Follower plate device for a barrel and conveying apparatus with said follower plate device

Abstract

The inventive container follower device (1) for a material storage container (2) is designed to be lowered within the material storage container (2). The container follower device (1) comprises a material dispensing opening (8) for dispensing material (3) from the material storage container (2) and an outlet opening (13) for venting gas from the material storage container (2). Furthermore, the container follower device (1) comprises a follower plate (4), a porous layer (7) arranged below the follower plate (4), and an airtight separating layer (10). The separating layer (10) is arranged at least partially between the follower plate (4) and the porous layer (7) and surrounds the material dispensing opening (8).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a container follower device for a material storage container and a conveying device with the container follower device for conveying material from the material storage container.

[0002] The container follower device can be part of a conveying device, the conveying device being used to convey viscous material from the container.

[0003] The conveying device reliably transfers various medium- to high-viscosity materials, such as sealants, adhesives, or silicone rubber, from containers like buckets or drums to different processing systems. The viscous material is typically supplied by the material supplier in containers with a capacity of 20 to 1000 liters. The conveying device is also referred to as a feeding system for transporting viscous materials. State of the art

[0004] German patent application DE 10 2007 003 972 B4 discloses a device for air-free dispensing and improved venting using porous separating plates. In this device, a secondary plate is arranged at the top. Below the secondary plate are two superimposed porous separating plates, each with a different pore size. The lower of the two separating plates has a larger pore size than the upper one. This solution has the disadvantage of requiring two separating plates, which makes manufacturing more complex and results in higher costs. Furthermore, it generates a relatively large amount of waste because both separating plates become contaminated and must be disposed of when the material storage containers are changed.

[0005] A container tracking device according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from publication DE 10 2020 127440 A1. Description of the invention

[0006] One object of the invention is to provide a container follower device for a material storage container in which the follower plate of the container follower device remains clean at all times.

[0007] In the inventive container transfer device, no material advantageously accumulates on the transfer plate during the entire conveying operation. Even during evacuation or venting of the space between the transfer plate and the material surface in the material storage container, the transfer plate does not come into contact with the material in the storage container. This reduces the time required to transfer from one material storage container to the next, because the transfer plate no longer needs to be cleaned.

[0008] In the prior art, the follower plate is cleaned manually. With the solution according to the invention, cleaning is no longer necessary, so that cleaning can no longer be forgotten, which is beneficial for process reliability.

[0009] The problem is solved by a container follower device for a material storage container with the features specified in claim 1.

[0010] The inventive follower device for a material storage container is designed to be lowered within the material storage container. The follower device comprises a material dispensing opening for removing material from the material storage container and an outlet opening for venting gas from the material storage container. Furthermore, the follower device includes a follower plate, a porous layer arranged below the follower plate, and an airtight separating layer. The separating layer is arranged at least partially between the follower plate and the porous layer and surrounds the material dispensing opening.

[0011] Advantageous further developments of the invention result from the features specified in the dependent patent claims.

[0012] In one embodiment of the container follower device according to the invention, the separating layer is a coating, a silicone layer, a film, a sheet or a plastic plate.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the container follower device according to the invention, the separating layer is adhesive on one side.

[0014] In another embodiment of the container follower device according to the invention, the separating layer is resistant to the material to be conveyed.

[0015] If the separating layer is fixed to the porous layer using an adhesive, it can be advantageous if the adhesive used is also resistant to the material being conveyed. Furthermore, it is beneficial if the adhesive used to attach the separating layer to the porous layer does not impair the quality of the material being conveyed.

[0016] In an additional embodiment of the container follower device according to the invention, a separating plate is provided which is arranged at least partially between the follower plate and the porous layer. The separating plate can be provided with an adhesive layer in order to attach the porous layer to the separating plate.

[0017] In a further development of the container follower device according to the invention, the separating plate has one or more openings that form a channel which is connected to the outlet opening.

[0018] In another embodiment of the inventive container follower device, a seal is provided to seal the follower plate against the container.

[0019] In a further development of the inventive container follower device, the seal is held between the separating plate and the follower plate. Alternatively, the seal can also be arranged in a groove of the follower plate.

[0020] With further development, the porous layer is designed to act as a seal. In this way, the gap between the follower plate and the inside of the material storage container can be easily bridged and sealed.

[0021] In a further development of the container tracking device according to the invention, a material conveyor is provided which projects into the material removal opening.

[0022] Advantageously, in the container follower device according to the invention, the porous layer comprises aluminum foam, metal foam, ceramic foam, plastic foam or foam.

[0023] Advantageously, the porous layer is an open-cell layer, making it permeable to air and gases.

[0024] In the container follower device according to the invention, it can be provided that the porous layer has a pore size in the range of 5 ppi to 250 ppi.

[0025] In the container follower device according to the invention, it can also be provided that the porous layer has sintered material.

[0026] It is advantageous if, in the container follower device according to the invention, the porous layer has a thickness in the range of 10 mm to 100 mm.

[0027] Furthermore, the separating plate may be provided with one or more openings. The openings are designed to form a channel that is connected to the outlet opening.

[0028] In one embodiment of the container follower device according to the invention, the opening of the channel is at least 10 mm away from the material extraction opening.

[0029] In another embodiment of the container follower device according to the invention, the channel at least partially surrounds the material extraction opening. The channel serves to direct the air to the outlet opening.

[0030] It is also possible for the channel to be designed in a ring shape around the material extraction opening. The channel can, for example, have a circular, rectangular, or polygonal shape.

[0031] In another embodiment of the container follower device according to the invention, several outlet openings are provided.

[0032] Furthermore, in the container follower device according to the invention, it can be provided that the separating layer is arranged between the material extraction opening and the mouth of the channel.

[0033] Furthermore, in the container follower device according to the invention, it can be provided that the porous layer is arranged in such a way that it is not in contact with the follower plate, at least in the area of ​​the separating layer.

[0034] The porous layer preferably has an outer diameter that is selected such that the porous layer centers itself within the material storage container.

[0035] Furthermore, a conveying device for transporting material from a material storage container is proposed, which includes the container follower device described above. It also features a material conveyor designed to convey the material through the container follower device.

[0036] Furthermore, a method for operating the conveying device described above is proposed, comprising the following steps. The porous layer is placed in the material storage container. In a further step, the follower plate is lowered onto the porous layer. In an additional step, the gas remaining in the material storage container is discharged from the material storage container via the outlet opening.

[0037] In a further development of the procedure for operating the conveying device, the subsequent plate is lifted out of the material storage container without the porous layer. Brief description of the drawings

[0038] The invention is further explained below with several exemplary embodiments and reference to 17 figures. Figure 1 shows a possible embodiment of the container tracking device according to the invention and a material storage container in section. Figure 2 shows the first embodiment of the container tracking device in a side view. Figure 3 shows a possible embodiment of a seal arranged on the container tracking device in a top view. Figure 4 shows the seal in a side view. Figure 5 shows a possible embodiment of a porous layer arranged on the container tracking device in combination with a separating layer in a three-dimensional view. Figure 6 shows the porous layer and the separating layer in a side view. Figure 7 shows the porous layer and the separating layer in cross-section. Figure 8 shows a possible embodiment of a conveying device with the container tracking device in longitudinal section, wherein the container tracking device is in a first position.Figure 9 shows the conveying device with the container follower in a side view. Figure 10 shows the conveying device with the container follower in a longitudinal section, with the container follower in a second position. Figure 11 shows the conveying device with the container follower in a side view. Figure 12 shows the conveying device with the container follower in a longitudinal section, with the container follower in a third position. Figure 13 shows the conveying device with the container follower in a side view. Figure 14 shows the conveying device with the container follower in a longitudinal section, with the container follower in a fourth position. Figure 15 shows the conveying device with the container follower in a side view.Figure 16 shows the conveying device with the container follower in longitudinal section, with the container follower in a fifth position. Figure 17 shows the conveying device with the container follower in side view. Ways to implement the invention

[0039] In Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a first possible embodiment of a container follower device 1 for a material storage container 2 in cross-section. The container follower device 1 is generally part of a conveying device 20 with which viscous material 3 can be conveyed out of the material storage container 2. One possible embodiment of such a conveying device 20 is shown in the Figures 8 to 17 shown.

[0040] The conveying device 20 can reliably convey various medium- to high-viscosity materials, such as sealants, adhesives, silicone rubber or greases, from the material storage container 2 to various processing systems.

[0041] The conveying device 20 comprises a material conveyor 11. The material conveyor 11 can, for example, be a pump. The pump 11 comprises a drive 14, an associated drive rod 18, and a pump body 15. The pump 11 is driven via the drive 14 and the drive rod 18. If the pump 11 is designed as a piston pump, as shown in Figures 8-17, the drive 14 is configured to cause the drive rod 18 with piston 19 to perform a stroke movement, which is transmitted to the piston 19 of the pump 11. The pump 11 can also be a piston pump without a piston. The piston has the advantage with highly viscous materials that the viscous material is scooped directly to the material outlet 8. The material outlet 8 is also referred to as the pump inlet. This improves the pump's suction performance.If, on the other hand, the pump 11 is designed as a gear pump, spindle pump or as an eccentric screw pump, the drive is designed in such a way that it sets the drive rod 18 into a rotational movement which is transmitted to the gear pump, the spindle pump or the eccentric screw pump.

[0042] In the embodiment according to the Figure 1 and 8 to 17 Pump 11 is designed as a piston pump. Figure 1 Figure 11 shows the basic construction of such a piston pump. Below the pump 11 is a follower plate 4, which can be inserted into the material reservoir 2 containing the material 3 to be pumped. The material reservoir 2 will henceforth be referred to simply as the reservoir or container.

[0043] The follower plate 4 is preferably equipped with an annular seal 5 so that the follower plate 4 can seal against the inside 2.1 of the container wall 2.4. The seal 5 can be, for example, an O-ring or a sealing lip. Among other things, it ensures that no material 3 escapes between the follower plate 4 and the container wall 2.4. The seal 5 also enables the effective creation of a vacuum inside the container 2.2. One possible embodiment of the seal 5 is shown in the Figures 3 and 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the seal 5 is annular. The outer diameter of the seal 5 and the inner diameter of the container 2 are matched to each other. The outer diameter of the seal 5 can, for example, be 288 mm. Generally, the seal 5 should be larger than the inner diameter of the container. 2. Preferably, it is between 0.2 and 20 mm larger than the inner diameter of the container. 2.A suitable container 2 has a diameter of 292 mm if the seal is designed as an O-ring. If the seal 5 is designed as a sealing lip, it can seal a gap of, for example, 0 to 20 mm. The invention is also suitable for a 200-liter material storage container (inner diameter approx. 570 mm). Of course, the invention can also be used for even larger material storage containers.

[0044] As in Figures 2 and 3 As shown, the seal 5 can be arranged between the follower plate 4 and the separating plate 6. Alternatively, the follower plate 4 can also have a groove 4.2 in which the seal 5 is arranged. Figure 2 The groove 4.2 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0045] The follower plate 4 has a pressure-effective surface 4.2, which can be at least partially inclined. This allows the pressure on the material 3 to be conveyed to be partially increased, ensuring that the material 3 flows more strongly towards the material discharge opening 8. Through the material discharge opening 8, the pump 11 can convey the viscous material 3 out of the container 2. The piston pump has a piston with a piston disc 19 at its lower end. To convey the material 3 out of the container 2, the drive rod 18 is moved downwards, causing the piston disc 19 to enter the material 3 and take up material. During the upward movement of the drive rod 18, the piston disc 19 carries the material 3 through the material discharge opening 8 into the interior of the pump 11. From there, it passes through a check valve (not shown in the figures) upwards into a lower pump chamber.During the next downward movement of the drive rod 18 and the connecting plunger 19, the material 3 passes through a second check valve (not shown in the figures) into an upper pump chamber. With the subsequent upward movement of the plunger 19, the material is transported from the pump 11 into a material transport line (not shown in the figures). Thus, with each upward stroke of the plunger 19, material 3 is transported from the storage container 2 into the material transport line. The material 3 can then be transported via the material transport line to a processing system.

[0046] Because pump 11 pumps material 3 out of container 2, the material level in the container drops. 2.The container follower device 1 is designed so that it can be lowered in the material storage container 2. This allows the level of the container follower device 1 to adjust to the changing material level.

[0047] Through the material extraction opening 8, the pump 11 can convey the material 3 out of the storage container 2 through the container follower device 1.

[0048] The container follower device 1 comprises a channel 9 and an outlet opening 13 connected to the channel 9 for venting gas from the material storage container 2. The gas is typically air. A connection 12 with an opening forming the outlet opening 13 can be provided on the follower plate 4. The channel 9 passes through the follower plate 4. The through-opening 4.1 provided for this purpose in the follower plate 4 is part of the channel 9.

[0049] Below the follower plate 4 is a porous layer 7 and a gas-impermeable separating layer 10. The separating layer 10 is at least partially arranged between the follower plate 4 and the porous layer 7 and surrounds the material removal opening 8.

[0050] The separating layer 10 can be, for example, a film, a sheet of metal, or a plastic plate. The separating layer 10 can also be a coating, such as a layer of paint. It can also be a silicone layer. If an adhesive layer is present, it can also serve as a separating layer.

[0051] The separating layer 10 can also be a layer saturated with a liquid. Advantageously, a liquid is used that hardens or cross-links within the layer, resulting in a gas-impermeable separating layer 10.

[0052] The porous layer 7 has a large number of pores. A pore is defined here as a very small opening in layer 7 that is permeable to gas. The number of pores per unit length in the porous layer 7 is preferably between 5 ppi and 250 ppi (pores per inch).

[0053] The porous layer 7 can, for example, consist of sintered material. The porous layer 7 can also be produced using a 3D printing process.

[0054] The porous layer 7 is preferably designed in such a way that it remains permeable to air even during evacuation, i.e. when the air is extracted from the interior of the container 2.2.

[0055] The inlet-side opening of the channel 9 is preferably at least 10 mm and preferably 20 mm away from the material extraction opening 8.

[0056] A separating plate 6 can be arranged between the porous layer 7 and the seal 5. The separating plate 6 serves as additional support between the seal 5 and the porous layer 7. It also ensures a more homogeneous force distribution. The separating plate 6 can have air extraction openings 9. Air can be drawn out of the container 2 through the air extraction openings 9. The air flows from below through the porous layer 7, the air extraction openings 9, the through-opening 4.1, and the outlet opening 13 to the outside.

[0057] In the Figures 2 to 4Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the container follower device 1 in various views. The follower plate 4 is arranged on the drive rod 15 of the pump 11. The follower plate 4 has a connection 12 on its upper side, which can be used, for example, for venting. The seal 5 is arranged on the underside of the follower plate 4. The seal 5 preferably has a larger diameter than the follower plate 4. This has the advantage of increasing the sealing effect and, for example, allowing material 3 adhering to the container wall 2.4 to be wiped downwards by the seal 5 when the follower plate 4 is lowered into the container 2. This reduces material loss. However, it is also conceivable that the seal 5 has the same diameter as the follower plate 4.

[0058] As in Figure 3As can be seen, the seal 5 is ring-shaped. The seal 5 can be connected to the follower plate 4. The seal 5 can have bores 5.1 for receiving screws (not shown) with which it is screwed to the follower plate 4.

[0059] The Figures 5 - 7 The porous layer 7 with the separating layer 10 arranged on it is shown. The coloring of the Figure 5 This is for illustrative purposes only. The separating layer 10 has a smaller diameter than the porous layer 7. The ratio of the diameters between the porous layer 7 and the separating layer 10 shown here is also purely illustrative. The diameter of the separating layer 10 could, for example, be approximately the same as that of the porous layer 7. However, the diameter of the separating layer 10 could also be significantly smaller than, for example, in the diagram. Figure 5The diameter of the separating layer 10 depends on the size of the container 2 used. The separating layer 10 preferably covers between 10% and 90% of the porous layer 7.

[0060] As already mentioned, the conveying device 20 is, according to the Figures 8 to 17 To illustrate an embodiment. In this embodiment, the drive 14 is attached to a motor mount 28. The motor mount 28, in turn, is attached to a yoke 21 by means of a first rod 23 and a second rod 25. The two rods 23 and 25 can be designed as tubes and hold and stabilize the two lifting rods 24 and 26. The follower plate is located at the lower end of the two lifting rods 24 and 26. 4.

[0061] The yoke 21 is supported by two lifting cylinders 31. The lifting cylinders 31, the yoke 21, the rods 23, 24, and the lifting rods 25 and 26 form a pump jack, which serves to raise and lower the drive 14, the pump 11, and the follower plate 4. The lifting cylinders 31 are usually pressurized, which allows the follower plate 4 to automatically follow the material level.

[0062] It can be provided that the porous layer 7 is directly or indirectly connected to the subsequent plate 4. In this case, the porous layer 7 moves together with the subsequent plate. 7.Alternatively, the porous layer 7 may not be connected to the subsequent plate 4. The porous layer 7 is thus loosely placed on the material surface. If the subsequent plate 7 is lifted, the position of the porous layer 7 does not change. However, if the subsequent plate 7 is lowered, the porous layer 7 is inevitably lowered as well, because the subsequent plate 7 presses down on the porous layer 7 from above, thus carrying it along. Possible operating modes

[0063] If an empty container 2 is initially located in the conveying device 20, the container follower device 1 is first pulled out of the container 2. Then, the container 2 is removed from the conveying device 20. Next, a full container 2 is pushed into the conveying device 20 and positioned under the follower plate 4. The container follower device 1 is located in the Figures 8 and 9position shown, i.e., above the container 2.

[0064] Then (see Figures 10 and 11 Using the pump jack, the pump drive 14, the pump 11, and the container follower device 1 are lowered until the porous layer 7 in the container 2 rests on the material 3 to be conveyed. During this process, air may become trapped between the surface of the material 3, the container wall 2.4, and the porous layer 7. This occurs regardless of whether the porous layer 7 is connected to the follower plate 4 or not.

[0065] It is possible to first attach the porous layer 7 to the subsequent plate 4 and then lower it together with the subsequent plate 4. Alternatively, the porous layer 7 can first be placed in the container 2 and then the subsequent plate 4 lowered onto the porous layer 7. In the latter procedure, the porous layer 7 is preferably placed in the container 2 by hand and, if necessary, lowered until it reaches the material 3.

[0066] To remove the trapped air or gas, a venting process is carried out. This process is described in more detail below.

[0067] To remove the air trapped inside container 2.2, the follower plate 4 and the porous layer 7 can be left to rest on the material 3 to be conveyed for a specific period of time in an initial venting phase, allowing the material 2 time to spread out. The duration (resting time) can, for example, be adjusted to the viscosity of the material. The initial venting phase is optional.

[0068] In a second venting phase, the venting valve on the vessel follower device 1 is opened, allowing the air located under the porous layer 7 to pass through the porous layer 7 and then escape through the channel 9 and the outlet opening 13. The airflow path is indicated by arrows (see figure). Figure 1The air is passed through the porous layer 7, which covers the material surface up to the edge of the container. The air can also flow between the separating layer 10 and the separating plate 6. The vent valve is then closed again. This procedure is advantageous, but not strictly necessary.

[0069] To accelerate the venting process, the porous layer 7 can be pressed onto the material 3 by means of the follower plate 4. To further support the venting process, the air can also be extracted via the outlet opening 13. For this purpose, a vacuum generator, such as a vacuum suction nozzle or a vacuum pump, can be connected to the outlet opening 13.

[0070] Once the air has been removed from the inside of container 2.2, the conveying mode can be switched on and the material 3 can be conveyed out of container 2 (see Figures 12 and 13 During conveying, the container follower device 1 is continuously lowered into the container 2.

[0071] When the container 2 in the conveying device 20 is pumped empty (see Figures 14 and 15 ), the pumping mode is interrupted. Using the pump jack, the pump 4, together with the follower plate 7, is then raised until the follower plate 4 is located above the container 2 (see Figures 16 and 17 The porous layer 7 can remain in container 2.

[0072] When the follower plate 4 is to be withdrawn from the material storage container 2, the interior of the container 2.2 located beneath the follower plate 4 can be connected to the environment, for example via connection 12 and channel 9. This allows air from the environment to enter the interior of the container 2.2 and prevents a vacuum from forming inside the container 2.2 when the follower plate 4 is withdrawn. This allows the follower plate 4 to be withdrawn from the material storage container 2 with minimal energy expenditure.

[0073] It is also possible that compressed air is introduced into the material reservoir 2 when the follower plate 4 is withdrawn from the material reservoir 2. This creates overpressure between the follower plate 4 and the material reservoir 2, which assists in the withdrawal of the follower plate 4. The compressed air / pressurized gas can, for example, be blown under the follower plate 4 via channel 9.

[0074] Advantageously, the compressed air is routed into the container 2 via channel 9, because channel 9 is protected from contamination by the porous layer 7. This ensures that the follower plate 4 does not come into contact with the material 3, even when being extended from the container 2. Another advantage is that significantly less force is required to pull out the follower plate 4, because the porous layer 7 remains in the container 2 and the follower plate 4 does not adhere to the porous layer 7 or the material 3 itself.

[0075] Channel 9 can be located in or below the follower plate 4. Channel 9 can be connected to a vacuum generator via port 12 on the follower plate 4, allowing a vacuum to be created in channel 9. Air trapped when the follower plate 4 enters the container 2 can be extracted through channel 9 and the porous layer 7. This eliminates the need to vent the freshly introduced material, thus preventing material loss during venting. Furthermore, air inclusions in the conveyed material are prevented.

[0076] If channel 9 is designed as a ring channel, this has the advantage that the negative pressure in container 2 can be distributed even more evenly.

[0077] The air contained in container 2 is extracted both axially from bottom to top through the porous layer 7 and radially through the porous layer 7. This allows air to be extracted from the space in the area of ​​the piston plate 19 and also from the space in the pump 11 above the piston plate 19.

[0078] A separating layer 10 is arranged between the subsequent plate 4 and the porous layer 7. The separating layer 10 significantly lengthens the path for material 2 through the porous layer 7 to the subsequent plate 4. This prevents material 2 from migrating through the porous layer 7 and contaminating the subsequent plate 4. The separating layer 10 can be, for example, a plastic film or a coating on the porous layer 7. The separating layer can be applied directly to the porous layer 7 or arranged above it.

[0079] If the pump 11 is designed as a piston pump, it is preferably designed such that the piston plate 19 can be positioned in the porous layer 7 (see Figure 1 This allows the space above the scoop piston 19 to be easily vented.

[0080] Furthermore, it can be provided that the porous layer 7 remains in container 2 when the follower plate 4 is moved out of container 2. Because the adhesive forces generated by material 3 primarily act at the contact surface between material 3 and the porous layer 7 (and not on the follower plate 4), the pump lifter does not need to overcome these adhesive forces to lift the follower plate 4. The follower plate 4 can therefore be moved out of container 2 with significantly less force.

[0081] The preceding description of the embodiments according to the present invention serves only for illustrative purposes. Various changes and modifications are possible within the scope of the invention. For example, the different embodiments described in the Figures 1 to 17 The components of the conveying device shown can also be combined with each other in a manner other than that shown in the figures. The container follower device can also be installed in a conveying device other than the one shown in the figures. Reference symbol list

[0082] 1 Container follower device 2 Material storage container 2.1 Inside 2.2 Container interior 2.3 Bottom 2.4 Container wall 3 Material 4 Follower plate 4.1 Through opening in the follower plate 4.2 Groove 5 Seal 5.1 Bore 6 Separating plate 7 Porous layer 8 Material discharge opening 9 Channel 10 Separating layer 11 Material conveyor / Pump 12 Connection 13 Outlet opening 14 Drive 15 Pump body 18 Drive rod 19 Scoop piston plate / Scoop piston 20 Conveyor device 21 Yoke 23 Rod 24 Lifting rod 25 Rod 26 Lifting rod 28 Motor mount 31 Lifting cylinder

Claims

1. A container follower device for a material storage container, - which is formed and provided so as to be capable of being lowered in the material storage container (2), - which has a material removal opening (8) for removal of material (3) from the material storage container (2), - which has an outlet opening (13) for discharging gas from the material storage container (2), - which has a follower plate (4), - which has a porous layer (7) arranged below the follower plate (4), characterized in that the container follower device - has an air-impermeable separating layer (10), wherein the separating layer (10) is at least partly arranged between the follower plate (4) and the porous layer (7) and surrounds the material removal opening (8).

2. The container follower device according to claim 1, in the case of which the separating layer (10) is a coating, a silicone layer, a film, a sheet or a plastic plate.

3. The container follower device according to claim 1 or 2, in the case of which the separating layer (10) is adhesive on one side.

4. The container follower device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, with a separating plate (6), which is at least partly arranged between the follower plate (4) and the porous layer (7).

5. The container follower device according to claim 4, in the case of which the separating plate (6) has one or several openings, which form a channel (9), which is connected to the outlet opening (13).

6. The container follower device according to claim 4 or 5, which has a seal (5) for sealing the follower plate (4) against the container (2).

7. The container follower device according to claim 6, in the case of which the seal (5) is arranged between the separating plate (6) and the follower plate (4) or in a groove of the follower plate (4).

8. The container follower device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in the case of which the porous layer (7) has aluminum foam, metal foam, ceramic foam, plastic foam or foam material.

9. The container follower device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in the case of which the porous layer (7) has a pore width in the range of 5 ppi to 250 ppi.

10. The container follower device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in the case of which the porous layer (7) has sintered material.

11. The container follower device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in the case of which the porous layer (7) has a thickness, which lies in the range of 10 mm to 100 mm.

12. The container follower device according to any one of claims 6 to 11, in the case of which the mouth of the channel (9) is at least 10 mm away from the material removal opening (8).

13. The container follower device according to any one of claims 5 to 12, in the case of which the channel (9) at least partly surrounds the material removal opening (8).

14. The container follower device according to any one of claims 5 to 13, in the case of which the separating layer (10) is arranged between the material removal opening (8) and the mouth of the channel (9).

15. The container follower device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, in the case of which the porous layer (7) is arranged so that it is not in contact with the follower plate (4) at least in the region of the separating layer (10).

16. A conveying device for conveying material from a material storage container, - which comprises a container follower device (1) according to any one of patent claims 1 to 15, and - which has a material conveyor (11), which is formed so that it can convey the material (3) through the material removal opening (8) of the container follower device (1).

17. A method for operating the conveying device according to claim 16, which comprises the following steps: - the porous layer (7) is placed into the material storage container (2), - the follower plate (4) is lowered onto the porous layer (7), and - the gas, which is still in the material storage container (2), is discharged via the outlet opening (13).

18. The method for operating the conveying device according to claim 17, which comprises the following additional step: - the follower plate (4) is lifted out of the material storage container (2) without the porous layer (7).

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