Silos and plants for the production of concrete

EP4713182A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-03-25HEID MASCHF
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-11-04
Publication Date
2026-03-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing methods for producing concrete are limited in their ability to adapt the composition of concrete ad hoc, struggle with transporting materials at low temperatures due to the risk of frost damage, and face inefficiencies in filling silos or dry mortar vehicles, often resulting in overflowing.

Method used

A silo design featuring a main chamber and multiple secondary chambers, each with independent filling and emptying mechanisms, allows for the separate storage and mixing of concrete components. This design includes ventilation options, temperature control, and a control device to manage filling levels and component temperatures, enabling flexible composition adjustments and efficient operation.

Benefits of technology

The silo system allows for the precise adjustment of concrete composition, enables safe transportation at various temperatures, and ensures efficient and reliable filling, reducing the risk of overflow and improving overall production efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a silo (100) for the production of concrete, which comprises, inter alia, a main chamber (1) for storing a first, preferably powdery, component and at least one secondary chamber (2) for storing a second, preferably liquid, component. The present invention also relates to a plant (1000) which comprises the silo (100) according to the invention and further comprises a mixer (150) in which the first and the second components can be mixed with one another as aqueous mixtures, in particular continuously, to form concrete, in particular to form lightweight porous concrete, and the finished concrete can be removed therefrom, preferably continuously. The silo (100) according to the invention or the plant (1000) according to the invention enable the production of concrete adapted to the ambient conditions of the silo or the plant, wherein the quantities of the components can be individually dosed. A further subject matter of the invention is a method for producing concrete, in particular lightweight porous concrete also known as foamed concrete, in the plant according to the invention, and the use of the silo according to the invention for producing concrete, in particular lightweight porous concrete.
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Description

[0001] Silos and plants for the production of concrete

[0002] Technical field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a silo into which components for the production of concrete, so-called components, are introduced and stored separately from one another. They are then transported to a construction site and mixed there, taking the ambient conditions into account, to form concrete, in particular aerated lightweight concrete, also known as foam concrete, with an individually definable formulation. The present invention also relates to a system comprising a silo according to the invention.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Typically, the concrete components are mixed in a dry mortar plant and then delivered to a silo in a dry mortar vehicle (dump silo vehicle / silo vehicles) for processing. Alternatively, the concrete components can also be blown into a truck designed for this purpose and processed as dry mortar or delivered and processed in bags. With the methods known from the prior art, it is not possible to adapt the composition of the concrete ad hoc to take external conditions into account, for example. It was also not possible to transport the material at low temperatures because otherwise frost damage to the material had to be feared. A further problem was to ensure efficient and reliable filling of the silo or the dry mortar vehicles, since this often resulted in material overflow. The object of the present invention was therefore to fill a silo that eliminates this after-filling.

[0006] Description of the invention

[0007] This object is achieved by a silo for the production of concrete, comprising a main chamber for storing a first component and at least one secondary chamber located therein for storing a second component, wherein the longitudinal axes of the main chamber and the at least one secondary chamber are arranged parallel to one another; the main chamber and the at least one secondary chamber each have first, preferably lower, openings which are designed such that the main chamber and the at least one secondary chamber can be filled independently of one another through these; the main chamber and the at least one secondary chamber each have second, preferably lower, openings which are designed such that the main chamber and the at least one secondary chamber can be emptied independently of one another through these; the main chamber has a third, preferably lower, opening which is designed such that the main chamber can be vented;the at least one secondary chamber has at least one further, preferably first, upper opening, which is designed such that the secondary chamber can be ventilated and vented; these openings can be opened and closed with appropriately designed shut-off devices.

[0008] Preferably, the main chamber and the at least one secondary chamber are cylindrical, meaning that the main chamber and the at least one secondary chamber are hollow cylinders. However, the cross-section of the main chamber and the at least one secondary chamber can be not only circular but also angular, i.e., for example, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, or any other suitable shape.

[0009] The secondary chambers preferably have approximately the same cross-section over their entire longitudinal extent. The cross-section of a secondary chamber preferably varies by no more than 50% over the entire longitudinal extent. The cross-section of a secondary chamber preferably varies by a maximum of 30%, particularly preferably by a maximum of 20%, and most particularly preferably by a maximum of 10% over the entire longitudinal extent.

[0010] The fact that the longitudinal axes of the main chamber and the at least one secondary chamber are arranged parallel to each other means that the at least one secondary chamber is not located in the middle or center of the main chamber, but at least partially outside it (see, for example, Fig. 22). Preferably, the at least one secondary chamber is also not located partially in the middle or center of the main chamber, but completely outside it. Particularly preferably, all existing secondary chambers are located completely outside the middle or center of the main chamber. The middle or center of the main chamber refers to its central longitudinal axis (see Fig. 6c).

[0011] In a first preferred embodiment of the silo according to the invention, at least three secondary chambers are located in the main chamber. The main chamber preferably contains the main component of the concrete, and the secondary chambers contain further concrete additives to ensure product adaptation as in a concrete plant. In a further preferred embodiment, a powdered component, in particular a concrete component, is located in the main chamber, and the liquid component(s), in particular liquid concrete components and / or foaming agents, is located in the at least one secondary chamber(s). Advantageously, the main chamber of the silo is therefore made of steel, and the secondary chambers of the silo are made of stainless steel. The chambers can also be made of other materials known to those skilled in the art that are suitable for the storage and / or transport of concrete or concrete additives.

[0012] However, the present invention is not limited to a silo with three secondary chambers, but can have any number of secondary chambers, preferably at least two. However, to keep the equipment structure of the silo or the system according to the invention advantageously manageable, the number of secondary chambers is preferably in the range of 2 to 6, particularly preferably in the range of 2 to 5, and most preferably in the range of 2 to 4.

[0013] The secondary chambers can be of the same size or different sizes. They extend in the longitudinal direction of the silo when in the erected position. In one embodiment of the silo according to the invention, each of the secondary chambers has a volume of at least 2 m 3 and the silo has a total volume of up to 100 m 3 . These details are purely illustrative and the silo according to the invention is not limited thereto.

[0014] In a second preferred embodiment of the silo according to the invention, this comprises means for holding the silo in a vertical position. Advantageously, this means is a support frame comprising vertical longitudinal struts attached to the silo, a frame that can be placed on the ground, and additional feet. This ensures a stable position of the silo on the ground and in a vertical orientation. Furthermore, the vertical longitudinal struts serve to securely support the silo in a horizontal position on a transport vehicle or on the ground. This support frame advantageously complies with the German DIN standard DIN 30734.

[0015] In a third preferred embodiment of the silo according to the invention, the silo has a control device by which the fill level of the main chamber and / or the at least one secondary chamber and / or the temperature of the first component in the main chamber and / or the temperature of the second component in the at least one secondary chamber can be controlled. If more than one secondary chamber is present, the fill level and / or the temperature of each of these secondary chambers can advantageously be controlled by the control device. The pressure of the main chamber and / or the at least one secondary chamber can also be controlled.

[0016] In a fourth preferred embodiment of the silo according to the invention, the main chamber has a first upper opening and / or the at least one secondary chamber has a second upper opening through which a measuring probe can be inserted to determine the fill level F1 of the main chamber and / or the fill level F2 of the at least one secondary chamber. These openings can be opened and closed with appropriately designed shut-off devices. The measuring probe can also be used to determine the limit level up to which filling should take place. Alternatively, a limit level indicator is inserted into a further upper opening of the at least one secondary chamber, which indicates when the secondary chamber is fully filled. This opening can also be opened and closed with an appropriately designed shut-off device.

[0017] To further increase the safety of the system and the filling process, the fill level sensor, such as a radar sensor, in the main chamber or at least one of the secondary chambers is designed to automatically close all valves when the desired fill level is exceeded, thus stopping filling. This ensures that the chambers do not overflow.

[0018] In a fifth preferred embodiment of the silo according to the invention, the upper openings of the main chamber and / or the at least one secondary chamber are designed as sleeves with an internal thread.

[0019] In a sixth preferred embodiment, the correspondingly designed shut-off devices for these upper openings are solenoid valves. This guarantees that the openings are closed even when the silo is lying down, without the need for checking. Instead of using solenoid valves, it would also be possible to design the shut-off devices so that they can be opened and closed via a control system. Advantageously, the silo according to the invention therefore comprises such a control system, which can be attached directly to the silo. To increase safety, it is also possible to design the valves so that they automatically close the openings when the system is shut down. This ensures that the silo can be transported without any loss of the powdered and liquid components.Additionally, an additional safety function can be installed that triggers a safety relay and electronically closes all openings as soon as the silo tips over or becomes tilted. This ensures that the chambers are sealed if the silo falls over, preventing any loss of powdered and liquid components.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the main chamber and the at least one secondary chamber are preferably filled from below, but can also be done through a corresponding opening from above or from the side. The latter variants are used in particular when the silo is filled lying down. The main chamber and the at least one secondary chamber are preferably filled from below by pressing the respective component into the chamber through the respective lower opening. This pressure triggers the opening of the corresponding valve. The necessary pressure equalization takes place through the openings designed for venting. As soon as a signal is sent to the control device that a corresponding fill level has been reached, the filling process is stopped by automatically closing the shut-off devices of the openings designed for venting and the shut-off devices of the openings designed for filling.These shut-off devices can also be designed so that they close automatically when the respective hose is removed for filling.

[0021] To increase safety during filling and ensure that the respective chamber, i.e., the main chamber or the respective secondary chamber, is always filled with the same component, it is possible to provide the various openings or chambers with different colors or different connections to increase distinguishability. In a seventh preferred embodiment of the silo according to the invention, the ends of the lower openings of the at least one secondary chamber are designed as flanges, to which corresponding counterparts can be flanged as shut-off devices. Quick-action couplings are advantageously used, preferably Storz couplings for the lower openings of the main chamber.

[0022] In an eighth preferred embodiment of the silo according to the invention, the main chamber and / or the at least one secondary chamber have trace heating. Ideally, the main chamber and each of the existing secondary chambers have trace heating. Since the individual components are housed in the main chamber and the at least one secondary chamber, they are exposed to the same ambient conditions, such as pressure and temperature, which is also advantageous. The trace heating also guarantees year-round use of the silo according to the invention. As soon as the temperature of the components in the main chamber and / or the at least one secondary chamber reaches the critical low temperature, the respective trace heating is automatically switched on to prevent frost damage to the components.

[0023] In a ninth preferred embodiment of the silo according to the invention, the main chamber and / or the at least one secondary chamber has a further lower opening into which a temperature sensor can be inserted. The opening can then be opened and closed by a correspondingly designed shut-off device.

[0024] In a tenth preferred embodiment of the silo according to the invention, the trace heating elements are designed as heating rods, which can also be introduced into the main chamber and / or the at least one secondary chamber through corresponding lower openings. These openings can then be opened and closed by a correspondingly designed shut-off device.

[0025] In an eleventh preferred embodiment of the silo according to the invention, the silo comprises a sensor by means of which the moisture content and / or the temperature of the silo's surroundings can be determined. Instead of the sensor, these parameters could also be obtained from an external weather station, for example via the Internet. The moisture content of the environment influences the hardening speed of the concrete, as does the water content of the concrete. For outdoor use, it is thus possible to adapt the composition of the concrete to the ambient conditions by mixing the individual components with water available on site. Therefore, by determining the moisture content of the environment, the water content and the dosage of the required individual construction components can be optimized accordingly. Depending on the ambient temperature, the trace heating of the main chamber and / or the at least one secondary chamber is switched on or off.the heating level is adjusted or the individual building components are kept at the right temperature to prevent any frost damage.

[0026] In a twelfth preferred embodiment of the silo according to the invention, the main chamber has solar panels on at least part of its surface, advantageously for supplying power to the control and / or monitoring device, which are located, for example, in a switch box. Ideally, the solar panels are located at least partially or completely on the outer surface of the main chamber. Ideally, this generates enough power to even mix the components using solar power. This makes the silo independent of external power sources. Batteries can also be used. These batteries can be continuously charged via the solar panels. A photovoltaic inverter, for example, is used for this purpose. To ensure rapid charging, a so-called fast charger system is advantageously used.To reliably ensure continuous temperature monitoring of the components, it may be advisable to connect them to an external power source. The external power source can also be used to partially or fully charge the batteries, so that the silo according to the invention is fully operational at the next construction site.

[0027] In a thirteenth preferred embodiment of the silo according to the invention, a flange is located in the center of the main chamber, to which the mixing system, including the dosing unit, can be firmly screwed. The secondary chambers can also each be individually equipped with dosing pumps, enabling individual dosing of the individual components. For example, various settings such as setting behavior, flow behavior, and density can be adjusted as desired by the customer.

[0028] In a fourteenth preferred embodiment of the silo according to the invention, a vibrator support and / or a vibrating arm are attached to the main chamber. The vibrating arm preferably extends into a vibrating cage located inside the main chamber of the silo. A corresponding vibrating motor can then be attached to the vibrator support. This, like the movable vibrating arm, can cause the silo to vibrate. This ensures faster emptying of the main chamber, even with difficult-to-empty material.

[0029] In a fifteenth preferred embodiment of the silo according to the invention, the main chamber and / or the at least one secondary chamber are cylindrical.

[0030] In a sixteenth preferred embodiment, the silo according to the invention is transportable. It is then a mobile silo. However, the present invention also encompasses non-mobile silos, i.e., mounted silos, so-called "fixed" silos.

[0031] Advantageously, transport aids are also attached to the top of the main chamber so that the silo can be attached to a crane via these and thus lifted in order to then tip it onto a transport vehicle and transport it lying down, as described for example in EP 3 170 696.

[0032] Preferably, a lateral opening is located on the outer surface of the silo, particularly preferably in the central area, which can advantageously be opened and closed with a dome lid. This opening allows the main chamber to be filled while the silo is in a horizontal position.

[0033] In addition, a cable conduit can also be attached to the lateral surface of the silo in the longitudinal axis, through which the electrical cables for the measuring probes can be guided, with which the fill level Fl of the main chamber and / or the fill level F2 of the at least one secondary chamber can be determined. The present invention is also directed out a system which comprises the silo according to the invention and at least one mixer, into which the components of the main chamber and of the at least one secondary chamber can be introduced as aqueous mixtures and mixed to form concrete, in particular aerated lightweight concrete, also called foam concrete, wherein the introduction of these components into water preferably takes place via individual, separate dosing pumps and their respective aqueous mixtures are then mixed with one another in at least one mixer, and the concrete, in particular the aerated lightweight concrete / foam concrete, can be discharged from the at least one mixer.

[0034] The system according to the invention can also contain additional mixers or dosing pumps, so that, for example, individual components from the secondary chambers can be pre-mixed in metered quantities and then diluted with water. It is also possible to pre-mix individual components with water. Advantageously, the system then has additional barrels from which these premixes can be metered. Further details can be found in the figures and their descriptions.

[0035] The features of the above-mentioned preferred embodiments can be combined with one another in any desired way in a silo or plant and are encompassed by the present invention. This includes the features disclosed in the figures.

[0036] In addition, a further subject matter of the present invention is a method for producing concrete, in particular aerated lightweight concrete / foam concrete, in a plant according to the invention, which method comprises the following steps: a) Providing a first, preferably powdery, component in the main chamber of the silo according to the invention, and at least one second, preferably liquid, component in the at least one secondary chamber of the silo; b) Introducing the first component from the main chamber and water into a first mixer, preferably via individual, separate metering pumps, and mixing the first component and the water to form a concrete slurry; c) Introducing the second component into water, preferably via a metering pump, and mixing the second component and water to form an aqueous mixture (when concrete is produced) orto form a foam (if aerated lightweight concrete / foam concrete is produced); d) introducing the concrete slurry produced in step b) into a second mixer while admixing the aqueous mixture produced in step c) or the foam produced in step c) and mixing the concrete slurry and the aqueous mixture or the foam in the second mixer to form concrete, in particular aerated lightweight concrete / foam concrete; e) removing the finished concrete, in particular the finished aerated lightweight concrete / foam concrete, from the second mixer.

[0037] Preferably, steps b), c), d), and e) are carried out continuously; particularly preferably, steps b) and c) are carried out simultaneously. However, it is also possible to carry out steps b), c), d), and e) in batches.

[0038] Steps b) to d) are now explained in more detail: Step The first, preferably powdered, component is introduced from the main chamber into the first mixer, preferably a continuous mixer, via a rotary valve into a pump hopper, followed by further transport via a downstream screw conveyor. The rotary valve is advantageously equipped with two probes to allow the metered addition of the first, preferably powdered, component. One probe switches the rotary valve off when a certain upper fill level is reached, and another probe switches the rotary valve back on when the fill level falls below a certain lower level.

[0039] The water mixed with the first component is preferably water to which at least one further, preferably liquid, component has been mixed, so that the water mixed with the first component contains at least one further, preferably liquid, component.

[0040] The mixing of the first component and the water to form a concrete slurry is preferably carried out in a mortar mixing pump as described in WO 2004 / 080 676.

[0041] The concrete slurry produced in step b) is preferably a homogeneous, thixotropic mass.

[0042] Step c The production of the foam from the second component and

[0043] Water is preferably added in a foam generator, in which the second, preferably liquid, component and the water are mixed with the addition of air. Preferably, the second component is a liquid foaming agent. In particular, the foam can also be generated in a device as described in NL-A 93021 11. Step The concrete slurry produced in step b) is preferably pumped via a hose to a second mixer, preferably a static mixer. The hose preferably has a T-piece between the pump outlet and the second mixer, through which the aqueous mixture produced in step c) or the foam produced in step c) is mixed. Alternatively, the pump outlet can also have a foam injection device. Particularly preferably, the further mixing of the concrete slurry and the aqueous mixture or foam takes place not in one but in two static mixers connected in series. An electric mixer can also be used instead of a static mixer.

[0044] A further object of the invention is also the use of the silo according to the invention or the plant according to the invention for the production of concrete, in particular for the production of aerated lightweight concrete / foam concrete.

[0045] Brief description of the drawings

[0046] Figures 1-6c show a preferred embodiment of the silo 100 according to the invention; Figure 22 shows a further preferred embodiment of the silo according to the invention; Figures 7-9 show a preferred embodiment of the plant 1000 according to the invention for producing aerated lightweight concrete / foam concrete, wherein the silo 100 has three secondary chambers 2, 3, 4. Figures 10-21 show schematic representations of preferred embodiments of the plant 1000 according to the invention; Figures 11-17 show plants 1000 for producing aerated lightweight concrete / foam concrete; Figures 18-21 show plants 1000 for producing concrete. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the silo according to the invention.

[0047] Figure 2 shows a sectional view of this embodiment of the silo according to the invention.

[0048] Figure 3 shows a side view of this embodiment of the silo according to the invention.

[0049] Figure 4 shows this embodiment of the silo according to the invention from below along the axis AA shown in Figure 2.

[0050] Figure 5 shows this embodiment of the silo according to the invention from above.

[0051] Figure 6 a) shows the section axes NN and 0-0 through the silo; Figure 6 b) the section view along the axis NN and Figure 6 c) the section view along the axis 0-0.

[0052] Figure 7 shows the part of the system according to the invention below the silo to which the mixer was attached, from the front.

[0053] Figure 8 shows the mixer and the other equipment located below the silo according to the invention in a perspective view from the front.

[0054] Figure 9 shows the mixer and the other equipment located below the silo according to the invention in a perspective view from the rear. Figure 10 shows a schematic of the inventive plant according to Figures 7-9, also called a porous lightweight concrete plant or foam concrete plant.

[0055] Figure 11 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a system according to the invention, which, in addition to a cold water connection or barrel, also has a continuous flow heater and a mixer in which the cold and hot water are mixed together.

[0056] Figure 12 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a system according to the invention, which has a silo with four secondary chambers.

[0057] Figure 13 shows a schematic of an embodiment of a system according to the invention, which comprises a silo with four secondary chambers and an additional mixer. Instead of water, an activator liquid can also be used, which is provided in a suitable drum.

[0058] Figure 14 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a system according to the invention, which has a silo with five secondary chambers.

[0059] Figure 15 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a plant according to the invention, which has a silo with five secondary chambers and a further mixer.

[0060] Figure 16 shows a schematic of an embodiment of a system according to the invention, which has a silo with three secondary chambers and a further mixer, as well as an additional barrel. Figure 17 shows a schematic of an embodiment of a system according to the invention, which has a silo with three secondary chambers and two further mixers, as well as an additional barrel.

[0061] Figure 18 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a system according to the invention, which has a silo with three secondary chambers.

[0062] Figure 19 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a system according to the invention, which has a silo with four secondary chambers.

[0063] Figure 20 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a plant according to the invention, which has a silo with two secondary chambers, as well as an additional mixer and a barrel.

[0064] Figure 21 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a plant according to the invention, which has a silo with two secondary chambers, as well as two additional mixers and a barrel.

[0065] Figure 22 shows an embodiment of the silo according to the invention in a lying position with three side hoppers of different sizes.

[0066] Preferred embodiments of the invention

[0067] In Figure 1, the silo 100 is shown in a vertical position with the main chamber 1 and the three secondary chambers 2, 3, 4, as well as the support frame 10. On the outer surface 81 of the main chamber of the silo, vertical struts 1 1 1, 1 12 are attached, which lead into a frame 1 10 with cross struts 1 13, 1 14, 1 15, 1 16, 1 17, 1 18 (For the sake of clarity, these reference numerals have not been shown here) and feet 130, 131, 132, 133. On the upper side 91 of the main chamber, the upper sides 122, 123, 124 of the three secondary chambers 2, 3, 4 are visible, each of which has three openings integrated into it, each of which is provided with shut-off devices. In addition, the undersides 102, 103, 104 of the secondary chambers, which protrude from the underside 101 of the main chamber and are designed as flanges, can be seen.

[0068] Figure 2 shows a first side view of the silo 100 with the cable empty pipe 80 arranged on the outer surface 81 of the main chamber and the lateral opening 70. Here, the three lower openings 11, 21, 31 of the main chamber can be seen, through which the latter is filled (11), emptied (21) and vented (31).

[0069] In Figure 3, the silo 100 shown in Figure 2 is shown rotated 90° relative to the viewer. The lateral opening 70, through which the main chamber 1 of the silo can be filled when the silo 100 is in a horizontal position, is clearly visible. Also visible is the vibrator support 60, to which a vibrator motor can be attached.

[0070] In the representation of the silo 100 shown in Figure 4 from below, one can see the frame 110 with the cross braces 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118 and the feet 130, 131, 132, 133. The undersides 102, 103, 104 of the secondary chambers 2, 3, 4, designed as flanges, are clearly visible, into which four openings are let: The first lower openings 12, 12', 12" of the secondary chambers 2, 3, 4, which serve to fill them, the second lower openings 22, 23, 24 of the secondary chambers 2, 3, 4, through which they can be emptied, the third lower openings 82, 83, 84 of the secondary chambers 2, 3, 4, into each of which a measuring probe 40', 40", 40" 'for temperature measurement can be inserted, and the fourth lower openings 92, 93, 94 of the secondary chambers 2, 3, 4, into each of which a heating rod can be inserted as trace heating 72, 73, 74. Also visible are the three openings 11, 21, 31 of the main chamber, as well as the vibrator support 60 and the vibrator arm 61.

[0071] In the representation of the silo 100 shown in Figure 5 from above, one can see the frame 110 with the feet 130, 131, 132, 133. Clearly visible are the transport aids 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, which enable the silo to be tilted and transported to a construction site while secured on a transport vehicle. The upper sides 122, 123, 124 of the secondary chambers 2, 3, 4 each have three openings, which, in particular designed as sleeves with an internal thread, can be opened and closed with corresponding shut-off devices, in particular magnetic valves: a first upper opening 32, 33, 34 for venting, a second upper opening 42, 43, 44 for inserting a measuring probe to determine the fill level of the secondary chamber 2, 3, 4, and a third upper opening 32', 33', 34' for venting. The upper openings for venting and venting could also each be designed as a single opening instead of two.Also visible is the first upper opening 41 of the main chamber, into which a measuring probe 40 can also be inserted to determine the filling level.

[0072] Figure 6 shows the section axes NN and 0-0 through the silo; Figure 6 b) the sectional view along the NN axis and Figure 6 c) the sectional view along the OO axis. Figure 6 b) shows the position of the filling pipe, which ends in the first lower opening 11 of the main chamber 1. It threads through the silo and ends on the inside of the top of the silo in a baffle, from where the first component is distributed in the silo. Figure 6 c) shows the position of the venting pipe, which ends in the third lower opening 31 of the main chamber 1. It threads through the silo along the longitudinal axis and can additionally be provided with a filter at its end 31.

[0073] Figure 7 shows a system 1000 according to the invention, which comprises the silo 100 according to Figures 1-6. As can be seen in Figure 7, the second lower opening of the main chamber 1 is connected to a rotary valve 180, through which the preferably powdered component of the main chamber 1 is fed into the mixer 150, preferably the continuous mixer 150. The dosing of the preferably liquid components of the secondary chambers 2 and 3 into water takes place via the respective dosing pumps 161 and 162. The water containing the two liquid components is then fed via hoses (not shown) into the mixer 150 and there mixed with the first, preferably powdered, component to form a concrete slurry. This slurry is then transported via the feed pump 190 to another mixer 151, preferably a static mixer.The pump outlet 175 has a T-piece through which the foam generated in the foam generator 170 from water, air, and the preferably liquid component taken from the secondary chamber 4 is mixed. The concrete slurry containing the first, preferably powdered, component as well as the two, preferably liquid, components from the secondary chambers 2 and 3, and the foam containing the preferably liquid component taken from the secondary chamber 4 are then further mixed together in the mixer 151. Advantageously, a further mixer 151', preferably a static mixer, is connected downstream of the mixer 151, in which the concrete slurry and the foam are further mixed. The water connection 165 is connected via hoses (not shown) to the metering pumps 161 and 162, as well as to the metering pump 163 (not shown) for the preferably liquid component, most preferably the foaming agent, from the secondary chamber 4.Also visible are the control box 220 and the photovoltaic inverter 210 with the battery storage, through which the silo 100 according to the invention can be electronically controlled and monitored.

[0074] Figure 8 shows the system 1000 according to the invention shown in Figure 7 with the equipment located under the silo 100 in a perspective view from the front.

[0075] Figure 9 shows the inventive system 1000 shown in Figure 7 with the equipment located below the silo 100 in a perspective view from the rear. The water tank 155, which serves as an intermediate storage facility for the water used in the process, can also be seen here.

[0076] As can be seen in Figure 10, the preferably liquid components of the secondary chambers 2 and 3 are metered into water (H2O) from the water barrel 155 via the respective metering pumps 161 and 162 and thus reach the mixer 150 as an aqueous mixture. The second lower opening of the main chamber 1 is connected to a rotary valve 180 through which the preferably powdered component of the main chamber 1 is fed into the mixer 150, preferably the continuous mixer 150. The water containing the two liquid components is then mixed in the mixer 150 with the first, preferably powdered, component to form a concrete slurry. This slurry is then transported via the feed pump 190 to a further mixer 151, preferably a static mixer.The pump outlet 175 of the mixer 150 has a T-piece through which the foam generated in the foam generator 170 from water, air, and the preferably liquid component taken from the secondary chamber 4 is mixed. The concrete slurry containing the first, preferably powdered, component as well as the two, preferably liquid, components from the secondary chambers 2 and 3 and the foam containing the preferably liquid component taken from the secondary chamber 4 are then further mixed with one another in the mixer 151. Advantageously, a further mixer 15T, preferably a static mixer, is connected downstream of the mixer 151, in which the concrete slurry and the foam are further mixed. The water tank 155 and the foam generator 170 can draw water from the same line or from two different lines. Water is preferably supplied from a cold water connection.

[0077] Figure 11 shows a schematic of an embodiment of a system 1000 according to the invention, which, in addition to a water tank 155 for cold water, also has a flow heater 156, as well as a mixer 300 in which the cold and hot water drawn from the water tank 155 and the flow heater 156 are mixed together. The water temperature can thus be adjusted to the external conditions. The components from the secondary chambers 2 and 3 are then mixed into the thus tempered water via the dosing pumps 161 and 162, and the water is fed into the foam generator. The temperature of the water supplied to the mixer 150 (containing the components from the secondary chambers 2 and 3) or the temperature of the concrete slurry in the mixer 150 can be determined via the measuring probe 240, and the temperature of the water or the foam in the foam generator can be determined via the measuring probe 241.Figure 12 shows a schematic of an embodiment of a system 1000 according to the invention, which comprises a silo 100 with four secondary chambers 2, 3, 4, and 5 and an additional mixer 301. Here, the component from the secondary chamber 5 is first mixed with water in a mixer 301 before being fed as a mixture to the foam generator 170.

[0078] The embodiment of a system 1000 according to the invention shown schematically in Figure 13 differs from the system 1000 shown in Figure 12 in that the silo 100 has five secondary chambers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Instead of water, an activator liquid can also be used, which is transported to the construction site in secondary chamber 6 of the silo 100 and then provided in a corresponding barrel 260. The components from the secondary chambers 2 and 3 are then mixed into the activator liquid via the dosing pumps 161 and 162.

[0079] Figure 14 shows a schematic of an embodiment of a system 1000 according to the invention, which comprises a silo with five secondary chambers 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. The components from the secondary chambers 2, 3, and 6 are metered into water via the metering pumps 161, 162, and 163 and fed as a mixture into the mixer 150. Instead of water, a corresponding premixed liquid or liquid component from another secondary chamber 4 or 5 can also be fed into the foam generator 170. The foam agent is then located in the other of the two secondary chambers 4 and 5.

[0080] In the embodiment of a plant 1000 according to the invention shown in Figure 15, the substitute liquid for water has not yet been filled into the secondary chamber 5 of the silo 100, but instead the concentrate or powder therefor, so that this substitute liquid must first be produced from the concentrate or powder from the secondary chamber 5 in the mixer 301 using water supplied on site.

[0081] Figure 16 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a plant 1000 according to the invention for the production of aerated lightweight concrete / foam concrete, wherein the plant 1000 has a silo with three auxiliary chambers 2, 3, and 4, a further mixer 302, and an additional barrel 250. The foam agent is stored in the auxiliary chamber 4 and is then fed into the foam generator 170. This can also be done via a dosing pump (not shown). In the embodiment shown in Fig. 16, the components from the auxiliary chambers 2 and 3 are first mixed in a mixer 302 via respective dosing pumps 161 and 162 before being diluted with water in a barrel 250 and fed to the mixer 150 as a diluted mixture. Fig. 20 shows the corresponding plant for the production of concrete.

[0082] In the embodiment of a system 1000 according to the invention shown schematically in Figure 17, in comparison to the system according to Figure 16, the components from the secondary chambers 2 and 3 are additionally mixed together in the additional mixer 302'. Figure 17 shows the system for the production of aerated lightweight concrete / foam concrete, and Figure 21 shows the corresponding system for the production of concrete.

[0083] In the plant 1000 shown schematically in Figure 18, concrete is produced, not foam concrete. Therefore, this plant 1000 does not have a foam generator. Production takes place here by metering the components from the secondary chambers 2, 3, and 4 into water via respective metering pumps 161, 162, and 163 and mixing them with concrete from the main chamber 1 in the mixer 150. Here, too, another mixer could be connected downstream.

[0084] The system 1000 shown schematically in Figure 19, in comparison to the system according to Figure 18, has a further auxiliary chamber 5, from which the component stored there is also metered into the water by a metering pump 164 and is then fed into the mixer 150 as an aqueous mixture with the other components from the auxiliary chambers 2, 3 and 4, where it is further mixed with the concrete from the main chamber 1 to form the concrete slurry. The embodiment of the silo 100 according to the invention shown in Figure 22 in a lying position has three auxiliary chambers 2, 3 and 4 of different sizes. These are all located away from the center of the main chamber 1 and extend along the longitudinal axis of the silo. In the embodiment shown here, the three auxiliary chambers 2, 3, 4 and the main chamber are hollow cylinders, but other shapes are also conceivable.

[0085] List of reference symbols

[0086] 100 silos

[0087] 10 Means for holding the silo in a vertical position

[0088] 20 Control

[0089] 30 Control device

[0090] 50 solar panels

[0091] 70 side opening

[0092] 80 cable conduit

[0093] 90 Sensor

[0094] 40, 40', 40”, 40” ' Measuring probe of the main chamber and the three secondary chambers 1 main chamber

[0095] 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Side chamber

[0096] LI Longitudinal axis of the main chamber 1

[0097] L2 Longitudinal axis of the secondary chamber 2

[0098] TI Temperature of the first component in the

[0099] Main chamber

[0100] T2 Temperature of the second component in the secondary chamber

[0101] Fl Filling level of the first component in the

[0102] Main chamber

[0103] F2 Filling level of the second component in the

[0104] Side chamber

[0105] 21 1 first opening of the main chamber (filling)

[0106] 221 second opening of the main chamber (emptying) “

[0107] 231 third opening of the main chamber (venting)

[0108] 1 1 first lower opening of the main chamber (filling)

[0109] 21 second lower opening of the main chamber (emptying)

[0110] 31 third lower opening of the main chamber (venting)

[0111] 41 first upper opening of the main chamber (fill level measuring probe)

[0112] 213 Shut-off device of the first opening of the main chamber (filling)

[0113] 214 Shut-off device of the second opening of the main chamber (emptying)

[0114] 215 Shut-off device of the third opening of the main chamber (venting)

[0115] 13 Shut-off device of the first lower opening of the main chamber (filling)

[0116] 14 Shut-off valve of the second lower opening of the main chamber (drainage)

[0117] 15 Shut-off device of the third lower opening of the main chamber (venting) 51 Shut-off device of the first upper opening of the main chamber (fill level measuring probe)

[0118] 60 vibrator carriers

[0119] 61 vibrating arm

[0120] 71 Trace heating of the main chamber

[0121] 81 Surface of the main chamber

[0122] 91 Top of the main chamber

[0123] 101 Bottom of the main chamber

[0124] 212, 212', 212” first opening of the secondary chamber (filling)

[0125] 222, 223, 224 second opening of the secondary chamber (emptying)

[0126] 12, 12', 12” first lower opening of the secondary chamber (filling)

[0127] 22, 23, 24 second lower opening of the secondary chamber (emptying)

[0128] 82, 83, 84 third lower opening of the secondary chamber (measuring probe for temperature measurement)

[0129] 92, 93, 94 fourth lower opening of the secondary chamber (heating rod)

[0130] 232, 233, 234 further opening of the side chamber

[0131] 252, 253, 254 Shut-off device for further opening of the secondary chamber (ventilation and venting)

[0132] 32, 33, 34 first upper opening of the secondary chamber (ventilation)

[0133] 32', 33', 34' third upper opening of the secondary chamber (venting)

[0134] 42, 43, 44 second upper opening of the secondary chamber (fill level measuring probe)

[0135] 216 Shut-off device of the first opening of the secondary chamber (filling)

[0136] 217 Shut-off device of the second opening of the secondary chamber (emptying) Shut-off device of the first lower opening of the secondary chamber (filling) Shut-off device of the second lower opening of the secondary chamber (emptying)

[0137] 52, 53, 54 Shut-off valve of the first upper opening of the secondary chamber (ventilation and venting)

[0138] 62, 63, 64 Shut-off device of the second upper opening of the secondary chamber (filling level measuring probe)

[0139] 72, 73, 74 Trace heating of the secondary chamber

[0140] 102, 103, 104 Bottom of the side chamber

[0141] 122, 123, 124 Top of the side chamber

[0142] 1 10 frame

[0143] 1 1 1 , 1 12 vertical struts

[0144] 1 13, 1 14, 1 15, 1 16, 1 17, 1 18 crossbars

[0145] 130, 131, 132, 133 feet

[0146] 140, 141 , 142, 143, 144, 145 Transport aid

[0147] 150, 151 Mixer 155 Water barrel 156 Instantaneous water heater

[0148] 160, 161 , 162, 163, 164, 166 Dosing pump 165 Connection water and dosing agent 170 Foam generator

[0149] 175 pump outlet with foam injection optional T-piece

[0150] 180 rotary valve

[0151] 190 Feed pump 200 Batteries 210 PV inverter with battery storage

[0152] 220 switch box

[0153] 300, 301 , 302, 302' mixer

[0154] 240 Measuring probe of the mixer 150

[0155] 241 Measuring probe of the foam generator 170

[0156] 250 barrels

[0157] 260 barrels containing a liquid activator (as a water substitute)

Claims

Patent claims 1. A silo (100) for the production of concrete comprising a main chamber (1) for storing a first, preferably powdery, component and at least one secondary chamber (2) for storing a second, preferably liquid, component, wherein - the at least one secondary chamber (2) is located in the main chamber (1); - the longitudinal axes (LI, L2) of the main chamber and of the at least one secondary chamber are arranged parallel to each other; - the main chamber (1) and the at least one secondary chamber (2) each have first openings (211, 212) which are designed such that the main chamber (1) and the at least one secondary chamber (2) can be filled independently of one another through them; - the main chamber (1) and the at least one secondary chamber (2) each have second openings (221, 222) which are designed such that the main chamber (1) and the at least one secondary chamber (2) can be emptied independently of one another through them; - the main chamber (1) has a third opening (231) which is designed such that the main chamber (1) can be vented; - the at least one secondary chamber (2) has at least one further opening (232) which is designed such that the secondary chamber (2) can be ventilated and vented; wherein these openings (211, 212, 221, 222, 231, 232) can be opened and closed with correspondingly designed shut-off devices (213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 252).

2. The silo (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first openings (21 1 , 212) of the main chamber (1) and the at least one secondary chamber (2), through which these can be filled independently of one another, are each first lower openings (1 1 , 12).

3. The silo (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the second openings (221, 222) of the main chamber (1) and the at least one secondary chamber (2), through which they can be emptied independently of one another, are each second lower openings (21, 22).

4. The silo (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third opening (231) of the main chamber (1), which is designed such that the main chamber (1) can be vented, is a third lower opening (31).

5. The silo (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the further opening (232) of the secondary chamber (2), which is designed such that the secondary chamber (2) can be ventilated and vented, is a first upper opening (32).

6. The silo (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the silo (100) has a control device (30) by means of which the filling level (Fl, F2) of the main chamber and / or of the at least one secondary chamber and / or the temperature T1 of the first component in the main chamber (1) and / or the temperature T2 of the second component in the at least one secondary chamber (2) can be controlled.

7. The silo (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the main chamber (1) has a first upper opening (41) and / or the at least one secondary chamber (2) has a second upper opening (42) through which a measuring probe (40, 40') can be inserted, with which the filling level (F1, F2) of the main chamber and / or of the at least one secondary chamber can be determined, wherein these openings (41, 42) can be opened and closed with correspondingly designed shut-off devices (51, 62).

8. The silo (100) according to one or more of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the upper openings of the main chamber (41) and / or of the at least one secondary chamber (32, 42) are designed as sleeves with an internal thread.

9. The silo (100) according to one or more of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the shut-off element (51) of the first upper opening (41) of the main chamber and / or the shut-off element (52) of the first upper opening (32) of the at least one secondary chamber (2) and / or the shut-off element (62) of the second upper opening (42) of the at least one secondary chamber is / are each a solenoid valve.

10. The silo (100) according to one or more of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the ends of the lower openings (12, 22) of the main chamber and / or the at least one secondary chamber are designed as flanges. 1 1. The silo (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main chamber (1 ) and / or the at least one secondary chamber (2) has a trace heating system (71, 72).

12. The silo (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the silo (100) comprises a sensor (90) by which the moisture content and / or the temperature of the environment of the silo can be determined.

13. The silo (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main chamber (1) has, at least on part of its lateral surface (81), solar panels (50), advantageously for supplying energy to the controller (20) and / or the control device (30).

14. The silo (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main chamber (1) and / or the at least one secondary chamber (2) are cylindrical.

15. The silo (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the silo (100) comprises means (10) for holding the silo in a vertical position and / or that the silo is transportable.

16. The silo (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the silo (100) comprises at least two secondary chambers (2, 3), preferably a number of secondary chambers in the range from 2 to 6, particularly preferably in the range from 2 to 5, most particularly preferably in the range from 2 to 4.

17. A plant (1000) comprising the silo (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, and at least one mixer (150) into which the components of the main chamber (1) and the at least one secondary chamber (2) of the silo (100) can be introduced and mixed with water to form concrete, in particular aerated lightweight concrete, wherein the introduction of these components into water preferably takes place via individual, separate metering pumps (160, 161), and their respective aqueous mixtures are then mixed with one another in the at least one mixer (150), and wherein the concrete, in particular the aerated lightweight concrete, can be discharged from the at least one mixer (150).

18. A method for producing concrete, in particular aerated lightweight concrete, in a plant (1000) according to claim 17, which comprises the following steps: a) providing a first, preferably powdered, component in the main chamber (1) of the silo (100), and at least one second, preferably liquid, component in the at least one secondary chamber (2) of the silo (100); b) introducing the first component from the main chamber (1) and water into a first mixer (150), preferably via individual, separate metering pumps (160), and mixing the first component and the water to form a concrete slurry; c) introducing the second component into water, preferably via a metering pump (161), and mixing the second component and water to form an aqueous mixture (when producing concrete) or a foam (when producing aerated lightweight concrete); d) introducing the concrete slurry produced in step b) into a second mixer (151) while admixing the aqueous mixture produced in step c) or the foam produced in step c), and mixing the concrete slurry and the aqueous mixture or the foam in the second mixer (151) to form concrete, in particular aerated lightweight concrete; e) removing the finished concrete, in particular the finished aerated lightweight concrete, from the second mixer (151).

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein steps b), c), d), and e) are carried out continuously.

20. Use of the silo (100) according to one or more of claims 1 to 16 or of a plant (1000) according to claim 17 for producing concrete, in particular for producing aerated lightweight concrete.