are preferably arranged in a V-shape relative to each other. The agitator blades preferably extend in the direction of the multiple spirals.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the mixing container has a side wall which has a polygonal cross-section transverse to a longitudinal axis of the mixing container, and wherein adjacent corners of the container wall are each connected by means of a wall section, wherein in the circumferential direction adjacent wall sections have different side widths transverse to the longitudinal axis of the mixing container.

[0018] The further development of the invention is based on the finding that the interaction of an agitator and a mixing container, in which the wall sections have different lengths, improves the mixing of liquid, slurry-like, or solid and fibrous feed components. Surprisingly, it has been found that when the agitator pushes the feed slurry downwards in the center, and it rises again due to displacement at the outer edges in the area of ​​the mixing container's wall sections, the different widths of the wall sections cause the feed slurry to break unevenly, thus significantly improving the mixing of the feed components compared to mixing devices known from the prior art. Additionally, this effectively prevents unmixed feed components from settling in the corners of the mixing container. The wall sections are preferably designed as sheets.According to one embodiment, the wall sections have a rectangular shape. The term "in the circumferential direction" preferably refers to the longitudinal axis of the mixing container. The side width of the wall sections is understood to mean their extent, in particular, along an upper or lower edge transverse to the longitudinal axis of the mixing container, or along any plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the mixing container.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the wall sections have first wall sections with a first side width and second wall sections with a second side width, with the first and second wall sections arranged alternately. In other words, adjacent wall sections interrupted by a corner have different lengths: the first wall section has the first side width and the second wall section has the second side width. This design of the wall sections achieves the aforementioned positive effects regarding the mixing of the feed slurry and also minimizes component complexity, requiring only two different wall section configurations or basic shapes that can be arranged alternately. This reduces manufacturing effort.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the polygonal cross-section has at least eight corners. Such a design of the polygonal cross-section has proven suitable for minimizing the volume that cannot be reached by the stirring agent and in which feed components could potentially accumulate. The accumulation of unmixed feed components in the corner areas can be largely prevented by the polygonal cross-section.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the wall sections are made of stainless steel. Preferably, the wall sections are screwed together so that the mixing device can be transported to the installation site in individual parts or assemblies and then assembled on site. Preferably, a seal, such as a sealing strip, can be provided between adjacent wall sections. This also reduces the transport volume and transport costs.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the stirring agent has a longitudinal axis that is arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the mixing container. This ensures particularly uniform mixing of the feed and prevents unmixed feed components from settling in areas of the mixing container.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the agitator has a drive unit which is mounted on the top of the mixing vessel. Such an agitator is also referred to as a top-entry agitator.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the agitator is a first agitator, wherein the mixing device has a second agitator which has a drive unit mounted on the underside of the mixing container, in particular wherein the second agitator has a rotating comminution element which is configured to comminute particles in the feed mixture. The comminution element is preferably designed as a knife, knife assembly or dissolver.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the drive unit of the first agitator can be operated independently of the drive unit of the second agitator, in particular with different rotational speeds.

[0026] In this way, the mixing device enables both efficient mixing of the feed slurry and targeted particle comminution.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the drive unit features a frequency-controlled geared motor. This allows for a wide speed range for the agitator, ensuring adequate stirring action at varying fill levels and feed viscosities. This is made possible by the frequency-controlled connection of the geared motor, preferably with an 87 Hz characteristic curve. Alternatively, the geared motor can be operated without a frequency converter.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the mixing container has a capacity of 1000 to 10000 liters, in particular 1200 to 2500 liters. Such a capacity has proven particularly suitable for producing corresponding quantities of feed while simultaneously ensuring homogeneous mixing of the feed components.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the mixing container is closed at the top. Preferably, the mixing container has a lid at the top that can be opened.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the mixing container tapers vertically downwards in a funnel shape in a lower section, culminating in a bottom section. This lower section is preferably formed from trapezoidal funnel-shaped plates. The lower section also preferably has eight corners. This taper ensures that the feed can be dispensed through an outlet at a central point and, furthermore, improves the mixing of the feed components, particularly when the mixing container is filled with only small quantities of feed. Preferably, the trapezoidal funnel-shaped plates have the same side width in the area of ​​contact with the wall sections as the corresponding adjacent wall sections.This means that the trapezoidal funnel plates also have different side widths at their upper edge, with funnel plates with a larger side width alternating with those with a smaller upper side width. Together with the wall sections, this ensures that the feed mixture breaks up unevenly, thus improving mixing. The stirring agent preferably extends substantially to the bottom section to further enhance the mixing of the feed components.

[0031] The invention has been described above with reference to a mixing device. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a feed kitchen for preparing feed for insects, in particular for larval fattening and rearing. According to the invention, the feed kitchen comprises at least one mixing device with a mixing container and an agitator, wherein the mixing device is configured according to one of the preceding embodiments, at least one feed conveying device connectable to the mixing device, which is configured to convey components of the feed in the mixing container, at least one discharge conveying device connectable to the mixing device, which is configured to convey the feed, in particular liquid, slurry, or solid feed, from the mixing device, and a metering device, which can be connected to the mixing device via the discharge conveying device and is configured to meter the feed.The food preparation area can also have two or more mixing devices.

[0032] In other words, the mixing device is part of the feed kitchen for preparing the insect feed. After the feed components are mixed in the mixing device, the finished feed mixture is conveyed via a conveying system, such as pumps and pipes, to the dosing unit. There, the feed mixture is dispensed into devices, such as boxes for larval rearing, and the larvae are then added.

[0033] The feed kitchen utilizes the same advantages and preferred embodiments as the mixing device according to the invention, and vice versa. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the above submission, the content of which is hereby incorporated.

[0034] In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of a mixing device according to one of the preceding claims for the production of insect feed. This use also takes advantage of the same benefits and preferred embodiments as the mixing device and feed kitchen according to the invention, and vice versa. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the above submissions, and their content is hereby incorporated.

[0035] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to a preferred embodiment and the accompanying figures. These figures show: Fig. 1 an embodiment of a mixing device according to the invention for mixing feed components in a perspective partial sectional view; Fig. 2 the embodiment of the mixing device according to the invention Fig. 1 in a side-section view; Fig. 3 the stirring agent of the mixing device according to the invention Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in a perspective view; Fig. 4 the mixing container of the mixing device according to the invention Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in a perspective view; Fig. 5a an alternative embodiment of a mixing device according to the invention for mixing feed components in a perspective partial section view; Fig. 5b a detailed view of the mixing device according to the invention Fig. 5a in a perspective partial section view; and Fig. 6 A schematic representation of a feed kitchen for preparing feed for insects with a mixing device according to the invention. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in a schematic representation.

[0036] The Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a mixing device 2 for mixing feed components, in particular for producing a liquid, slurry, or solid insect feed. The mixing device 2 has a mixing container 4 for receiving feed components and an agitator 6 for mixing the feed components. The agitator 6 has a stirring element 8. The stirring element 8 is rotatably arranged in the mixing container 4. The mixing container 4 has a side wall 5 which is transverse to a longitudinal axis L of the mixing container. M The mixing container has a polygonal cross-section 10. Adjacent corners 12 of the polygonal cross-section 10 are each connected by a wall section 14, 16. The wall sections 14, 16 have a rectangular base shape. In the circumferential direction U around the longitudinal axis L of the mixing container M Adjacent wall sections 14, 16 have different side widths L1, L2 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the mixing container. M on, as especially in Fig. 2 can be seen.

[0037] The wall sections 14, 16 comprise first wall sections 14 with a first side width L1 and second wall sections 16 with a second side width L2. The first and second wall sections 14, 16 are arranged alternately with each other. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the side wall 5 of the mixing device 2 has a total of eight corners 12. Accordingly, a total of eight wall sections 14, 16 are provided, with four first wall sections 14 having a first side width L1 and four second wall sections 16 having a second side width L2. Due to the different lengths of the wall sections 14, 16, the feed mixture inside the mixing container 4 breaks up unevenly, thus improving the mixing. The wall sections 14, 16 are made of stainless steel. Adjacent wall sections 14, 16 are screwed together. The wall sections 14, 16 are, in particular, parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the mixing container. Marranged.

[0038] The stirring agent 8 has a longitudinal axis L R on. The longitudinal axis L R The agitator 8 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis L of the mixing vessel. M arranged. The stirring agent 8 is in Fig. 3 is shown in more detail. It has a multiple spiral 18, which is specifically designed as a double helix 20. The double helix 20 causes the feed components taken up in the mixing container 4 to be displaced downwards in the center of the mixing container 4. If the feed components in a lower region 36 cannot be displaced further downwards due to the shape of the mixing container 4, they move radially outwards and rise upwards adjacent to the wall sections 14, 16 within the mixing container 4. How Fig. As can be further seen from Figure 3, the agitator 8 has a shaft designed as a square shaft 52. Two helical fastening elements 56 are provided spaced apart from each other on this square shaft 52, by means of which a first and a second screw flight 54a, 54b are held. According to an alternative embodiment, for higher conveying capacities and increased stability, three or more helical fastening elements 56 can also be provided. The shaft can alternatively have a round, hexagonal, or octagonal cross-section.

[0039] A bottom agitator 22 is arranged on the underside of the stirring element 8. The bottom agitator 22 is specifically located below the multi-spiral 18. According to an embodiment not shown, the multi-spiral 18 can optionally be installed independently of the bottom agitator 22.

[0040] The auger flights 54a, 54b extend spirally along the square shaft 52. The rotation of the square shaft 52 also causes the auger flights 54a, 54b to rotate. The direction of rotation of the square shaft 52 is preferably selected such that the feed components are conveyed downwards along the center of the square shaft 52. The auger flights 54a, 54b extend along the square shaft 52 with a constant pitch. According to an embodiment not shown here, the auger flights 54a, 54b extend along the square shaft 52 with a progressively increasing or decreasing pitch.

[0041] The floor agitator 22 has at least two agitator blades 24. The agitator blades 24 displace the feed material outwards and allow homogeneous mixing when mixing small quantities of feed.

[0042] The mixing device 2 has three support legs 26. Each support leg is associated with a weighing device 28, so that, given the known mass of the mixing device 2, the mass of feed inside the mixing device 2 can be determined. The agitator 6 has a drive unit 30. This is mounted on the top of the mixing container 4. The drive unit 30 has a frequency-controlled geared motor 32. The mixing container 4 has a capacity V of 1000 L to 3000 L. The mixing container 4 is closed at the top. The mixing container 4 has a removable lid 34 on its upper surface.

[0043] The mixing vessel 4 tapers in a lower section 36 in a vertical downward funnel shape to a bottom section 38. The lower section 36 is formed from trapezoidal funnel-shaped plates 40. The funnel plates 40 have an upper edge 58 which is Fig. 4 is shown. One length of the upper edge 58 corresponds to the side width L1, L2 of the respective adjacent wall section 14, 16. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, wall section 16, for example, has a side width of L2. The adjacent trapezoidal funnel plate 40 also has a side width of L2 at its upper edge 58. This applies analogously to the first wall sections 14, which have a smaller side width of L1. The stirring element 8 extends, as shown in particular Fig. 2 can be seen, essentially up to floor section 38.

[0044] The mixing device 2 also has a Fig. Figure 1 shows a tank cleaner 42, which allows cleaning of the mixing container 4. A misting nozzle 44 is also provided to regulate the moistening of the feed and to facilitate tank cleaning. Both the tank cleaner 42 and the misting nozzle 44 are supplied with fluid, for example water, via pipe elements 46. A ball valve 48 is provided to control the fluid flow. A drain 50 is also provided on the underside of the mixing container 4 to drain, for example, cleaning fluid from the mixing container 4.

[0045] The Fig. 5a and Fig. Figure 5b shows an alternative embodiment of a mixing device 2'. Compared to the one shown in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-4, the agitator 8 does not have a bottom agitator arranged below the multiple spiral 18. Instead, a second agitator 60 is arranged below the multiple spiral 18. The second agitator 60 has a drive 62. The drive 62 is mounted on the underside of the mixing vessel 4. The second agitator 60 has a rotating comminuted element 64. The rotating comminuted element 64 is designed to comminute particles in the feed mixture. The second agitator 60 has a geared motor 66. The speed control of the second geared motor 66 is independent of the speed control of the geared motor 32, so that the second agitator 60 and the first agitator 6 can be operated at different rotational speeds.A transmission device 68 is arranged between the geared motor 66 and the second agitator 60, which transmits the rotational energy generated by the geared motor 66 to the second agitator 60. The second agitator 60 has a shaft 70 on which the comminution element 64, designed as a dissolver, is arranged. In the section on... Fig. 5a and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5b, the first agitator 6 serves to mix and produce a homogeneous feed slurry. The task of the second agitator 60, in particular the comminution element 64, is to pre-compress larger particles within the feed slurry. The particle sizes to be achieved after comminution are typically in the range of less than 10 mm. The second agitator 60 is fed into the mixing vessel 4 from below and is therefore also referred to as a bottom-entry agitator.

[0046] Fig.Figure 6 schematically shows a feed kitchen 100 for preparing feed for insects. The feed kitchen 100 includes the mixing device 2 as shown in the preceding figures. The feed kitchen 100 also includes at least one feed conveying device 102 that can be coupled to the mixing device 2. The feed conveying device 102 is configured to convey components of the feed into the mixing container 4. Furthermore, the feed kitchen 100 includes a discharge conveying device 104 that can be coupled to the mixing device 2 and is configured to convey the feed from the mixing device 2. A metering device 106 is also provided, which is connected to the mixing device 2 via the discharge conveying device 104 and is configured to meter the feed. There, the feed is metered, for example, into boxes for larval rearing, and the larvae are subsequently added. Reference symbol list 2, 2' Mixing device 4 mixing containers 5 side container wall 6 (first) agitator 8 Stirring agents 10 polygonal cross-section 12 corners of the polygonal cross-section 14 first wall section 16 second wall section 18 multiple spirals 20 Double helix 22 Floor mixer 24 stirring blades 26 Stand 28 Weighing device 30 Drive unit 32 frequency-controlled geared motor 34 top cover 36 lower area 38 Floor section 40 trapezoidal funnel sheet 42 Tank cleaners 44 Mist nozzle 46 pipe elements 48 ball valve 50 indulgence 52 square wave 54a,b first and second snail wings 56 Helix fastener 58 top edge 60 second agitator 62 Drive of the second agitator 64 Crushing agents (dissolvers) 66 Geared motor 68 Transmission device 70 wave 100 Food Kitchen 102 Feeding and conveying devices 104 laxatives 106 Dosing device L1 first side width L2 second side width L M Longitudinal axis of mixing container L R Stirring agent longitudinal axis U circumferential direction V Absorption volume of the mixing container

Claims

[1] Mixing device (2, 2') for mixing feed components, in particular for the production of insect feed, with - a mixing container (4) for receiving feed components, and - a stirrer (6) for mixing the feed components, with a stirring agent (8), wherein the stirring agent (8) is rotatable in the mixing container (4) along a longitudinal axis (L) R ) is arranged, characterized by , that the stirring agent (8) is a multiple spiral (18) with two along the longitudinal axis (L R ) complained snail wings (54a, 54b) wherein the multiple spiral (18) is designed such that it displaces feed components taken up in the mixing container (4) downwards in the middle of the mixing container (4). [2] Mixing device (2, 2') according to claim 1, wherein the multiple spiral (18) is designed as a double helix (20). [3] Mixing device (2, 2') according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a bottom agitator (22) is arranged on the underside of the stirring agent (8), in particular below the multiple spiral (18), which in particular has at least two stirring blades (24). [4] Mixing device (2, 2') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mixing container (4) has a side container wall (5) which is transverse to a longitudinal axis (L) of the mixing container M ) has a polygonal cross-section (10), wherein adjacent corners (12) of the container wall (5) are each connected by a wall section (14, 16), wherein, in the circumferential direction, adjacent wall sections (14, 16) have different side lengths (L1, L2) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mixing container. [5] Mixing device (2, 2') according to claim 4, wherein the wall sections (14, 16) have first wall sections (14) with a first side length (L1) and second wall sections (16) with a second side length (L2), and the first and second wall sections (14, 16) are arranged alternately with each other. [6] Mixing device (2, 2') according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall sections (14, 16) are made of stainless steel and / or are screwed together. [7] Mixing device (2, 2') according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stirring agent (8) has a longitudinal axis (L R ) which is coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the mixing vessel (L M ) is arranged. [8] Mixing device (2, 2') according to one of the preceding claims, with at least three support feet (26), wherein each of the support feet is associated with a weighing device (28). [9] Mixing device (2, 2') according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the agitator (6) has a drive unit (30) which is mounted on the top of the mixing container (4), in particular wherein the drive unit (30) has a frequency-controlled geared motor (32). [10] Mixing device (2') according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the agitator (6) is a first agitator (6) and wherein the mixing device (2) has a second agitator (60) which has a drive (62) which is mounted on the underside of the mixing container (4), in particular wherein the second agitator (60) has a rotating comminution means (64) which is configured to comminute particles in the feed mixture. [11] Mixing device (2, 2') according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mixing container (4) has a receiving volume (V) of 1000 liters to 10000 liters, in particular 1200 liters to 2500 liters. [12] Mixing device (2, 2') according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mixing container (4) is closed at the top, in particular wherein the mixing container (4) has an openable top lid (34). [13] Mixing device (2, 2') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mixing vessel (4) tapers in a lower area (36) below the side wall of the vessel (3) in a vertical downward direction in a funnel shape to a bottom section (38), in particular wherein the lower area (36) is formed from trapezoidal funnel-shaped plates (40), and / or wherein the stirring agent (8) extends essentially to the bottom section (38). [14] Feed kitchen (100) for preparing feed for insects, with: - a mixing device (2, 2') with a mixing container (4) and a stirrer (6), wherein the mixing device (2, 2') is designed according to one of the preceding claims, - at least one feed conveying device (102) that can be coupled to the mixing device (2, 2') and is designed to convey components of the feed into the mixing container (4), - at least one discharge conveying device (104) that can be coupled to the mixing device (2, 2') and is designed to convey the feed from the mixing device (2), - a metering device (106) which can be connected to the mixing device (2, 2') via the discharge conveying means (104) and is designed to meter the feed. [15] Use of a mixing device (2, 2') according to any of the preceding claims for the production of feed for insects.

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