Splitting arrangement, for splitting a flow of pulp material

Abstract

The splitting arrangement (1) comprises: - a chamber (2), - an inlet (4) arranged to enter the flow of pulp material in the chamber (2), - a first outlet (6) opposite to the inlet (4) with respect to the chamber (2), the first outlet (6) being arranged to exit a part of the flow of pulp material from the chamber (2), and - at least one second outlet (8) arranged inside the chamber (2) between the inlet (4) and the first outlet (6) so as to face away from the inlet (4), the at least one second outlet (8) being configured to exit another part of the flow of pulp material from the chamber (2).

Description

1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention is directed to a splitting arrangement, for splitting a flow of pulp material. In particular, the present invention can equip a manufacturing system for manufacturing molded products, like molded bottles, out of pulp material. The splitting arrangement2. Technical background

[0002] There is a general trend to use manufacturing systems for manufacturing products, like containers, out of pulp material, for example paper bottles. Such pulp material is typically in the form of a mixture containing water and pulp. A manufacturing system usually comprises several components, for example molding machines, and pumps to distribute flows of pulp material from one or more tank(s) to the respective components.

[0003] There is a need to supply various components in a manufacturing system with a flow of pulp material, which must have a relatively small flowrate, a controllable pressure, and a relatively steady and uniform concentration over time and distance, e.g., among the various components of the manufacturing system.

[0004] However, as pulp tends to settle out and separate from water along a circulating path, it can be difficult to stabilize concentration of pulp material at small flowrates while keeping pressure drops at low level. If the concentration in the pulp material varies from, say, 1,4% w / w to 1,7% w / w of pulp (e.g. fibers), the resulting products risk having different weights and unequal contents of fibers, which can in turn lengthen the throughput time, in particular the drying time, and alter the mechanical properties of the manufactured products.

[0005] Stabilizing a flow of pulp material might be all the more difficult when a flow of pulp material has to be split in two or more partial flows for supplying two or more components of the manufacturing system. If there are different pressure drops between two different ports of a bifurcation, not only will the pulp material flow more at the one port than at the other, but also the fiber concentration can be different. There is currently no device available on the market that can split a volume flow of pulp into two volume flows with the same pulp concentration, without the use of an active mixer that consumes energy.3. Summary

[0006] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a splitting arrangement (hence device), which contributes to obviating or at least alleviating some or all of the aforementioned problems, in particular obtaining a flow of pulp material having a small flowrate, a controllable pressure, and a relatively steady and uniform concentration. An aspect of the present disclosure provides a splitting arrangement, for splitting a flow of pulp material, comprising: a chamber, an inlet arranged to enter the flow of pulp material into the chamber, a first outlet arranged opposite to the inlet with respect to the chamber, the first outlet being arranged to exit part of the flow of pulp material from the chamber, and at least one second outlet arranged inside the chamber between the inlet and the first outlet so as to face away from the inlet, the at least one second outlet being arranged to exit another part of the flow of pulp material from the chamber.

[0007] As the respective second outlet is facing away from the inlet, the other part of the flow of pulp material must follow approximately a U-turn to exit through the respective second outlet as it is facing away from the inlet. Quite surprisingly, such a strong deflection of the flow appears to ensure a suitable degree of mixing of pulp or fibers and water in the chamber, which helps maintaining the pulp material homogenous.

[0008] Thus, the exiting parts of flow of pulp material can have pressures and concentrations that are steady and uniform, even at relatively small flowrates. This is particularly beneficial when handling pulp materials having an average concentration in pulp or fibers of about 1,5% w / w, which is quite high as compared to watery mixtures or slurries known in some industries, like paper manufacturing (0,5% w / w). The concentration in pulp or fibers may advantageously stay in a range of + / -0,10% w / w, sometimes even of + / -0,05% w / w, around the nominal value, e.g., 1,5% w / w.

[0009] As a concrete yet approximate example, when a flowrate through a cylindrical inlet of about 50 mm diameter is about 1l / s under a flow velocity of about 0.5 m / s, then a flowrate through the at least one second outlet, when allowed to flow, could range from 0.1l / s or 0.14 l / s to 0.2l / s, which flowrate could represent between 1 / 5 and 1 / 7 the flowrate through the at least one first outlet.

[0010] Preferably, there is no other outlet except the first outlet and the one or more second outlet(s).

[0011] The splitting arrangement can fulfil the functions of a manifold as it can suitably split a flow of pulp material. The inlet can be formed by an opening or port (including two or more openings located near one another) through which pulp material can enter the chamber. The first outlet can be formed by an opening or port (including two or more openings located near one another) through which pulp material can exit the chamber. The at least one second outlet can be formed by an opening or port (including two or more openings located near one another) through which pulp material can exit the chamber. According to an embodiment, the splitting arrangement may comprise a plurality of second outlets, wherein, preferably, the second outlets are all arranged at the same distance from the inlet.

[0012] Thus, as each second outlet is facing away from the inlet, the second outlets can receive similar flowrates of pulp material. According to an embodiment, at least two, preferably all, of the second outlets may extend in a same plane, and / or wherein all of the second outlets are distributed, preferably uniformly, about an axis connecting the inlet to the first outlet.

[0013] Thus, each second outlet can receive the same flowrates of pulp material. According to an embodiment, the chamber may have a first cross-sectional area, preferably having the shape of a disk, wherein the inlet may have a second cross-sectional area, preferably having the shape of a disk, wherein the first outlet may have a third cross-sectional area, preferably having the shape of a disk, wherein the at least one second outlet may have a fourth cross-sectional area, preferably having the shape of a disk, wherein: the first cross-sectional area may be larger than at least one of, preferably larger than each one of, the second cross-sectional area, the third cross-sectional area, and the fourth cross-sectional area, and / or the second cross-sectional area and the third cross-sectional area may have a same size and / or a same diameter, and / or the at least one, preferably each, fourth cross-sectional area may be smaller than the second cross-sectional area and / or than the third cross-sectional area.

[0014] As the first and / or second outlets are smaller in cross-section than the chamber, the resulting pressure drops can promote a homogenous mixing of the pulp material in the chamber. Thus, the pulp material, e.g. a fibers / water mixture, can remain homogenous.

[0015] As the at least one second outlet is larger than the inlet, the pressure drop can be relatively low.

[0016] In the present disclosure, the term "disk" may be read as the geometric region bounded by a circle in a plane, and the expression "the shape of a disk" involves a circular contour.

[0017] Alternatively to the shape of a disk, the second cross-sectional area, the third, and / or the at least one fourth second cross-sectional area(s) may have another shape, for example the shape of a polygon, like a rectangle, or the shape of an ellipse. According to an embodiment, the largest dimension, for example the diameter, of the at least one, preferably of each, second outlet may be in a range of 50 to 80%, preferably around 60%, of the largest dimension, for example of the diameter, of the inlet and / or of the first outlet, respectively.

[0018] Thus, such ratios can promote strong mixing flows, in the pulp material. Thus, the pulp material, e.g. the fibers / water mixture, can remain homogenous. According to an embodiment, a distance separating the inlet from the first outlet may be in a range of two to ten times, preferably three to eight times, more preferably five times, the largest dimension of the chamber as measured in a plane perpendicular to the distance separating the inlet from the first outlet.

[0019] Thus, such ratios allow the pulp material to flow over a relatively long path in the chamber, which in turn favors a homogenous fibers / water mixture before the pulp material exits the chamber. According to an embodiment, the chamber may have substantially the shape of a cylinder having a longitudinal axis, the length of the cylinder representing the distance separating the inlet from the first outlet, and the diameter of the cylinder representing the largest dimension of the chamber as measured in a plane perpendicular to the distance separating the inlet from the first outlet.

[0020] Thus, such a cylindrical geometry helps limiting swirls in the flow of pulp material, hence avoiding deposition of fibers, while facilitating the manufacturing and the cleaning of the chamber.

[0021] Preferably, when the chamber has substantially the shape of a cylinder, its inner diameter may be in the range of 95 mm to 115 mm, preferably about 104 mm, and its length may be in the range of 230 mm to 270 mm, preferably about 250 mm (that is, about five times the largest diameter of the inlet, first outlet and second outlet).

[0022] Preferably, when the inlet has the shape of a disk, its diameter may be in the range of 45 mm to 65 mm, preferably about 50 mm.

[0023] Such a diameter allows an average speed at the inlet to be in the range of 0,5 m / s to 1,5 m / s.

[0024] Preferably, when the first outlet has the shape of a disk, its diameter may be in the range of 37 mm to 47 mm, preferably about 42 mm.

[0025] Preferably, when the at least one second outlet has the shape of a disk, its diameter may be in the range of 20 mm to 30 mm, preferably about 26 mm. According to an embodiment, a distance separating the inlet from the second outlet may be in a range of 50% to 80%, preferably in a range of 60% to 70%, of a distance separating the inlet from the first outlet.

[0026] Thus, such a distance ratio can particularly favor a homogenous fibers / water mixture before the pulp material exits the chamber. According to an embodiment, the splitting arrangement may further comprise an inlet pipe arranged to deliver the pulp material to the inlet.

[0027] Thus, a flow containing the pulp material can enter the chamber. According to an embodiment, the inlet pipe may have a fifth cross-sectional area, which is smaller than the first cross-sectional area and larger than the second cross-sectional area.

[0028] Thus, the inlet, which may be located at the downstream end of the inlet pipe, can form a sort of restriction to the flow of pulp material when it enters the chamber, thus also helping to keep the fibers / water mixture homogenous.

[0029] Preferably, when the fifth cross-sectional area is formed by the shape of a disk, its diameter may be in the range of 20 mm to 30 mm, preferably about 25 mm. According to an embodiment, the splitting arrangement may further comprise: a first outlet pipe arranged to discharge the pulp material exited from the first outlet, and / or for the at least one second outlet, a respective second outlet pipe to discharge the pulp material exited from the respective second outlet.

[0030] Thus, the first outlet pipe can guide a part of the flow of pulp material downstream the chamber, and / or the or each second outlet pipe can guide another part of the flow of pulp material downstream the chamber. According to an embodiment: the inlet may have the shape of a disk centered on an axis extending along the distance separating the inlet from the first outlet, and / or the first outlet may have the shape of a disk centered on an axis extending along the distance separating the inlet from the first outlet, and / or the at least one second outlet may be arranged on or about the axis extending along the distance separating the inlet from the first outlet, the at least one second outlet preferably having the shape of a disk.

[0031] Thus, the second outlets can be arranged in the middle of the flows of pulp material, which can in turn favor similar concentrations and / or flowrates among the second outlets. According to an embodiment, the at least one second outlet may be oriented orthogonally or at least tilted with respect to an axis extending along the distance separating the inlet from the first outlet, wherein a tilt angle of the second outlet with respect to the axis may be in a range of 30° to 90°, preferably in a range of 40° to 90°, more preferably in a range of 45° to 90°.

[0032] Thus, the at least one second outlet can be facing away from the inlet, fully, i.e., perpendicularly, or partially, i.e., obliquely, which can help designing the splitting arrangement, in particular a compact one. According to an embodiment, the inner walls of the chamber and, preferably, of the inlet pipe, the first outlet pipe and the at least one second outlet pipe if present, may be made of a material having a surface roughness of less than 0,8 Ra, preferably of a polished stainless steel.

[0033] Thus, the inner walls can avoid or limit building up of pulp, particularly its fibers, thereon. Typically, such roughness of the boundary surfaces can slow down water but not the fibers.

[0034] Preferably, the chamber and, preferably, the inlet pipe, the first outlet pipe and the at least one second outlet pipe if present, may be entirely made of polished stainless steel. Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a use of the splitting arrangement according to any one of the afore-recited aspect, embodiments, or preferable variants to split a flow of pulp material into several homogeneous streams of pulp material, wherein preferably a concentration of fiber material in the pulp material is in a range of 0.5% w / w to 4.0% w / w, preferably in a range of 1.0% w / w to 2.0% w / w.

[0035] Thus, such use of the splitting arrangement can deliver a flow of pulp material having a relatively a specific concentration in fibers that can be steady and uniform, which is useful in certain technical fields, like the forming or molding of containers out of pulp material, like paper bottles. Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a manufacturing system for manufacturing products, like containers, out of pulp material, comprising: a supply arrangement for supplying pulp material, at least one or plurality of molding arrangements to form products out of the pulp material, and a delivery arrangement to deliver the pulp material from the supply arrangement to the at least one or plurality of molding arrangements, wherein the delivery arrangement comprises the splitting arrangement according to any one of the afore-recited aspect, embodiments, or preferable variants to split the flow of pulp material into several streams before delivering the streams to the at least one or plurality of molding arrangements.

[0036] Thus, such a manufacturing system can manufacture, e.g., containers formed out of pulp material, like paper bottles.

[0037] Besides, it is possible to assemble a manufacturing system for manufacturing molded products, for example molded bottles, out of pulp material, the manufacturing system comprising: the splitting arrangement according to any one of the afore-recited aspect, embodiments, or preferable variants, a pump connected upstream the splitting arrangement and configured for moving a flow of pulp material through the splitting arrangement, and a molding machine connected downstream the splitting arrangement, preferably downstream the or one of the second outlet(s).

[0038] The manufacturing system may further comprise a tank for containing a mixture of water and pulp material, the tank being connected downstream the first outlet and upstream the pump. Thus, the part of flow of pulp material exiting the chamber via the first outlet may be recirculated, which allows homogenizing the mixture of water and pulp material.

[0039] In some embodiments, the pulp material may be a mixture containing water and pulp. The pulp material may comprise pulp or fiber material, which is mixed with water and preferably other chemicals or plant-based additives. The pulp or fiber material may comprise or consist in cellulose fibers such as cellulose fibers obtained from wood, and / or non-wood fibers, in particular hemp, straw, bagasse, bamboo and / or other agricultural fibers. In some embodiments, the fiber material or pulp may comprise a fiber content (i.e. a concentration of fibers) in the pulp material in a range of 0.5% w / w to 4.0% w / w, preferably in a range of 1.0% w / w to 2.0% w / w, most preferred of 1.5% w / w. This pulp material is used in corresponding molding machines for manufacturing molded products, for example molded bottles, made of a fiber-based material. In some embodiments, the fiber-based material of the product may comprise a fiber content of at least 60% w / w or at least 70% w / w or at least 80% w / w or at least 90% w / w or at least 95% w / w or at least 96% w / w or at least 97% w / w or at least 98% w / w or at least 99% w / w. Thus, such fiber-based materials have an increased biodegradability and, possibly, recyclability.

[0040] The words "comprise", "include", "have" and their derivatives are to be interpreted inclusively rather than exclusively. The term "and / or" used in the context of "X and / or Y" should be interpreted as "X," or "Y," or "X and Y."4. Brief description of drawings

[0041] Further features, details and advantages of the present invention are described hereinafter, in particular in relation to the appended figures, which illustrate, schematically and not on scale, some of the afore-described aspects, embodiments and implementations thereof, and in which: Fig. 1shows a cross-sectional view of a splitting arrangement according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure and having one second outlet; Fig. 2shows a view similar to Fig. 1 showing some flows of pulp material; Fig. 3shows a cross-sectional view along plane III in Fig. 1; Fig. 4shows a view of a splitting arrangement according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure and having two second outlets; Fig. 5shows a transparent perspective view of the splitting arrangement of Fig. 4; Fig. 6shows a cross-sectional view, along midplane VI in Fig. 5, of the splitting arrangement of Fig. 4; Fig. 7shows a top view of the splitting arrangement of Fig. 4; Fig. 8shows a view similar to Fig. 3 of the splitting arrangement of Fig. 4; Fig. 9shows a view similar to Fig. 8 of a splitting arrangement according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure and having three second outlets; Fig. 10shows a view similar to Fig. 8 of a splitting arrangement according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure and having four second outlets; Fig. 11shows a manufacturing system that can comprise a splitting arrangement according to the present disclosure, herein the splitting arrangement of Figs. 1 to 3; Fig. 12shows a view similar to Fig. 11 of a manufacturing system according to an embodiment that can comprise a splitting arrangement according to the present disclosure, herein the splitting arrangement of Figs. 4 to 8 having two second outlets; Fig. 13shows a view similar to Fig. 12 of a variant to the manufacturing system of Fig. 11; and Fig. 14shows a view similar to Fig. 11 of a manufacturing system according to an embodiment that can comprise two splitting arrangements according to the present disclosure and connected in series, herein the splitting arrangement of Figs. 1 to 3 having one second outlet. 5. Detailed description

[0042] Fig. 1 to 3 illustrate a splitting arrangement 1 comprising: a chamber 2, an inlet 4 arranged to enter a flow F of pulp material into the chamber 2, a first outlet 6, which is arranged opposite to the inlet 4 with respect to the chamber 2, and a second outlet 8, which is arranged inside the chamber 2 between the inlet 4 and the first outlet 6 so as to face away from the inlet 4.

[0043] As shown by the arrows in Figs. 1 and 2, the splitting arrangement 1 can split a flow F of pulp material into a first part F1 and a second part F2. The first outlet 6 is arranged to exit a first part F1 of the flow F of pulp material from the chamber 2. The second outlet 8 is arranged to exit a second part F2 of the flow F of pulp material from the chamber 2. The second outlet 8 can form a derivation with respect to the first outlet 6.

[0044] The inlet 4 is arranged upstream the chamber 2, such that the chamber 2 can receive and mix the pulp material delivered through the inlet 4. The first outlet 6 is arranged at a side of the chamber 2 and opposite the inlet 4.

[0045] The chamber 2 may have substantially the shape of a cylinder having an axis X, which is a longitudinal axis. The inner length L2 of the cylinder may represent a distance d4-6 that separates the inlet 4 from the first outlet 6, hence along the axis X. The diameter D2 of the cylinder may represent the largest dimension of the chamber 2 as measured

[0046] in a plane perpendicular to the axis X, hence to the inner length L2 of the cylinder. The inlet 4 may have the shape of a disk centered on the axis X. The first outlet 6 may have the shape of a disk centered on the axis X. The second outlet 8 may have the shape of a disk centered on the axis X.

[0047] As the second outlet 8 faces away from the inlet 4, it may be facing the first outlet 6. Further, the second outlet 8 may be oriented orthogonally with respect to the axis X, which is passing through the center of the inlet 4 and the center of the first outlet 6. A tilt angle of the second outlet 8 with respect to the axis X may be about 90°. Thus, the second outlet 8 can be facing fully away from the inlet 4.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 2 by the arrows 2.8, since the second outlet 8 is facing away from the inlet 4, the second part F2 of the flow F of pulp material must follow approximately a U-turn to exit through the second outlet 8.

[0049] The chamber 2 may have a first cross-sectional area; the inlet 2 may have a second cross-sectional area; the first outlet 4 may have a third cross-sectional area; the second outlet 8 may have a fourth cross-sectional area. The first cross-sectional area (chamber 2) may be larger than each one of: the second cross-sectional area (of the inlet 2), the third cross-sectional area (of the first outlet 6), and the fourth cross-sectional area (of the second outlet 8).

[0050] As the first outlet 6 and the second outlet 8 may be smaller in cross-section than the chamber 2, the resulting pressure drops can promote a homogenous mixing of the pulp material in the chamber 2.

[0051] Besides, the second cross-sectional area (of the inlet 2) may be slightly larger than the third cross-sectional area (of the first outlet 6). The fourth cross-sectional area (of the second outlet 8) may be smaller than the second cross-sectional area (of the inlet 2) and / or than the third cross-sectional area (of the second outlet 8).

[0052] In the example of Figs. 1 to 3, the chamber 2 may have the inner diameter D2 of about 104 mm, and the inner length L2 of about 250 mm; the inlet 4 may have a diameter D4 of about 50 mm; the first outlet 6 may have a diameter D6 of about 42 mm; the second outlet 8 may have a diameter D8 of about 26 mm.

[0053] A distance d4-8 separating the inlet 4 from the second outlet 8 may be about 60% of the distance d4-6 separating the inlet 4 from the first outlet 6. This ratio can particularly favor a homogenous fibers / water mixture before the pulp material exits the chamber 2.

[0054] The diameter D8 of the second outlet 8 may be around 70% of the diameter D4 of the inlet 4 and around 80% of the diameter D6 of the first outlet 6. The distance d4-6 that is separating the inlet 4 from the first outlet 6 may be about five times the diameter D2 of the chamber 2 as measured in plane III, which is perpendicular to the distance d4-6 separating the inlet 4 from the first outlet 6.

[0055] The splitting arrangement 1 may further comprise an inlet pipe 14, which may have a cylindrical shape and which may be configured to deliver the pulp material to the inlet 4 and thence to the chamber 2. The inlet pipe 14 may be arranged upstream the inlet 4. The inlet 4, which is located at the downstream end of the inlet pipe 14, can form a sort of restriction to the flow of pulp material when it enters the chamber 2, which can help mixing the fibers / water mixture.

[0056] The inlet pipe 14 may have a fifth cross-sectional area, which is smaller than the first cross-sectional area (of the chamber 2) and larger than the second cross-sectional area (of the inlet 4). The fifth cross-sectional area may have a diameter D14 of about 25 mm.

[0057] The splitting arrangement 1 may further comprise a first outlet pipe 16 to discharge the pulp material exited from the first outlet 6, hence downstream the chamber 2. The splitting arrangement 1 may further comprise a second outlet pipe 18 for the second outlet 8 to discharge the pulp material exited from the second outlet 8, hence downstream the chamber 2.

[0058] The inner walls of the chamber 2, of the inlet pipe 14, of the first outlet pipe 16 and of the second outlet pipe 18 may be made of polished stainless steel having a surface roughness of about 0,8 Ra. Moreover, the chamber 2, the inlet pipe 14, the first outlet pipe 16 and the second outlet pipe 18 may be entirely made of polished stainless steel. Figs. 4 to 8 shows a splitting arrangement 1 according to a second embodiment. The splitting arrangement 1 of Figs. 4 to 8 may be similar to the splitting arrangement 1 depicted in relation to Figs. 1 to 3, apart from the following notable differences.

[0059] Like the splitting arrangement 1 of Figs. 1 to 3, the splitting arrangement 1 of Figs. 4 to 8 may comprise: a chamber 2, an inlet 4 arranged to enter a flow F of pulp material into the chamber 2, and a first outlet 6, which is arranged opposite to the inlet 4 with respect to the chamber 2.

[0060] As notable differences, the splitting arrangement 1 of Figs. 4 to 8 may further comprise two second outlets 8, while the splitting arrangement 1 of Figs. 1 to 3 has only one second outlet 8. The second outlets 8 of Figs. 4 to 8 may be arranged symmetrically and opposite one another with respect to the axis X, as best visible in Figs. 4, 6 and 8.

[0061] Similarly to the second outlet 8 shown in Figs. 1 to 3, each second outlet 8 is arranged inside the chamber 2 between the inlet 4 and the first outlet 6 so as to face away from the inlet 4. Each second outlet 8 may be arranged to exit a respective second part F2 of the flow F of pulp material from the chamber 2.

[0062] The two second outlets 8 may all be arranged at the same distance from the inlet 4. The two second outlets 8 may extend in a same plane, herein the plane of Fig. 8. Thus, each second outlet 8 can receive the same flowrates of pulp material. The two second outlets 8 may extend in a central region of the chamber 2 around the axis X that connects the inlet 4 to the not shown first outlet. Fig. 9 shows a splitting arrangement 1 according to a third embodiment. The splitting arrangement 1 of Fig. 9 may be similar to the splitting arrangement 1 depicted in relation to Figs. 4 to 8, apart from the following notable differences.

[0063] Like the splitting arrangement 1 of Figs. 4 to 8, the splitting arrangement 1 of Fig. 9 may comprise: a chamber 2, an inlet 4 arranged to enter a flow F of pulp material into the chamber 2, and a not shown first outlet opposite the inlet 4 with respect to chamber 2.

[0064] As a notable difference, the splitting arrangement 1 of Fig. 9 may comprise three second outlets 8, instead of two in the splitting arrangement 1 of Figs. 4 to 8. The three second outlets 8 of Fig. 9 may be arranged symmetrically at 120 degrees from one another around the axis X.

[0065] The three second outlets 8 may all be arranged at the same distance from the inlet 4. The three second outlets 8 may extend in a same plane, herein the plane of Fig. 9. Thus, each second outlet 8 can receive the same flowrates of pulp material. The three second outlets 8 may extend in a central region of the chamber 2 around the axis X that connects the inlet 4 to the not shown first outlet.

[0066] Similarly to the second outlet 8 shown in Figs. 1 to 3, each second outlet 8 is arranged inside the chamber 2 between the inlet 4 and the not shown first outlet so as to face away from the inlet 4. Each second outlet 8 may be arranged to exit a respective second part of the flow of pulp material from the chamber 2. Fig. 10 shows a splitting arrangement 1 according to a third embodiment. The splitting arrangement 1 of Fig. 10 may be similar to the splitting arrangement 1 depicted in relation to Fig. 9, apart from the following notable differences.

[0067] As a notable difference, the splitting arrangement 1 of Fig. 10 may comprise four second outlets 8, instead of three in the splitting arrangement 1 of Fig. 9. The four second outlets 8 of Fig. 10 may be arranged symmetrically at 90 degrees from one another around the axis X.

[0068] The four second outlets 8 may all be arranged at the same distance from the inlet 4. The four second outlets 8 may extend in a same plane, herein the plane of Fig. 9. Thus, each second outlet 8 can receive the same flowrates of pulp material. The four second outlets 8 may extend in a central region of the chamber 2 around the axis X that connects the inlet 4 to the not shown first outlet.

[0069] Similarly to the second outlet 8 shown in Figs. 1 to 3, each second outlet 8 is arranged inside the chamber 2 between the inlet 4 and the not shown first outlet so as to face away from the inlet 4. Each second outlet 8 may be arranged to exit a respective second part of the flow of pulp material from the chamber 2. Fig. 11 shows a manufacturing system 101 for manufacturing not shown molded bottles out of pulp material. The manufacturing system 101 may comprise: the splitting arrangement 1 of Figs. 1 to 3, a pump 102 connected upstream the splitting arrangement 1 and configured for moving a flow F of pulp material through the splitting arrangement 1, and a molding machine 104 (molding arrangement) connected downstream the splitting arrangement 1, preferably downstream the second outlet 8.

[0070] The manufacturing system 102 may further comprise a tank 106 for containing a mixture of water and pulp material. The tank 106 may be connected upstream the pump 102, downstream the first outlet 6, and downstream the machine 104. When a stream of pulp material is not being used in the molding machine 104, for example during a forming cycle in the machine(s) 104, the stream of pulp material may be derived and recirculated to the tank 106, in order to keep homogenizing the water / pulp mixture and thus avoid settling or sedimentation of the fibers. This recirculation is illustrated in Fig.11 by the lines drawn in light grey and joining the molding machine 104 to the tank 106.An embodiment of a manufacturing system (e.g. 101) may thus comprise: a supply arrangement (e.g. tank) for supplying pulp material, at least one or plurality of molding arrangements (e.g. molding machines 104) to form products out of the pulp material, and a delivery arrangement to deliver the pulp material from the supply arrangement to the at least one or plurality of molding arrangements (e.g. molding machines 104), wherein the delivery arrangement may comprise the afore-described splitting arrangement (1) to split the flow of pulp material into several streams before delivering the streams to the at least one or plurality of molding arrangements (e.g. molding machines 104).

[0071] In a not shown variant, a manufacturing system may be similar to the one illustrated in Fig. 11, apart from the following differences: An additional molding machine may be connected downstream the first outlet 8 and upstream the tank 106. The splitting arrangement can supply both the molding machine 104 and the additional molding machine. In service, the stream(s) of pulp material not used in the molding machine 104 and / or in the additional molding machine may be derived and recirculated to the tank 106. Fig. 12 shows a manufacturing system 101 similar to the manufacturing system of Fig. 11, apart from the following differences: The splitting arrangement 1 of Fig. 12 may comprise two second outlets 8, whereas the splitting arrangement of Fig. 1 may comprise only one second outlet 8. Thus, the splitting arrangement 1 of Fig. 12 may be identical or similar to the splitting arrangement 1 of Figs. 4 to 8, whereas the splitting arrangement 1 of Fig. 11 may be identical or similar to the splitting arrangement 1 of Figs. 1 to 3. The manufacturing system 101 of Fig. 12 may comprise two molding machines 104, each one being connected downstream a respective one of the two second outlets 8. Like in the manufacturing system 101 of Fig. 11, the first outlet 6 may be connected, herein directly, to the tank 106 for recirculating the pulp material and homogenizing the water / pulp mixture. Fig. 13 shows a variant mostly similar to the manufacturing system 101 of Fig. 12, wherein there is only one molding machine 104, which may comprise two molds 104.1 and 104.2; each one of the two molds 104.1 and 104.2 may be connected downstream a respective one of the two second outlets 8; in service, the stream(s) of pulp material not used in either or both of the molds 104.1, 104.2 may flow out of these and be directed to the tank 106 for recirculation. Fig. 14 shows a manufacturing system 101 similar to the manufacturing system of Fig. 11, apart from the following differences: The manufacturing system 101 of Fig. 14 may comprise at least two splitting arrangements 1, which are herein connected in series, whereas the manufacturing system 101 of Fig. 11 may comprise only one splitting arrangement 1. Like the splitting arrangement 1 of Fig. 11, the splitting arrangement 1 of Fig. 14 may comprise only one second outlet 8. A respective molding machine 104 may be connected downstream each one of the respective second outlets 8 of the at least two splitting arrangements 1 of Fig. 14. Like in the manufacturing system 101 of Fig. 11, the first outlet 6 in Fig. 14 may be connected, herein directly, to the tank 106 for recirculating the pulp material and homogenizing the water / pulp mixture. Also like in the manufacturing system 101 of Fig. 11, the unused stream of pulp material flowing out of each molding machine 104 may be directed to the tank 106.

[0072] Along the principles disclosed in relation to Figs. 11 to 14, many other embodiments of such manufacturing systems can be devised. In particular, depending on the number of molding machines that have to be supplied with pulp material, any one of such other embodiments may comprise more than two splitting arrangements, any of which may comprise one or more second outlet(s), and be connected in series or in parallel if technically relevant.

[0073] The invention defined in the appended claims is not limited to the afore-described objects, aspects, embodiments and implementations, most of which may be combined.

Claims

1. A splitting arrangement (1), for splitting a flow of pulp material, comprising: - a chamber (2), - an inlet (4) arranged to enter the flow of pulp material into the chamber (2), - a first outlet (6) arranged opposite to the inlet (4) with respect to the chamber (2), the first outlet (6) being arranged to exit a part of the flow of pulp material from the chamber (2), and - at least one second outlet (8) arranged inside the chamber (2) between the inlet (4) and the first outlet (6) so as to face away from the inlet (4), the at least one second outlet (8) being arranged to exit another part of the flow of pulp material from the chamber (2).

2. A splitting arrangement (1) according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of second outlets (8), wherein, preferably, the second outlets (8) are all arranged at the same distance from the inlet (4).

3. A splitting arrangement (1) according to claim 2, wherein at least two, preferably all, of the second outlets (8) extend in a same plane, and / or wherein all of the second outlets (8) are distributed, preferably uniformly, about an axis (X) connecting the inlet (4) to the first outlet (6).

4. A splitting arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chamber has a first cross-sectional area, preferably having the shape of a disk, wherein the inlet (4) has a second cross-sectional area, preferably having the shape of a disk, wherein the first outlet (6) has a third cross-sectional area, preferably having the shape of a disk wherein the at least one second outlet (8) has a fourth cross-sectional area, preferably having the shape of a disk, wherein: - the first cross-sectional area is larger than at least one of, preferably larger than each one of, the second cross-sectional area, the third cross-sectional area, and the fourth cross-sectional area, and / or - the second cross-sectional area and the third cross-sectional area have a same size and / or a same diameter, and / or - the at least one, preferably each, fourth cross-sectional area is smaller than the second cross-sectional area and / or than the third cross-sectional area.

5. A splitting arrangement (1) according to claim 4, wherein the largest dimension, for example the diameter (D8), of the at least one, preferably of each, second outlet (8) is in a range of 50 to 80%, preferably around 60%, of the largest dimension, for example of the diameter, of the inlet (4) and / or of the first outlet (6), respectively.

6. A splitting arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a distance (d4-6) separating the inlet (4) from the first outlet (6) is in a range of two to ten times, preferably three to eight times, more preferably five times, the largest dimension of the chamber (2) as measured in a plane perpendicular to the distance (d4-6) separating the inlet (4) from the first outlet (6).

7. A splitting arrangement (1) according to claim 6 wherein the chamber (2) has substantially the shape of a cylinder having a longitudinal axis (X), the length (L2) of the cylinder representing the distance (d4-6) separating the inlet (4) from the first outlet (6), and the diameter (D2) of the cylinder representing the largest dimension of the chamber (2) as measured in a plane perpendicular to the distance (d4-6) separating the inlet (4) from the first outlet (6).

8. A splitting arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a distance (d4-8) separating the inlet (4) from the second outlet (8) is in a range of 50% to 80%, preferably in a range of 60% to 70%, of a distance (d4-6) separating the inlet (4) from the first outlet (6).

9. A splitting arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an inlet pipe (14) arranged to deliver the pulp material to the inlet (4).

10. A splitting arrangement (1) according to claim 9 and any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein the inlet pipe (14) has a fifth cross-sectional area, which is smaller than the first cross-sectional area and larger than the second cross-sectional area.

11. A splitting arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - a first outlet pipe (16) arranged to discharge the pulp material exited from the first outlet (6), and / or - for the at least one second outlet (8), a respective second outlet pipe (18) to discharge the pulp material exited from the respective second outlet (8).

12. A splitting arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the inlet (4) has the shape of a disk centered on an axis (X) extending along the distance (d4-6) separating the inlet (4) from the first outlet (6), and / or - the first outlet (6) has the shape of a disk centered on an axis (X) extending along the distance (d4-6) separating the inlet (4) from the first outlet (6), and / or - the at least one second outlet (8) is arranged on or about the axis (X) extending along the distance (d4-6) separating the inlet (4) from the first outlet (6), the at least one second outlet (8) preferably having the shape of a disk.

13. A splitting arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one second outlet (8) is oriented orthogonally or at least tilted with respect to an axis (X) extending along the distance (d4-6) separating the inlet (4) from the first outlet (6), wherein a tilt angle of the second outlet (8) with respect to the axis (X) is in a range of 30° to 90°, preferably in a range of 40° to 90°, more preferably in a range of 45° to 90°.

14. A splitting arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner walls of the chamber (2) and, preferably, of the inlet pipe (14), the first outlet pipe (16) and the at least one second outlet pipe (18) if present, are made of a material having a surface roughness of less than 0,8 Ra, preferably of a polished stainless steel.

15. Use of the splitting arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims to split a flow of pulp material into several homogeneous streams of pulp material, wherein preferably a concentration of fiber material in the pulp material is in a range of 0.5% w / w to 4.0% w / w, preferably in a range of 1.0% w / w to 2.0% w / w.

16. Manufacturing system (101) for manufacturing products, like containers, out of pulp material, comprising: - a supply arrangement for supplying pulp material, - at least one or plurality of molding arrangements (104) to form products out of the pulp material, and - a delivery arrangement to deliver the pulp material from the supply arrangement to the at least one or plurality of molding arrangements (104), wherein the delivery arrangement comprises the splitting arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 to split the flow of pulp material into several streams before delivering the streams to the at least one or plurality of molding arrangements (104).

Images