Mixing plant with intermediate purge and control method therefor

Abstract

The invention relates to a mixing plant (10) for forming a multicomponent product. The mixing plant (10) comprises a material flow line (12) having a first injection inlet (14), a second injection inlet (16), and a third injection inlet (18). The third injection inlet (18) is arranged downstream of the first injection inlet (14) and the second injection inlet (16). The flow line (12) is provided with a drain (40) downstream of the third injection inlet (18) and arranged directly at the outlet of the third injection inlet (18), the drain (40) being movable between an active state of draining an upstream portion of the flow line and a passive state in which the drain (40) allows the material to flow into the flow line (12). The invention further relates to an associated control method.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a mixing installation for the formation of a multi-component product, the mixing installation comprising a material flow line, the flow line being provided with a first injection inlet of a first component material, a second injection inlet of a second component material and a third injection inlet of a third component material, the second injection inlet being arranged downstream or parallel to the first injection inlet, the third injection inlet being arranged downstream of the first injection inlet and the second injection inlet.

[0002] The invention further relates to an associated control method.

[0003] Such a mixing plant is known to produce a multi-component product.

[0004] Document EP 3 460 242 B1 describes, for example, a pump system for discharging multi-component material under pressure using a spray gun. The system comprises three pumps, each for pumping one component material, and a control device for regulating the mixing ratio of the component materials.

[0005] However, it can be observed at the system output that the multi-component material does not meet the desired criteria.

[0006] It is then necessary to purge the system, which results in a significant amount of waste that must then be processed. This therefore represents both an economic loss due to the loss of material and the associated waste treatment costs.

[0007] Furthermore, material loss and waste treatment are environmental problems.

[0008] One aim of the invention is therefore to reduce the ecological and financial impact of such a mixing installation.

[0009] US document 2018 / 133665 A1 discloses an installation according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0010] For this purpose, the invention relates to a mixing installation according to claim 1.

[0011] Purging thus offers the possibility of purging only a portion of the system, particularly upstream of the purge point. This is advantageous when material upstream of the purge point is defective, but not material downstream.

[0012] According to particular embodiments, the installation comprises one or more of the features of claims 2 to 6, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations.

[0013] The invention further relates to a method for controlling a mixing installation, according to claim 7.

[0014] According to a particular embodiment, the process comprises the features of claims 8 and / or 9.

[0015] The invention further relates to a processing installation for applying a coating material to a part, comprising a mixing installation according to the invention and an application device, or a sprayer.

[0016] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the attached drawing, in which: there figure 1 is a schematic view of a first example of a mixing installation according to an embodiment of the invention, the figure 2 is a schematic view of a second example of a mixing installation according to an embodiment of the invention, the figure 3 is a schematic view of a third example of a mixing plant according to an embodiment of the invention, and the figure 4 is a schematic view of a fourth example of a mixing installation according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0017] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" are hereafter understood in the usual sense for fluid flow.

[0018] An example of a mixing plant 10 for the formation of a multi-component product according to the invention is shown in the figure 1 .

[0019] Such an installation makes it possible to produce a mixture of products intended to be sprayed or extruded, for example paint or paint base, sealants, lacquers, glues.

[0020] The installation includes a 12-material flow line, in practice feeding an applicator or spraying device (not shown).

[0021] The flow line 12 is provided with a first injection inlet 14 of a first component material, a second injection inlet 16 of a second component material and a third injection inlet 18 of a third component material.

[0022] The second injection inlet 16 is arranged downstream or parallel to the first injection inlet 14, here in the example shown downstream of the first injection inlet 14.

[0023] The third injection inlet 18 is arranged downstream of the first injection inlet 14 and the second injection inlet 16.

[0024] Thus, the flow line comprises a first portion 20, between the second injection inlet 16 and the third injection inlet 18, and a second portion 22, downstream of the third injection inlet 18.

[0025] The first portion 20 of the flow line 12 is intended for the flow of a material comprising the first component material and the second component material, without the third component material.

[0026] The second portion 22 of the flow line 12 is intended for the flow of a material comprising the first component material, the second component material, and the third component material.

[0027] Each component product is a fluid product.

[0028] The first injection inlet 14 is supplied by a feed 24 with the first component material.

[0029] The first component material is, for example, a basic product, in this case a paint base.

[0030] The supply of the first component material to the first injection inlet 14 is, for example, controlled by a first injection valve 26.

[0031] Alternatively, the first injection inlet 14 is continuously supplied without possible interruption by a valve.

[0032] The second injection inlet 16 is adapted to inject the second component material into the first component material flowing in the flow line 12 at the level of the second injection inlet 16, for example at the level of an injection block 28.

[0033] The second injection inlet 16 is supplied by a feed 30 with a second component material.

[0034] The second component material is, for example, a catalyst or a hardener.

[0035] The supply of the second component material to the second injection inlet 16 is, for example, controlled by a second injection valve 32.

[0036] Alternatively, the second injection inlet 16 is continuously supplied, without interruption by a valve.

[0037] The installation is adapted to dose the first injected component material and the second injected component material according to a first desired ratio of first component material to second component material.

[0038] The first component material and the second component material are then in contact in the first portion 20 of the flow line.

[0039] In one embodiment, the flow line 12 has a mixer, which may include a static mixer and / or a dynamic mixer, arranged in the first portion 20 of the flow line 12.

[0040] The mixer is suitable for improving the mixing of the first component material and the second component material.

[0041] The mixing of the first component material and the second component material, called the first mixture, causes the start of a reaction between the first component material and the second component material, in the first portion 20 of the flow line 12.

[0042] The reaction includes, for example, the hardening and / or drying of the first mixture.

[0043] This first mixture has an initial lifespan.

[0044] Shelf life refers to the period during which this initial mixture is considered usable.

[0045] The initial lifespan depends in particular on the nature of the first component material and the second component material, and also, for example, on the ratio of the quantity of the first component material to that of the second component material.

[0046] The first lifespan is, for example, less than one hour.

[0047] The third injection inlet 18 is adapted to inject the third component material into the flow line 12 at the level of the third injection inlet 18, more particularly into the first mixture.

[0048] The third injection inlet 18 is arranged in an injection block 34.

[0049] The third injection inlet 18 is supplied by a feed 36 of third component material.

[0050] The third component material is, for example, a diluent, which may include water or a solvent.

[0051] The supply of the third component material to the third injection inlet 18 is, for example, controlled by a third injection valve 38.

[0052] Alternatively, the third injection inlet 18 is continuously supplied, without interruption by a valve.

[0053] In this embodiment, the installation is adapted to dose the third injected component material according to a second desired ratio of quantity of third component material to quantity of first and / or second component material.

[0054] The third component material here dilutes the first mixture in the second portion 22 of the flow line 12.

[0055] In one embodiment, the flow line 12 has a mixer, which may include a static and / or dynamic mixer, arranged in the second portion 22 of the flow line 12.

[0056] The mixer is suitable for improving the mixing of the first mixture and the third component material.

[0057] The mixture of the first mixture and the third component material is here called the second mixture.

[0058] Adding the third material here results in the dilution of the first mixture.

[0059] This allows, in particular, for obtaining a mixture with the desired viscosity, especially for optimal subsequent application of the multi-component product.

[0060] The reaction of the first mixture is then, for example, slowed down or stopped, at the time of dilution.

[0061] For example, diluting the first mixture with the third component material makes it possible to delay the hardening of the multi-component product, before it is considered unsuitable.

[0062] This second mixture has a second lifespan.

[0063] The second lifespan is strictly longer than the first lifespan.

[0064] The second lifespan is, for example, greater than two hours.

[0065] The flow line 12 is provided with a purge 40.

[0066] The purge 40 is arranged downstream of the third injection inlet 18 and directly at the outlet of the third injection inlet (18).

[0067] The purge 40 is here placed as close as possible to the third injection inlet 18.

[0068] In the example shown, the purge 40 is arranged downstream of the injection block 34 comprising the third injection inlet 18 and adjacent to said injection block 34.

[0069] This makes it possible, in particular, to easily adapt an existing device by adding the purge to obtain the advantages of the invention.

[0070] Alternatively, the purge 40 is arranged in the injection block 34 downstream of the third injection 18.

[0071] This allows for a more compact design.

[0072] The distance between the purge 40 and the third injection inlet 18 is less than or equal to 5 centimetres.

[0073] The purge 40 is movable between an active purge state and a passive state.

[0074] In the active state, the purge 40 is adapted to purge the part of the flow line 12 upstream of said purge 40, that is to say here substantially the first portion 20 of the flow line 12 and the third injection inlet 18.

[0075] In the passive state, the purge 40 allows the material to flow into the flow line 12, that is, from the first portion 20 to the second portion 22 of the flow line 12.

[0076] In the example shown, the purge 40 includes a purge valve 42.

[0077] The purge 40 is controllable by a controller 44.

[0078] The purge valve 42 is here a three-way valve comprising an inlet 46 and two outlets 48, 50.

[0079] Input 46 is connected to the output of the third input 18.

[0080] A first outlet 48 is connected to the flow line 12 downstream of the purge 40.

[0081] The input is selectively connected to one of the two outputs.

[0082] More specifically, in the active state of the purge, the input is connected to the second output 50, and, in the passive state, the input is connected to the first output 48.

[0083] The purge 40, more particularly the second outlet 50 of the purge valve 42, is, for example, connected to a purge pipe 52. Thus, the purge 40, in active purge state, discharges the material upstream into the flow line in the purge pipe 52.

[0084] Several variations can be used to perform this function. In one operating mode, the sprayer or applicator, at the end of the second portion 22 of the flow line 12, is closed, which blocks the flow of material in the second portion 22 of the flow line 12, and thus causes, when material is injected into the first portion 20 of the flow line 12, a flow of material from the first portion 20 towards the purge pipe 52. In another variation, the purge valve 42 is able to open the second outlet 50 and close the first outlet 48 when it enters the active purge state, which directs the flow of product injected into the first portion 20 towards the purge pipe 52.

[0085] The drain pipe 52 is, for example, connected to a waste container, the material discharged into the drain pipe 52 being evacuated into the waste container.

[0086] Advantageously, the installation includes, for example, a flushing valve 54 arranged and adapted to inject flushing liquid between the purge 40 and the purge pipe 52, more particularly between the second outlet 50 and the purge pipe 52.

[0087] The flushing valve 54 allows the flushing of the purge pipe 52.

[0088] Alternatively, the installation does not include a drain pipe, but includes a waste container, with the drain 40 directly discharging the material upstream in the flow line 12 into the waste container. "Directly" means that there is no pipe between the drain 40, more specifically the second outlet 50 of the drain valve 42, and the waste container.

[0089] The controller 44 is capable of moving the purge 40 between the active state and the passive state.

[0090] Controller 44 is, for example, a tap designed to be moved manually by a user.

[0091] Alternatively, controller 44 is an automatic control module.

[0092] The control module is, for example, implemented as software, or a software component, executable by a processor.

[0093] Alternatively, the control module is implemented as a programmable logic component, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or as a dedicated integrated circuit, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0094] When the control module is implemented as one or more software programs, that is, as a computer program, it is also capable of being stored on a computer-readable medium (not shown). A computer-readable medium is, for example, a medium capable of storing electronic instructions and being connected to a bus of a computer system. Examples of such a readable medium include an optical disc, a magneto-optical disc, ROM, RAM, any type of non-volatile memory (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, FLASH, NVRAM), a magnetic card, or an optical card. A computer program containing software instructions is then stored on this readable medium.

[0095] The purge 40 is capable of selectively purging the flow line 12 upstream of the purge 40.

[0096] This allows, in particular, for purging only a portion of the flow line, rather than having to purge the entire flow line, even when the reason for purging is located in the first portion of the flow line.

[0097] The location of the purge allows the entire first mixture to be removed from the entire flow line 12, including the entire first portion 20.

[0098] In the example mentioned, it is, for example, particularly advantageous to be able to purge the flow line at the purge point when at least part of the first mix in the first portion has been made, by mixing the first component material and the second component material, for a period longer than the first lifetime, while the second mix in the second portion has been made for a period shorter than the second lifetime.

[0099] In a first mode of use, the first portion 20 of the flow line 12 is emptied via the purge 40 when it is necessary to drain the product present in the first portion 20.

[0100] For example, if an incorrect dosing ratio between the first product and the second product has been achieved and injected into the flow line 12, it is possible to purge the first portion 20 while retaining the mixture present in the second portion 22.

[0101] In another example, during an interruption of use of the installation, it may be necessary to drain the first mixture before it starts to react in the pipe, while keeping the second mixture which has a longer lifespan in the second portion 22.

[0102] Thus, it is possible to purge only the first mixture in the portion of the flow line upstream of the purge, which includes the first portion.

[0103] The entire second mixture in the second portion can therefore be kept in the second portion 22 if there is no need to purge this mixture.

[0104] It is then possible to form the new first mixture, then the second mixture, and to restart the application or spraying, without having any trace of the old first mixture.

[0105] This results in a significant reduction in the amount of material purged, which is wasted, and in the waste requiring treatment. In practice, this saves the product contained in the line between the purge 40 and the spraying or treatment material application device. The rate of material saved is a ratio between the volume of product contained in the second section 22 and the volume contained in the flow line 12. In practice, the volume contained in the second section 22 can be ten to twenty times the volume contained in the first section 20. Under this assumption, it is possible to achieve product savings of around 90% per purge compared to a system in which the product in the second section 22 would necessarily be purged with each purge of the first section 20.Put another way, such a structure would allow a reduction of around 90% of the waste produced during a purging of the flow line 12.

[0106] In one variant, the purge includes a plurality of valves, each for example intended to evacuate the mixture to different waste tanks.

[0107] More specifically, the plurality of valves are similar to that described previously and arranged in series and successively along the flow line, following the third injection inlet.

[0108] Thus, the first outlet of each valve, apart from the last, is connected to the inlet of the next valve.

[0109] The valves are adjacent to each other here.

[0110] Each valve is, for example, connected at its respective second outlet to a drain pipe or directly to a respective waste container.

[0111] Each drain pipe is, for example, fitted with a waste container and / or a flushing system as described previously with regard to the case where the drain includes a valve.

[0112] Each valve is capable of being moved between a purge state and a flow state. In the purge state, the inlet of the corresponding valve is connected to its second outlet, while in the flow state, the inlet of the corresponding valve is connected to its first outlet.

[0113] When at least one of the valves is in its respective purge state, the purge is in active state.

[0114] When all the valves are in their respective passage state, the purge is in a passive state, that is to say that the material entering the purge at the inlet of the first of the valves flows, from valve to valve, until the outlet 168 of the last of the valves.

[0115] This allows for the sorting of purged products in order to improve product recycling.

[0116] Another example of a mixing plant 10 for the formation of a multi-component product according to the invention is shown in the figure 2 .

[0117] Such an installation makes it possible to produce a mixture of products intended to be sprayed or extruded, for example paint or paint base, sealants, lacquers, glues.

[0118] The installation includes a 12-material flow line, in practice feeding an applicator or spraying device (not shown).

[0119] The flow line 12 is provided with a first injection inlet 14 of a first component material, a second injection inlet 16 of a second component material and a third injection inlet 18 of a third component material.

[0120] The second injection inlet 16 is arranged downstream or parallel to the first injection inlet 14, here in the example shown downstream of the first injection inlet 14.

[0121] The third injection inlet 18 is arranged downstream of the first injection inlet 14 and the second injection inlet 16.

[0122] Thus, the flow line comprises a first portion 20, between the second injection inlet 16 and the third injection inlet 18, and a second portion 22, downstream of the third injection inlet 18.

[0123] The first portion 20 of the flow line 12 is intended for the flow of a material comprising the first component material and the second component material, without the third component material.

[0124] The second portion 22 of the flow line 12 is intended for the flow of a material comprising the first component material, the second component material, and the third component material.

[0125] Each component product is a fluid product.

[0126] The first injection inlet 14 is supplied by a feed 24 with the first component material.

[0127] The first component material is, for example, a basic product, in this case a paint base.

[0128] The supply of the first component material to the first injection inlet 14 is, for example, controlled by a first injection valve 26.

[0129] Alternatively, the first injection inlet 14 is continuously supplied without possible interruption by a valve.

[0130] The second injection inlet 16 is adapted to inject the second component material into the first component material flowing in the flow line 12 at the level of the second injection inlet 16, for example at the level of an injection block 28.

[0131] The second injection inlet 16 is supplied by a feed 30 with a second component material.

[0132] The second component material is, for example, a catalyst or a hardener.

[0133] The supply of the second component material to the second injection inlet 16 is, for example, controlled by a second injection valve 32.

[0134] Alternatively, the second injection inlet 16 is continuously supplied, without interruption by a valve.

[0135] The installation is adapted to dose the first injected component material and the second injected component material according to a first desired ratio of first component material to second component material.

[0136] The first component material and the second component material are then in contact in the first portion 20 of the flow line.

[0137] In one embodiment, the flow line 12 has a mixer, which may include a static mixer and / or a dynamic mixer, arranged in the first portion 20 of the flow line 12.

[0138] The mixer is suitable for improving the mixing of the first component material and the second component material.

[0139] The mixing of the first component material and the second component material, called the first mixture, causes the start of a reaction between the first component material and the second component material, in the first portion 20 of the flow line 12.

[0140] The reaction includes, for example, the hardening and / or drying of the first mixture.

[0141] This first mixture has an initial lifespan.

[0142] Shelf life refers to the period during which this initial mixture is considered usable.

[0143] The initial lifespan depends in particular on the nature of the first component material and the second component material, and also, for example, on the ratio of the quantity of the first component material to that of the second component material.

[0144] The first lifespan is, for example, less than one hour.

[0145] The third injection inlet 18 is adapted to inject the third component material into the flow line 12 at the level of the third injection inlet 18, more particularly into the first mixture.

[0146] The third injection inlet 18 is arranged in an injection block 34.

[0147] The third injection inlet 18 is supplied by a feed 36 of third component material.

[0148] The third component material is, for example, a diluent, which may include water or a solvent.

[0149] The supply of the third component material to the third injection inlet 18 is, for example, controlled by a third injection valve 38.

[0150] Alternatively, the third injection inlet 18 is continuously supplied, without interruption by a valve.

[0151] In this embodiment, the installation is adapted to dose the third injected component material according to a second desired ratio of quantity of third component material to quantity of first and / or second component material.

[0152] The third component material here dilutes the first mixture in the second portion 22 of the flow line 12.

[0153] In one embodiment, the flow line 12 has a mixer, which may include a static and / or dynamic mixer, arranged in the second portion 22 of the flow line 12.

[0154] The mixer is suitable for improving the mixing of the first mixture and the third component material.

[0155] The mixture of the first mixture and the third component material is here called the second mixture.

[0156] Adding the third material here results in the dilution of the first mixture.

[0157] This allows, in particular, for obtaining a mixture with the desired viscosity, especially for optimal subsequent application of the multi-component product.

[0158] The reaction of the first mixture is then, for example, slowed down or stopped, at the time of dilution.

[0159] For example, diluting the first mixture with the third component material makes it possible to delay the hardening of the multi-component product, before it is considered unsuitable.

[0160] This second mixture has a second lifespan.

[0161] The second lifespan is strictly longer than the first lifespan.

[0162] The second lifespan is, for example, greater than two hours.

[0163] The flow line 12 is provided with a purge 40.

[0164] The purge 40 is arranged upstream of the third injection inlet 18 and downstream of the first injection inlet 14 and the second injection inlet 16.

[0165] The purge 40 is here placed as close as possible to the third injection inlet 18.

[0166] In the example shown, the purge 40 is arranged upstream of the injection block 34 comprising the third injection inlet 18 and adjacent to said injection block 34.

[0167] The distance between the purge 40 and the third injection inlet 18 is less than or equal to 5 centimetres.

[0168] The purge 40 is movable between an active purge state and a passive state.

[0169] In the active state, the purge 40 is adapted to purge the part of the flow line 12 upstream of said purge 40, that is to say here substantially the first portion 20 of the flow line 12.

[0170] In the passive state, the purge 40 allows the material to flow into the flow line 12, that is, from the first portion 20 to the second portion 22 of the flow line 12.

[0171] In the example shown, the purge 40 includes a purge valve 42.

[0172] The purge 40 is controllable by a controller 44.

[0173] The purge valve 42 is here a three-way valve comprising an inlet 46 and two outlets 48, 50.

[0174] Inlet 46 is connected to flow line 12 upstream of purge 40.

[0175] A first outlet 48 is connected to the flow line 12 downstream of the purge 40.

[0176] The input is selectively connected to one of the two outputs.

[0177] More specifically, in the active state of the purge, the input is connected to the second output 50, and, in the passive state, the input is connected to the first output 48.

[0178] The purge 40, more particularly the second outlet 50 of the purge valve 42, is, for example, connected to a purge pipe 52. Thus, the purge 40, in active purge state, discharges the material upstream into the flow line in the purge pipe 52.

[0179] Several variations can be used to perform this function. In one operating mode, the sprayer or applicator, at the end of the second portion 22 of the flow line 12, is closed, which blocks the flow of material in the second portion 22 of the flow line 12, and thus causes, when material is injected into the first portion 20 of the flow line 12, a flow of material from the first portion 20 towards the purge pipe 52. In another variation, the purge valve 42 is able to open the second outlet 50 and close the first outlet 48 when it enters the active purge state, which directs the flow of product injected into the first portion 20 towards the purge pipe 52.

[0180] The drain pipe 52 is, for example, connected to a waste container, the material discharged into the drain pipe 52 being evacuated into the waste container.

[0181] Advantageously, the installation includes, for example, a flushing valve 54 arranged and adapted to inject flushing liquid between the purge 40 and the purge pipe 52, more particularly between the second outlet 50 and the purge pipe 52.

[0182] The flushing valve 54 allows the flushing of the purge pipe 52.

[0183] Alternatively, the installation does not include a drain pipe, but includes a waste container, with the drain 40 directly discharging the material upstream in the flow line 12 into the waste container. "Directly" means that there is no pipe between the drain 40, more specifically the second outlet 50 of the drain valve 42, and the waste container.

[0184] The controller 44 is capable of moving the purge 40 between the active state and the passive state.

[0185] Controller 44 is, for example, a tap designed to be moved manually by a user.

[0186] Alternatively, controller 44 is an automatic control module.

[0187] The control module is, for example, implemented as software, or a software component, executable by a processor.

[0188] Alternatively, the control module is implemented as a programmable logic component, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or as a dedicated integrated circuit, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0189] When the control module is implemented as one or more software programs, that is, as a computer program, it is also capable of being stored on a computer-readable medium (not shown). A computer-readable medium is, for example, a medium capable of storing electronic instructions and being connected to a bus of a computer system. Examples of such a readable medium include an optical disc, a magneto-optical disc, ROM, RAM, any type of non-volatile memory (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, FLASH, NVRAM), a magnetic card, or an optical card. A computer program containing software instructions is then stored on this readable medium.

[0190] The purge 40 is capable of selectively purging the flow line 12 upstream of the purge 40.

[0191] This allows, in particular, for purging only a portion of the flow line, rather than having to purge the entire flow line, even when the reason for purging is located in the first portion of the flow line.

[0192] In the example mentioned, it is, for example, particularly advantageous to be able to purge the flow line at the purge point when at least part of the first mix in the first portion has been made, by mixing the first component material and the second component material, for a period longer than the first lifetime, while the second mix in the second portion has been made for a period shorter than the second lifetime.

[0193] In a first mode of use, the first portion 20 of the flow line 12 is emptied via the purge 40 when it is necessary to drain the product present in the first portion 20.

[0194] For example, if an incorrect dosing ratio between the first product and the second product has been achieved and injected into the flow line 12, it is possible to purge the first portion 20 while retaining the mixture present in the second portion 22.

[0195] In another example, during an interruption of use of the installation, it may be necessary to drain the first mixture before it starts to react in the pipe, while keeping the second mixture which has a longer lifespan in the second portion 22.

[0196] Thus, it is possible to purge only the first mixture in the portion of the flow line upstream of the purge, which corresponds approximately to the first portion.

[0197] The entire second mixture in the second portion can therefore be kept in the second portion 22 if there is no need to purge this mixture.

[0198] This results in a significant reduction in the amount of material purged, which is wasted, and in the waste requiring treatment. In practice, this saves the product contained in the line between the purge 40 and the spraying or treatment material application device. The rate of material saved is a ratio between the volume of product contained in the second section 22 and the volume contained in the flow line 12. In practice, the volume contained in the second section 22 can be ten to twenty times the volume contained in the first section 20. Under this assumption, it is possible to achieve product savings of around 90% per purge compared to a system in which the product in the second section 22 would necessarily be purged with each purge of the first section 20.Put another way, such a structure would allow a reduction of around 90% of the waste produced during a purging of the flow line 12.

[0199] In an alternative, it is also possible to inject a rinsing agent from the third component material feed 36 to flush the second portion 22 without flushing the first portion 20. For example, the first portion 20 can be cleaned with a first product, such as a solvent, and the second portion 22 cleaned with a second product, such as water or a second solvent. This saves on the use of polluting solvents.

[0200] In this variant, the valve 42 can be configured to close the first outlet 48, and thus prevent the product injected from the supply of third component material 36 from flowing back into the first portion 20. This also allows the first portion 20 and the second portion 22 to be rinsed simultaneously with two different rinsing products, which reduces the time required for rinsing.

[0201] This also allows a second mixing to be carried out in the first portion 20 independently of the second portion 22, for example during the rinsing of the second portion 22, which reduces the cycle time.

[0202] In another variant shown on the figure 3 , a valve 60 is located downstream of the third injection point 18.

[0203] The valve 42 of the purge 40 is then, for example, configured to be able to close the inlet 46 and connect the first outlet 48 and the second outlet 50.

[0204] The purge pipe 52 can then be cleaned from the supply of third component material 36 by closing the inlet 46 with the purge valve 42 and closing the valve 60, for example by injecting third component material 36, this being a diluent, at the third injection point, for example via an injection valve.

[0205] Alternatively, the third injection point is also connected to a cleaning fluid supply, for example via an injection valve.

[0206] Alternatively, the flow line 12 includes a cleaning injection point arranged between the purge 40 and the valve 60, the cleaning injection point being connected to a cleaning fluid supply, for example via an injection valve.

[0207] Thus, with the inlet 46 of the valve 42 closed, the third component material or the cleaning material flows to the second outlet 50, into the purge pipe 52.

[0208] It is then no longer necessary to provide a flushing valve for cleaning the purge pipe 52. This reduces the production cost and increases reliability.

[0209] In another variant shown on the figure 4 , the purge 140 includes a plurality of valves 142, 144, each one being for example intended to evacuate the mixture to different waste tanks 146, 148.

[0210] More specifically, the plurality 142, 144 of valves are similar to that described previously and arranged in series and successively along the flow line 112.

[0211] Thus, the first outlet of each valve 142, apart from the last, is connected to the inlet of the next valve 144.

[0212] Each valve 142, 144 is, for example, connected at the level of its respective second outlet 150, 152 to a drain pipe 154, 156 or directly to a respective waste container.

[0213] Each drain pipe 154, 156 is, for example, arranged with a waste container 146, 148 and / or a flushing system 158, 160 as described previously with regard to the case where the drain includes a valve.

[0214] Alternatively, a valve is located downstream of the purge 140 similarly to what was described previously with regard to the figure 3 .

[0215] Each valve 142, 144 is capable of being moved between a purge state and a flow state. In the purge state, the inlet 162, 164 of the corresponding valve 142, 144 is connected to its second outlet 150, 152, whereas, in the flow state, the inlet 162, 164 of the corresponding valve 142, 144 is connected to its first outlet 166, 168.

[0216] When at least one of the valves 142, 144 is in its respective purge state, the purge 140 is in the active state.

[0217] When all the valves 142, 144 are in their respective passage state, the purge 140 is in a passive state, that is to say that the material entering the purge at the inlet 162 of the first of the valves 142 flows, from valve to valve, until the outlet 168 of the last of the valves 144.

[0218] This allows for the sorting of purged products in order to improve product recycling.

[0219] A method for controlling a mixing plant will now be described. A mixing plant as described previously is provided.

[0220] The purge is in the passive state.

[0221] The process includes injecting a first component material at the first injection inlet 14, injecting a second component material at the second injection inlet 16, and injecting a third component material at the third injection inlet 18.

[0222] In one embodiment, the first component material is continuously injected into the flow line 12, 112, the second component material and the third component material each being injected selectively, more particularly so as to obtain the first desired ratio and the second desired ratio.

[0223] The injection of the second component material is, for example, carried out continuously, with the volumetric flow of the second component material being adjusted to obtain the first desired ratio.

[0224] Alternatively, the injection of the second component material is carried out sequentially, so as to obtain the first desired ratio.

[0225] Similarly, the injection of the third component material is, for example, carried out continuously, with the volumetric flow of the third component material being adjusted to obtain the second desired ratio.

[0226] Alternatively, the injection of the third component material is carried out sequentially, so as to obtain the second desired ratio.

[0227] The materials flow down the flow line.

[0228] The process includes a step of tracking the material in the flow line opposite the purge 40, 140 and a step of moving the purge 40, 140 into the active state according to the tracking.

[0229] In one embodiment, the material tracking step includes a step for tracking the time elapsed between the injection of the second component material at the second injection inlet and its flow opposite the purge 40, 140.

[0230] If said time spent is greater than the first lifetime, then the purge is moved, for example automatically by the controller 44, into the active purge state to evacuate the first mixture whose time within the first portion 20 has exceeded the first lifetime.

[0231] The initial lifespan, for example, is determined beforehand.

[0232] Once the said first mixture, whose time within the first portion 20 has exceeded the first lifetime, has been evacuated, the purge is then moved back into the passive state.

[0233] Additionally or alternatively, the material monitoring step includes a product analysis step in the flow line 12, 112 opposite the purge 40, 140, for example by optical means.

[0234] Optical means are, for example, suitable for observing the material passing in front of the purge 40, 140, more particularly the inlet 46, 162 of the purge valve 42 or the first purge valve 142 of the purge 140 according to the direction of flow, in order to detect the state of the first mixture, in particular the level of hardening of the first mixture.

[0235] Alternatively, the viscosity of the second mixture within the first portion 20 is analyzed using a viscometer, or two pressure sensors located one downstream of the other at the level of the first portion 20. The viscosity of the mixture can thus be deduced from the flow data and the pressure loss in the pipe.

[0236] If the appearance of the first analyzed mixture is not satisfactory, then the purge is moved, for example automatically by the controller 44, into the active purge state to evacuate the first mixture until the appearance is satisfactory again.

[0237] Once the first mixture, which had an unsatisfactory appearance, has been evacuated, the purge is then moved back into the passive state.

[0238] The first discharged mixture is, for example, discharged through the drain pipe 52, 154, 156.

[0239] If necessary, after the purge has passed into the passive state, the flushing valve 54, 158, 160 is activated, so as to flush the purge pipe 52, 154, 156.

[0240] Alternatively, the purge pipe 52, 154, 156 is flushed by closing valve 60 and inlet 46, 162 of purge valve 42 or first purge valve 142 of purge 140 according to the flow direction, and injection of the third component material or cleaning fluid.

[0241] This helps to prevent the first mixture from hardening in the purge pipe.

[0242] Alternatively, the first discharged mixture is, for example, discharged directly into the waste container.

[0243] Thus, purge 40 allows, firstly, for the easy removal of the first mixture which does not meet the criteria, especially before it hardens and is likely to require cleaning of the installation, or even damage the installation.

[0244] The 40 purge also allows only the first mixture that does not meet the criteria to then obtain a satisfactory multi-component product to be evacuated, thus limiting waste on the one hand and waste to be treated on the other.

[0245] In the implementation of the figure 4 , the process further includes a determination of the purge valve 142, 144 to be moved from its passage state to its purge state in order to move the purge 40 into the active position.

[0246] The determination is, for example, carried out according to the nature of the first mixture passing in front of the purge 40, i.e. to be evacuated.

[0247] For example, if the first mixture is a mixture of product A and product B, a first valve is moved from its flow state to its purge state, to purge the first mixture; whereas if the first mixture is a mixture of product A and product C, product C requiring a different treatment than product B for waste treatment, then it will be a second, different valve that is moved from its flow state to its purge state, to purge the first mixture.

[0248] This allows for the sorting of purged products in order to improve product recycling.

[0249] In a particular embodiment, the multi-component product is composed of strictly more than three component materials.

[0250] The mixing installation comprises strictly more than three component material injection inlets, as described previously, placed successively along the flow line.

[0251] The mixing system then includes, for example, upstream of each injection inlet from the third injection inlet onwards, a respective purge valve as described previously. Alternatively or additionally, the mixing system then includes, for example, downstream of each injection inlet from the third injection inlet onwards and arranged directly at the outlet of said injection inlet, a respective purge valve as described previously.

[0252] Each purge valve is capable of being controlled independently, so as to evacuate the material at the level of said purge valve.

[0253] The control process is then adapted accordingly by tracking the material in the flow line in relation to each purge and the possible movement of the corresponding purge into the active state according to the tracking.

[0254] Similarly, this installation allows the flow line to be purged in sections, thus limiting the amount of product discharged.

[0255] The invention relates to a mixing installation 10 for the formation of a multi-component product, the mixing installation 10 comprising a material flow line 12; 112, the flow line 12; 112 being provided with a first injection inlet 14 of a first component material, a second injection inlet 16 of a second component material and a third injection inlet 18 of a third component material, the second injection inlet 16 being arranged downstream or parallel to the first injection inlet 14, the third injection inlet 18 being arranged downstream of the first injection inlet 14 and the second injection inlet 16, characterized in that the flow line 12; 112 is provided with a purge 40;140 arranged downstream of the third injection inlet 18 and directly at the outlet of the third injection inlet 18 or arranged upstream of the third injection inlet 18 and downstream of the first injection inlet 14 and the second injection inlet 16, the purge 40; 140 being movable between an active state of purging an upstream part of the flow line and a passive state in which the purge 40; 140 allows the material to flow into the flow line 12; 112.;

Claims

1. A mixing installation (10) for forming a multi-component product, the mixing installation (10) comprising a flow line (12; 112) of material, the flow line (12 ; 112) being provided with a first injection inlet (14) of a first material component, a second injection inlet (16) of a second material component and a third injection inlet (18) of a third material component, the second injection inlet (16) being arranged downstream of or parallel to the first injection inlet (14), the third injection inlet (18) being arranged downstream of the first injection inlet (14) and the second injection inlet (16), where the flow line (12 ; 112) is provided with a purge (40; 140) arranged downstream of the third injection inlet (18) and directly at the outlet of the third injection inlet (18) or arranged upstream of the third injection inlet (18) and downstream of the first injection inlet (14) and the second injection inlet (16), the purge (40; 140) being movable between an active state of purging an upstream part of the flow line and a passive state wherein the purge (40; 140) allows material to flow in the flow line (12; 112), the third injection inlet (18) being arranged in an injection block (34), characterized in that the purge (40; 140) is arranged downstream of the injection block (34) and adjacent to said injection block (34) or in the injection block (34) downstream of the third injection inlet (18) or upstream of the injection block (34) and adjacent to said injection block (34).

2. The mixing installation according to claim 1, wherein the purge (40; 140) comprises at least one purge valve (42; 142, 144).

3. The mixing installation according to claim 2, wherein the purge (140) comprises a plurality of purge valves (142, 144), each purge valve (142, 144) being movable between a purge state, in which said purge valve (142, 144) purges the material passing through said purge valve (142, 144), and an open state, in which said purge valve (142, 144) allows material to flow in the flow line (12 ; 112) opposite said purge valve (142, 144).

4. The mixing installation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising at least one waste container, the purge valve directly discharging the material upstream in the flow line (12; 112) into the at least one waste container.

5. The mixing installation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising at least one purge pipe (52; 154, 156), the purge pipe (52; 154, 156) being connected to the purge (40; 140), the purge (40; 140) discharging the material upstream in the flow line (12) into the at least one purge pipe (52; 154, 156).

6. The mixing installation according to claim 6, comprising a flush valve (54; 158, 160) arranged and able to inject flush liquid between the purge (40; 140) and the purge pipe (52; 154, 156).

7. A control method for controlling a mixing installation (10), comprising the following steps: - providing a mixing installation (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the purge being in a passive state, - injecting a first material component at the first injection inlet (14), - injection of a second material component at the second injection inlet (16), - injection of a third material component at the third injection inlet (18), - monitoring the material in the flow line (12; 112) opposite the purge (40; 140), and - moving the purge (40; 140) into the active state as a function of the monitoring.

8. The control method according to claim 7, wherein the monitoring step comprises a step of analyzing the product in the flow line (12; 112) opposite the purge (40; 140) and / or a step of monitoring the length of time between injecting the second material component and its flow opposite the at least one purge (40; 140).

9. The control method according to claims 6 or 7, wherein the first material component is continuously injected into the flow line (12; 112), the second material component and the third material component each being selectively injected.

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