DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THE TREATMENT OF FIBERS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for treating fibers, in particular cellulose, or a mixture of materials containing fibers or cellulose, wherein only a partial surface of a second grinding surface of a movable treatment body is exposed to the mixture relative to a first grinding surface.

[0002] Fibers for the textile and especially the paper industry generally need to be treated or processed for later use so that the resulting product, such as paper, can have the desired properties in terms of strength, surface quality, printability and the like.

[0003] In the paper industry, grinding processes using grinding units, especially refiners, are most common. Those skilled in the art are familiar with a multitude of possible arrangements of grinding surfaces between which the fibers of a mixture or material are treated. The grinding surfaces are generally equipped with individual teeth, ridges, rows of teeth, or the like, between which grooves, slots, or similar features are formed. Such bladed grinding surfaces, or the grinding tools themselves, are often referred to as (grinding) sets.

[0004] Typically, during processing, the material mixture is pressed between the grinding surfaces and processed in a machining or treatment zone. Depending on the arrangement of the grinding tools or surfaces, the machining zone is operated between a grinding surface rotating in one direction (e.g., the rotor-stator arrangement of a single-disc refiner) or between grinding surfaces rotating against each other (e.g., a double-disc refiner). Other refiners, such as drum or conical refiners, also operate on this principle. Similar processes, such as dispersion, also involve contact with a fiber-containing material mixture on grinding, machining, or treatment surfaces.

[0005] The processing of the fibers is achieved through pressure pulses between the projections, such as knives, edges, etc., of the respective grinding surfaces. Whether the fibers are more cut (crimped grinding) or more fibrillated (smeared grinding) during processing depends on several parameters known to those skilled in the art. Besides the geometry of the grinding tools, the setting of the grinding gap or treatment zone, the specific edge load according to Brecht-Siewert, and the material density used, other factors can also influence the grinding intensity of the material mixture or the processed fibers.

[0006] To ensure economical grinding or dispersion with a high throughput of material mixture, arrangements are currently only known in which the grinding surfaces and, in some cases, adjacent surfaces are in direct contact with the material mixture. Using the example of a double-disc refiner, as disclosed in DE10066175B4, or a drum refiner, as disclosed in EP2659061B1, this means that a very high amount of energy must be expended to move the rotating grinding surfaces. Moreover, most known arrangements require a pressure housing to ensure the supply of the material mixture to be processed into the treatment zone. In other words, it is necessary to expose the entire moving grinding surface of both grinding tools used in the treatment process to the material mixture.In most cases, other moving parts, such as shafts, are also exposed to the material mixture, meaning that some of the energy used cannot be utilized for the actual processing of the fibers. Furthermore, known systems often require complex sealing solutions to ensure a controlled supply and / or discharge of the material mixture. Additionally, known devices are often very complicated in design and incur relatively high maintenance costs, as the components or grinding tools wear out and always require downtime for servicing.

[0007] Other refiner designs, also known as "Dutch refiners," are familiar to experts. These involve immersing a non-pressurized, drum-shaped grinding surface in a fiber-containing suspension. However, continuous operation is not possible, resulting in a very low throughput of processed material mixture.

[0008] Publication EP 0 731 210 A2 is considered the closest prior art. It discloses the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0009] Document US 2,718,821 A discloses a spiral arrangement of measuring rows on a grinding surface for controlling grinding intensity. The grinding edges are therefore not closed.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a device and a method by which a user is able to perform a simple, cost-effective, reliable, and, in particular, energy-efficient treatment or processing of a fiber-containing material mixture. A further object of the invention is to minimize the overall energy consumption and, in particular, the idle power consumption during operation of the device. Moreover, the present invention presents a device and a method which, with only minor adjustments, is suitable for processing different material densities and, among other things, significantly reduces or shortens maintenance work.

[0011] This problem is solved by a device according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 11. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0012] The device according to the invention, in particular a refiner, for treating fibers of a fiber-containing mixture, comprises at least one outlet element for the passage of the fiber-containing mixture with an outlet opening and at least one first grinding surface arranged circumferentially around the outlet opening, and at least one positioning device for the outlet element. For treating the fiber-containing mixture, a movable treatment body with a second grinding surface is arranged opposite the at least one outlet element, wherein, when the fiber-containing mixture passes through the outlet element, a slit-shaped treatment zone is formed between the first grinding surface of the outlet element and a portion of the second grinding surface of the movable treatment body exposed to the mixture.

[0013] In the corresponding process according to the invention, at least the following process steps are performed: Provision of a mixture comprising at least one liquid component, preferably water, and fibers, preferably cellulose; movement of a movable treatment body relative to the at least one outlet element at a predefinable relative velocity; forcing the fiber-containing mixture through the at least one outlet element at a predefinable process pressure; treatment of the mixture by forming a slit-shaped treatment zone for treating fibers between a first grinding surface of the at least one outlet element and a mixture-impacted partial surface of a second grinding surface of the movable treatment body by positioning the outlet element relative to the movable treatment body; applied.

[0014] The relative movement of the second grinding surface of the treatment body relative to the exit element or the first grinding surface treats or processes the fibers of the material mixture in the slit-shaped treatment zone. In the context of the present invention, "treatment" refers to fibrillating and / or shortening and / or increasing the bonding capacity of fibers and / or dispersing them, up to and including the production of nanofibers. The grinding intensity can be adjusted in this way. The intensity of the fiber treatment can be relatively precisely controlled by the working distance or grinding gap and / or the relative speed of the effective grinding surfaces or grinding assemblies to each other and / or the design of the grinding assemblies.

[0015] A significant advantage lies in the energy-efficient arrangement of the partially known components, particularly in the application of grinding fluid to only a portion of the second grinding surface, located on the movable treatment body. By applying grinding fluid to relatively small portions of the second grinding surface or the moving grinding tool compared to known arrangements, a significant reduction in idle power consumption can be achieved. Consequently, the overall energy required for operation, especially for driving the treatment body, can be considerably reduced compared to grinding surfaces with full-surface contact with the material mixture. For further explanation, please refer to the exemplary schematic diagrams of... Fig. 1a Reference is made to the embodiments according to the invention and their discussion.

[0016] Furthermore, a very gentle treatment of the fibers is made possible by the ability to set high rotational speeds of the movable treatment body or relative speeds between the first and second grinding surfaces, which results in a relatively high grinding energy input compared to the total energy expenditure.

[0017] The device according to the invention is suitable for treating a variety of organic and / or synthetic fibers, but preferably pulp or cellulose. The supply of the mixture can be effected via at least one supply device for providing the fiber-containing mixture at the outlet element with a predefinable process pressure. The predefinable process pressure generates a continuous flow of the mixture in the treatment zone and can be used to vary the velocity of the mixture in the treatment zone.

[0018] The presented device also allows long and / or insufficiently shredded or processed fibers and / or other interfering material to be removed from the treatment zone by the relative movement of the treatment body, thus preventing clogging of the device. This enables the processing of a relatively large quantity of material mixture and also increases the homogeneity of the processed mixture. Process reliability is also enhanced.

[0019] Furthermore, the grinding surfaces used can be relatively easily adapted to the requirements of the material mixture being processed, allowing the device or method according to the invention to function as either a disperser or a refiner with the same operating principle. It is therefore possible to process very different material densities from 0.1 to 35 vol.%, and in some cases even up to 50 vol.%, whereas conventional dispersers or refiners typically handle material densities of 2 to 35 vol.%. One reason for this is that the removal of the material mixture in the treatment zone does not depend so strongly on the groove geometry of the two corresponding grinding surfaces, but is significantly supported by the relative movement of the second grinding surface to the first. For very high material densities, a conventional fluid pump as the supply device may not be sufficient, and alternatively, for example, a different design may be used.A screw conveyor or similar device would be advantageous.

[0020] The first and / or second, or further, grinding surface(s) can have teeth, knives, or similarly acting extensions which, in the design of the device according to the invention as a disperser, interlock in operation, while in the design as a refiner they are preferably moved past each other as rows of knives.

[0021] Moreover, the device according to the invention can be manufactured and operated relatively easily and cost-effectively, since it eliminates the need for complex components. Any wear parts are relatively easy to access and inexpensive to replace, which can significantly increase the service life. In addition, at least one outlet element can, under certain circumstances, even be changed or replaced during operation of the device.

[0022] Since the processed material mixture is accelerated to a very high speed upon exiting the treatment zone, it can be easily collected in a housing that surrounds at least parts of the treatment body and / or the discharge element. Thus, a considerable portion of the treatment body is not in direct contact with the material mixture. The treatment body can therefore move with minimal resistance, which significantly reduces the overall power consumption by the amount of the saved idle power. This also implies that a pressure housing for the supply / discharge of the material mixture is not required; a simply designed housing for material collection is sufficient.

[0023] Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the movable treatment body is designed to be driven in a direction of movement essentially laterally, preferably normally, to an exit element axis of the exit element by means of a drive device.

[0024] This corresponds to an "active" and thus controllable movement of the movable treatment body in the direction of movement. The exit element axis essentially corresponds to an imaginary longitudinal axis through the exit element at the center of the exit opening. The movement occurs essentially laterally, preferably perpendicular, to the exit element axis and can be initiated and controlled by means of the drive device. In this way, the relative speed and thus the level of grinding intensity in the treatment zone can be adjusted relatively easily.

[0025] As previously explained, the so-called edge load on the grinding surfaces, i.e., the grinding tools or grinding sets, and thus the degree of fiber shortening during grinding, can be effectively influenced by the rotational speed of the processing element or the relative speed of the second grinding surface. The specific edge load according to Brecht and Siewert is a widely recognized measurement of grinding intensity. The specific edge load is thus understood as an intensity parameter that indicates the amount of energy transferred to the material mixture over a specific blade / edge / groove length. The grinding intensity is calculated as the quotient of the pure grinding power and the edge length per second in J / m. The pure grinding power corresponds to the difference between the total grinding power and the pump power or idle power.

[0026] The higher the edge load, the more the fibers are shortened, while a lower edge load results in a more pronounced fibrillating effect. Increasing the rotational speed reduces the edge load, and conversely, decreasing the rotational speed increases it. Thus, a predefined quality of the processed fibers can be relatively easily achieved according to the invention. Therefore, any type of motor, such as electric or hydraulic motors, is suitable as a drive device.

[0027] Furthermore, it may be provided that the movable treatment body is rotationally symmetrical, for example as a disc, cylinder, cone, or as a band-shaped structure, such as a chain or belt.

[0028] The selection of the treatment body's geometry can be made by a specialist considering the available space, flow rates, drive power, and similar factors. In certain cases, ribbon-shaped treatment bodies can therefore be advantageous, as these are also only partially exposed to the material mixture. Rotationally symmetrical treatment bodies also allow for a relatively simple, task-specific design and can be made very dimensionally stable without requiring excessive energy for movement, since only a portion of the surface is sprayed with the material mixture at any given time.

[0029] A particularly advantageous embodiment is one in which the movable treatment body can be designed as a disc that is rotatable laterally, preferably normally, to the exit element.

[0030] When designed as a disc or plate, the advantages of cost-effective procurement, long service life, and low maintenance can be particularly well utilized. Furthermore, such discs can be equipped with suitable mounts for separately arranged grinding surfaces, meaning that only the worn grinding surface needs to be replaced when necessary.

[0031] Furthermore, it may be provided that at least one delivery device is movable parallel to a rotation axis of the disk, for setting a predefinable radial distance of the exit element axis from the rotation axis.

[0032] This embodiment allows for an independent or additional method of controlling the relative speed in the treatment zone, which can be adjusted relatively easily by varying the circumferential speeds depending on the radial distance to the axis of rotation. This measure can be implemented in addition to, or instead of, speed control of the drive unit and offers another effective method for adjusting the grinding intensity.

[0033] According to further training, it is possible that at least the first grinding surface has at least one, preferably more than two, row(s) of knives.

[0034] To carry out the present invention, at least one "knife-proven" or edge-bearing first grinding surface is required. The second grinding surface may, under certain circumstances, only have a plurality of teeth to apply the pressure pulses to the fibers of the material mixture during treatment or processing. However, it has been shown that particularly good treatment, especially grinding, can be achieved if both grinding surfaces have a plurality of rows of knives, as is preferably the case with a device designed as a refiner.

[0035] Furthermore, it may be advantageous if at least one row of knives on the first grinding surface has a closed grinding edge.

[0036] The closed grinding edges improve the treatment of the fibers, as they allow for better control or even complete prevention of untreated material escaping through any grooves, channels, or channels. This forced pressure pulses and / or grinding edge contact can significantly increase grinding efficiency, thus increasing the likelihood of successfully processing the fibers. This measure can also improve process stability and the quality of the processed fibers.

[0037] Furthermore, it may be provided that the first grinding surface has a greater longitudinal extent in the direction of movement than in a transverse direction and / or against the direction of movement.

[0038] Optimizing the shape of the first grinding surface allows for homogenization of the mixture exit along its circumference. This also improves the homogeneity and / or quality of the processed mixture, as the grinding intensity can be improved, or even made essentially uniform, in all directions across the effective first grinding surface.

[0039] Furthermore, it can be provided that at least one, preferably more than two, row(s) of knives of the first grinding surface are arranged concentrically to the outlet opening.

[0040] This measure efficiently reduces or even prevents uncontrolled material mixture leakage through grooves, channels, or slots. The knife rows can preferably have a closed edge line, which further enhances this effect. Forcing pressure pulses and / or grinding edge contact can significantly contribute to increased grinding efficiency.

[0041] According to a particular embodiment, it is possible that the first grinding surface is essentially form-complementary to the material-mixture-affected partial surface of the second grinding surface of the movable treatment body.

[0042] Particularly in the case of curved inner or outer surfaces of the treatment body, such as a cylinder or a cone, this measure can increase the homogeneity of the material mixture exiting the treatment zone, which forms the uneven, material-mixture-affected partial surface. This can significantly contribute to homogenizing the local exit velocities and / or the grinding intensity on the fibers to be processed in the treatment zone via the first grinding surface, thus contributing to an increase in quality.

[0043] According to an advantageous further development, it can be provided that an end section of at least one outlet element is designed to be at least partially rotatable about the outlet element axis, preferably rotatable by drive.

[0044] Using a rotatably mounted outlet element, for example, a suitable Formation of the first grinding surface a "passive" rotation of theThe wear of the first grinding surface occurs as the material mixture passes through. However, the design of a separately driven, i.e., rotatable, end section is considered particularly advantageous. In both cases, the wear of the first grinding surface, which primarily occurs in the direction of movement of the movable processing element, can be compensated for stepwise or continuously by an actively controlled rotation. This allows for uniform wear of the first grinding surface, thereby increasing its service life. Furthermore, this can be used to improve the consistently high quality of the processed material mixture.

[0045] In particular, it can be advantageous if the at least one feed device for setting a working distance between the first grinding surface of the at least one exit element and the material mixture-affected partial surface of the second grinding surface of the movable treatment body is designed to be alignable.

[0046] This can be done independently or in combination with other measures, such as adjusting the relative velocity and / or the process pressure of the mixture and / or adjusting a radial distance in the case of a disc-shaped treatment body.

[0047] It can be particularly advantageous to regulate the relative speed of the moving treatment body to adjust the grinding intensity formed in the slit-shaped treatment zone. It can also be advantageous to regulate the working distance or grinding gap between the at least one outlet element and the corresponding material-mixture-affected partial surface by means of at least the feed device to set predefinable pressure forces on the moving treatment body. The first grinding surface is not in direct contact with the second grinding surface. The pressure forces, i.e., a contact pressure, can effect the targeted adjustment of the working distance and thus a defined treatment zone, since the local material mixture flow, combined with the predefinable process pressure, creates a "Floating up"and potentially lead to the formation of an uncontrolled treatment zone. This allows the exit velocity of the processed material mixture to be influenced, thereby enabling the grinding intensity in the slit-shaped treatment zone to be specifically adjusted.

[0048] Furthermore, it may be provided that at least two exit elements are arranged symmetrically in the circumferential direction and / or radial direction relative to the movable treatment body.

[0049] By arranging several outlet elements, each forming a treatment zone with a common treatment body, the throughput of the substance mixture can be significantly increased. This is particularly advantageous because, during operation, one or more outlet elements can be activated as needed. relatively simply "switch on / off".and even maintenance work on individual outlet elements is possible. Furthermore, this measure can be used to reduce or even completely compensate for any bending moments applied to the treatment body by the process pressure and / or the contact pressures. This allows for a more stable and lower-maintenance device.

[0050] Furthermore, it may be provided that at least a second outlet element is arranged substantially opposite a first outlet element, wherein the first outlet element is assigned to a second grinding surface of the movable treatment body and the corresponding second outlet element is assigned to a third grinding surface opposite the second grinding surface.

[0051] By incorporating multiple outlet elements, each forming a treatment zone with the common treatment body, the throughput of the material mixture can be significantly increased. The opposing arrangement of two corresponding outlet elements can reduce bending moments, even to the point of complete compensation, on, for example, the drive axis of the treatment body or the treatment body itself. This measure can be advantageous for both ribbon-shaped and rotationally symmetrical treatment bodies, such as cylinders or discs, provided that the material-mixture-contacting surfaces of the corresponding outlet elements are essentially located opposite each other at the second and third grinding surfaces.

[0052] It may also be provided that at least two outlet elements are arranged along the direction of movement and / or essentially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the movable treatment body.

[0053] It is also conceivable that the outlet elements are staggered in at least one direction, i.e., offset from one another. The arrangement of multiple outlet elements allows for higher productivity using only a single treatment body. This advantage, analogous to the design of the outlet elements mentioned above, arranged opposite each other on the second and third grinding surfaces, lies primarily in the fact that the power consumption for driving the movable treatment body increases only slightly or is even negligible. This allows a large quantity of material mixture to be processed simultaneously in a very energy-efficient and cost-effective manner. It is therefore easy to imagine that several outlet elements could be arranged along a cylinder or cone.The outlet elements can also be arranged opposite each other on the second grinding surface, for example, an outer surface of the cylinder, thereby compensating for the bending moments on the drive axis of the processing body. It is also conceivable to arrange the outlet elements circumferentially around a disc, which produces the same effect on the disc.

[0054] Increasing the number of outlet elements can in any case result in a significant increase in the material-exposed partial areas on the total surface of the second and / or third grinding surface, which, according to the invention, is accompanied by a comparatively low increase in idle power.

[0055] Furthermore, several outlet elements can be assigned to a common adjustment device and / or supply unit, resulting in a very economical design.

[0056] It is also advantageous to have a design in which at least the movable treatment body is arranged to be sealed from a housing by means of at least one contacting and / or non-contacting sealing element, preferably a maintenance-free labyrinth seal.

[0057] Due to the relatively simple design of the device according to the invention, complex sealing solutions can be dispensed with. Although the treatment of the mixture takes place under process pressure, the mixture is generally only exposed to atmospheric conditions after exiting. A housing is advantageous for collecting the processed mixture, which shields at least the areas exposed to the mixture, and preferably the entire treatment body, from the environment. Simple contact rubber seals, or self-sealing, maintenance-free labyrinth seals known to those skilled in the art, can be used to seal the housing openings, such as the outlet elements or a drive shaft. This allows for particularly long maintenance intervals and low manufacturing costs.

[0058] It has proven advantageous to include a collection container for collecting and / or further processing the treated mixture with the housing. In certain cases, a substantially complete seal of the housing can be advantageous in order to pressurize the treatment chamber under negative or positive pressure, or to create a protective gas atmosphere within it, thereby allowing for targeted control of the quality of the treated mixture.

[0059] According to further training, it is possible to perform a chemical and / or enzymatic and / or mechanical pretreatment of the mixture before it is made available.

[0060] Chemical and / or enzymatic pretreatment can selectively influence the separation of fiber components, thereby facilitating the processing, particularly comminution, of the fibers. Such pretreatment can be carried out in an external device or in a designated section of the supply system. Likewise, mechanical pretreatment is conceivable for setting a predetermined fiber length or distribution of fiber lengths and / or diameters. Such mechanical pretreatments, as well as sorting, sieving, etc., are well known to those skilled in the art. Thus, a suitable pretreatment can be used to improve the quality of the processed material mixture and integrated into the process according to the invention.

[0061] Furthermore, it may be advantageous to repeat at least the process steps of pressing and processing with at least parts of the processed material mixture.

[0062] By repeatedly processing the fiber-containing mixture, the quality and homogeneity of the processed material can be increased. It is conceivable to re-feed at least some, or even the entire, quantity of the processed mixture from one pass through the device. A recirculation system between the collection container and the supply unit can be easily used to achieve a predefined fiber diameter and / or length distribution. In certain cases, it can be advantageous to adjust the liquid component of the processed mixture intended for re-feeding, for example, by adding water. This allows for a particularly fine breakdown of the fiber components with relatively low energy and / or pressure expenditure.

[0063] The device or method according to the invention can be equipped with one or more sensors for the detection, control, and monitoring of at least parts of the device and the method. Such sensors are known to those skilled in the art and are therefore not described in detail.

[0064] To better understand the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0065] They each show, in a highly simplified, schematic representation: Fig. 1 Schematic sectional view through a device for treating fibers according to the prior art (a) and an example of an arrangement according to the invention (b); Fig. 2 Schematic cross-sectional view through an outlet element and a treatment body with respective grinding surfaces to illustrate the operating principle; Fig. 3 Schematic cross-sectional view of possible embodiments of a device with two outlet elements which are arranged circumferentially distributed on a second grinding surface (a) and are arranged opposite each other on a second and third grinding surface (b); Fig. 4 Schematic cross-sectional view of possible embodiments of treatment bodies as cylinders (a), cones (b) or strips (c) with several outlet elements; Fig.Fig. 5 Schematic representation of possible embodiments of discharge elements with a first grinding surface extending further in the direction of movement (a), or concentrically arranged rows of knives (b) in a bottom view, or with a shape-complementary first grinding surface (c) in a bottom view; Fig. 6 Schematic cross-sectional view of a possible embodiment of a discharge element with a rotatable end section; Fig. 7 Schematic overview view of a possible arrangement of a device for treating fibers.

[0066] It should be noted at the outset that in the differently described embodiments, identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals or component designations, and the disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied analogously to identical parts with the same reference numerals or component designations. Furthermore, the positional designations chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refer to the figure directly described and illustrated, and these positional designations must be applied analogously to the new position if the position changes.

[0067] In Fig. 1aFigure 1 is a schematic representation of a double-disc refiner according to the prior art. This representation serves to illustrate the operating principle of conventional, known treatment devices, in which a very high amount of energy must be expended to move the rotating grinding surfaces or assemblies. In the chosen representation, the mixture 2 is supplied via a mixture feeder 32 into a pressure housing 33. The movable or rotatable rotor 34 forms a treatment zone 16 with respect to the two stators 35, which extends over the entire rotor surface and the respective stator surfaces. The movement of the mixture 2 is schematically indicated by arrows. The surfaces 36 exposed to the mixture are shown as dotted lines for better illustration.As can be clearly seen from this illustration, it is necessary to expose the entire moving surface 36 of both grinding tools used in the treatment process, i.e., the rotor 34 and the stators 35, to the mixture. The grinding tools used are generally very elaborate and sometimes complex in design. Furthermore, the shaft of the rotor 34, as well as secondary surfaces not involved in the treatment process, such as the side or outer surfaces of the rotor and the stators, are also completely exposed to the mixture 2, and thus also to the process pressure in the pressure housing 33. This results in a very high power consumption or required idle power of the known device. This also applies analogously to the fully mixture-exposed surfaces of refiners with a drum or cone arrangement, which are not shown here.

[0068] After the treatment or processing of the substance mixture 2 in a known device, as in Fig. 1a As shown, the processed mixture or fibers 5 exit through a mixture outlet opening 37. Up to the mixture outlet opening 37, the mixture 2 or the processed mixture 5 is generally exposed to the process pressure 15, which is why sealing elements 30, not shown in detail but sometimes very complex, must be provided to seal the pressure housing 33.

[0069] According to the invention, the application of a substance mixture 2 to a treatment body 7 takes place only on substance mixture-applied partial surfaces 10 of a second grinding surface 9, as exemplified in Fig. 1b As shown. These material-mixture-affected partial surfaces 10 of the second grinding surface 9 correspond in their size and / or shape essentially to the corresponding first grinding surfaces 8. As shown Fig. 1bAs can be seen, a common movable treatment body 7 with a second grinding surface 9 is arranged opposite the at least one outlet element 11 for the treatment of the fiber 3-containing material mixture 2. In the selected embodiment, two outlet elements 11 are arranged symmetrically spaced radially apart from the axis of rotation 24 of the treatment body 7, which is designed as a disk 22. When the fiber 3-containing material mixture 2 passes through the two outlet elements 11, a slit-shaped treatment zone 16 is formed between the first grinding surface 8 of the outlet element 11 and the material mixture-contacted partial surface 10 of the second grinding surface 9 of the movable treatment body 7.

[0070] By comparing Fig. 1a and 1bThe concept of the invention can be understood relatively easily, whereby, according to the invention, only small portions of the total surface area of ​​the treatment body 7, i.e., only the partial surfaces 10 of the second grinding surface 9, are exposed to the material mixture. The circular segment surfaces on the second grinding surface 9, outlined with dashed lines, indicate that the processed material mixture or the processed fibers 5 can be partially "carried along." However, compared to the prior art, this results in only a negligible proportion of the power consumption of the device 1, since the idle power of the device 1 according to the invention only accelerates a small portion of the treated material mixture 5 on the second grinding surface 9, which is carried away towards the housing 28 anyway by centrifugal forces.

[0071] The at least one outlet element 11 for the passage of the fibrous material mixture 2 has an outlet opening 12 and at least one first grinding surface 8 arranged circumferentially around the outlet opening 12. For the sake of simplicity, the chosen representation of the functional principle omits the depiction of any feed devices 18, supply devices 19, drive devices 20, etc. Fig. 1b The following section is omitted. For a description of the functionality and possible arrangements of the aforementioned elements, reference is made to the discussion of... Figs. 2 to 7 referred.

[0072] To illustrate the processes involved in the treatment of fibers 3 in treatment zone 16, please refer to the schematic representation of Fig. 2The movable treatment body 7 is arranged opposite the at least one outlet element 11, whereby a slit-shaped treatment zone 16 is formed between the outlet element 11 or the first grinding surface 8 and the partial surface 10 of the second grinding surface 9 of the movable treatment body 7 which is exposed to the substance mixture 2.

[0073] As in Fig. 2 In schematic representation, the mixture 2 comprises a liquid component and fibers 3, which can consist in particular of pulp 4 or cellulose. The mixture 2 is forced through the outlet element 11 at a predefinable process pressure 15. The movable treatment body 7 can, for example, be set into relative motion "passively" by the exit of the processed mixture or the treated fibers 5 from the treatment zone 16 in a direction 23. Likewise, the treatment body 7 can be set into "active" motion, for example, by a force applied to it. Fig. 3 or Fig. 7 The drive device 20 shown is moved in the direction of movement 23. When the mixture 2 containing the fibers 3 passes through the outlet element 11, the fibers 3 are primarily treated by pressure pulses in the slit-shaped treatment zone 16. These pressure pulses on the fibers 3 are caused by the relative movement of the first and second grinding surfaces 8, 9, in particular by the teeth, knives, rows of knives 26, or similarly functioning elements arranged on the respective grinding surfaces.

[0074] How very good it looks Fig. 2 in conjunction with Fig. 1 , as well as Figs. 4 to 6 As can be seen, the relative movement of the treatment body 7 is used to avoid clogging of any grooves 29 of the first and / or further grinding surfaces 8,9,13.

[0075] The exemplary embodiment in Fig. 1brepresents a treatment body 7 designed as a disc 22. In this case, the treatment body 7 is rotatably or movably mounted about a rotation axis 24. The outlet element 11 has an outlet element axis 21, which essentially corresponds to an imaginary longitudinal axis through the outlet element 11 at the center of the outlet opening 12. As can be seen from Fig. 2 in conjunction with Fig. 1b and / or Fig. 3 and Fig. 7 As can be seen particularly well, the relative velocity 27 in the treatment zone 16 can be adjusted, among other things, by the radial distance 25 between the exit element axis 21 and the rotation axis 24.

[0076] From the combination of Fig. 2 with Fig. 1b , Figs. 3 to 7It can be seen that the movable treatment body 7 is guided past the exit element 11 in a direction of movement 23. This relative movement preferably occurs substantially laterally, and particularly preferably perpendicular to an exit element axis 21.

[0077] The design of a delivery device 18 for positioning the discharge element 11 is exemplified in the Fig. 3 , 4 and Fig. 7 depicted and related to the Fig. 1b , 2 and 5 transferable. As can be seen in particular from the Fig. 3a and b As can be seen, the delivery device 18 can be used to move at least one discharge element 11 towards the treatment body 7 and / or transversely thereto. Such a delivery device 18 can be used in particular to adjust the working distance 17.

[0078] Figures 3a to 3c show schematic representations of devices 1 in which two or more outlet elements 11 are arranged relative to a treatment body 7. Fig. 3a This represents two exit elements 11, which are symmetrically spaced from the axis of rotation 24 of a second grinding surface 8 of the treatment body 7. Fig. 3b The diagram schematically depicts a situation in which two outlet elements 11 are arranged essentially opposite each other and symmetrically to each other on a second grinding surface 8 and a third grinding surface 9, respectively, of the treatment body 7. The design of the treatment body 7 as a disk 22 allows for the following: Fig. 3a and in the embodiments shown in b, any bending moments on the disk 22 and thus on the axis of rotation 24 are compensated.

[0079] The supply of the at least one outlet element 11 can be achieved via a separate supply unit 19 or via a common supply unit 19 for providing the mixture 2 containing the fibers 3. For the sake of simplicity, a description of such supply units 19 is omitted from the following. Fig. 1 , Fig. 2 , Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 abstained.

[0080] According to the invention, the movable treatment body 7 can be designed as a rotationally symmetrical body, such as a cylinder, a drum, a cone, or a disk 22, as exemplified in the Figs. 1b to 3 and Fig. 4a , 4b or Fig. 7 As shown. Alternatively, it is possible to design the movable treatment body 7 in a band-like shape, for example as a chain or band, as shown. Fig. 4c schematically visible. In particular from Fig. 3 and 4It can be seen that several outlet elements 11 can be assigned to a shared treatment body 7. The movable treatment body 7 can be connected to a drive device 20, as shown from Fig. 3 , 4 and 7 As can be seen. Such a drive device 20 can, for example, be designed as a hydraulic or pneumatic motor, and preferably as an electric motor, and can have a speed control.

[0081] The in Fig. 3 , 4 and 7The schematically depicted feed device 18 can be aligned or positioned to adjust a working distance 17 between the at least one outlet element 11 and the partial surface 10 of the second or third grinding surface 9, 13 of the movable treatment body 7, which is exposed to the substance mixture 2. By means of such a feed device 18, the radial distance 25 of an outlet element 11 from the axis of rotation 24 of a treatment body 7 designed as a disk 22 can also be adjusted, if necessary, as shown in conjunction with Fig. 1b , Fig. 2 and Fig. 7 particularly evident. It is also conceivable that several outlet elements 11 can be positioned together relative to the treatment body 7 by means of a common delivery device 18. Furthermore, it can be seen from Fig. 3 and 4It can be seen that at least two outlet elements 11 can be arranged circumferentially and / or radially and / or longitudinally relative to the movable treatment body 7. The outlet elements 11 can be arranged symmetrically and / or offset from each other on a second grinding surface 8 and / or a third grinding surface 9.

[0082] Not shown is a particular embodiment on cylinders, cones, belts, or chains in which at least a second outlet element 11 is arranged substantially opposite a first outlet element 11, wherein the first outlet element 11 or the first grinding surface 8 is located on a second grinding surface 9 of the movable treatment body 7, and the corresponding second outlet element 11 is located on a third grinding surface 13 opposite the second grinding surface 9. This situation is suitable for a treatment body 7 designed as a disk 22. Fig. 3bevident and can be extrapolated by a specialist to other rotationally symmetric and / or band-shaped treatment bodies 7.

[0083] In Fig. 5a to c and Fig. 6 Several exit elements 11 are shown in various possible embodiments.

[0084] Fig. 5aFigure 1 schematically shows a bottom view of an outlet element 11 with a first grinding surface 8, which has a greater longitudinal extent in the direction of movement 23 than obliquely and / or transversely to it. The arrangement of knives, teeth, or other projections on the first grinding surface 8 can be selected by a person skilled in the art depending on the desired application, such as as a disperser or refiner. The same applies analogously to the second and / or third grinding surfaces 9, 13, which are not shown separately. The illustrated embodiment shows several rows of knives 26 surrounding the outlet opening 12 and distributed outwards, spaced apart from one another by grooves 29. When using such first grinding surfaces 8, their shape can be optimized by a person skilled in the art to suit the respective application and geometry of the treatment body 7.As previously explained, the treatment zone 16 should be formed essentially between the first grinding surface 8 and the corresponding substance mixture-affected partial surface 10 of the second grinding surface 9.

[0085] Fig. 5b Figure 1 shows a similar embodiment of an outlet element 11 with a first grinding surface 8 in a bottom view, wherein the rows of knives 26 each have a continuous and therefore closed grinding edge. Furthermore, the chosen illustration shows a concentric arrangement of the rows of knives 26, which are spaced apart from each other by grooves 29.

[0086] As from Figs. 5a and 5b It is clearly evident that a homogenization of the mixture outlet 6 along the circumference of the first grinding surface 8 can be achieved by the suitable design of the first grinding surface 8, in particular by its geometry and / or blade arrangement. The mixture outlet 6 is indicated by arrows.

[0087] Fig. 5c Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view through an outlet element 11, showing a first grinding surface 8 surrounding the outlet opening 12 and a curved treatment body 7. The first grinding surface 8 is essentially form-complementary to the partial surface 10 of the treatment body 7 exposed to the substance mixture 2, or to the second grinding surface 9. Concave and convex shapes of the first grinding surface 8 are particularly conceivable, as is especially well illustrated in Figure 1. Fig. 5c visible.

[0088] In Fig. 6 Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of another possible embodiment of an outlet element 11, wherein the outlet element 11 has a rotatable end section 14. This end section 14 can be designed to be easily replaceable for easier maintenance. Likewise, such an end section 14 can be rotatable "passively" or "actively", with the "active" rotation beingThis can be done using a rotating device (not shown). It is made of Fig. 6 It is easily understood that any wear of the first grinding surface 8, especially in the direction of movement 23, can be homogenized by the incremental and / or continuous rotation of the end section 14 over the circumference of the first grinding surface 8.

[0089] The in Figs. 5a to 5c and Fig. 6 The depicted outlet elements 11 and their discussions can, according to the invention, be incorporated into the description of the Fig. 1b , 2 , 3 , 4 and 7 are included. Likewise, their combination within the scope of the present invention is not discussed separately for the sake of brevity, but rather reference is made to the relevant discussions.

[0090] In Fig. 7Figure 1 shows a schematic overview of the device 1 according to the invention. Two outlet elements 11 are arranged relative to the movable treatment body 7. The positioning of each outlet element 11 is carried out by means of a positioning device 18. The supply of the substance mixture 2 is effected via a supply device 19. The treatment body 7, designed as a disk 22, is driven in a direction of movement 23 by a drive device 20.

[0091] As from Fig. 7 As can be seen, the device 1 has a housing 28, which is shown in the open position. The housing 28 primarily serves to contain the material during treatment and can be sealed at least against the drive device 20 by means of one or more sealing elements 30. Such sealing elements 30 are also shown by way of example in Fig. 3The components are visible and can be designed to be either contacting or non-contacting. The processed material mixture or fibers 5 can be collected in a collection container 31. It is also conceivable that the supply unit 19 is connected to the collection container 31 to implement a closed-loop system.

[0092] Within the scope of the present invention, the individual process steps can also be automated and preferably controlled via a central system control unit (not shown). Furthermore, operation via a control panel or touchscreen for monitoring and controlling the device 1 is envisaged.

[0093] The user can specify a predefined distribution of fiber lengths and / or fiber cross-sections and / or their distribution, and this distribution can be controlled by a system controller. Repeated processing of at least parts of the processed material mixture 5 can also be used to adjust the homogeneity and / or quality of the processed fibers 5.

[0094] The density of the mixture 2 can influence the quality of the processed mixture 5. With the present device 1 and the corresponding method, suspensions, i.e., mixtures 2, with a fiber content of 0.1 to approximately 35 vol.%, preferably 1 to approximately 20 vol.%, can be processed safely and easily. Densities up to 50 vol.% and above are also conceivable. In such cases, it may be necessary for the person skilled in the art to use suitable feeding devices 19 capable of conveying mixtures 2 with such high densities. For this purpose, feed screw arrangements are particularly suitable.

[0095] The exemplary embodiments show possible embodiment variants, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiment variants, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiment variants are also possible and this possibility of variation lies within the skill of the person skilled in this technical field due to the teaching on technical action by the present invention.

[0096] The scope of protection is defined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be consulted for the interpretation of the claims.

[0097] All references to value ranges in this description are to be understood as encompassing any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g., the reference 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges, starting from the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10, i.e., all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g., 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0098] Finally, for the sake of clarity, it should be noted that, for a better understanding of the structure, some elements have been shown not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size. Reference symbol list

[0099] 1 device 29 Nut 2 mixture 30 Sealing element 3 fiber 31 Collection container 4 cellulose 32 Substance mixture supply 5 processed material mixture / fiber 33 Pressure housing 34 rotor 6 Leakage of mixture 35 stator 7 Treatment body 36 Surface exposed to substance mixture / secondary surface according to the state of the art 8 first grinding surface 9 second grinding surface 10 partial area exposed to substance mixture 37 Mixture outlet 11 Exit element 12 Exit opening 13 third grinding surface 14 Final section 15 Process pressure 16 Treatment area 17 Working distance 18 Delivery device 19 Supply facility 20 drive device 21 Exit element axis 22 disc 23 Direction of movement 24 axis of rotation 25 radial spacing 26 knife row 27 Relative speed 28 Housing

Claims

1. A device (1), in particular a refiner, for treating fibres (3) of a mixture of substances (2) containing fibres (3), comprising: - at least one outlet element (11) for the passage of the mixture of substances (2) containing fibres (3) with an outlet opening (12) and at least one first refining surface (8) arranged around the outlet opening (12) in a circumferential direction, - at least one feeding device (18) for positioning the outlet element (11); wherein, - for treating the mixture of substances (2) containing fibres (3), a treatment body (7) movable in a direction of movement (23) and having a second refining surface (9) is arranged opposite relative to the at least one outlet element (11), wherein, during the passage of the mixture of substances (2) containing fibres (3) through the outlet element (11), a gap-type treatment zone (16) is formed between the first refining surface (8) of the outlet element (11) and a sub-surface (10) of the second refining surface (9) of the movable treatment body (7), to which the mixture of substances is applied, wherein at least the first refining surface (8) has at least one, preferably more than two, row(s) of blades (26), characterised in that the at least one row of blades (26) of the first refining surface (8) has a closed refining edge.

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the movable treatment body (7) is designed such that it can be driven in a direction of movement (23) essentially laterally, preferably orthogonally, to an outlet element axis (21) of the outlet element (11) by means of a drive device (20).

3. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the movable treatment body (7) is designed in a rotationally symmetrical manner, for example as a disc (22), cylinder, cone, or band shaped, such as a chain or a band.

4. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the movable treatment body (7) is designed as a disc (22) so as to be rotatable laterally, preferably orthogonally, towards the outlet element (11).

5. The device (1) according to claim 4, characterised in that the at least one feeding device (18) is designed so as to be movable parallel to an axis of rotation (24) of the disc (22) in order to set a pre-definable radial distance (25) of the outlet element axis (21) from the axis of rotation (24).

6. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first refining surface (8) has a larger longitudinal extension in the direction of movement (23) than transversely thereto.

7. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the at least one, preferably more than two, row(s) of blades (26) of the first refining surface (8) are arranged concentrically to the outlet opening (12).

8. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first refining surface (8) is substantially complementary in shape to the sub-surface (10) of the second refining surface (9) of the movable treatment body (7), to which the mixture of substances is applied.

9. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that an end section (14) of at least one outlet element (11) is designed to be at least partly rotatable around the outlet element axis (21), preferably rotatable in a drivable manner.

10. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one feeding device (18) is designed such that it can be aligned in order to set a working distance (17) between the first refining surface (8) of the at least one outlet element (11) and the sub-surface (10) of the second refining surface (9) of the movable treatment body (7), to which the mixture of substances is applied, and / or that at least two outlet elements (11) are arranged symmetrically in the circumferential direction and / or radial direction in relation to the movable treatment body (7), and / or that at least a second outlet element (11) is arranged substantially opposite to a first outlet element (11), wherein the first outlet element (11) is assigned to a second refining surface (9) of the movable treatment body (7) and the respectively corresponding second outlet element (11) is assigned to a third refining surface (13) opposite to the second refining surface (9), and / or that at least two outlet elements (11) are arranged along the direction of movement (23) and / or essentially orthogonally to the direction of movement (23) of the movable treatment body (7), and / or that at least the movable treatment body (7) of the drive device (20) is arranged in a sealed manner from a housing (28) by means of a contacting and / or non-contacting sealing element (30), preferably a maintenance-free labyrinth seal.

11. A method for treating fibres (3) of a mixture of substances (2) containing fibres (3), comprising the following method steps: - provision of a refiner (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10; - provision of a mixture of substances (2), which comprises at least one liquid component, preferably water, and fibres (3), preferably pulp (4); - moving of a movable treatment body (7) relative to the at least one outlet element (11) at a pre-definable relative speed (27); - pressing the mixture of substances (2) containing fibres (3) through the at least one outlet element (11) with a pre-definable process pressure (15); - treatment of the mixture of substances (2) by forming a gap-type treatment zone (16) for the treatment of fibres (3) between a first refining surface (8) of the at least one outlet element (11) and a sub-surface (10) of a second refining surface (9) of the movable treatment body (7), to which the mixture of substances is applied, by positioning the outlet element (11) relative to the movable treatment body (7).

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the movable treatment body (7) is moved in a direction of movement (23) substantially laterally, preferably orthogonally, towards an outlet element axis (21) of the outlet element (11) by means of a drive device (20).

13. The method according to any one of claims 11 and 12, wherein the relative speed (27) of the moved treatment body (7) is regulated in order to set a refining intensity formed in the gap-type treatment zone (16), and / or wherein a working distance (17) is regulated between the first refining surface (B) of the at least one outlet element (11) and the corresponding sub-surface (10) of the second refining surface (9), to which the mixture of substances is applied, in order to set pressure forces on the movable treatment body (7) by means of at least one feeding device (18), and / or wherein a chemical and / or enzymatic and / or mechanical pretreatment of the mixture of substances (2) is carried out prior to the provision of the mixture of substances (2).

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein at least the method steps of the pressing-through and treatment are repeated with at least parts of the processed mixture of substances (2).

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein, during the pressing-through, an end section (14) of the outlet element (11) is rotated about the outlet element axis (21).