Downpipe, sampling system with downpipe and equipment with sampling system and with pipeline

Abstract

A downpipe for receiving and conveying a product sample with a fixed pipe section (16) which is provided for receiving the product sample from a sampler (1), characterized in that the downpipe (4) has a scale (5) arranged below the fixed pipe section (16) for weighing the product sample, wherein the scale (5) has a sample container (8) which can be filled through the fixed pipe section (16).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a downpipe for receiving and conveying a product sample, particularly for dust and bulk materials, according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a sampling system comprising the downpipe and a sampler for taking a product sample from a pipeline. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device comprising the sampling system and a pipeline for dust and bulk materials.

[0002] To verify the product quality of the dust and bulk materials transported through a pipeline, product samples are repeatedly taken from the product stream. This is done largely automatically using a sampler. A sampler, known as a sampling device, is known, for example, from DE 20 2019 100 840 U1. The sampled product sample is transferred by the sampler into a downpipe that is permanently connected to the sampler and thus stationary, passed through the downpipe, and filled into a container. The container is then sealed and either taken to a laboratory for analysis of the product sample or stored and, if necessary, analyzed at a later date to verify product quality.

[0003] Based on this known state of the art, the task arises to further simplify and, in particular, to accelerate the analysis of the product sample.

[0004] The object is achieved by a downpipe according to claim 1, by a product removal system according to claim 16 having the downpipe according to the invention and by a device according to claim 20 which, in addition to the product removal system, also comprises the pipe from which the product sample is taken.

[0005] In a downpipe for receiving and conveying a product sample, in particular for dust and bulk materials, with a fixed pipe section that is intended to receive the product sample from the sampler, it is essential to the invention that the downpipe has a scale arranged below the fixed pipe section for weighing the product sample, wherein the scale has a sample container that can be filled through the fixed pipe section. For weighing and preferably for further analysis of the product sample, this product sample is received in the sample container. Thanks to the scale arranged in the downpipe, the product sample taken can be automatically weighed as it passes through the downpipe, in particular immediately after it is removed from the product stream, and can then be introduced into a container with an already known mass for further storage.

[0006] Particularly preferably, the scale has a shut-off device arranged below the sample container for holding the product sample in the sample container during weighing and for dispensing the product sample after weighing. The shut-off device is preferably a pinch valve. The shut-off device, designed as a pinch valve, can be opened and closed automatically and is also easy to clean, for example, with the aid of an air stream, since, at least when open, it has no inaccessible areas where product residues could accumulate.

[0007] For the balance to function properly, it is necessary that the sample container is not rigidly mounted, but can at least move somewhat. Therefore, the balance, and especially the sample container, is arranged so that it can be moved relative to the fixed pipe section in the longitudinal direction of the downpipe.

[0008] In order to ensure that the sample is introduced while simultaneously decoupling the sample container, a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the downpipe between the scale and the fixed pipe section has an upper flexible connection by means of which the fixed pipe section is flexibly and continuously connected to the scale.

[0009] Furthermore, the scale preferably has at least one load cell for weighing the product sample located in the sample container. The load cell is preferably coupled, in particular connected, to a stationary part of the downpipe, in particular to a part of the downpipe that is fixed relative to the stationary pipe section. On the other hand, the load cell is preferably coupled, in particular connected, to the sample container. The stationary part is particularly preferably a receiving frame that is firmly connected to the stationary pipe section. The load cell is coupled, in particular connected, to the receiving frame on the one hand, and is coupled, in particular connected, to the sample container on the other hand. In particular, the scale is suspended from the receiving frame with the sample container via the load cell.

[0010] Below the scale, the downpipe preferably has a lower pipe section through which the sample container can be emptied. A container into which the at least weighed product sample is introduced can be located below the outlet of the lower pipe section. The lower pipe section is preferably decoupled from the scale in order to keep the mass of the scale low and to be able to fix the lower pipe section. For this purpose, it is particularly preferably provided that the downpipe has a lower flexible connection between the scale and the lower pipe section, by means of which the lower pipe section is flexibly and continuously connected to the scale. The scale is thus preferably arranged between two flexible connections. This allows the scale to operate particularly simply and efficiently.

[0011] The support frame is preferably firmly connected to the lower pipe section. This allows the entire downpipe to be secured via the support frame. The support frame is also preferably adjustable. This allows the scale to be positioned very precisely between the fixed pipe section and the lower pipe section, ensuring optimal decoupling and a straight flow of the product sample through the downpipe.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment of the downpipe, a knocker associated with the sample container, in particular a pneumatically operated ball vibrator, is arranged in the downpipe for removing product residues from the sample container.

[0013] In another advantageous development, an air purge is arranged in the downpipe, particularly in the lower area of ​​the sample container. This air purge allows residues to be removed from the downpipe and especially from the sample container, ensuring the downpipe's long-term reliable operation.

[0014] Further measuring systems are preferably integrated into the scale. In particular, a measuring device, in particular a near-infrared measuring device, is arranged in the downpipe and is associated with the sample container. This measuring device can be used to analyze the product sample. The measuring device, in particular together with a control unit connected to it, which belongs either to the downpipe or at least to a sampling system comprising the downpipe, is designed to analyze the moisture content and / or temperature and / or fat content of the product sample.

[0015] A further aspect of the invention consists in providing a sampling system according to claim 18, comprising a sampler for taking a product sample from a pipeline and a downpipe for receiving the product sample taken from the sampler and for passing the collected product sample through the pipeline, wherein the downpipe is designed as described above. This allows the product sample to be taken and weighed in the downpipe to be performed in one step.

[0016] The sampler preferably has a movable sampling element that is intended and designed to move into a pipeline. Using this sampling element, a product sample is taken from the product stream transported in the pipeline, in particular a dusty or bulk material, and delivered into the downpipe. There, the analysis takes place, in particular at least the weighing. The sampling element is preferably designed as a passage. The open area moves over a closure element in the pipeline that closes the open underside, picks up the product sample, is pulled out of the pipeline by the lifting cylinder and releases the product sample into the downpipe, since no closure element is provided there and the function is once again as a passage. For this purpose, a lifting cylinder is assigned to the sampling element, which moves the sampling element in and out of the pipeline.

[0017] A third aspect of the invention consists in providing a device according to claim 21, comprising a pipeline for dust and bulk materials and the sampling system described above. This pipeline is oriented substantially vertically.

[0018] The invention is further explained below with reference to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in the drawing, from which further essential features of the invention may emerge. They show: Fig. 1: a perspective view of the sampling system according to the invention with a downpipe according to a first embodiment of the invention and with a sampler in the context of a substantially vertical pipeline, and Fig. 2: a downpipe according to a second embodiment of the invention in a side view.

[0019] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a device with a product extraction system comprising a sampler 1 and a downpipe 4, and with a pipeline 2 in a perspective view. In the upper part of the Fig. 1, the essentially vertical pipeline 2 is transparent and the sampler 1 is shown with a sampling element 3, which is actually concealed by the pipeline 2, and with a lifting cylinder 12. The sampling element 3 has a lower opening, which is closed in the pipeline 2 by a wedge-shaped element, for example, which projects firmly into the pipeline 2. To collect the product sample, the sampling element 3 is retracted into the pipeline 2 by means of the lifting cylinder 12. The product sample passes from the essentially vertical product flow into the sampling element 3 through an upper opening in the product sampling element 3. The lifting cylinder 12 then moves the sampling element 3 with the product sample out of the pipeline 2.The product sample collected in the sampling element 3 is then discharged into a downpipe 4 at the point where the sampling element 3 is no longer closed at the bottom by the fixed element. The downpipe 4 is designed, for example, as shown in FIG. Fig. 1 or as shown by Fig. 2. Combinations of the embodiments according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 as well as combinations with other described embodiments of the invention are possible. The following description of the downpipe 4 of the embodiment of Fig. 1 also applies to the downpipe 4 of the embodiment of Fig. 2. The same reference numerals in the figures indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0020] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows the downpipe 4 with a scale 5 arranged in the downpipe 4. In the downpipe 4 there is a sample container 8 belonging to the scale 5, which receives the product sample that is discharged into the downpipe 4. The sample container 8 with the product sample held therein is decoupled from the sampler 1 and from parts of the downpipe 4 that are firmly fixed relative to the sampler 1. A fixed pipe section 16 arranged above the scale 5 and a lower pipe section 17 arranged below the scale 5 are, however, firmly fixed relative to one another and firmly fixed relative to the sampler 1. This is made possible by an upper flexible connection 6 arranged above the scale 5 to the fixed pipe section 16 and by a lower flexible connection 7 arranged below the scale 5 to the lower pipe section 17.

[0021] The scale 5 is held on an adjustable support frame 9 via a load cell 18. The adjustable support frame 9 is attached to the fixed pipe section 16 and the lower pipe section 17 of the downpipe 4 by means of pipe couplings 10 and 11. As a result, the scale 5 is firmly connected, on the one hand, to the adjustable support frame 9 above the scale 5 via the load cell 18. On the other hand, particularly on the lower side, the scale 5 is pulled downwards or, in particular, moved downwards minimally, depending on the weight of the product sample held in the sample container 8 and can thus determine the sample weight using the load cell 18.Below the sample container 8, a shut-off device 14 in the form of a pinch valve with a pneumatically compressible sleeve is provided, which is closed for weighing the product sample and is opened after weighing the product sample, so that the product sample can then be discharged into the lower pipe section 17 of the downpipe 4.

[0022] Additionally, an air purge 13 with a compressed air connection is provided for cleaning the downpipe 4 in the area between the flexible connections 6 and 7, particularly in the lower area of ​​the sample container 8. Also arranged in the downpipe 4 is a knocker 15 associated with the sample container 4, which can remove product residues through mechanical vibrations. In the illustrated embodiment, the knocker 15 is designed as a ball vibrator that is pneumatically operated using compressed air. The knocker 15 is supplied with compressed air via a compressed air connection 23.

[0023] In the example of Fig. 2, the downpipe 4, in particular the scale 5, has, in addition to the load cell 18, further means for analyzing the product sample. In particular, a measuring device 20, designed as a near-infrared measuring device, is provided in the downpipe 4 and assigned to the sample container 8. Thus, while weighing the product sample, further analyses can be performed simultaneously with the aid of the measuring device 20, such as determining the moisture content, temperature, fat content, and / or other parameters of the product sample.

[0024] At least one control unit 21 is provided to control the entire installed measuring technology, in particular the load cell 18 and the measuring device 20, and to record measurement data from this measuring technology. The control unit 21 is preferably arranged on the support frame 9 and held thereon by a bracket 22. By means of this bracket 22 or by means of an optional additional bracket attached to the support frame 9, the support frame 9 and, above it, the entire downpipe 9 can also be externally attached and held. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] FROM 20 2019 100 840 U1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Downpipe for receiving and conveying a product sample, comprising a fixed pipe section (16) intended to receive the product sample from a sampler (1), characterized by that the downpipe (4) has a scale (5) arranged below the fixed pipe section (16) for weighing the product sample, wherein the scale (5) has a sample container (8) which can be filled through the fixed pipe section (16). [2] Downpipe according to claim 1, characterized by that the scale (5) has a shut-off device (14) arranged below the sample container (8) for holding the product sample in the sample container (8) during weighing and for dispensing the product sample after weighing. [3] Downpipe according to claim 2, characterized by that the shut-off device (14) is a pinch valve. [4] Downpipe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the scale (5), in particular the sample container (4), is arranged to be displaceable relative to the fixed pipe section (16) in the longitudinal direction of the downpipe (4). [5] Downpipe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the downpipe (4) has an upper flexible connection (6) between the scale (5) and the fixed pipe section (16), by means of which the fixed pipe section (16) is flexibly and continuously connected to the scale (5). [6] Downpipe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the scale (5) has at least one load cell (18) for weighing the product sample located in the sample container (8). [7] Downpipe according to claim 6, characterized bythat the load cell (18) is on the one hand coupled, in particular connected, to a fixed part of the downpipe (4), in particular to a part of the downpipe (4) fixed relative to the fixed pipe section (16), and on the other hand coupled, in particular connected, to the sample container (8). [8] Downpipe according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by that the scale (5) is assigned a receiving frame (9) which is firmly connected to the fixed pipe section (16), wherein the load cell (18) is coupled, in particular connected, to the receiving frame (9) on the one hand and coupled, in particular connected, to the sample container (8) on the other hand. [9] Downpipe according to claim 8, characterized by that the scale (5) with the sample container (8) is suspended from the support frame (9) via the load cell (18). [10] Downpipe according to claim 8 or 9, characterized bythat the downpipe (4) below the scale (5) has a lower pipe section (17) through which the sample container (8) can be emptied. [11] Downpipe according to claim 10, characterized by that the downpipe (4) has a lower flexible connection (7) between the scale (5) and the lower pipe section (17), by means of which the lower pipe section (16) is flexibly and continuously connected to the scale (5). [12] Downpipe according to claim 11, characterized by that the support frame (9) is firmly connected to the lower pipe section (17). [13] Downpipe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a knocker (15), in particular a pneumatically operated ball vibrator, associated with the sample container (8) is arranged in the downpipe (4) for removing product residues from the sample container (8). [14] Downpipe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat a measuring device (20), in particular a near-infrared measuring device, associated with the sample container (8) is arranged in the downpipe (4) for analyzing the product sample. [15] Downpipe according to claim 14, characterized by that the measuring device (20), in particular together with a control unit (21) connected thereto, is designed to analyze the moisture and / or the temperature and / or the fat content of the product sample. [16] Sampling system with a sampler (1) for taking a product sample from a pipeline (2) and with a downpipe (4) for receiving the product sample taken from the sampler (1) and for passing the received product sample through, wherein the downpipe (4) is designed according to one of the preceding claims. [17] Sampling system according to claim 16, characterized bythat the sampler (1) has a movable sampling element (3) which is provided and designed to move into the pipeline (2). [18] Sampling system according to claim 17, characterized by that the sampling element (3) is designed as a passage which is closed at the bottom by a closure element arranged in the pipeline (2). [19] Sampling system according to claim 17 or 18, characterized by that a lifting cylinder (12) is assigned to the sampling element (3). [20] Device with a pipeline (2) for dust and bulk materials and with a sampling system which has a sampler (1) for taking a product sample from this pipeline (2) and a downpipe (4), according to one of claims 16 to 19. [21] Device according to claim 20, characterized by that the pipeline (2) is aligned substantially vertically.

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