Apparatus for dissolving salt in a liquid

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for producing brine by dissolving salt in a liquid, wherein the device comprises a conical dissolving funnel, at least one liquid line for supplying the liquid to the dissolving funnel, a blowdown device for removing residues, a buffer tank and a drain for discharging the brine from the dissolving funnel into the buffer tank.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for producing brine by dissolving salt in a liquid, wherein the device comprises a conical dissolving funnel, at least one liquid line for supplying the liquid to the dissolving funnel, a blowdown device for removing residues, a buffer tank, and a drain for discharging the brine from the dissolving funnel into the buffer tank. Such devices are also referred to as dissolving tanks.

[0002] Dissolving funnels 5 enclose a dissolving chamber 26 by means of their shell, for receiving salt and liquid, and for generating the brine. They can therefore be understood as a type of container, being both suitable and intended for dissolving the salt in the liquid within the dissolving chamber.

[0003] Brine is salt dissolved in a liquid, used particularly in winter road maintenance as a resource-saving, environmentally friendly de-icing agent with a long-lasting effect. Various devices for dissolving the salt in the liquid are known in the prior art. For example, DE202012000268U1 and DE202005006688U1 disclose devices that have downwardly tapered dissolving funnels for receiving the salt. The dissolving funnels also have at least one supply line for the water, with the supply lines being routed through the dissolving funnel.

[0004] The devices known from the prior art have in common that the liquid supply lines run at least partially inside the dissolving funnel. It is also known that the ends of the supply lines are usually designed so that the liquid is sprayed over the largest possible area. For example, DE29516244U1 also discloses a device with a conical dissolving funnel in which the pipe for feeding dissolving water into the dissolving funnel is guided at least partially through the dissolving funnel, with the pipe being perforated at the end.

[0005] However, routing the pipes through the leaching hopper, and especially having pipes in the lower section of the hopper, has the disadvantage that deposits such as undissolved salt crystals, impurities in the added salt or liquid, and limescale tend to accumulate on the pipes. These deposits cannot be removed from the leaching hopper by the sludge removal devices, causing them to become clogged over time. To prevent complete blockage and subsequent failure of the devices, they must be regularly cleaned of these deposits. This requires first emptying the leaching hopper and then manually removing the deposits, often with heavy equipment (e.g., a jackhammer). This process carries a significant risk of damaging the leaching hopper.Furthermore, strict occupational safety requirements must be met, which is significantly reflected in the costs.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to improve the devices known from the prior art for the production of brine in such a way that deposits in the dissolving funnel are reduced and residues, such as undissolved salt crystals or impurities, are better removed via the blowdown devices.

[0007] This task is accomplished by a device for dissolving salt in a liquid, wherein the device comprises a conical dissolving funnel that tapers downwards and whose shell encloses a dissolving chamber in which the salt is dissolved in the liquid. Furthermore, the device includes at least one liquid line for supplying the liquid to the dissolving funnel and a blowdown device for removing residues from the dissolving chamber. The device also includes a buffer tank for buffering the generated brine for further pumping and treatment, and a drain for discharging the finished brine from the dissolving chamber into the buffer tank, the drain forming a fluid connection between the dissolving chamber and the buffer tank.

[0008] According to the invention, the at least one liquid line is routed outside the dissolving chamber, and the dissolving funnel has an annular liquid distribution channel outside the dissolving chamber, with which the at least one liquid line is in fluid communication. The dissolving funnel has at least one liquid supply channel along its generatrices on the inside in the lower region. The liquid supply channel is understood to be, in particular, an elongated recess, the geometric design of which is defined more precisely by the individual embodiments of the device. The upper end of the at least one liquid supply channel is in fluid communication with the liquid distribution channel, and the lower end of the at least one liquid supply channel is spaced apart from the lower end of the inside of the dissolving funnel.This results in a flow path for the liquid, which leads from the at least one liquid line to and through the liquid distribution channel, and from the latter to and through the at least one liquid supply channel. Inside the dissolving funnel, the flow path runs through the at least one liquid supply channel, and thus on the inside of the dissolving funnel, as well as along the generatrix towards the lower end of the dissolving funnel.

[0009] The fact that the solvent funnel has an annular liquid distribution channel outside the solvent chamber can be understood to mean that the liquid distribution channel runs both outside the solvent funnel or on the outside of the solvent funnel's shell, and also inside the solvent funnel's shell.

[0010] The solution funnel has a predominantly conical or funnel-shaped form, tapering downwards and thus towards the bottom. The generatrices are understood to be those straight lines on the inside of the solution funnel that extend from the (imaginary) cone apex to the upper edge of the conical inside of the solution funnel.

[0011] The salt to be dissolved is added to the dissolving hopper from above. This can be done, for example, using a wheel loader or a screw conveyor from a silo or salt storage hopper.

[0012] In addition to the buffer tank, the device can also include a preferably double-walled brine tank for storing the ready-to-use brine. In this design, liquid is added to the initially highly concentrated brine produced in the dissolving funnel via the overflow, so that brine at the ready-to-use concentration enters the storage space located below the dissolving funnel.

[0013] Furthermore, regardless of the design described above, a version with at least one external storage tank is also conceivable.

[0014] Because the device has an annular liquid distribution channel outside the dissolving chamber enclosed by the dissolving funnel, it is possible to route at least one liquid line entirely outside the dissolving funnel. This has the advantage that deposits cannot adhere to the liquid line inside the dissolving funnel, and especially in its lower region, thus generally reducing deposits within the dissolving funnel.

[0015] It is conceivable that the liquid distribution channel runs within the shell of the dissolving funnel, or is implemented outside the dissolving funnel by means of a ring main, as will be explained in more detail below by the further embodiments.

[0016] A further advantage lies in the design of the at least one liquid feed channel, which runs along the inside of the dissolving funnel along a romandibular curve. This guides the liquid within the dissolving funnel precisely along the flow path created by the liquid feed channel on the inside of the dissolving funnel, and in particular along the romandibular curve towards the bottom of the dissolving funnel. This guidance of the liquid transports residues, such as insoluble salt crystals, downwards to the blowdown device, where they can be discharged from the dissolving funnel. This has the positive effect of more effectively removing the residues and thus further reducing deposits in the dissolving funnel.

[0017] Furthermore, when the solvent funnel is emptied, this design of the at least one liquid supply channel allows for particularly thorough rinsing and cleaning of the lower section. This enables a rinsing cycle to be carried out at regular intervals or after each complete emptying of the solvent funnel, which reduces the formation of deposits.

[0018] According to at least one further embodiment, the casing of the solvent funnel consists of at least a first wall and a second wall. The first wall is designed as a truncated cone open at least downwards, and the second wall is designed as a cone or truncated cone open upwards. The second wall is brought into contact with the first wall from below, with the inner surface of the second wall contacting the outer surface of the first wall via an overlap area. Thus, the two walls form the solvent funnel, with the first wall forming the upper part of the solvent funnel and the second wall the lower part.

[0019] Additionally, the second wall has at least one liquid supply channel on its inner surface, as well as a recess within the overlap area that circumferentially surrounds the inner surface of the second wall. The at least one liquid supply channel and the recess are in fluid communication. Furthermore, the recess, together with the first wall, forms the annular liquid distribution channel that extends outside the dissolution chamber enclosed by the dissolution funnel. In this way, the at least one liquid supply channel and the liquid distribution channel are in fluid communication.

[0020] Additionally, the second wall has at least one radial through-hole extending into the recess. This through-hole extends from the outer surface of the second wall to the inner surface of the second wall, or to the recess itself. The liquid line for supplying the liquid to the dissolving funnel is connected to this through-hole, thus forming the fluid connection between the liquid distribution channel and the liquid line. The liquid flow path therefore runs from the liquid line through the through-hole into the liquid distribution channel and from there into the at least one liquid supply channel.

[0021] It is conceivable that sealing elements or devices are provided in the overlap area of ​​the two walls to achieve a tight connection between them. It is possible that both walls incorporate these sealing elements or devices. It is also conceivable that further sealing elements or devices are provided at the through-hole and / or the fluid line to create a tight connection between the fluid line and the through-hole.

[0022] According to at least one further embodiment, it is also conceivable that the first wall does not have a circular depression circumferential to its inner surface within the overlap area, but rather that the first wall has a corresponding depression to form the liquid distribution channel. For this purpose, the shell of the dissolving funnel again consists of at least a first and a second wall. Here too, the first wall is designed as a truncated cone open at least downwards, and the second wall as a cone or truncated cone open upwards. The second wall is brought into contact with the first wall from below, with the inner surface of the second wall contacting the outer surface of the first wall via an overlap area, so that the two walls form the dissolving funnel.In this case, the first wall forms the upper part of the solvent funnel, and the second wall forms the lower part of the solvent funnel.

[0023] In this embodiment, the first wall has a recess on its outer surface within the overlap area, with the recess encircling the outer surface of the first wall. When the second wall rests against the first wall, this recess forms the annular liquid distribution channel extending outside the dissolving chamber enclosed by the dissolving funnel. The second wall has at least one liquid supply channel on its inner surface, which terminates at the level of the recess in the first wall and is thus in fluid communication with the liquid distribution channel. Additionally, the second wall has at least one radial through-bore at the level of the recess. The liquid supply line is connected to this through-bore from outside the dissolving funnel.The at least one through-bore extends from the outside of the second wall to the inside of the second wall, thus forming a fluid connection between the fluid distribution channel and the fluid line. The fluid flow path therefore runs from the fluid line through the through-bore into the fluid distribution channel and from there into the at least one fluid supply channel.

[0024] In this embodiment, it is also conceivable that sealing elements or devices for tight connections are provided on the two walls, as well as on the through-bore and / or the liquid line.

[0025] According to at least one further embodiment, a ring line is guided around the dissolving funnel, which is in fluid communication with the liquid line for supplying the liquid to the dissolving funnel. The ring line thus forms the annular liquid distribution channel extending outside the dissolving chamber enclosed by the dissolving funnel. The ring line has at least one bore, which is preferably directed towards the dissolving funnel. In addition, the casing of the dissolving funnel also has at least one bore, which penetrates the casing of the dissolving funnel from the outside to the upper end of the at least one liquid supply channel. The at least one bore of the ring line and the at least one bore of the casing of the dissolving funnel are arranged relative to each other such that the ring line, or the liquid distribution channel formed by the ring line, is in fluid communication with the at least one liquid supply channel.The flow path of the liquid thus runs from the liquid line through the ring line and via the bores in the ring line and in the shell of the dissolving funnel into the at least one liquid supply channel.

[0026] The liquid is conveyed from the outside around the dissolving funnel and through the bores to at least one liquid supply channel via the liquid line and, in particular, the ring line. In this way, both the liquid supply lines and the ring line for distributing the liquid run completely outside the dissolving chamber, preventing deposits from accumulating on these lines.

[0027] In this embodiment as well, it is conceivable that sealing elements or devices are provided for tight connections between the pipes and the bores.

[0028] According to at least one further embodiment, the liquid distribution channel, as described above, is implemented by a ring main extending outside the dissolution chamber and in fluid communication with the liquid line. The ring main has at least one bore, which is preferably directed towards the dissolution funnel. The shell of the dissolution funnel also has at least one through-bore. Here, the at least one bore of the ring main and the at least one through-bore of the shell of the dissolution funnel are in fluid communication. In this embodiment, the inside of the shell of the dissolution funnel does not have an elongated depression extending along the slant height as a liquid supply channel. Instead, the liquid supply into the dissolution chamber is achieved through the opening of the through-bore located on the inside of the shell of the dissolution funnel.The liquid flow path thus runs from the liquid line through the ring main and via the bore in the ring main and the bore in the casing of the dissolving funnel into the dissolving chamber. Here too, the liquid supply line and the liquid distribution ring main run completely outside the dissolving chamber, so that no deposits can adhere to these lines.

[0029] In another embodiment, in which the liquid distribution channel is located outside the dissolving funnel, it is also conceivable that the dissolving funnel consists of only one wall.

[0030] In another embodiment, the two walls forming the dissolving funnel have the same opening angle. The diameter of the upper opening of the second wall is larger than the diameter of the lower opening of the first. This allows for a simple, secure, and precise connection between the two walls.

[0031] In a further embodiment, more than one liquid supply channel is provided on the inside of the dissolving funnel. The number of liquid supply channels is preferably at least 8, more preferably at least 12, and particularly preferably at least 20. It is conceivable that the liquid supply channels are arranged equidistantly along the circumference of the dissolving funnel on its inner surface. This allows for the removal of residues across the entire inner surface of the lower region of the dissolving funnel.

[0032] In another embodiment, the recess has a trapezoidal cross-section transverse to its circumference. The depth of the recess decreases along the generatrix and towards the lower end of the dissolving funnel. Preferably, such a recess is formed by milling or another type of material removal into the inner surface of the second wall or into the outer surface of the first wall.

[0033] In a further embodiment, the at least one liquid supply channel has a semicircular cross-section perpendicular to the generatrix. The diameter of this semicircular cross-section is constant in the overlap region of the first and second walls. Outside this overlap region and along the generatrix towards the lower end of the liquid supply channel, the diameter decreases, with both the width and depth of the channel becoming smaller. At the lower end, the liquid supply channel tapers to a point. This allows for efficient supply of liquid into the interior of the dissolving funnel over a large area, enabling the salt to dissolve in the liquid over a wide region. This ensures rapid production of the brine.Secondly, this design allows the liquid to be guided along the inside of the lower part of the dissolving funnel, thus transporting residues to the blowdown device and effectively removing them from the dissolving funnel. Due to these liquid supply channels and the absence of pipes within the dissolving funnel, deposits within the funnel are reduced.

[0034] In another embodiment, the device has at least one overflow in the upper part of the dissolving funnel. This overflow has an upper edge that defines an overflow level for the finished brine. Furthermore, the overflow is connected to a drain, so that finished brine exceeding the overflow level in the dissolving funnel flows into the buffer tank.

[0035] In another embodiment, the lower end of the liquid supply channel is spaced apart from the lower end of the inner surface of the dissolving funnel. The liquid supply channel preferably terminates above the blowdown device located in the dissolving funnel, so that residues are transported to the blowdown device by means of the liquid added via the liquid supply channel. However, it is also conceivable that the liquid supply channel extends to the lower end of the inner surface of the dissolving funnel.

[0036] In another embodiment, the liquid feed channel has a rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the generatrix. The depth of this rectangular cross-section is constant in the overlap area and decreases outside the overlap area along the generatrix towards the lower end of the liquid feed channel. It is conceivable that the liquid feed channel coincides with the inside of the dissolving funnel towards its lower end, so that the depth of the liquid feed channel approaches zero. It is also conceivable that the depth of the liquid feed channel has a value greater than zero towards the lower end. In this case, the depth could decrease continuously. However, any other depth profile is also conceivable. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the depth remains constant along the entire length of the liquid feed channel. Cross-sectional shapes other than rectangular are also conceivable.For example, the edge between the liquid feed channel and the inside of the dissolving funnel could have the shape of a half-ellipse, a parabola, or a hyperbola. Other cross-sections, such as triangular cross-sections, are also possible. In addition to the liquid feed channel running along the generatrix, channels with a directional component perpendicular to the generatrix are also conceivable. For instance, helical liquid feed channels are a possible design.

[0037] Furthermore, the invention relates to the dissolving funnel itself. This is intended in particular for the production of salt brines in conjunction with dissolving tanks. The dissolving funnel can have the aforementioned features relating to the dissolving funnel.

[0038] The dissolving funnel has a downwardly tapered shape, its shell enclosing a dissolving chamber for receiving the salt and the liquid to produce brine. The dissolving funnel further comprises at least one annular liquid distribution channel and at least one connection device for at least one liquid line, which is in fluid communication with the liquid distribution channel and is suitable and intended for supplying the liquid to the liquid distribution channel. The dissolving funnel may also include a connection device for a blowdown device for removing residues from the dissolving chamber and a connection device for a drain for discharging the brine from the dissolving chamber.

[0039] The dissolving funnel is characterized in that the liquid distribution channel runs outside the dissolving chamber, and that the connection of the liquid line is arranged outside the dissolving chamber, so that the liquid line runs outside the dissolving chamber.

[0040] In one embodiment, the dissolving funnel has at least one liquid supply channel on its lower inner surface, running along a generatrix of the dissolving funnel. The upper end of the liquid supply channel is in fluid communication with the liquid distribution channel, and at least the lower end of the liquid supply channel is in fluid communication with the dissolving chamber. This creates a flow path from the liquid line through the connection for the liquid line into the liquid distribution channel and into the liquid supply channel, with the flow path running along the inner surface of the dissolving funnel towards the apex of the cone.

[0041] To facilitate the fluid connection between the liquid feed channel and the liquid distribution channel, the casing of the solvent funnel may be designed with bores. These bores extend from the outer surface of the solvent funnel casing to the upper end of the liquid feed channel. The bores may extend through the entire casing, from the outside to the inside, or they may terminate within the casing.

[0042] To implement the fluid connection between the liquid supply channel and the liquid distribution channel, it may also be provided that the liquid supply channel ends in the liquid distribution channel, for example, if the liquid distribution channel is implemented within the shell of the dissolving funnel.

[0043] Further advantages, objectives, and features of the present invention are explained with reference to the accompanying figures. Similar components may have the same reference numerals in the different embodiments.

[0044] The figures show: Fig. 1 Perspective view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention. Fig. 2 Side view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention. Fig. 3 Top view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention. Fig. 4 Sectional view along line AA. Fig. 2 Fig. 5 Detail view from area C Fig. 4 Fig. 6 Sectional view along line BB from Fig. 3 Fig. 7 Detail view from area D Fig. 5 Fig. 8 Perspective view of the second wall of an embodiment. Fig. 9 Top view of the second wall. Fig. 9 Fig. 10 Sectional view along line EE from Fig. 9

[0045] In Figure 1Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention in a perspective view. The device 1 has a dissolving funnel 5, the casing of which encloses a dissolving chamber 26. The dissolving funnel 5 is suitable and designed to hold salt and a liquid, so that the salt dissolves in the liquid within the dissolving funnel 5. The salt is added to the dissolving funnel 5 from above, and the liquid is added to the lower section 27 (not shown here) so that the salt can dissolve in the liquid. The resulting brine settles to the top, and upon saturation, the undissolved salt precipitates to the bottom. Water is preferably used as the liquid.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the solvent funnel 5 has a cylindrical shape in its upper region 31. Below this, the solvent funnel 5 is funnel-shaped or conical, tapering downwards. Reference numeral 30 represents a generatrix, which is to be understood as the shortest connection between the upper edge of the conical inner surface of the solvent funnel 5 and the apex of the cone on the inner surface of the solvent funnel 5. If the solvent funnel 5 has the shape of a truncated cone, the imaginary apex of the cone is to be used.

[0047] Below the dissolving funnel 5, the device 1, in the illustrated embodiment, has a buffer tank 14, which serves to buffer the generated brine for further pumping and treatment. The device 1 also has a housing 32, which encloses the buffer tank 14 and serves as a supporting element for at least the dissolving funnel 5. The buffer tank 14 is in fluid communication with the dissolving funnel 5 via the outlets 10 (only one of which is shown here). The outlets 10 are designed and intended to discharge the finished brine from the dissolving funnel 5 into the buffer tank 14. Additionally, in this embodiment, the device 1 has two diametrically opposed, arc-shaped foam baffles 9 in the upper region 31 of the dissolving funnel 5. These baffles are open downwards. The foam weirs 9 protrude from above into the finished brine, so that they are underflowed by the rising brine.The finished brine can flow into the buffer tank 14 via the outlets 10, whereby the floating foam produced by the dissolving process is prevented from flowing into the buffer tank 14.

[0048] In Figure 2 Is device 1 made of Figure 1 shown in a side view. The housing 32 is particularly visible.

[0049] In Figure 3 Is device 1 made of Figure 1 shown in a top view. This is comparable to... Figure 1The dissolving funnel 5 including dissolving chamber 26, the housing 32, a generatrix 30 (which, due to the way the drawing is presented, is shown as a line extending radially from the center of the dissolving funnel 5), two overflows 9, and two outlets 10 are shown. In this embodiment, the dissolving funnel 5 consists of the first wall 11 and the second wall 13. The second wall 13 has the shape of a truncated cone in this embodiment. Thus, the base 15 of the second wall 13 forms the lower end 28 of the dissolving funnel. The second wall 13 has 20 liquid supply channels 18, which are each aligned longitudinally along a generatrix 30. The liquid supply channels 18 are arranged at equidistant intervals along the circumference. The liquid supply channels 18 extend upwards to below the first wall 11, so that the upper ends 18a of the liquid supply channels 18 are covered by the first wall 11 and in the Figure 3The liquid supply channels 18 do not extend downwards to the lower end 28 of the dissolving funnel 5. Rather, the liquid supply channels 18 extend to above the blowdown device 8 (not shown here) or to above the opening 19, which has the second wall 13 and which is suitable and provided for connecting the blowdown device 8 to the lower area of ​​the dissolving funnel 5, so that residues can be removed from the dissolving funnel 5 via the blowdown device 8.

[0050] In Figure 4 Is device 1 made of Figure 1 in a side view along line AA from Figure 2The housing 32 encloses the buffer tank 14 and simultaneously serves as a supporting element for the dissolving funnel 5, which is arranged above the buffer tank 14. The shell of the dissolving funnel 5, which encloses the dissolving chamber 26, has a cylindrical shape in its upper region 31 and a truncated cone shape below. The dissolving funnel 5 is formed from the first wall 11 and the second wall 13. The second wall 13 has the shape of a truncated cone, with the base 15 of the second wall 13 forming the lower end 28 of the dissolving funnel 5. The first wall 11 also has the shape of a truncated cone, with an opening at its upper surface that communicates with the cylindrical part of the shell, and an opening 24 at its lower surface.The second wall 13 has an upper opening 23, with the lower opening 24 of the first wall 11 having a smaller diameter than the upper opening 23 of the second wall 13, so that the second wall 13 is inserted over the first wall 11 from below. This creates an overlap area 25 between the first wall 11 and the second wall 13, in which the outer surface of the first wall 11 is in contact with the inner surface of the second wall 13. The second wall 13 forms the lower section 27 of the solution funnel 5, through which the liquid is fed into the solution funnel 5. The second wall 13 has a significantly smaller height than the first wall 11, so that the lower section 27 forms a small part of the solution funnel 5.

[0051] The blowdown device 8 is attached to the outside of the second wall 13 and extends to the outside, at least through the buffer tank 14. The pipe of the blowdown device 8 slopes downwards from the second wall 13 so that the residues can be easily transported away from the dissolving funnel 5.

[0052] In its upper section 31, the dissolving funnel 5 has internal foam weirs 9, which prevent foam from flowing out of the dissolving funnel 5 into the buffer tank 14 via the outlet 10. The outlet 10 is implemented as a pipe or similar component, passing through both the shell of the dissolving funnel 5 and the shell of the buffer tank 14. The outlet 10 runs from the overflow 9 first through the upper section 31 of the dissolving funnel 5, then through the shell of the dissolving funnel 5, subsequently outside the dissolving funnel 5 to the buffer tank 14, and then through the shell of the latter into the buffer tank 14. This creates a fluid connection between the dissolving funnel 5 and the buffer tank 14.

[0053] To extract brine from the buffer tank 14, for example to refuel a gritter, a corresponding extraction device is provided on the device 1. Part of this extraction device is marked with reference numeral 16. This refers to a part of the piping of the extraction device, which is located at least in Figure 4 is located inside the buffer tank 14.

[0054] In Figure 5 This is a detailed view of area C from Figure 4 The first wall 11 has a lower opening, and the second wall 13 has an upper opening. The diameter 21 of the lower opening of the first wall 11 is smaller than the diameter 22 of the upper opening of the second wall 13. The first wall 11 and the second wall 13 have the same opening angle with respect to their truncated cone shape.

[0055] Thus, the second wall 13 is snugly arranged against the first wall 11 from below, creating an overlap area 25 between the inner surface of the second wall 13 and the outer surface of the first wall 11. Within this overlap area 25, the second wall 13 has a recess 33 on its inner surface, which surrounds the inner surface of the second wall 13 in an annular manner. Along the generatrix 30, the depth of the recess 33 decreases continuously towards the lower end 28 of the dissolving funnel 5. When the first wall 11 abuts the second wall 13, the recess 33 forms the annular liquid distribution channel 12, which surrounds the dissolving funnel 5.

[0056] The second wall 13 has several liquid supply channels 18, each aligned along a generatrix in its longitudinal direction. The liquid supply channels 18 each have a lower end 18b and an upper end 18a, the latter being located in the Figure 5 The first wall 11 covers the liquid supply channel and is therefore not shown. Each liquid supply channel 18 has a semicircular cross-section transverse to the longitudinal direction, which corresponds to the direction of the generatrix 30. Along the longitudinal direction from the upper end 18a to the lower end 18b, the diameter of the semicircular cross-section of the liquid supply channel 18 is initially constant. The area of ​​constant diameter of the semicircular cross-section extends over the overlap area 25. Subsequently, the cross-section decreases along the generatrix 30, so that both the width and the depth of the liquid supply channel 18 decrease, and the liquid supply channel 18 tapers to a point at the lower end 18b. The edge between the liquid supply channel 18 and the inner surface of the cylindrical shell of the dissolving funnel 5 has an elliptical shape.

[0057] In Figure 6 Is device 1 made of Figure 1 in a side view along line BB from Figure 3The housing 32, the dissolving funnel 5 (which consists of at least the first wall 11 and the second wall 13), and the buffer tank 14 are shown again. The liquid line 6 for supplying liquid to and into the dissolving funnel 5 is also shown. The liquid line 6 runs outside the dissolving funnel 5. Furthermore, the liquid line 6 runs partly outside the buffer tank 14, but also passes through the shell of the buffer tank 14, and partly inside the buffer tank 14, so that it is directed to the outside of the dissolving funnel 5, in particular to the outside of the second wall 13. A part of the dispensing device is also marked with reference numeral 16.Here too, this reference numeral refers to a part of the piping of the extraction device, the piping being routed through the housing 32 and through the shell of the buffer tank 14 into the latter. The piping designated here by reference numeral 16 is a suction line of a pumping station, which is intended, among other things, for extracting the finished brine from the buffer tank, adjusting the desired concentration, or pumping the finished brine into other storage tanks.

[0058] In Figure 7 is a detailed view of area D from Figure 6 The second wall 13 has a through-hole 20 at the level of the recess 33. The liquid line 6 is connected to this through-hole 20, so that a fluid connection exists between the liquid line 6 and the liquid distribution channel 12.

[0059] In Figure 8 The second wall is 13 made of Figure 4shown in a perspective view. In the upper area of ​​the inner surface of the wall 13, the recess 33 runs in an annular shape around the inner surface. The second wall 13 has the through-bore 20, which extends through the shell of the second wall 13 in the area of ​​the recess 33. Below the recess 33 – with respect to the inner surface of the second wall 13 – the liquid supply channels 18 connect to the recess 33 with their upper ends 18a. The liquid supply channels 18 each run along the generatrix 30 and extend with their lower ends 18b to above the through-bore 19. The through-bore 19 is suitable and provided for connecting the blowdown device 8 (not shown here). Figure 8The flow path 29 of the liquid is also shown. The flow path 29 runs from the liquid line 6 through the through-bore 20, along the liquid distribution channel 12 realized by the depression 33 into the individual liquid supply channels 18 and from there into the dissolving chamber 26.

[0060] In Figure 9 The second wall is 13 made of Figure 8The diagram is shown in a top view. It can be seen that the liquid supply channels 18 terminate with their ends 18b above the through-bore 19 for the blowdown device 8. Thus, the liquid supply channels 18 are located above the blowdown device 8 (not shown here), so that the liquid is guided along the inside of the second wall 13 and thus along the inside of the solution funnel 5 towards the blowdown device 8. By guiding the liquid along the inside of the solution funnel 5 towards the lower end 28 of the solution funnel 5, any residues are flushed from the inside and carried to the blowdown device 8. This has a beneficial effect on the removal of residues from the solution funnel 5, thus reducing deposits.

[0061] In Figure 10 is a cross-sectional image along line EE from Figure 9The cross-section of the depression 33 is shown. The depression 33 has three linear interfaces in cross-section. The first interface, with respect to the generatrix 30 (not shown here), is directed towards the upper edge of the second wall 13. The second interface, with respect to the generatrix 30, is directed towards the lower end 28 of the solvent funnel 5. The third interface is directed towards the outer surface of the second wall 13. With respect to the surface of the second wall 13 and in the direction of the generatrix 30, the depression 33 has an inclined profile. The depth of the depression 33 decreases along the surface 30 towards the lower end 28 of the solvent funnel 5, thus increasing the wall thickness of the solvent funnel 5.

[0062] The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided they are novel individually or in combination compared to the prior art. It is further noted that the individual figures also describe features which may be advantageous on their own. A person skilled in the art will immediately recognize that a particular feature described in a figure may be advantageous even without incorporating other features from that figure. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will recognize that advantages may also arise from a combination of several features shown in individual or different figures. Reference sign list

[0063] 1 Device 5 Dissolving funnel 6 Liquid line 8 Blowdown device 9 Overflow 10 Drain 11 First wall of the dissolving funnel 12 Liquid distribution channel 13 Second wall of the dissolving funnel 14 Buffer tank 15 Bottom of the dissolving funnel 16 Brine extraction device 17 Liquid feed channel 18a Upper end of the liquid feed channel 18b Lower end of the liquid feed channel 19 Second wall opening for blowdown device 20 Second wall opening for liquid line 21 Diameter of the lower opening of the first wall 22 Diameter of the upper opening of the second wall 23 Upper opening of the second wall 24 Lower opening of the first wall 25 Overlap area between first and second walls 26 Dissolving chamber 27 Lower area of ​​the dissolving funnel / dissolving chamber 28 Lower end of the solvent funnel 29 Flow path 30 Outer surface 31 Upper area of ​​the solvent funnel 32 Housing 33 Recess

Claims

1. Device (1) for dissolving salt in a liquid for producing brine, comprising a downwardly tapered, conical dissolving funnel (5) whose shell encloses a dissolving chamber (26), at least one liquid line (6) which is in fluid communication with an annular liquid distribution channel (12) and is suitable and intended for supplying the liquid to the dissolving funnel (5), a blowdown device (8) for removing residues from the dissolving chamber (26), a buffer tank (14) for buffering the produced brine for further pumping and treatment, and a drain (10) for discharging the brine from the dissolving chamber (26) into the buffer tank (14). characterized by the fact thatthe at least one liquid line (6) and the liquid distribution channel (12) extend outside the dissolving chamber (26), and the dissolving funnel (5) has at least one liquid supply channel (18) on its inner side in the lower region (27) along a generatrix (30) of the conical dissolving funnel (5), wherein the upper end (18a) of the liquid supply channel (18) is in fluid communication with the liquid distribution channel (12), and at least the lower end (18b) of the liquid supply channel (18) is in fluid communication with the dissolving chamber (26), such that the liquid line (6) together with the liquid distribution channel (12) and the liquid supply channel (18) forms a flow path (29), wherein the flow path (29) extends on the inner side of the dissolving funnel (5) in the direction of the conical apex of the dissolving funnel (5).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe shell of the dissolving funnel (5) consists of at least a first wall (11) and a second wall (13), wherein the inner surface of the second wall (13) is in contact with the outer surface of the first wall (11) via an overlap area (25), and the second wall (13) has on its inner side the liquid supply channel (18) and a radial recess (33) circumferential within the overlap area (25), wherein the recess (33) together with the first wall (11) forms the liquid distribution channel (12), and wherein the second wall (13) has at least one radial through-bore (20) in the recess (33) which forms a fluid connection of the liquid distribution channel (12) with the liquid line (6),so that the flow path (29) runs from the liquid line (6) through the through-bore (20) into the depression (33) and thus into the liquid distribution channel (12) and from there via the liquid supply channel (18) into the dissolving chamber (26).

3. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatThe shell of the dissolving funnel (5) consists of at least a first wall (11) and a second wall (13), wherein the inner surface of the second wall (13) is in contact with the outer surface of the first wall (11) via an overlap area (25), and the first wall (11) has on its outer side a radial recess (33) circumferentially within the overlap area (25), and the recess (33) together with the second wall (13) forms the liquid distribution channel (12), and the second wall (13) has on its inner side the liquid supply channel (18), wherein at least the upper end (18a) of the liquid supply channel (18) is in fluid communication with the liquid distribution channel (12), and wherein the second wall (13) has at least one radial through-bore (20) to the recess (33), which connects the liquid distribution channel (12) with the liquid conduit (6) forms,so that the flow path (29) runs from the liquid line (6) through the through-bore (20) into the depression (33) and thus into the liquid distribution channel (12) and from there via the liquid supply channel (18) into the dissolving chamber (26).

4. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the depression (33) has a trapezoidal cross-section transverse to the circumference, the depth of the depression (33) decreasing along a generatrix (30) and towards the conical apex of the solvent funnel (5).

5. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe liquid distribution channel (12) is designed as a ring line which is guided around the dissolving funnel (5) and is in fluid communication with the liquid line (6), and the ring line and the shell of the dissolving funnel (5) each have at least one bore, wherein the bore of the dissolving funnel (5) penetrates the shell from the outside to the upper end (18a) of the liquid supply channel (18), so that the liquid distribution channel (12) is in fluid communication with the at least one liquid supply channel (18) through the bores.

6. Device (1) according to one of claims 2, 3 and 4, characterized by the fact that both walls (11, 13) have the same opening angle and the diameter (22) of the upper opening (23) of the second wall (13) is larger than the diameter (21) of the lower opening (24) of the first wall (11).

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe number of liquid supply channels (18) is preferably at least 8, more preferably at least 12 and particularly preferably at least 20.

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the liquid supply channels (18) are arranged equidistantly along the circumference of the dissolving funnel (5).

9. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that The liquid supply channel (18) has a semicircular cross-section transverse to the generatrix (30), wherein the diameter of the semicircular cross-section of the liquid supply channel (18) is constant in the overlap area (25), and outside the overlap area (25) along the generatrix (30) decreases in the direction of the lower end (18b) of the liquid supply channel (18), whereby both the width and the depth of the liquid supply channel (18) decrease, and the liquid supply channel (18) tapers to a point at the lower end (18b).

10. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the lower end (18b) of the liquid supply channel (18) is spaced apart from the lower end (28) of the inside of the dissolving funnel (5).

11. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the liquid supply channel (18) has a rectangular cross-section transverse to the generatrix (30), wherein the depth of the rectangular cross-section of the liquid supply channel (18) is constant in the overlap area (25) and decreases outside the overlap area (25) along the generatrix (30) towards the lower end (18b) of the liquid supply channel (18).

12. Device (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by the fact that the edge between the liquid supply channel (18) and the inside of the dissolving funnel (5) has the shape of a half ellipse, a parabola or a hyperbola.

13. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe depth of the liquid supply channel (18) decreases continuously from the upper end (18a) of the liquid supply channel (18) and along the generatrix (30) towards the lower end (18b) of the liquid supply channel (18).

14. Dissolving funnel (5) with a downwardly tapered shape, the shell of which encloses a dissolving chamber (26) for receiving salt and a liquid for producing brine, comprising an annular liquid distribution channel (12), a connection device for a blowdown device (8) for removing residues from the dissolving chamber (26), a connection device for a drain (10) for discharging the brine from the dissolving chamber (26), and at least one connection device for at least one liquid line (6) which is in fluid communication with the liquid distribution channel (12) and is suitable and intended for supplying the liquid to the liquid distribution channel (12). characterized by the fact thatthe liquid distribution channel (12) extends outside the dissolving chamber (26), and the connection of the liquid line (6) is arranged outside the dissolving chamber (26), such that the liquid line (6) extends outside the dissolving chamber (26), wherein the dissolving funnel (5) has at least one liquid supply channel (18) on its inner side in the lower region (27) along a generatrix (30) of the dissolving funnel (5), and the upper end (18a) of the liquid supply channel (18) is in fluid communication with the liquid distribution channel (12), and at least the lower end (18b) of the liquid supply channel (18) is in fluid communication with the dissolving chamber (26), such that the liquid line (6) together with the connection for the liquid line (6), the liquid distribution channel (12) and the liquid supply channel (18) form a flow path (29), wherein the flow path (29) runs along the inside of the dissolving funnel (5) towards the cone tip of the dissolving funnel (5).

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