SPECIAL ELECTRODE ARRANGEMENT FOR TARGETED OHMICAL HEATING OF DIFFERENT, ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE GOODS OR STRUCTURES CONTAINING ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE COMPONENTS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a special electrode arrangement for the targeted ohmic heating of different electrically conductive goods, media or structures on an inorganic or organic basis, including goods of plant or animal origin, comprising at least one electrode group with several individual electrodes according to claim 1.

[0002] From DE 15 40 909 A, a device for the rapid electrical heating of foodstuffs is known, wherein the heating is effected by the axial passage of high-frequency alternating current through the foodstuff. The alternating current is applied to the ends or end faces of the elongated foodstuff to be treated via contacts. The corresponding non-conductive or poorly conductive outer layer of the foodstuff is penetrated. The electrodes used can have pointed or blade-shaped projections on the contact surfaces, so that the outer layer is more easily penetrated.

[0003] The device for heating food according to DE 10 2015 206 385 A1 is preferably used for the treatment of wrapped goods, in particular meat and sausage products. This teaching aims to achieve rapid heating of the wrapped food by uniformly applying an electric current, which generates heat within the food.

[0004] The known device has at least two spaced-apart, axially parallel, and co-rotatable cylindrical electrodes, which are contacted with the terminals of opposite polarity of an electrical current source and are in electrical contact with the casing, with the electrodes rotating on the casing. The current source according to DE 10 2015 206 385 A1 provides alternating current with a frequency in the range of 2 kHz to 300 MHz.

[0005] German patent DE 10 2014 010 166 A1 describes a process for treating food by heating. This process uses non-conventional, ohmic heating.

[0006] The operating principle of ohmic heating is based on the direct passage of an electric current through the product. The food essentially acts as a resistor. The movement of electrons or ions generates frictional heat, with additional effects from electric fields.

[0007] According to DE 10 2014 010 166 A1, a dimensionally stable or dimensionally stabilized casing made of non-conductive material is first filled with a filling material. This can be a sausage meat or a similar food raw material. Subsequently, the openings of the casing are sealed with conductive surfaces, in particular with plates or plugs. An electric current is applied via these conductive surfaces for the purpose of ohmic heating.

[0008] In an embodiment according to DE 10 2014 010 166 A1, the material being treated within the casing can be divided into sections by conductive boundaries, for example, discs made of conductive material. These conductive boundaries lead to a homogenization of the current flow and thus to a more uniform ohmic heating.

[0009] Document GB 2096209 A refers to the in-situ vitrification of soil and excavated material for the immobilization of potential pollutants in the soil.

[0010] All of the aforementioned solutions have in common that the heating by ohmic heating depends on the conductive paths within the product being treated, i.e., on the product resistance.

[0011] This resistance is typically not homogeneously distributed throughout the volume of the material or product being treated. This leads to higher currents flowing in branches with lower resistance, resulting in excessive heating in these branches and insufficient heating or excessively long treatment times in branches with higher resistance.

[0012] Therefore, the object of the invention is to provide a special electrode arrangement that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art and enables new, previously unknown fields of application for the field of ohmic heating technology.

[0013] The problem of the invention is solved according to the electrode arrangement in the combination of features according to claim 1, wherein the dependent claims include expedient further developments and applications.

[0014] The design therefore assumes a special electrode arrangement for targeted ohmic heating. This arrangement is intended for the treatment of various electrically conductive goods, media, or structures of inorganic or organic origin, including those containing electrically conductive components. The treatment of goods of plant or animal origin should also be possible. The electrode arrangement consists of at least one electrode group with several individual electrodes, preferably designed as contact electrodes.

[0015] Preferably, a plurality of electrode groups, each with a plurality of individual electrodes, are provided in order to be able to heat or treat even spatially or volume-wise larger goods or structures sufficiently by ohmic heating in a technologically appropriate short time.

[0016] The electrodes according to the invention can be combined with the prior art electrodes described in the introduction, in particular with electrodes that penetrate the volume or surface side.

[0017] The design of the electrodes according to the invention enables ohmic heating in combination with other, well-known, methods of treating materials, such as the so-called electro-perforation of plant or animal cells and materials to be treated accordingly, treatment with high pressure for germ reduction and / or treatment with ultrasound for structural modification of the material being treated, for example for compaction.

[0018] For example, if the electrode arrangement is used in conjunction with ohmic heating technology before, alternately, or after electroperforation, cell walls can be ruptured and the ruptured state maintained. Furthermore, cell fluid leaks out, which in turn reduces the resistance of the treated material, potentially leading to a reduction or even a shortening of the treatment time for ohmic heating.

[0019] In a further development of the invention, the electrode arrangement comprises an electrode group consisting of a plurality of individually insulated electrodes, which have a point-like, circular, or radial shape. The individual electrodes can be selectively connected directly, either individually or as a subset or in their entirety, and can be electrically controlled.

[0020] This individual interconnectivity or the individual controllability of the electrodes of an electrode group allows for adjustments to changing resistance values ​​or resistance values ​​that determine the material or structure.

[0021] Here, it is also possible to initially use such an electrode group as measuring electrodes in order to determine a surface resistance or a specific resistance and its changes over a surface, in order to then direct the control of the electrodes in such a way that the material being treated is heated as homogeneously as possible, so that the desired product quality is achieved or maintained.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the invention, the individual electrodes are inserted or embedded in a concave, half-shell or shell-shaped support.

[0023] The individual electrodes can be arranged in a relatively movable manner within the carrier.

[0024] According to the invention, the individual electrode can be part of a body or a shaping shell that forms the shape of the material being treated, wherein the individual electrodes are also movably displaceable relative to the body or shell. In this way, the material to be treated can be placed into the shaping body. In the next step, the electrodes can then be moved into their desired treatment position, and the treatment based on ohmic heating can begin.

[0025] Another possibility is to reposition the electrodes relative to the body being shaped and thus to the area being treated during the procedure, for example, by slowly moving them back to their initial position. This allows any puncture holes that might otherwise be present to close up again.

[0026] The shaping body can be designed to withstand pressure or be connected to an ultrasound-generating device in order to enable the material to be treated in this way in conjunction with ohmic heating.

[0027] The electrodes can be made of, or contain, a metallic material, conductive plastic, or conductive ceramic. Special considerations for the material being treated, such as legal regulations in food technology or the rules and regulations for the treatment of human or animal tissue, can also be taken into account, particularly with regard to the formation of sterile or sterilizable electrodes. The electrode surfaces can be coated with a non-stick coating to suit the material being treated.

[0028] The electrodes can consist of a core material with a conductive coating. The conductive coating, when used with appropriate alternating current treatment of the workpiece, is used to create the so-called skin effect. Therefore, only the conductive coating needs to be as highly conductive as possible. The electrode core, or the material that holds and supports the coating, can be selected or optimized based on mechanical or cost considerations.

[0029] As already briefly mentioned, the electrode arrangement according to the invention can be connected to an electro-perforation device (PEF), wherein at least one pair of electrodes is part of the electro-perforation device or can be connected in this way at least temporarily.

[0030] The special electrode arrangement according to the invention for targeted ohmic heating is particularly useful in the field of food technology, for surgical treatment in humans or animals, in construction for drying buildings or parts of buildings, in the catering industry for heating food, for drying or compacting biological or chemical waste, but also in the field of heating and air conditioning technology.

[0031] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments, further advantages, and application aspects.

[0032] In the field of surgical and medical treatment of humans or animals, these special needle-shaped electrodes can be used to denature tissue through targeted application of heat. This can be done minimally invasively.

[0033] A particular advantage is that when using miniaturized electrodes, only a small area comes into contact with the tissue being treated, which minimizes treatment risks and improves treatment success. Side effects from incisions or germs introduced during the operation can be reduced.

[0034] The special electrode arrangements can, for example, be arranged in a circular or quasi-radial pattern around a central point.

[0035] In this regard, the individual electrodes can be activated via a circuit without changing the electrodes, for example to reach layers outside the shape being treated. Alternatively, it is also possible to replace one electrode with one of a different geometry.

[0036] The treatment zones can depict any desired shape, such as rectangles, stripes, layers, tubes, round rods or figures that symbolize a specific occasion, such as a Santa Claus, an Easter bunny, a logo of a heart or the like.

[0037] In technical applications, the electrode arrangement allows for the targeted activation of adhesives, hardening fillers, or similar substances through area-specific or localized heating. By using hollow needle electrodes, substances such as catalysts can be injected through the unheated hollow needles into the material being treated, either before, during, or after ohmic heating, and then thermally processed.

[0038] Treatment of an object is also possible within a special, mold-like structure. Here, the electrodes can already be integrated into the mold or structure, or they can be inserted into the object being treated through openings in the mold, or subsequently withdrawn.

[0039] The treatment mentioned above can also take place in an open form, so that in the form or after the ejection of the treated material, a surface treatment can be carried out by additional means, such as by wetting with liquid smoke, adding spices, color or by heating in the form of flaming, frying or by means of cold treatment.

[0040] To influence the density of the material being treated, it can be subjected to overpressure or underpressure during treatment by ohmic heating.

[0041] Overpressure creates a firmer consistency and prevents the formation of voids in the product, i.e., the material being treated, where liquid, for example, could collect in an undesirable way, resulting in an altered or interrupted flow of electricity.

[0042] When applied using negative pressure, a desired foamy or fluffy consistency of the treated material can be stabilized or achieved, as is necessary, for example, with bread, cakes, parfait or similar preparations.

[0043] The sausage meat mixture can be loosely filled into a permeable casing (natural casing). This is then sucked, placed, or layered into a negative mold.

[0044] By placing a tightly sealing lid and creating a vacuum in the space between, the filling material inside the intestine expands and is contained by the intestine itself.

[0045] By means of adapted electrodes in the interior of the space, the extended mass can be heated by means of ohmic heating and thereby stabilized in shape.

[0046] Similar to the explanation above, sausage meat can be placed in a negative mold. By placing a final lid mold on top and applying a vacuum, the material being treated can expand within the mold's confines. Applying an alternating current to the material via the contacts located in the space between the molds then leads to ohmic heating, resulting in the shape stabilization of the material being treated.

[0047] The product being treated can be in direct contact with the mold, for example in the form of a skinless sausage, but it can also be in a non-conductive tray, for example for a pâté or similar.

[0048] During the treatment of individual zones within the workpiece using electrodes inserted into the volume, it is possible to create different densities within the workpiece by changing the pressure. This results in a change in the specific resistance in that area. The alternating current can then be adjusted to shorten the treatment time while maintaining the same treatment result, or to intensify the treatment.

[0049] It is within the scope of the invention to encapsulate temperature-sensitive medications with a mechanically stronger, higher-temperature-resistant layer, or vice versa. In this respect, the encapsulation can also be hardened by ohmic heating.

[0050] For products in closed or open containers, such as sliced ​​meat, sausage meat, cured meat for cooked ham production, Kasseler (smoked pork loin) blanks, or untreated roasts, the electrodes can be used to heat even challenging shapes, such as curves. The electrodes can form a geometric envelope that corresponds to the structure or shape of the product being treated, ensuring even heating.

[0051] The forms used can be interconnected to simplify the processing of small products.

[0052] Sausage meat for cooked or bratwurst can be filled into connected molds. Air above the material is removed before the precisely fitting mold lids, equipped with brush electrodes, are placed on top, ensuring that the meat is under pressure during the ohmic heating process and that the final product has a firm, air-free consistency.

[0053] After this treatment, which is also suitable for sausage meat in casings, the warm raw products can be surface-treated or packaged warm without any further treatment. For sausages, surface treatment can be achieved using liquid smoke. To further reduce the bacterial count of the packaged products, a short heat treatment, possibly another one, is carried out.

[0054] In contrast to previously known heating methods, the heating process according to the invention does not occur from the outside in, but simultaneously and uniformly throughout the entire workpiece. Therefore, no areas are exposed to prolonged or excessively intense heat. Compared to microwave treatment, which has a limited penetration depth, the ohmic heating process according to the invention also offers significant advantages, such as reduced processing time for larger calibers, reduced process losses, and uniform heat penetration throughout the workpiece without the dry surface layers caused by radiant heat.

[0055] Food products can undergo electroperforation (PEF treatment) prior to processing using ohmic heating. The heat generated during this treatment is harmless for further processing and is even desirable for preheating the raw product. PEF treatment creates holes in the cell membranes. By bringing extracellular fluid into contact with intracellular fluid, the binding capacity, and thus the consistency of the product, is increased, for example, in the sausage meat of a cooked sausage. The amount of stabilizing agents used, such as phosphate, milk protein, or similar substances, can be reduced and, depending on the recipe, even omitted entirely.

[0056] One advantage of this combined treatment is the fact that microorganisms are at least sublethally damaged by the PEF treatment.

[0057] Since cell tissue can tend to close the holes created in the cell wall after some time through quasi-self-healing mechanisms, PEF treatment followed by heat treatment based on ohmic heating is advantageous. The resulting protein coagulation prevents the cell holes from closing again.

[0058] Before the onset of rigor mortis, the application of ohmic heating to warm meat can prevent undesirable muscle shortening and thus influence the toughness of the raw product.

[0059] Since warm meat is very sensitive to external influences such as cold, heat, electrical stimulation or the like due to muscle shortening before the onset of rigor mortis, a corresponding ohmic heating in the warm meat in combination with a pressing pressure is advantageous, namely to prevent muscle shortening after the slaughter process by the sliding of filaments into each other.

[0060] Provided that warm meat is clamped in a known pressing device in such a way that the filaments cannot slide into one another, this state can be virtually preserved and "frozen" if ohmic heating takes place by means of electrodes of the type according to the invention and thereby coagulates the protein of the treated material to such an extent that a biochemical change of the muscles can no longer occur after the meat is removed from the pressing device.

[0061] The aforementioned method offers many advantages, such as short processing times, low drying losses, smaller storage areas and lower microbial contamination.

[0062] Ohmic heating can be combined with the above-mentioned PEF treatment, which helps to damage microorganisms despite the relatively low thermal influence, thus preventing or delaying the proliferation of these unwanted microorganisms.

[0063] The combination of PEF treatment with ohmic heating makes short-matured raw sausages safer by inactivating salmonella, listeria, viruses or the like.

[0064] Ohmic heating based on the presented electrodes is fundamentally suitable for inactivating spore-forming bacteria. By simultaneously and very rapidly heating the material almost entirely, conductive products, such as moistened spices, are heated to such an extent that the germination of spore-forming bacteria is triggered by the stress of the heat treatment. The material thus treated then undergoes a subsequent, staggered, but again rapid, heat treatment at higher temperatures using ohmic heating, resulting in a significant reduction in bacteria by damaging and inactivating the germinated spores.

[0065] Here it is also possible to subject the material to high-pressure treatment in a timely manner to inactivate or damage the germinated spores.

[0066] This high-pressure treatment can also be placed at the beginning of the treatment chain and stimulate the spore-forming bacteria to germinate through stress.

[0067] Previously known heating methods, due to the "relatively slow" heat progression from the outside to the inside, mean that at least some of the spores can adapt to subsequent heat treatments and an undesirable encapsulation takes place.

[0068] The aforementioned heat treatment using ohmic heating can be performed prior to PEF treatment.

[0069] Further embodiments and ideas according to the invention will be explained below.

[0070] In principle, it is possible to arrange the individual electrodes in the carrier in a relatively movable, in particular slidable, manner.

[0071] In a further development of this technology, the electrodes can be designed as a bundle of tubes or rods, with at least parts of the bundle being movable relative to one another. This allows the material being treated to be shaped. For example, by retracting central tubes or rods, the bundle can be given an approximately concave shape, which is then transferred to the adjacent material being treated, causing it to become convex at its ends. Similarly, central tubes or rods can be positioned to protrude from neighboring tubes or rods, thus giving the material being treated a concave shape. The material being treated can therefore be customized in this respect, for example, according to the application or manufacturing requirements.

[0072] The individual electrodes can be part of a body that shapes the treatment object or a shaping or temporarily stabilizing shell.

[0073] The individual electrodes can then be made movable in relation to the body or the shell.

[0074] In particular, a cylindrical casing may have openings through which the individual electrodes protrude, penetrating the material inside and potentially reaching an opposite opening in the casing. After the desired treatment, i.e., the ohmic heating, has been carried out, the individual electrodes are withdrawn from the material through the casing. A product treated in this way, especially heated, for example in the form of sausage meat or sausage mixture, can then be transferred from the aforementioned casing into a food or sales package, particularly a casing, which can then be closed at its ends in a known manner.

[0075] To prevent unwanted adhesion of components of the sample, such as protein, to the individual electrodes, the electrodes can be designed to be temperature-controlled, and in particular, coolable. This prevents the electrodes themselves from overheating when the sample is heated.

[0076] In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the individual electrodes of the special electrode arrangement may have openings or channels for introducing or injecting spices, contrast agents, preservatives or similar agents into the respective product.

[0077] A further development according to the invention consists in using the electrode arrangement to carry out a targeted static charging or discharge of the material to improve a subsequent surface treatment of the material. Such a subsequent treatment can, for example, include treatment with liquid smoke, smoldering smoke, or the application of powdered cultures.

[0078] The spaced-apart individual electrodes, located within the (especially insulating) support, can also be formed from a full-surface electrode assembly using a mask. The mask has open areas that provide access to specific sections of the full-surface electrode for the material being treated.

[0079] In an alternative embodiment, it is possible to mill out recesses in the corresponding electrode. Insulating materials can then be inserted into these recesses as filling. This also results in a structure with individual electrode sections.

[0080] The advantage of forming individual electrodes using a carrier or structure with high heat capacity is that excessive heating of the electrodes, with the adverse consequences of the material being treated sticking to them, is avoided from the outset.

[0081] It should be noted that the special electrode arrangement presented here also makes it possible to heat liquids with a certain conductivity extremely quickly. In this way, superheated steam can also be generated. If the presented electrode arrangements are, for example, placed in a pressure-tight and pressure-resistant container, or arranged accordingly, a liquid contained or to be introduced into the container can be converted into a vaporous state. This allows smaller quantities of steam to be generated directly at the point of use. Longer transport routes for superheated steam, with their associated energy losses, are eliminated.

[0082] It is in line with the invention to also use the presented electrode arrangement for heating or keeping food warm. With such a solution, it would no longer be necessary, for example in public facilities, canteens, restaurants, or similar establishments, to preheat or keep food warm for extended periods and intensively, for instance by infrared radiation. By heating the food immediately before consumption, its taste, texture, and appearance are preserved, thus promoting its consumption.

[0083] In the event that gases escape from the material being treated or are generated during treatment when the material is heated using the presented electrode arrangement, membranes, particularly semipermeable membranes, can be used. These membranes must ensure, on the one hand, that the necessary current flow is not obstructed, for example, by openings corresponding to the electrode configuration. On the other hand, the membranes allow gases to pass through to a corresponding outlet opening, preferably located in the support or the casing, without the material itself escaping.

[0084] In cases where the potential gas emissions are minimal, the semipermeable membranes can be equipped with a volume that acts as a gas reservoir. This gas reservoir can then be emptied after the treatment process.

[0085] If the membrane expands due to gas storage, the described arrangement offers the advantage of increased pressure, resulting in a compaction of the material being treated, particularly in the area of ​​the active electrode arrangement. This promotes conductivity, improves the product's properties, and contributes to solidification in the corresponding section of the membrane arrangement with gas storage capability.

[0086] Further aspects of the invention are explained below.

[0087] A further development of the invention consists in the electrode arrangement being designed in such a way that the electrode tips, electrode ends or certain electrode sections have an insulating covering, which may also be removable.

[0088] The insulating covering serves to selectively influence the current paths that form when a corresponding current is applied, for the purpose of ohmic heating.

[0089] Particularly with regard to this embodiment, it is possible to immerse the electrodes to varying depths in the material or medium to be treated, or to supply the corresponding medium to the electrodes in the differentiated sections.

[0090] This allows for limited heating of a layer within the medium. This partial heating of the material being treated ensures that only the areas actually requiring heating are exposed to the corresponding energy input.

[0091] Furthermore, it is possible to separate the heated layer from an unheated layer. A separation device can be provided for this purpose. This device can also be structurally connected to the electrodes.

[0092] The separation device, along with the rod electrodes, can be spatially relocated during the removal of a warm or heated material, particularly a fluid. This can lead to mixing with, for example, subsequently added, still cold material if hot water preparation based on ohmic heating is desired.

[0093] Below the actual separation device, which can be designed as a membrane, it is possible to create a flexible insulation arrangement. This can be implemented in conjunction with the previously described coating of the rod electrodes.

[0094] Another way to control the degree of heating, especially of fluid media, is to regulate the flow rate. Depending on the power supplied for ohmic heating, the flow rate per unit of time can be increased or decreased. The aim here is to achieve the desired heating with minimal or appropriate energy input. Therefore, the aforementioned separating membrane can be designed to open up or reduce the cross-section of a container configured as a flow heater.

[0095] In this regard, separating layer plates can be used, provided that the flow of the still cold liquid to be heated is allowed through the respective separating layer plate.

[0096] With regard to the mobility of the separation membrane and the resulting option for controlling the flow rate or the medium to be heated per unit of time, it is possible that after removal of the heated material being treated, almost no unnecessarily heated quantities remain unused in the system.

[0097] This type of control over the amount of medium being heated eliminates the need, for example, to mix in cold water to prevent overheating when drawing off the heated medium during the heating and preparation of hot water.

[0098] Another advantage is that the rapid ohmic heating process eliminates the need for centralized hot water preparation of large quantities. Instead, decentralized, on-site heating of smaller quantities is possible, according to expected consumption.

[0099] In summary, the electrodes can be immersed to varying depths in the material or medium being treated, or be surrounded by it. Furthermore, a separating device can be incorporated into the medium or material to adjust or regulate the quantity heated by ohmic heating.

[0100] In the case of heating fluid media, especially water or similar substances, it is possible to arrange flow guide devices in a container which also accommodates the electrodes for ohmic heating.

[0101] These flow guides can be fixed or movable and adjustable to ensure optimal flow around the electrodes. Alternatively, such guides can be used to control the maximum or minimum inflow, as well as the outflow, i.e., the extraction rate per unit of time.

[0102] The aforementioned separating devices can be adjusted mechanically (i.e., manually), but also pneumatically, hydraulically, or electrically, and their position can be changed to influence the flow around the electrodes or the flow rate. This type of adjustment can replace or supplement an otherwise complex electrical wiring or switching of a group of electrodes.

[0103] According to a further development of the invention, the individual electrodes can be part of a heating surface or heating plate structure which receives or contains the material or medium, wherein the heating surface or heating plate structure can be used as heat-radiating elements in different technical application areas.

[0104] The heating surface or heating plate structure can have a sandwich construction and each can be heated to a different temperature.

[0105] Furthermore, it is possible to design the heating surface or heating plate structure as a multitude that can be arranged in a planar / spatial arrangement and can be controlled individually or separately in groups.

[0106] A preferred use of the embodiment described above lies in the field of ventilation systems for air conditioning, particularly in buildings, and especially in buildings that are energy self-sufficient or that are equipped with energy recovery systems from the building exhaust air.

[0107] Therefore, it is possible to use the principle of ohmic heating to operate heating elements that contain a suitable medium that can be energetically activated by ohmic heating. These heating elements can be implemented as double plates with electrodes.

[0108] The aforementioned arrangement of separate or electrically controlled heating panels makes it possible, for example by emitting radiant heat, to create a ceiling or wall heating system that tempers or heats defined areas to different temperatures.

[0109] This allows specific areas to be heated with higher radiant heat, while other areas are heated to a lower temperature.

[0110] The described heating surfaces or heating panels can be provided on one side with a highly insulating cover or casing, e.g. vacuum insulation panels, and installed accordingly, resulting in an advantageous application in the construction of so-called tiny houses.

[0111] The heating surface or heating plate structures do not only have to consist of rigid structures, but can also be designed in a foil-like or flexible manner, thereby exhibiting different spatial designs or geometries.

[0112] Such heating surface or heating panel structures can supplement or even replace existing conventional heating systems in buildings or similar facilities. In particular, heating panel structures can be used, for example, in supply air ducts to warm incoming air in mechanically ventilated rooms or buildings.

Claims

1. A special electrode arrangement for the targeted ohmic heating of various inorganically or organically based electrically conductive materials, media or structures or inorganically or organically based materials, media or structures that contain electrically conductive components, including materials of plant or animal origin, which consists of at least one electrode group with a plurality of individual electrodes, wherein the individual electrodes are arranged spaced apart from one another in an insulating support and are configured to be insulated from the material, medium or structure to be treated, with the exception of an electrode surface area, characterised in that the support serves directly in forming the material or structure or indirectly in facilitating such a forming.

2. An electrode arrangement according to claim 1, characterised in that the electrode group has a plurality of individual electrodes that are insulated with respect to one another, which have a punctiform or circular configuration or a configuration that extends radially around an imaginary centre point, and the individual electrodes can be controlled electrically and activated in a selected manner either individually, in a subset of the individual electrodes or simultaneously.

3. An electrode arrangement according to claims 1 to 2, characterised in that the individual electrodes are embedded in a convex, concave, half-shell-shaped or shell-shaped support.

4. An electrode arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the individual electrodes are arranged in the support so as to be relatively movable, in particular slidable.

5. An electrode arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the individual electrodes are part of a forming body or a forming casing which forms the material to be treated, wherein the individual electrodes can be configured to be movable relative to the body or the casing and are configured to transfix or penetrate the body or casing and so as to be retractable.

6. An electrode arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the individual electrodes consist of a metallic, electrically conductive material, conductive plastic or a conductive ceramic, or contain such materials, and the electrode surface is provided with a coating that is non-stick for the material to be treated.

7. An electrode arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the individual electrodes consist of a core material with a conductive coating or encasing, so as to achieve the skin effect via the conductive coating or encasing when alternating current is applied to the material to be treated.

8. An electrode arrangement according to claim 1, characterised in that this electrode arrangement can be inserted or introduced in the form of insertable or configurable strip electrodes into the support that is forming and insulating in relation to the material to be treated.

9. An electrode arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one of the individual electrodes is configured as an electrode for measuring physical or electrical properties of the material to be treated.

10. An electrode arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it is connected to an electroperforation device, wherein at least one individual electrode forms part of the electroperforation device or can be electrically connected to such an electrode.

11. An electrode arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one of the individual electrodes is designed to be temperature-controllable, in particular coolable.

12. An electrode arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one individual electrode has openings or channels for introducing or injecting spices, contrast agents or preservatives into the material in question.

13. An electrode arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that by means of the electrode arrangement a targeted static charging or discharging of the material can be carried out to improve a subsequent surface treatment of said material.

14. An electrode arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it is designed as a bundle of tubes or rods, wherein at least parts of the bundle are slidable relative to one another and can thus be implemented so as to be forming in relation to the material.

15. An electrode arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the electrodes are parts of a heating-surface or heating-plate structure which receive or contain the material or medium, wherein the heating-surface or heating-plate structure can be implemented as heat-emitting elements in various technical areas of application.