DEVICE FOR APPLYING EXTRACTS AND METHOD FOR ITS OPERATION

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for applying an extract to agricultural land and a method for operating such a device.

[0002] Devices for spreading extracts, also known as slurry, have long been known in the art. Typically, a tank is used to supply a multitude of application lines. From the tank, the extract is typically conveyed to one or more distributors, which in turn distribute it to the individual outlets.

[0003] DE1922762U discloses a mobile suction-pressure device for the conveyance and application of, among other things, sludge and liquid substances.

[0004] EP1157601B1 discloses a pump unit with a combination of centrifugal pump and venting pump for sucking in and pumping a medium, in particular liquid manure.

[0005] DE102004053085A1 discloses a slurry spreading vehicle with a slurry tank and at least one slurry distributor.

[0006] US020160183449A1 discloses an introduction device and a distribution device for introducing solid manure into a soil layer.

[0007] One problem with operating such systems is the fact that their tanks must be filled. Several filling mechanisms are known for this purpose, such as feed openings, crane-operated feeds, and the like. It is common practice for the extract to be fed into the device and then ultimately transported to the tank by means of a pump. This process is comparatively complex and also depends heavily on the type of pump used. Some pumps can only operate when they are already filled with the product to be pumped, or when the product is at least present against them. Other pumps can operate even when there is no product present, but some have a rather limited pumping capacity.

[0008] The present invention is therefore based on the object of facilitating the filling of such devices or their tanks. This is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0009] A device according to the invention for applying a flowable medium, in particular an extract, to agricultural land comprises a spreading device and a first reservoir for receiving the extract. Furthermore, a feed opening and / or a feed device is provided in order to feed the extract (at least indirectly) to the device and / or the reservoir, and a first conveying device is provided in order to convey the extract to the first reservoir. The device also comprises a valve device. In particular, this valve device is arranged downstream of the conveying device and is suitable and intended to convey extract selectively to the first reservoir or to a spreading device. Furthermore, the device comprises a second reservoir which can be brought into flow connection with the feed opening and / or the feed device and which is downstream or upstream in a flow direction of the extract.is arranged after the feed opening and / or after the feed device, wherein the first conveying device is suitable and intended to convey the extract at least temporarily from the second reservoir to the first reservoir.

[0010] According to the invention, the device comprises a conveying line suitable and intended for conveying the extract at least temporarily from the first reservoir to the second reservoir. Preferably, this conveying line is closable so that the extract cannot flow between the first and second reservoirs through this conveying line. The second reservoir is arranged lower than the first reservoir.

[0011] This conveying line is used in particular to discharge the extract from the first reservoir (in particular through the second reservoir) during operation.

[0012] Particularly preferably, this delivery line connects the first reservoir and the second reservoir directly, i.e., in particular, without any additional elements such as pumps or the like in between. However, a valve device is preferably arranged in this delivery line.

[0013] It is therefore proposed to provide a second reservoir, for example an intermediate container, which also serves in particular to improve the conveyance of the extract.

[0014] This second reservoir preferably has at least one inlet and / or one inlet. In a further preferred embodiment, the second reservoir has a drain and / or an outlet.

[0015] Preferably, the second reservoir has a second feed which, as explained below, can be brought into flow connection with the first reservoir.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the conveying device is a pump.

[0017] Particularly preferably, the first reservoir is a main tap which serves to hold the medium, ie the extract.

[0018] Particularly preferably, the first reservoir is a main tank of the device, which therefore also has a significantly larger capacity than the second reservoir. The volume of the first reservoir is preferably at least twice as large as the volume of the second reservoir, preferably at least three times as large, preferably at least four times as large, preferably at least six times as large, and preferably at least 10 times as large.

[0019] The second reservoir is an intermediate storage tank or a collection box.

[0020] Preferably, the second reservoir has a volume which is greater than 2 dm 3 , preferably greater than 4 dm 3 , preferably greater than 8 dm 3 , preferably greater than 15 dm 3 , preferably greater than 20 dm 3 , preferably greater than 40 dm 3 , preferably greater than 60 dm 3 , and particularly preferably greater than 80 dm 3 .

[0021] Preferably, the second reservoir has a volume which is less than 600 dm 3<, preferably less than 500 dm 3<, preferably less than 300 dm 3<, preferably less than 200 dm 3<, and particularly preferably greater than 150 dm 3<.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a second conveying line which is suitable and intended to convey the extract at least temporarily from the second reservoir to the first reservoir, wherein preferably this second conveying line is closable in such a way that the extract cannot flow between the second and the first reservoir through this conveying line.

[0023] This delivery line is used in particular to fill the first reservoir.

[0024] Particularly preferably, in the second conveying operation, the conveying line and / or this second conveying line is at least temporarily open and at least temporarily closed.

[0025] In a further preferred embodiment, the device comprises a second conveying device for conveying the extract.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment, the first conveying device and the second conveying device operate according to different operating principles. For example, the first (or second) conveying device can be a pump that can only convey a medium when it is in contact with it.

[0027] The second (or first) pump or conveying device may in particular be an earlier device which can also operate without any substance being in contact with it, for example by sucking it in.

[0028] Particularly preferably, said second conveying device is used during commissioning or at the beginning to convey the substance, in particular to the second reservoir. The second pumping device or conveying device is preferably used later.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the two pumps are arranged in parallel, in particular so that each of these pumping or conveying devices can convey independently of the operation of the other pumping devices.

[0030] Particularly preferably, a flow path along which the first pump conveys the extract from the second reservoir to the first reservoir differs at least in sections from the path along which the second pumping device or conveying device conveys the extract from the second reservoir to the first reservoir.

[0031] Preferably, the first pumping device and the second pumping device have different delivery capacities.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the second (or the first) conveying device is a positive displacement pump and in particular is selected from a group of conveying devices or positive displacement pumps, which includes rotary lobe pumps, gear pumps, rotary vane pumps, eccentric screw pumps and the like.

[0033] In a further preferred embodiment, the first (or the second) conveying device is a centrifugal pump and is preferably selected from a group of centrifugal pumps, which includes centrifugal pumps, radial pumps or the like.

[0034] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device comprises a comminution device for comminuting the extract, wherein this comminution device is preferably arranged downstream of a conveying device for conveying the extract (in a flow direction of the extract).

[0035] This shredding device can, for example, be a wet shredder. This shreds any foreign matter, such as pieces of wood or the like, that may be present in the extract during the feed process. These foreign matter can hinder the subsequent distribution of the extract. For this reason, the shredding device described here is provided, which removes or shreds such foreign matter.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the device has a bypass to bypass the comminution device. This makes it possible, for example, for the extract to be initially conveyed into the first reservoir and crushed in the process. During operation, it would then be possible to bypass this comminution device, since it has already processed or crushed the extract during the first feed.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the comminution device can be connected downstream of the first conveying device during operation, at least temporarily, and downstream of a second conveying device, at least temporarily. This means that the comminution device can be used regardless of which of the aforementioned conveying devices or pumping devices is used for conveying.

[0038] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device comprises a further connecting line, which can be connected downstream of the first conveying device and which conveys the extract to the first reservoir. In this embodiment, a line section is preferably provided first, which can lead to at least one, and preferably to both, pumping devices. Downstream of the pumping devices, the lines preferably merge into a line again, which can ultimately lead to the first reservoir.

[0039] The valve device is, in particular but not exclusively, a three-way valve. It is possible that, during a filling operation of the first reservoir, this valve device directs the extract to the first reservoir, and, during a subsequent operating operation, the valve device directs the extract to a discharge device or a plurality of discharge outlets.

[0040] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a second valve device which can preferably be arranged at least temporarily downstream of the first valve device in the flow direction of the extract.

[0041] Preferably, this is also a three-way valve. This can, for example, feed the extract into the first reservoir and optionally convey the extract for discharge from the device, particularly after its use.

[0042] The device preferably has at least one additional supply device for supplying the extract to the first reservoir and / or the device. This additional supply device is preferably independent of the first and / or preferably spaced apart from the first supply device. Thus, supply can be effected selectively via the first, the second, or both supply devices.

[0043] The device preferably has a third supply device, via which the extract can be supplied to the reservoir at least indirectly. This third supply device can also be operated by a crane or comprise a crane.

[0044] Particularly preferably, all feed devices are lockable and can in particular be operated independently of one another (in particular opened and closed).

[0045] Particularly preferably, the device can be operated in at least three, preferably in at least four and preferably in at least five different operating states.

[0046] Preferably, different conveying devices can be used, at least in part.

[0047] Particularly preferably, one of the operating states is a filling operation, in which filling of the first reservoir is initiated. Here, the above-mentioned second pump device is preferably used, which is essentially intended to ensure that the extract is applied to the aforementioned first pump device.

[0048] A further operating state may be a filling operation, wherein the first reservoir is filled in particular with the above-mentioned first pump device.

[0049] Furthermore, a spreading operation is preferably provided which can be effected with the first pump, ie in particular the more powerful pump.

[0050] A further operating mode is a spreading operation, which is carried out with the second conveying or pumping device mentioned.

[0051] Another operating condition is the emptying of the reservoir, especially after the extract has been applied.

[0052] The present invention is further directed to a method for operating a device as described above for applying a flowable medium, in particular an extract, to agricultural land, wherein the device comprises a first reservoir for receiving the extract and a supply opening for at least indirectly supplying the extract to this first reservoir, as well as a first conveying device which at least temporarily conveys the extract to the first reservoir. In this case, the extract is conveyed at least temporarily from the first supply opening to the second reservoir, which is brought into flow connection with the supply opening and / or is arranged upstream of the supply opening in a flow direction of the extract, wherein the first conveying device conveys the extract at least temporarily from the second reservoir to the first reservoir.

[0053] In a further advantageous embodiment, a second conveying device conveys the extract from the second reservoir to the first reservoir at least temporarily. Particularly preferably, the first conveying device and the second conveying device are operated independently of one another. Particularly preferably, only one of the conveying devices is operated at least temporarily, and preferably, only one of the conveying devices is operated substantially throughout the entire period.

[0054] In a further preferred method, the extract is at least temporarily crushed, with this crushing preferably taking place downstream of the second reservoir. In this further method, the extract preferably first reaches the second reservoir and only then reaches the crushing device. Particularly preferably, the crushing device is also arranged downstream of the first and / or second conveyor device or pump device.

[0055] In a further preferred method, the extract is conveyed at least temporarily from the first reservoir to the second reservoir. This conveying is used in particular during an application operation.

[0056] Further advantages and embodiments can be seen from the attached drawings: Fig. 1 shows a device according to the invention in a first embodiment; Fig. 2 shows the device from Fig. 1 in a first operating state; Fig. 3 the device from Fig. 1 in a second operating state; Fig. 4 the device from Fig. 1 in a third operating state; Fig. 5 the device from Fig. 1 in a fourth operating state; Fig. 6 the device from Fig. 1 in a fifth operating state, Fig. 7 shows a device according to the invention in a further embodiment; Fig. 8 shows a device according to the invention in a further embodiment; and Fig. 9 shows a device according to the invention in a further embodiment;

[0057] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a device 1 according to the invention in a first embodiment. This device has three inlets or inlets 6, 6a, 6b, through which an extract, for example, liquid manure, can be fed to the device 1. Reference numerals 7 each indicate optionally present blocking devices, for example in the form of slides, which can be opened to allow the extract to be fed in. These inlets 6, 6a, 6b are separate from one another and arranged at different positions on the device.

[0058] Reference numeral 2 denotes a reservoir, for example, a tank, to be filled with the extract. Reference numeral 12 denotes a second reservoir, which is preferably designed as an intermediate storage unit. This second reservoir preferably has a volume that is preferably between 2 dm³ and 600 dm³.

[0059] Reference numeral 8 refers to a first pump device, which preferably serves to pump the extract during operation of the device 1. This second pump device is preferably designed as a centrifugal pump. The advantage of this pump device 8 is its high pumping capacity.

[0060] The reference chamber 18 indicates a second pumping device, which also serves to convey the extract. Although this pumping device 18 preferably has a lower delivery capacity than the first pumping device 8, it is preferably capable of delivering the extract even when no extract is yet applied to it. For example, this second pumping device can be a rotary piston pump.

[0061] Reference numeral 14 denotes a comminution device for the extract, such as a so-called wet comminutor. This is preferably arranged both downstream of the first pump device 8 and downstream of the second pump device 18 (in each case relative to the flow direction of the extract).

[0062] Preferably, the first pump device 8 and the second pump device 18 are each arranged between the second reservoir 12 and the comminution device 18 and particularly preferably the first pump device 8 and the second pump device 18 are arranged in parallel.

[0063] Preferably, the second reservoir 12 is located in the flow direction of the extract both in front of the first pump device 8 and in front of the second pump device 18 (in particular depending on the operating mode of the device).

[0064] The second reservoir 12 preferably has a first inlet for the extract, via which the extract can preferably be supplied from the inlets 6, 6a, 6b.

[0065] Preferably, the second reservoir 12 has a second inlet, via which the extract can preferably be fed to the second reservoir from the first reservoir.

[0066] Furthermore, the second reservoir 12 preferably has a first outlet through which the extract can reach the first pump device 8.

[0067] Furthermore, the second reservoir 12 preferably has a second outlet through which the extract can reach the first pump device 18.

[0068] From the comminution device 14, the extract reaches a first valve device 22, which is in particular a 3-way valve. A first connecting line 42 can run between the comminution device 14 and this valve device 22.

[0069] Furthermore, a second connecting line (which is preferably designed as a bypass) can run between the first pump device 8 and the first valve device 22.

[0070] The first valve device 22 preferably allows the extract to be conveyed either to a discharge line 30 (during operation of the device) or in the direction of a second valve device 24.

[0071] This second valve device 24 allows the extract to be conveyed either via a conveying line 38 to the first reservoir 2 or via a crane line 34 to a crane 32.

[0072] Reference numeral 9 denotes a blocking device, such as a valve device, which is arranged in a connecting line 16, which establishes a flow connection between the first reservoir 2 and the second reservoir 12. By means of this blocking device 9, a flow of the extract from the first reservoir 2 to the second reservoir 12 can be selectively enabled or prevented.

[0073] The reference number 11 denotes a further locking device, which is arranged here (in particular immediately) after the first pump device 8.

[0074] The reference numeral 13 denotes a further blocking device by means of which the line 44 can be blocked, which connects the first pump device 8 and / or the second pump device 18 with the first valve device 22.

[0075] Fig. 2 shows a state in which the extract is being sucked in. As mentioned above, this can be supplied via one or more of the inlets 6, 6a, or 6b. The dashed line, together with the arrows, indicates the flow direction of the extract.

[0076] The first valve device 22 is set such that the extract flows from the inlet A to the outlet B. The second valve device 24 is also set such that the extract flows from the inlet A to the outlet B.

[0077] This means that Fig. 2 the extract first to the second reservoir and a part from there to the second pump device 18 and the comminution device 14.

[0078] The second pump device 18 starts up and fills the device or system. The second pump device is preferably designed to generate a negative pressure.

[0079] Preferably, in this state, the first pump device 8 also runs, but the blocking device 11 is closed, so that the second pump device 18 does not pump around in a small circuit.

[0080] After a predetermined time, the blocking device 11 opens downstream of the first pump device 8. This opening can take place after a predetermined time and / or a sensor device is preferably provided which detects a corresponding flow through the pump device 8 or a pressure applied to the pump device 8.

[0081] In this state, the second pump device 18 can stop. In this case, no locking device is necessary, since this second pump device is inherently sealed and therefore acts as a locking device itself (especially when stationary).

[0082] The dashed line marked with arrows indicates here (and also in the following figures) the flow of the extract through device 1.

[0083] Fig. 3 shows the Fig 1 . The device shown in a further operating state. Here, only the first pump device 8 is pumping, and the first reservoir is filled via the supply line 38. In this situation, the blocking device 9 is closed and the blocking device 11 is open or closed. Here, the blocking device 13 is also preferably open, so that the extract preferably flows directly from the first pump device 8 to the valve device 22.

[0084] Fig. 4 shows an operating state of the device 1 according to the invention. Here, the extract is applied, for example, to an agricultural area.

[0085] In this operating situation, the blocking device 9 is open and the extract passes from the first reservoir via the second reservoir 12 and the comminution device 14 (conveyed by the first pump device) to the valve device 22. The first valve device here regulates the application rate by dividing the extract between the two outlets B and C.

[0086] . Preferably, a flow measuring device is arranged in a discharge line and / or in a region of the first valve device 22

[0087] In this operating state, the three locking devices 6, 6a and 6b are preferably closed.

[0088] Preferably, the second valve device 24 conveys or directs the extract to the outlet B, which in turn leads to the first reservoir 2.

[0089] The blocking device 11 is preferably closed here so that the extract is passed through the comminution device 14.

[0090] Fig. 5 shows another operating mode in which the extract is also applied. Fig. 4 In the situation shown, however, the extract is pumped by the second pump device 18, but here too it passes through the comminution device 14.

[0091] At the Fig. 6 In the operating situation shown, the first reservoir 2 is emptied by means of the first pumping device 8. The blocking device 13 is open here so that the extract is not passed through the comminution device 14. The second valve device 24 is switched here such that the extract is directed toward the crane 32.

[0092] Fig. 7 shows a further, but simplified, embodiment of the present invention. Here, only one pump device, namely the first pump device 8, is provided.

[0093] This embodiment is conceivable if suction of the extract from the first reservoir is not necessary. Otherwise, the Fig. 6 device shown in Fig. 1 device shown.

[0094] Fig. 8 shows a further design similar to that in Fig. 6 shown embodiment. However, in this case, the option of crane emptying is also omitted, and thus also the second valve device 24.

[0095] Fig. 8 shows a further simplified embodiment of the device according to the invention. Here, the comminution device 14 has been omitted.

[0096] The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided they are novel, individually or in combination, over the prior art. It is further noted that the individual figures also describe features that may be advantageous in and of themselves. The skilled person will immediately recognize that a specific feature described in a figure may be advantageous even without adopting further features from that figure. Furthermore, the skilled person will recognize that advantages may also arise from a combination of several features shown in individual or different figures.

Claims

1. Device (1) for spreading an extract to agricultural land, having an spreading mechanism (30), having a first reservoir (2) for receiving the extract, having a feed opening (6) for feeding the extract to the first reservoir (2), having a first conveying device (8) for conveying the extract to the first reservoir (2), the first conveying device (8) being followed by a valve means (22) which is suitable and intended for conveying extract selectively to the first reservoir (2) or to the spreading mechanism (30) and with a second reservoir (12) which can be brought into flow connection with the feed opening (6) and which is arranged downstream of the feed opening (6) in a flow direction of the extract, the first conveying device (8) being suitable and intended for conveying the extract at least temporarily from the second reservoir (12) to the first reservoir (2), wherein the device having a conveying line (16), characterized in that the conveying line (16) is suitable and intended for conveying the extract at least temporarily from the first reservoir (2) to the second reservoir (12), wherein the second reservoir (12) is arranged lower than the first reservoir (2), and wherein this conveying line (16) can be shut off such that the extract cannot flow through the conveying line (16) between the first reservoir (2) and the second reservoir (12).

2. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has a second conveying device (18) for conveying the extract, the first conveying device (8) and the second conveying device (18) preferably being arranged parallel to one another.

3. Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first conveying device (8) and the second conveying device (18) operate according to different operating principles.

4. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims 2 - 3 characterized in that the first conveying device (8) is selected from a group of conveying devices which includes displacement pumps, in particular rotary piston pumps, gear pumps, rotary vane pumps or eccentric screw pumps and the like, and / or the second conveying device (18) is selected from a group of conveying devices which includes centrifugal pumps, in particular rotary pumps, and the like.

5. A device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims 2-4, characterized in that the device (1) comprises a comminuting device (14) for comminuting the extract, wherein preferably this comminuting device (14) is arranged downstream of one of the first or second conveying devices (8, 18) for conveying the extract.

6. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the comminuting device (14) can be connected at least temporarily downstream of the first conveying device (8) during a working operation and can be connected at least temporarily downstream of the second conveying device (18).

7. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has a further connecting line (38) which can be connected downstream of the first conveying device (8) and which conveys the extract to the first reservoir (2).

8. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the device (1) has a second valve means (24) which is preferably connectable at least temporarily downstream of the first valve means (22) in the flow direction of the extract.

9. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the device (1) has at least one further feed opening (6a, 6b) for feeding the extract to the first reservoir (2).

10. A method of operating a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims for spreading a flowable medium, in particular an extract, to agricultural land, comprising a first reservoir (2) for receiving the extract, a feed opening (6) for feeding the extract to the first reservoir ( 2) and with a first conveying device (8) which conveys the extract to the first reservoir (2), wherein at least some of the extract is conveyed from the first feed opening (6) to a second reservoir (12) which is and / or is brought into flow connection with the feed opening (6) and which is arranged in a flow direction of the extract downstream of the feed opening (6), wherein the first conveying device (8) at least temporarily conveying the extract from the second reservoir (12) to the first reservoir (2).

11. A method according to claim 10, characterized in that at least temporarily a second conveying device (18) conveys the extract from the second reservoir (12) to the first reservoir (2).

12. A method according to at least one of the preceding claims 10-11, characterized in that the extract is at least temporarily comminuted, wherein said comminution preferably occurs downstream of the second reservoir (12) and / or the extract is at least temporarily conveyed from the first reservoir (2) to the second reservoir (12).