Accumulation disk in the conveyor unit

Abstract

In order to provide a mixing device (1), in particular for concentrated feed, preferably as a precursor for a pelletizing press, with an elongated mixing container (3) (3) which has an inlet opening (7) near a first end section for admitting a mixture of substances to be treated and an outlet opening (8) near a second end section remote from the first end section for discharging the mixture of substances treated in the mixing device (1), wherein conveying means (4) are provided in the mixing container (3) to convey the mixture of substances from the inlet opening (7) to the outlet opening (8), which, while avoiding the disadvantages of the prior art, enables better quality and a higher throughput of the mixture of substances obtained at the outlet opening, it is proposed that damming means (13, 17, 20) be provided between the inlet opening (7) and the outlet opening (8),to delay the conveyance of the mixture of substances in the mixing container (3). In order to retrofit generic mixing devices to achieve the aforementioned effect, a method for retrofitting such a mixing device (1) is further specified, in which damming means (13, 17, 20) are arranged between the inlet opening (7) and the outlet opening (8) to delay the conveyance of the mixture of substances in the mixing container (3).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a mixing device according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

[0002] In particular, the invention relates to a mixing device, in particular for concentrated feed, preferably as a precursor for a pelletizing press, having an elongated mixing container which has an inlet opening near a first end section for admitting a mixture of substances to be treated and an outlet opening near a second end section remote from the first end section for discharging the mixture of substances treated in the mixing device, wherein conveying means are provided in the mixing container for conveying the mixture of substances from the inlet opening to the outlet opening.

[0003] The invention further relates to a method for retrofitting a mixing device of the type mentioned above.

[0004] Mixing devices of the type mentioned above are often used to produce a mass that is fed to a pelleting press to produce pellets. In particular, animal feed is often sold and fed in the form of pellets. In this context, a concentrated feed meal, for example consisting of wheat, soy, and corn, is therefore often introduced into the mixer. Previously known mixing devices of the type mentioned above often also have a steam inlet. The concentrated feed meal is moistened by means of the steam. In addition, molasses is introduced into the container. The concentrated feed meal is to be mixed in the mixing device with the molasses and the moisture introduced by the steam to form a mass that is as homogeneous as possible and is suitable for pelletizing in a downstream pelleting press.

[0005] However, with known mixing devices of the type mentioned above, there is the problem that the quality of the mixture obtained at the outlet can sometimes be inadequate and / or that the throughput of usable quality output is insufficient. Undesirable caramelization often occurs due to the molasses introduced.

[0006] Against the background described, the object of the present invention is to provide a mixing device of the type mentioned at the outset which, while avoiding the disadvantages of the prior art, enables a better quality and a higher throughput of the mixture of substances obtained at the outlet opening.

[0007] Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method of the type mentioned at the outset in order to retrofit generic mixing devices to achieve the aforementioned effect.

[0008] According to the invention, the device task is achieved in a generic mixing device in that damming means are provided between the inlet opening and the outlet opening in order to delay the conveyance of the substance mixture into the mixing container. By delaying the substance mixture as it is conveyed through the mixing container, a longer residence time of the substance mixture to be treated in the mixing container is advantageously achieved. Mixing is thereby improved, so that the quality of the substance mixture obtained at the outlet opening is improved with a view to subsequent pelletizing. With regard to the overall process, including pelletizing, an increased throughput in terms of higher tonnage can also be achieved due to the increased quality of the substance mixture produced by the mixing device according to the invention.

[0009] In an embodiment of the invention, the damming means are designed to reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the mixing container. With a suitable reduction in the cross-sectional area in the mixing container, the fill level of the mixing container with the mixture to be processed can increase, for example, to above the conveying means, especially if the latter are designed as a screw conveyor with a shaft.

[0010] If, in a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the damming means are essentially shaped as a damming disk, the cross-sectional area of ​​the mixing container can be specifically reduced at certain axial positions within the mixing container, in particular to increase the filling level in the mixing container. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the damming means can be attached to an inner wall of the mixing container by means of tab-like elements. This design also makes it possible to retrofit generic mixing devices with damming means according to the invention with little effort.

[0011] To increase the fill level in the mixing tank during operation, it is particularly advantageous if the damming means comprise an outlet damming element located near the outlet opening, upstream of it. If a screw conveyor with a shaft is used for conveying, a suitable design of the first damming element within the scope of the invention can achieve that the fill level exceeds the shaft. This advantageously results in an increased residence time of the mixture in the mixing tank.

[0012] In particular, it has proven suitable within the scope of the invention if the first dam element is arranged in the lower region of the mixing container. This prevents the mixture from escaping too quickly from the mixing container, provided the outlet opening of the mixing container is open downwards. Instead, with this embodiment of the invention, a fill level forms in the area of ​​the bottom of the mixing container. This is because the mixture must first be conveyed over the dam element and can only exit the mixing container of the mixing device via the outlet opening after passing through the dam element.

[0013] In a special embodiment of the invention, the first baffle element is essentially circular sector-shaped in cross-section, preferably with a center angle of >= 180°, in particular >= 270°. If the mixing container has a circular cross-section or if the mixing container is particularly cylindrical in shape, a reduction in the cross-section can be achieved with a circular sector-shaped baffle element at the axial position at which the baffle element is arranged. With a suitable design, this leads to a fill level forming at the bottom of the mixing container which, at the aforementioned center angles of the circular sector shape of the baffle element, can protrude beyond the shaft of the screw conveyor of the mixing device. This advantageously increases the residence time of the substance mixture in the mixing container.

[0014] With a view to retrofitting existing mixing devices, it is advantageous within the scope of the invention if the first dam element is designed in several parts, particularly two parts. The first dam element can then be easily retrofitted into the mixing container through an inspection opening, for example.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, the control means comprise an inlet dam element, which is arranged in the vicinity of the inlet opening and / or in the vicinity of a steam inlet of the mixing vessel, downstream of the inlet opening and / or downstream of the steam inlet. This measure can advantageously prevent the substance mixture to be treated and / or steam admitted into the mixing vessel from reaching the outlet opening directly in a type of bypass line without sufficient mixing. This is particularly advantageous if, due to an outlet dam element near the outlet opening, there is an increased fill level with substance mixture in the mixing vessel. The inlet dam element also advantageously prevents steam from escaping from the vessel through the inlet opening without coming into contact with the substance mixture.

[0016] Since a steam inlet, like an inlet opening for the substance mixture to be treated, is usually located in the upper region of the mixing vessel, it has proven advantageous within the scope of the invention for the inlet dam element to be located in the upper region of the mixing vessel. There, it is particularly effective in preventing the substance mixture taken in through the inlet opening or steam admitted through a steam inlet from reaching the outlet opening and / or the inlet opening of the mixing vessel without mixing with the other substance components in the mixing vessel.

[0017] Particularly if the mixing vessel has a circular cross-section, at least in the region of the inlet opening, or if the mixing vessel as a whole is essentially cylindrical, it is advantageous within the scope of the invention if the inlet dam element has a circular segment-shaped cross-section. It can then be arranged, for example, in the region of the upper wall of the mixing vessel. The radius of the circular segment is advantageously adapted to the radius of the mixing vessel at this axial height. The selection of the segment height results in a reduction in the cross-sectional area of ​​the mixing vessel at that location, which in turn ensures effectiveness in delaying the conveyance of the inlet substances.

[0018] According to a further advantageous feature of the present invention, the conveying means comprise a rotatable shaft, wherein the control means comprise a number of paddle-like dam elements extending radially from the shaft and mounted axially at the same height on the shaft. This measure advantageously ensures a continuous material flow.

[0019] In particular, according to this embodiment of the invention, the paddle-like dam elements, which are mounted axially at the same height on the shaft, are mounted downstream of an outlet dam element of the type described above. This achieves a continuous outflow of material through the outlet opening of the mixing container for the well-mixed mixture of substances, which passes through the outlet dam element due to its dam effect with an increased fill level.

[0020] In a further development of the invention, a paddle surface of the paddle-like dam elements is arranged at an angle to a radial plane of the mixing vessel such that, when the shaft rotates as intended, a feed is exerted on the mixture to be treated. This measure also ensures a continuous outflow of the mixture treated in the mixing vessel through the outlet opening. This, in turn, is advantageous for further processing in a pelletizing press.

[0021] In the interest of retrofitting existing conventional mixing devices of the type mentioned above, the paddle-like dam elements can be detachably attached to the shaft, in particular by means of clamping elements, in a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention. For example, two semi-cylindrical jaws can be placed around the shaft and screwed to it with a suitable flange connection, with the paddle elements being attached to the semi-cylindrical elements. Due to the two-part design, retrofitting is possible, for example, via an inspection hatch.

[0022] Within the scope of the invention, it has proven particularly suitable if a number of paddle-like conveying elements extending from the shaft in a radial direction are arranged on the shaft, each offset from one another in the axial direction. Their conveying surface is preferably inclined at an angle to the radial plane of the mixing container such that the conveying surfaces of the conveying elements lie together on a curve that winds around the shell of a cylinder at a constant gradient. This results in a screw thread that ensures thorough mixing of the input materials, in particular concentrated feed meal, molasses, and steam.

[0023] The object directed to a method of the type mentioned at the outset is achieved by arranging damming means between the inlet opening and the outlet opening in order to delay the conveyance of the substance mixture in the mixing container.

[0024] In particular, it is advantageous within the scope of the method according to the invention if paddle-like damming elements are attached to the shaft, in particular by means of clamping elements, in such a way that a number of damming elements extend from the shaft in the radial direction and are attached to the shaft at the same height in the axial direction, wherein preferably a paddle surface of the paddle-like damming elements is arranged at an angle to a radial plane of the mixing container in such a way that when the shaft rotates as intended, a feed is exerted on the substance mixture to be treated.

[0025] It is also advantageous if, in the method according to the invention, the retaining means are attached to an inner wall of the mixing container, in particular by means of tab-like elements. The tab-like elements can, for example, be welded to the inner wall of the mixing container.

[0026] The method according to the invention is further improved if an outlet dam element is arranged in a vicinity of the outlet opening, upstream of it, preferably in the lower region of the mixing container.

[0027] Furthermore, it is preferred for the method according to the invention if an inlet dam element is arranged in a vicinity of the inlet opening, downstream of it, preferably in the upper region of the mixing container.

[0028] The invention is described by way of example in a preferred embodiment with reference to a drawing, wherein further advantageous details can be taken from the figures of the drawing.

[0029] Functionally identical parts are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0030] The figures in the drawing show in detail: Figure 1: a preferred embodiment of the mixing device according to the invention in a first perspective side view from the direction of the outlet; Figure 2: the mixing device from Figure 1 in a second perspective view from the side looking towards the inlet; Figure 3: a conveyor shaft as a component of the mixing device according to the invention from the Figure 1 and 2 in a perspective view approximately corresponding to the view according to Figure 2 ; Figure 4:Section along the line IV - IV in Figure 2 ; Figure 5:Section along the line V - V in Figure 2 ; Figure 6: perspective view of the detail area VI in Figure 3 the conveyor shaft; Figure 7: Section along the line VII - VII in Figure 2 ; Figure 8: perspective detailed view of area VIII in Figure 1 .

[0031] The Figure 1shows a preferred embodiment of a mixing device in a preferred embodiment of the invention in the form of a conditioner 1. The conditioner 1 is in Figure 1 shown in a state in which the two inspection flaps 2 are open.

[0032] The conditioner 1 has a cylindrical mixing container 3 as its core component. A conveyor shaft 4 is rotatably arranged inside the mixing container 3 along the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical mixing container 3. The conveyor shaft 4 is driven in a manner not shown in detail via an electric motor 6 and a gear unit 5 driven by the electric motor 6. This is also shown in Figure 2 clearly visible, which also shows a perspective view of the object from Figure 1 The viewing direction is Figure 2selected diagonally at the front. The mixing container 3 of the conditioner 1 has an inlet opening 7, which is arranged in the region of the gear unit 5 on the upper side of the outer wall of the mixing container 3. At the end of the mixing container 3 axially opposite the inlet opening 7, the latter has an outlet opening 8.

[0033] The conveyor shaft 4, which is in the Figure 1 and 2 can already be seen, is in Figure 3 shown separately. As particularly in Figure 3As illustrated, the conveyor shaft 4 is provided with a plurality of paddle-like conveyor elements 9. These extend in the radial direction from the conveyor shaft 4. They are arranged at a distance from one another in the axial direction of the conveyor shaft 4. Axially adjacent conveyor elements 9 are each rotated by 90° to one another in the circumferential direction of the conveyor shaft 4. The conveyor surfaces 10 of the conveyor elements 9 are arranged at an angle 12 to the radial plane 11 such that the conveyor surfaces 10 of the conveyor elements 9 lie together on a curve that winds around the casing of a cylinder at a constant pitch. This creates a screw-like arrangement for the conveyed material.

[0034] A baffle plate 13 is arranged in the section of the conveyor shaft 4 in the area of ​​the outlet opening 8. This is attached to the inner wall of the mixing container 3 via tabs. The baffle plate has the shape of a circular segment with a center angle of approximately 270°. Compare also the sectional view along line VII - VII in Figure 2 .

[0035] The baffle plate 13 is in Figure 3 together with the conveyor shaft 4. However, the conveyor shaft 4 is formed separately from the baffle plate 13 and is rotatable relative to it. The baffle plate 13, on the other hand, is stationary and connected to the mixing container 3. In Figure 2 a steam inlet 14 can also be seen, which opens into the mixing container 3 downstream of the inlet opening 7.

[0036] How particularly good in Figure 7As can be seen, the outlet baffle plate 13 is constructed in two parts. It consists of an upper part 15 and a lower part 16. The upper part 15 is screwed to the outlet baffle plate 13 and the lower part 16 by means of a threaded screw and nut through suitably designed holes.

[0037] As in the Figure 1 and 3 As can be seen, an inlet baffle plate 17 is attached to the upper inner wall of the mixing container 3 in the area between the inlet opening 7 and the steam inlet 14. The inlet baffle plate 17 has the shape of a circular segment, the radius of which is adapted to the radius of the inner wall of the mixing container 3. The inlet baffle plate 17 is screwed onto the inner wall 19 of the mixing container 3 by means of tabs 18 welded thereto in such a way that its circular-arc-shaped edge lies essentially flush against the inner wall 19 of the mixing container 3, thus limiting the cross-section of the mixing container 3.

[0038] According to the exemplary embodiment of the figures, the positioning of the inlet baffle plate 17 in the axial direction is selected such that steam admitted into the mixing vessel 3 via the steam inlet 14 is prevented from directly exiting the mixing vessel 3 again via the inlet opening 7 without properly humidifying the introduced mixture of substances in the mixing vessel 3. The problem of steam admitted via the steam inlet 14 directly re-exiting the mixing vessel 3 from the mixing vessel 3 arises in particular when, due to the effect of the outlet baffle plate 13, a fill level in the mixing vessel 3 protrudes above the level of the conveyor shaft 4.

[0039] The positioning and shape of the inlet disk 17 is particularly good in the Figure 4 and 5 The Figure 4 a section along the line IV - IV Figure 2 . The Figure 5 shows a section along the line V - V from Figure 2 .

[0040] The Figure 6 shows an enlarged section of area VI in Figure 3 the conveyor shaft 4 downstream of the outlet baffle plate 13. Figure 6 illustrates that in the axial direction downstream along the conveyor shaft 4, there are several paddle-like dam elements 20. The dam elements 20 extend radially outward from the shaft 4. They are all mounted at the same axial height of the conveyor shaft 4 so that they lie in the same axial plane of the conveyor shaft 4.

[0041] A total of six retaining elements 20 are arranged evenly distributed in the circumferential direction. Three retaining elements 20 are attached to a first clamping jaw 21, and a further three retaining elements 20 are attached to a second clamping jaw 22. The clamping jaws 21, 22 have a section 23 adapted for positive engagement with the conveyor shaft 4, having the shape of a half-cylinder wall. The first clamping jaw 21 can be screwed to the second clamping jaw 22 on both sides laterally via flat flange sections 24 adjacent to the half-cylinder wall section, in the manner of a hose clamp.

[0042] In this way, a rotationally fixed attachment of the retaining elements 20 to the conveyor shaft 4 is possible via the clamping jaws 21, 22. In particular, retrofitting of a conditioner with the retaining elements 20 via inspection flaps 2 is possible.

[0043] Figure 7additionally shows, due to the viewing direction, the inlet blocking disk 17 on the top of the mixing container 3. In addition, Figure 7 the center angle 25 of approximately 270°, which the circular sector shape of the two-part outlet baffle disc 13 encloses in the assembled state. At the center of the circular sector, the outlet baffle disc 13 is punched out in a circular shape so that it can be placed around the conveyor shaft 4 without contact and without impairing the rotation of the conveyor shaft 4.

[0044] With the embodiment of a conditioner according to the invention disclosed here as an example, a better quality of the mixture of substances obtained at the outlet opening 8 can be achieved at particularly high tonnage as follows.

[0045] A mixture of substances is introduced into the mixing container 3 through the inlet opening 7. For example, a concentrated feed meal consisting of wheat, soy, corn, and molasses can be introduced. The conveyor shaft 4 is rotated by means of the electric motor 6 and the gear unit 5.

[0046] Due to the axially spaced arrangement of the conveying elements 9 along the conveying shaft 4 and the angular orientation of their conveying surfaces 10 relative to the axial plane of the mixing container 3, the conveying shaft 4 acts as a screw conveyor. Therefore, the mixture of substances admitted into the mixing container 3 via the inlet opening 7 is conveyed in the axial direction toward the outlet opening 8. In the process, it undergoes mixing due to the screw action.

[0047] At the axial end of the mixing container 3 in the area of ​​the outlet opening 8, the mixture encounters the outlet baffle 13 according to the invention. This partially prevents the mixture from being transported directly to the outlet opening 8 of the mixing container 3.

[0048] Accordingly, the mixture of substances accumulates due to the damming effect of the outlet baffle plate 13. This, in turn, results in the filling level of the mixing container 3 increasing with the mixture of substances introduced via the inlet opening 7, extending beyond the conveyor shaft 4. The result is an extended residence time of the mixture of substances in the mixing container 3, which in turn leads to improved mixing.

[0049] An exit of the substance mixture from the mixing container 3 via the outlet opening 8 is only possible if the substance mixture passes over the outlet baffle plate in the area of ​​the approximately 90° enclosing circular segment-shaped opening area of ​​the baffle plate 13. Downstream of the baffle plate 13, the substance mixture first encounters a further arrangement of conveying elements 9, which provide a helical conveying towards the Figure 6 shown arrangement of damming elements 20. The arrangement of damming elements 20 leads to a continuous discharge of the mixed substance mixture via the outlet opening 8 of the mixing container 3.

[0050] Additionally, steam is added to the mixture via the steam inlet 14 to humidify it. The inlet baffle plate 17 prevents the introduced steam from directly escaping from the mixing vessel 3 via the inlet opening 7. The risk of steam re-escape via the inlet opening 7 exists particularly due to the increased fill level of the mixing vessel 3, which is caused by the outlet baffle plate 13.

[0051] Overall, the increased residence time of the mixture in mixing tank 3 results in improved mixing of all components. This leads to improved quality of the material mass that can be fed into a pelletizing press.

[0052] On the other hand, however, due to the effect of the dam elements 20 downstream of the outlet dam plate 13, a continuous outflow of material through the outlet opening 8 and thus an increased tonnage of high-quality material mixture is achieved. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0053] 1 Conditioner 2 Inspection flap 3 Mixing tank 4 Conveyor shaft 5 Gear unit 6 Electric motor 7 Inlet opening 8 Outlet opening 9 Conveyor element 10 Conveying surface 11 Radial plane 12 Angle 13 Outlet baffle plate 14 Steam inlet 15 Upper part 16 Lower part 17 Inlet baffle plate 18 Tab 19 Inner wall 20 Baffle element 21 Clamping jaw 22 Clamping jaw 23 Half-cylinder wall section 24 Flange section 25 Center angle

Claims

1. Mixing device (1), in particular for concentrated feed, preferably as a precursor for a pelletizing press, with an elongated mixing container (3) which has an inlet opening (7) near a first end section for admitting a mixture of substances to be treated and an outlet opening (8) near a second end section remote from the first end section for discharging the mixture of substances treated in the mixing device (1), wherein conveying means (4) are provided in the mixing container (3) for conveying the mixture of substances from the inlet opening (7) to the outlet opening (8), characterized in that between the inlet opening (7) and the outlet opening (8) damming means (13, 17, 20) are provided in order to delay the conveyance of the substance mixture in the mixing container (3).

2. Mixing device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the damming means (13, 17) are shaped to reduce a cross-sectional area of ​​the mixing container (3) and / or thatthe damming means (13, 17) are essentially shaped as a damming disk and / or that the damming means (13, 17) are fastened to an inner wall of the mixing container (3) by means of tab-like elements and / or that the damming means (13, 17, 20) comprise an outlet damming element (13) which is arranged in a vicinity of the outlet opening (8), upstream of the latter.

3. Mixing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet dam element (13) is arranged in the lower area of ​​the mixing container (3).

4. Mixing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet dam element (13) is shaped in cross-section substantially in the shape of a circular sector, preferably with a center angle >= 180°, in particular >= 270°.

5. Mixing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet dam element (13) is formed in several parts, in particular in two parts.

6. Mixing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the damming means comprise an inlet damming element (17) which is arranged in a vicinity of the inlet opening (7) and / or in a vicinity of a steam inlet (14) of the mixing container (3), downstream of the inlet opening (7) and / or downstream of a steam inlet (14).

7. Mixing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inlet dam element (17) is arranged in the upper region of the mixing container (3) and / or that the inlet dam element (17) is shaped like a circular segment in cross section.

8. Mixing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying means (4) comprise a rotatable shaft (4), wherein the damming means comprise a number of paddle-like damming elements (20) extending from the shaft in the radial direction and mounted on the shaft (4) at the same axial height in the axial direction.

9. Mixing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a paddle surface of the paddle-like dam elements (20) is arranged at an angle to a radial plane of the mixing container (3) such that, when the shaft (4) rotates as intended, a feed is exerted on the mixture of substances to be treated.

10. Mixing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the paddle-like damming elements (20) are detachably attached to the shaft (4), in particular by means of clamping elements (21, 22).

11. Mixing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thaton the shaft (4) a number of paddle-like conveying elements (9) extending from the shaft (4) in the radial direction are arranged, each offset from one another in the axial direction, the conveying surface (10) of which paddle-like conveying elements is preferably arranged inclined at an angle to the radial plane of the mixing container (3) in such a way that the conveying surfaces (10) of the conveying elements (9) lie together on a curve which winds around the jacket of a cylinder with a constant gradient.

12. Method for retrofitting a mixing device (1) according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that Damping means (13, 17, 20) are arranged between the inlet opening (7) and the outlet opening (8) in order to delay the conveyance of the substance mixture in the mixing container (3).

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in thatpaddle-like damming elements are attached to the shaft, in particular by means of clamping elements, in such a way that a number of damming elements extend from the shaft in the radial direction and are attached to the shaft at the same height in the axial direction, wherein preferably a paddle surface of the paddle-like damming elements is arranged at an angle to a radial plane of the mixing container (3) in such a way that when the shaft rotates as intended, a feed is exerted on the substance mixture to be treated.

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the damming means are fastened to an inner wall of the mixing container (3), in particular by means of tab-like elements, and / or that an outlet damming element (13) is arranged in a vicinity of the outlet opening (8), upstream of this, preferably in the lower region of the mixing container (3).

15. Method according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in thatan inlet dam element (17) is arranged in a vicinity of the inlet opening (7), downstream thereof, preferably in the upper region of the mixing container (3).

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