Polymer particle conveying device

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for conveying polymer particles, in particular expanded polymer particles, from a first location (L1) to a second location (L2), the apparatus (1) comprising: a pressurization unit (2) for generating a pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream, in particular comprising polymer particles in a pressurized fluid, the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream having a first pressure level; A pressure reduction unit (3) for reducing the pressure of the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream from a first pressure level to generate a reduced pressure particle-carrying fluid stream having a second pressure level. Equipped with The pressure reduction unit (3) comprises a first chamber (6) for receiving a pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream and a second chamber (7) surrounding the first chamber (6), the first chamber (6) being bounded by a first wall structure (6.1) and the second chamber (7) being bounded by a second wall structure (7.1), The first wall structure (6.1) comprises at least one first opening (6.1.1) connecting the internal volume of the first chamber (6) to the internal volume of the second chamber (7), and the second wall structure (7.1) comprises at least one second opening (7.1.1) which can connect or connects the internal volume of the second chamber (7) to at least one damping device (8).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for transporting polymer particles, in particular cellular or foamed polymer particles, from a first location to a second location. [Background technology]

[0002] The respective devices for transporting polymer particles are generally known from the field of polymer processing and generally allow transporting polymer particles from a first location to a second location. An exemplary first location may be a first polymer processing location, such as a polymer particle production location, and an exemplary second location may be a second polymer processing location, such as a polymer particle testing location, a polymer particle packaging location, or a polymer part production location.

[0003] In the past, the transport of polymer particles has typically involved transporting the polymer particles in a pressurized fluid stream, such as a pressurized gas stream, whereby the particles are typically transported in the pressurized fluid stream and therefore need to be depressurized or decompressed at the second location after being transported from a respective first location to a respective second location.

[0004] However, decompression is a challenge and the principles known from the prior art are often technically immature for decompression or decompression of polymer particles, so there is a need to improve the respective decompression or decompression principles of polymer particles. Summary of the Invention

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for conveying polymer particles from a first location to a second location that allows for improved depressurization or decompression of polymer particles contained within a pressurized fluid.

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus for transporting polymer particles, in particular cellular or foamed polymer particles, i.e. polymer particles having a cellular or foamed structure, from a first location to a second location. The apparatus is thus configured to transport each polymer particle from the first location to the second location. An exemplary first location may be a first polymer processing location, such as a polymer particle production location, and an exemplary second location may be a second polymer processing location, such as a polymer particle testing location, a polymer particle packaging location, a polymer part production location, etc. At least one of the first location and the second location may be a particle storage device, such as a tank, for storing the polymer particles.

[0007] The apparatus comprises a pressurizing unit and a depressurizing or decompressing unit, the function and structure of which will be described in detail below.

[0008] The pressurizing unit is configured to generate a pressurized particle-carrying fluid flow. The pressurized particle-carrying fluid flow typically comprises polymer particles within the pressurized fluid. The pressurized fluid may be a gas. The gas may be, for example, air or an inert gas such as argon, helium, CO2, etc. The pressurized particle-carrying fluid flow has a first pressure level. The first pressure level may be, for example, in the range of 1 bar to 1000 bar. Thus, the first pressure level may be 1 bar, 2 bar, 3 bar, 4 bar, 5 bar, 6 bar, 7 bar, 8 bar, 9 bar, 10 bar, 11 bar, 12 bar, 13 bar, 14 bar, 15 bar, 16 bar, 17 bar, 18 bar, 19 bar, 20 bar, 21 bar, 22 bar, 23 bar, 24 bar, 25 bar, 26 bar, 27 bar, 28 bar, 29 bar, 30 bar, 31 bar, 32 bar, 33 bar, 34 bar, 35 bar, 36 bar, 37 bar, 38 bar, 39 bar, 40 bar, 41 bar, 42 bar, 43 bar, 44 bar, 45 bar, 46 bar, 47 bar, 48 bar, 49 bar, 50 bar, 51 bar, 52 bar, 53 bar, 54 bar, 55 bar, 56 bar, 57 bar, 58 bar, 59 bar, 60 bar, 61 bar, 62 bar, 63 bar, 64 bar, 65 bar, 66 bar, 67 bar, 68 bar, 69 bar, 70 bar, 71 bar, 72 bar, 73 bar, 74 bar, 75 bar, 76 bar, 77 bar, 78 bar bar, 26 bar, 27 bar, 28 bar, 29 bar, 30 bar, 31 bar, 32 bar, 33 bar, 34 bar, 35 bar, 36 bar, 37 bar, 38 bar, 39 bar, 40 bar, 41 bar, 42 bar, 43 bar, 44 bar, 45 bar, 46 bar, 47 bar, 48 bar, 49 bar, 50 bar, 51 bar, 52 bar, 53 bar, 54 bar, 55 bar, 56 bar, 57 bar, 58 bar, 59 bar, 60 bar, 61 bar, 62 bar, 63 bar, 64 bar, 65 bar, 66 bar, 67 bar, 68 bar, 69 bar, 70 bar, 71 bar, 72 bar, 73 bar, 74 bar, 75 bar, 76 bar The pressure level / value may be 100 bar, 150 bar, ...

[0009] The decompression unit is configured to decompress the pressurized particle-carrying fluid flow from a first pressure level to a second pressure level lower than the first pressure level. The decompression unit is thus configured to generate a decompressed particle-carrying fluid flow having a second pressure level lower than the first pressure level. The decompression thus comprises reducing the pressure level of the pressurized particle-carrying fluid flow from a first pressure level to a second pressure level. The second pressure level may be atmospheric pressure, a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, or a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, provided that it is lower than the first pressure level. Thus, after decompressing the pressurized particle-carrying fluid flow, the particles can be transported by gravity and / or the transport fluid.

[0010] The pressurizing unit and the decompression unit are typically connected via suitable connecting means such as tubes, hoses, pipes, etc., by which the pressurized particle-carrying fluid flow can flow from the pressurizing unit, i.e. in particular the outlet opening of the pressurizing unit, to the decompression unit, i.e. in particular the inlet opening of the decompression unit. Thus, the apparatus may comprise a connecting unit comprising at least one connecting element such as a tube, hose, pipe, etc., connecting the pressurizing unit and the decompression unit. The decompression unit is typically arranged downstream of the pressurizing unit.

[0011] The reduced pressure unit includes a first chamber and a second chamber.

[0012] The first chamber is configured to receive a pressurized particle-carrying fluid flow. The first chamber can comprise an inlet opening of the pressure reducing unit or can at least be in direct or indirect communication with the inlet opening of the pressure reducing unit. The first chamber can have a basic shape of a hollow cylinder, which defines a central axis of the first chamber. In particular, the first chamber can be constructed from at least one duct or pipe element. The first chamber can thus include a duct-like or pipe-like shape. The first chamber can thus be expandable by selecting a suitable duct or pipe element. In any case, the first chamber comprises or is bounded by a first wall structure, which defines or bounds a first volume, which represents the (internal) volume of the first chamber. According to a specific example, the first chamber can thus be configured, for example, generally as a tube or a pipe.

[0013] The second chamber surrounds the first chamber. The second chamber may also have a hollow cylindrical basic shape that defines the central axis of the second chamber. In particular, the second chamber may be constructed from at least one duct or pipe element. The second chamber may thus have a duct-like or pipe-like shape. The second chamber is therefore expandable by selecting a suitable duct or pipe element. In any case, the second chamber comprises or is bounded by a second wall structure that defines or bounds a second volume that represents the (internal) volume of the second chamber. Thus, according to a specific example, the first and second chambers may be arranged coaxially. The dimensions of the second chamber, i.e. in particular the inner diameter, are usually larger than the dimensions of the first chamber, i.e. in particular the outer diameter, so that the second chamber may therefore surround the first chamber. The first chamber may therefore be accommodated within the (internal) volume of the second chamber.

[0014] The first and second chambers can be arranged, for example, at an angle of 90° relative to a horizontal reference plane defined, for example, by the ground. In particular, the first and second chambers can be arranged vertically with their respective central axes oriented at about 90° relative to the respective horizontal reference planes. Thus, the particles can be transported, for example by gravity, through the decompression unit, i.e., in particular through the first chamber, after decompressing the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream as described above.

[0015] As mentioned above, the first chamber is bounded by a first wall structure and the second chamber is bounded by a second wall structure, the first wall structure comprising at least one first opening connecting the internal volume of the first chamber (i.e. the first volume) to the internal volume of the second chamber (i.e. the second volume), and the second wall structure comprising at least one second opening capable of connecting the internal volume of the second chamber (i.e. the second volume) to at least one damping device (if present).

[0016] The pressure reduction unit therefore comprises a particular fluid communication arrangement of a first chamber and a second chamber, in particular the first chamber and the second chamber are in fluid communication, so that a fluid in the first chamber can pass, in particular in a radial direction, from the first chamber to the second chamber through at least one first opening provided in the first wall structure.

[0017] The dimensions of the at least one first opening are typically small enough to prevent the polymer particles in the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream from entering the second chamber. Thus, the dimensions of the at least one first opening are typically at least smaller than the minimum or average particle size of the polymer particles in the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream. Thus, the first wall structure functions as a separating, sorting or sieving means configured to separate, separate or sift the polymer particles in the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream from the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream while the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream is simultaneously depressurized.

[0018] The configuration of the decompression unit allows the polymer particles to be decompressed without causing damage to the polymer particles, in particular without causing visually perceptible damage to the polymer particles.

[0019] In this manner, a highly effective and practical method of depressurizing a respective pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream is achieved.

[0020] The pressure reducing unit may further comprise at least one damping device. The at least one damping device is configured to dampen noise generated by depressurization of the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream by the pressure reducing unit. The at least one damping device may comprise a housing having an interior space comprising a noise damping structure, e.g., a baffle structure, for dampening noise generated by depressurization of the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream by the pressure reducing unit. The noise damping structure may comprise a multi-dimensional arrangement of baffle elements arranged and / or oriented to dampen respective noises. The housing may comprise an inlet for the fluid stream entering the at least one damping device and an outlet for the fluid stream exiting the damping device. The noise damping structure is arranged or formed between the inlet and the outlet. Thus, the at least one damping device may be formed as an acoustic suppression device.

[0021] The second chamber and the at least one damping device (if present), i.e. in particular the respective internal spaces of the at least one damping device comprising a damping structure, are fluidically connected, whereby a fluid in the second chamber, e.g. a fluid which has entered the second chamber through at least one first opening, can pass, in particular radially, from the second chamber through at least one second opening provided in the second wall structure into the internal space of the at least one damping device.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first chamber may comprise at least one inlet opening for a pressurized particle-carrying fluid flow and at least one outlet opening for a reduced pressure particle-carrying fluid flow.

[0023] At least one inlet controller can be assigned to at least one inlet opening of the first chamber. The at least one inlet controller is configured to control an amount of the pressurized particle-carrying fluid flow entering the first chamber through the at least one inlet opening. Thus, a precise control of the amount of the pressurized particle-carrying fluid flow entering the first chamber through the at least one inlet opening can be determined by the at least one inlet controller.

[0024] The at least one inlet control device may comprise at least one shutter element supported movably between at least two directions and / or positions, where at least one first direction and / or position corresponds to an open state of the at least one inlet control device, in which an amount of pressurized particle-carrying fluid flow can enter the first chamber via the at least one inlet opening, and where at least one second direction and / or position corresponds to a closed state of the at least one inlet control device, in which an amount of pressurized particle-carrying fluid flow cannot enter the first chamber via the at least one inlet opening. The operation of the at least one inlet control device, i.e. in particular the movement of the respective shutter element between the respective open and closed states, may be controlled by a hardware-embodied and / or software-embodied control device of the inlet control device or by a higher-level hardware-embodied and / or software-embodied control device of the pressure reducing unit or device, respectively.

[0025] According to a specific exemplary embodiment, the at least one inlet control device can be constructed as or comprise at least one valve device. Each valve device typically comprises at least one valve element (shutter element) movably supported between at least one open state and at least one closed state designated in relation to the at least one inlet control device. Each valve device can be connected to at least one actuator for actuating the respective valve element to switch the at least one valve element between the respective open and closed states and vice versa.

[0026] Similarly, at least one outlet control device can be assigned to at least one outlet opening of the first chamber. The at least one outlet control device is configured to control the amount of the depressurized particle-carrying fluid flow and / or the amount of depressurized polymer particles leaving the first chamber through the at least one outlet opening. Thus, precise control of the amount of the depressurized particle-carrying fluid flow and / or the amount of depressurized polymer particles leaving the first chamber through the at least one outlet opening can be determined by the at least one outlet control device. The at least one outlet control device can comprise at least one shutter element movably supported between at least two directions and / or positions, the at least one first direction and / or position corresponding to an open state of the at least one outlet control device, in which a certain amount of the depressurized particle-carrying fluid flow can exit the first chamber through the at least one outlet opening, and the at least one second direction and / or position corresponding to a closed state of the at least one outlet control device, in which a certain amount of the depressurized particle-carrying fluid flow cannot exit the first chamber through the at least one outlet opening. The operation of the at least one outlet control device, i.e. in particular the movement of each shutter element between the respective open and closed states, can be controlled by a hardware-embodied and / or software-embodied control device of the outlet control device or by a higher-level hardware-embodied and / or software-embodied control device of the pressure reduction unit or device, respectively.

[0027] According to a specific exemplary embodiment, the at least one outlet control device can be constructed as or comprise at least one valve device. Each valve device typically comprises at least one valve element (shutter element) movably supported between at least one open state and at least one closed state designated in relation to the at least one outlet control device. Each valve device can be connected to at least one actuator for actuating the respective valve element to switch the at least one valve element between the respective open and closed states and vice versa.

[0028] The operation of the at least one inlet control device and the at least one outlet control device is typically synchronized via a respective hardware-embodied and / or software-embodied control device of the at least one inlet control device and the at least one outlet control device, or via a higher-level hardware-embodied and / or software-embodied control device of the pressure reducing unit or device. Specifically, when transitioning the at least one inlet control device to an open state, the at least one outlet control device has previously been transitioned to a closed state, and vice versa. In other words, transitioning the at least one inlet control device to an open state is typically performed when the at least one outlet control device is in a closed state, and vice versa. Thus, synchronization typically means that the at least one inlet control device and the at least one outlet control device are never in their respective open and / or closed states at the same time.

[0029] According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the first wall structure that defines the first chamber can have one or more first openings that form a mesh or screen structure. The openings can generally have a hole-like or slit-like shape. However, as mentioned above, the dimensions of the openings usually prevent the polymer particles in the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream from entering the second chamber.

[0030] According to further exemplary embodiments, one, several or all of the first openings may have different dimensions, in particular different cross sections, between an inlet portion, where the particle-carrying fluid stream enters the at least one opening from the first chamber, to an outlet portion, where the particle-carrying fluid stream exits the at least one opening into the second chamber. Thus, a wall portion of the first wall structure delimiting the at least one first opening may be inclined with respect to a central axis of the first chamber, in particular with respect to a secondary axis extending radially from the central axis of the first chamber.

[0031] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the first wall structure delimiting the first chamber is constructed from or comprises a wire-wrapped mesh or screen. Each wire-wrapped mesh or screen can have a hollow cylindrical shape that also defines the hollow cylindrical basic shape of the first chamber. Each wire-wrapped mesh or screen allows for cost-effective and highly efficient separation of the polymer particles from the respective pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream.

[0032] According to further exemplary embodiments, the pressure reduction unit may comprise a plurality of respective damping devices arranged at different positions, e.g. at different axial and / or radial and / or circumferential positions, with respect to the circumferential and / or longitudinal extension of the pressure reduction unit. As an example, the pressure reduction unit may comprise a plurality of damping devices arranged at different positions, e.g. with respect to the circumferential and / or longitudinal extension of the pressure reduction unit. Arranging the respective damping devices at different axial and / or radial and / or circumferential positions allows a more uniform pressure reduction. Increasing the number of damping devices allows an increased damping efficiency. In general, the at least two damping devices may have different damping characteristics, e.g. due to different designs of the damping structures.

[0033] At least two damping devices arranged at the same axial position but different circumferential positions, e.g. at opposite circumferential positions, may form a damping group or damping stage, respectively. The pressure reducing unit may comprise a number of such damping groups or damping stages at different axial positions. Each damping stage may comprise the same or a different number of damping devices.

[0034] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the device may comprise a washing fluid flow generation unit for generating a pressurized washing fluid flow for washing the decompression unit from residual polymer particles. The washing flow serves in particular to wash the first chamber from particle residues that were not removed through the respective outlet opening of the first chamber. Likewise, the washing flow can serve to wash the respective connection means connecting the pressurization unit and the decompression unit. The washing fluid flow generation unit may be identical to the pressurization unit. The pressurization unit may thus also be configured to generate a respective washing fluid flow free of transported polymer particles. The washing fluid flow may be a gas flow, such as an air flow or an inert gas flow.

[0035] The device can be operated in a cleaning mode in which residual polymer particles can be removed from the decompression unit by generating a pressurized cleaning fluid flow for cleaning the decompression unit from residual polymer particles. In the respective cleaning modes, the operation of the at least one inlet control device and the at least one outlet control device is typically synchronized via the respective hardware-embodied and / or software-embodied control devices of the at least one inlet control device and the at least one outlet control device, or via a higher-level hardware-embodied and / or software-embodied control device of the decompression unit or the device, respectively. In particular, both the at least one inlet control device and the at least one outlet control device are transferred to their respective open states. Synchronization in the cleaning mode therefore typically means that both the at least one inlet control device and the at least one outlet control device are simultaneously in their respective open states.

[0036] Each cleaning mode may be initiated using a master key (e.g., a mechanical master key) configured to initiate a controlled synchronization of the at least one inlet control device and the at least one outlet control device, causing them to each transition to an open state.

[0037] According to a further embodiment, the apparatus may comprise a support structure for supporting at least the pressure reducing unit in a desired orientation and / or position. By way of example, each support structure may support at least the pressure reducing unit in a vertical orientation and / or position, i.e. in particular in such a way that the first and second chambers are arranged vertically with their respective central axes oriented at about 90° with respect to a horizontal reference plane relative to the ground.

[0038] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the first chamber and the second chamber may form a columnar chamber arrangement.

[0039] According to a further exemplary embodiment, at least the first and second chambers can be arranged in a housing structure of the device, which can, for example, protect them from environmental influences.

[0040] A second aspect of the invention relates to a pressure reduction unit for the apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention. The pressure reduction unit comprises a first chamber for receiving a pressurized particle-carrying fluid flow and a second chamber surrounding the first chamber, the first chamber being delimited by a first wall structure and the second chamber being delimited by a second wall structure, the first wall structure comprising at least one first opening connecting an internal volume of the first chamber to an internal volume of the second chamber and the second wall structure comprising at least one second opening capable of connecting an internal volume of the second chamber to at least one damping device (if present). All remarks relating to the apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention also apply to the pressure reduction unit according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0041] A third aspect of the invention relates to a system for processing polymer particles, in particular a system for post-processing of polymer particles, comprising at least one storage device for storing polymer particles to be processed through at least one processing device, such as a molding device for forming polymer parts, at least one processing device for processing the polymer particles, and at least one device according to the first aspect of the invention. All comments relating to the device according to the first aspect of the invention also apply to the system according to the third aspect of the invention.

[0042] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a method for transporting polymer particles from a first location to a second location, comprising the steps of generating, via a pressurization unit, a particle-carrying fluid stream, in particular comprising polymer particles in a pressurized fluid, the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream having a first pressure level, and depressurizing, via a depressurization unit, the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream from the first pressure level to generate a depressurized particle-carrying fluid stream having a second pressure level. The depressurization unit used in this method comprises a first chamber for receiving the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream and a second chamber surrounding the first chamber, the first chamber being bounded by a first wall structure and the second chamber being bounded by a second wall structure, the first wall structure comprising at least one first opening connecting the internal volume of the first chamber to the internal volume of the second chamber, the second wall structure comprising at least one second opening capable of connecting the internal volume of the second chamber to at least one damping device (if present). All remarks relating to the device according to the first aspect of the invention also apply to the method according to the fourth aspect of the invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0043] The invention is explained in more detail by the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] 1 shows a principle diagram of an apparatus for conveying polymer particles according to an exemplary embodiment; [Diagram 2] 1 shows a principle diagram of a decompression unit according to an exemplary embodiment; [Diagram 3] 3 shows a cross-sectional cutaway view of the pressure reducing unit of FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0044] 1 shows a principle diagram of an apparatus 1 for transporting polymer particles according to an exemplary embodiment. The apparatus 1 is configured to transport respective polymer particles from a first position L1 to a second position L2. The exemplary first position L1 may be a first polymer processing position, such as, for example, a polymer particle production position, and the exemplary second position L2 may be a second polymer processing position, such as, for example, a polymer particle testing position, a polymer particle packaging position, a polymer part production position, etc. At least one of the first position L1 and the second position L2 may be a particle storage device, such as a tank, for storing the polymer particles.

[0045] The apparatus 1 includes a pressurizing unit 2 and a decompression unit 3 disposed downstream of the pressurizing unit 2 .

[0046] The pressurization unit 2 is configured to generate a pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream (schematically indicated by arrow 4 in FIG. 1). The pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream comprises polymer particles within the pressurized fluid. The pressurized fluid may be a gas. The gas may be, for example, air or an inert gas such as argon, helium, CO2, etc. The pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream has a first pressure level. The first pressure level may be in the range of 1 bar to 100 bar, in particular in the range of 1 bar to 50 bar, more in particular in the range of 1 bar to 20 bar (absolute pressure).

[0047] The pressure reducing unit 3 is configured to reduce the pressure of the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream from a first pressure level to a second pressure level lower than the first pressure level. The pressure reducing unit 3 is thus configured to generate a reduced pressure particle-carrying fluid stream having a second pressure level lower than the first pressure level. The pressure reducing thus comprises reducing the pressure level of the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream from a first pressure level to a second pressure level. The second pressure level may be atmospheric, subatmospheric or higher than atmospheric pressure, provided that the second pressure level is lower than the first pressure level. Thus, after reducing the pressure of the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream, the particles can be transported by gravity and / or the transport fluid.

[0048] As is apparent from FIG. 1 , the pressurization unit 2 and the decompression unit 3 are connected via suitable connection means 5, such as tubes, hoses, pipes or the like, by which a pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream can flow from the pressurization unit 2, i.e. in particular the outlet opening 2.1 of the pressurization unit 2, to the decompression unit 3, i.e. in particular the inlet opening 3.1 of the decompression unit 3.

[0049] Figure 2 shows a principle diagram of a decompression unit 3 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional cutaway view of the decompression unit of Figure 2, providing an insight into the internal structure of the decompression unit 3.

[0050] As can be seen particularly from FIGS. 2 and 3, the decompression unit 3 comprises a first chamber 6, a second chamber 7 and a number of optional damping devices 8.

[0051] The first chamber 6 is configured to receive a pressurized particle-carrying fluid flow. The first chamber 6 may comprise or at least be in direct or indirect communication with the inlet opening 3.1 of the pressure reducing unit 3. The first chamber 6 may have a hollow cylindrical basic shape, which defines a central axis A1 of the first chamber 6. The first chamber 6 may be constructed from at least one duct or pipe element, whereby the first chamber 6 may include a duct-like or pipe-like shape. The first chamber 6 is thus expandable by selecting a suitable duct or pipe element. In any case, the first chamber 6 comprises or is bounded by a first wall structure 6.1, which defines or bounds a first volume 6.2, which represents the internal volume of the first chamber 6.

[0052] As is particularly evident from FIG. 3, the second chamber 7 surrounds the first chamber 6. The second chamber 7 may also have a hollow cylindrical basic shape, which defines a central axis A2 of the second chamber 7. In particular, the central axis A2 of the second chamber 7 may coincide with the central axis A1 of the first chamber 6, resulting in a coaxial arrangement (see, for example, FIG. 3). The second chamber 7 may be constructed from at least one duct or pipe element, whereby the second chamber 7 may include a duct-like or pipe-like shape. The second chamber 7 is thus expandable by selecting a suitable duct or pipe element. In any case, the second chamber 7 comprises or is bounded by a second wall structure 7.1, which defines or bounds a second volume 7.2 representing the internal volume of the second chamber 7.

[0053] FIG. 2 shows that the decompression unit 3 can comprise a columnar chamber arrangement.

[0054] 3 shows a coaxial arrangement of the first chamber 6 and the second chamber 7, based on which the dimensions, i.e. in particular the inner diameter, of the second chamber 7 are larger than the dimensions, i.e. in particular the outer diameter, of the first chamber 6, so that the second chamber 7 can surround the first chamber 6. Thus, the first chamber 6 is accommodated within the internal volume of the second chamber 7.

[0055] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the first chamber 6 and the second chamber 7 are arranged at an angle of about 90° with respect to a horizontal reference plane P, which may be defined by the ground. In particular, the first chamber 6 and the second chamber 7 may be arranged vertically with their respective central axes A1, A2 oriented at about 90° with respect to the horizontal reference plane P. Thus, the particles may be transported through the decompression unit 3, i.e. in particular through the first chamber 6, e.g. by gravity, after decompressing the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream as described above.

[0056] Each damping device 8 is configured to damp noise generated by depressurization of the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream by the depressurization unit 3. Each damping device 8 may comprise a housing 8.1 having an interior space 8.2 with a noise damping structure 8.3 (schematically shown in FIG. 3), e.g. a baffle structure, for damping noise generated by depressurization of the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream by the depressurization unit 3. The noise damping structure 8.3 may comprise a multi-dimensional arrangement of baffle elements arranged and / or oriented to damp the respective noise. The housing 8.1 may comprise an inlet 8.1.1 for the fluid stream entering the damping device 8 and an outlet 8.1.2 for the fluid stream leaving the damping device 8. The noise damping structure 8.3 is arranged or formed between the inlet 8.1.1 and the outlet 8.1.2. Each damping device 8 may thus be formed as an acoustic suppression device.

[0057] As is evident from Figure 3, the first wall structure 6.1 comprises a number of first openings 6.1.1 connecting the internal volume of the first chamber 6 (i.e. the first volume 6.2) to the internal volume of the second chamber 7 (i.e. the second volume 7.2). As is evident from Figure 3, the second wall structure 7.1 comprises a number of second openings 7.1.1 connecting the internal volume of the second chamber 7 (i.e. the second volume 7.1) to the respective damping device 8.

[0058] The decompression unit 3 thus comprises a particular fluid communication arrangement of the first chamber 6, the second chamber 7 and the respective damping device 8. In particular, the first chamber 6 and the second chamber 7 are in fluid communication via the respective first openings 6.1.1, whereby the fluid in the first chamber 6 can pass from the first chamber 6 to the second chamber 7 through the first opening 6.1.1 provided in the first wall structure 6.1. Furthermore, the second chamber 7 and the damping device, i.e. the respective internal space 8.2 comprising in particular the damping structure 8.3, are in fluid communication, whereby the fluid in the second chamber 7, for example the fluid that entered the second chamber 7 through the first opening 6.1.1, can pass from the second chamber 7 to the internal space 8.2 of the damping device 8 through the second opening 7.1.1 provided in the second wall structure 7.1.

[0059] The dimensions of the first opening 6.1.1 are typically small enough to prevent the polymer particles in the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream from entering the second chamber 7. The dimensions of the first opening are therefore typically at least smaller than the minimum or average particle size of the polymer particles in the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream. By way of example, the dimensions of the first opening 6.1.1 may be less than 1 mm, in particular less than 0.5 mm, and more particularly less than 0.25 mm. The first wall structure 6.1 therefore functions as a separation or sorting means configured to separate or sort the polymer particles in the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream from the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream while the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream is simultaneously depressurized.

[0060] The first chamber 6 also comprises an inlet opening 6.3 for the pressurized particle-carrying fluid flow and an outlet opening 6.4 for the reduced pressure particle-carrying fluid flow. As is evident from the drawing, the inlet opening 6.3 of the first chamber 6 also represents the inlet opening 3.1 of the reduced pressure unit 3, and the outlet opening 6.4 of the first chamber 6 also represents the outlet opening 3.2 of the reduced pressure unit 3.

[0061] An inlet controller 6.5 can be assigned to the inlet opening 6.3. The inlet controller 6.5 is configured to control the amount of pressurized particle-carrying fluid flow entering the first chamber 6 via the inlet opening 6.3. Thus, precise control of the amount of pressurized particle-carrying fluid flow entering the first chamber 6 via the inlet opening 6.3 can be determined by the inlet controller 6.5.

[0062] The inlet control device 6.5 comprises a shutter element 6.5.1 supported movably between at least two directions and / or positions, at least one first direction and / or position corresponding to an open state of the inlet control device 6.5, in which a certain amount of pressurized particle-carrying fluid flow can enter the first chamber 6 via the inlet opening 6.3, and at least one second direction and / or position corresponding to a closed state of the inlet control device 6.5, in which a certain amount of pressurized particle-carrying fluid flow cannot enter the first chamber 6 via the inlet opening 6.3. The operation of the inlet control device 6.5, i.e. in particular the movement of the shutter element 6.5.1 between the respective open and closed states, can be controlled by a hardware-embodied control device 13 and / or a software-embodied control device 13 of the pressure reducing unit 3 or the device 1, respectively.

[0063] The inlet control device 6.5 can be constructed as or comprise at least one valve device, which comprises at least one valve element (shutter element) supported movably between at least one open state and at least one closed state. The valve device can be connected to at least one actuator (not shown) for actuating the valve element to switch it between the respective open and closed states and vice versa.

[0064] Similarly, the outlet control device 6.6 can be assigned to the outlet opening 6.4 of the first chamber 6. The outlet control device 6.6 is configured to control the amount of the depressurized particle-carrying fluid flow and / or the amount of depressurized polymer particles leaving the first chamber 6 through the outlet opening 6.4. Thus, a precise control of the amount of the depressurized particle-carrying fluid flow and / or the amount of depressurized polymer particles leaving the first chamber 6 through the outlet opening 6.4 can be determined by the outlet control device 6.6. The outlet control device 6.6 can comprise a shutter element 6.6.1 supported movably between at least two directions and / or positions, at least one first direction and / or position corresponding to an open state of the outlet control device 6.6, in which a certain amount of the depressurized particle-carrying fluid flow can exit the first chamber 6 through the outlet opening 6.4, and at least one second direction and / or position corresponding to a closed state of the outlet control device 6.6, in which a certain amount of the depressurized particle-carrying fluid flow cannot exit the first chamber 6 through the outlet opening 6.4. The operation of the outlet control device 6, i.e. in particular the movement of the shutter element 6.6.1 between the respective open and closed states, can be controlled by a hardware-embodied control device 13 and / or a software-embodied control device 13 of the pressure reducing unit 3 or the device 1, respectively.

[0065] The outlet control device 6.6 can be constructed as or comprise at least one valve device, which comprises a valve element (shutter element) supported movably between at least one open state and at least one closed state. The valve device can be connected to at least one actuator (not shown) for actuating the valve element to switch it between the respective open and closed states and vice versa.

[0066] The operation of the inlet control device 6.5 and the outlet control device 6.6 are synchronized via the controller 13. Specifically, when transitioning the inlet control device 6.5 to an open state, the outlet control device 6.6 has previously been transitioned to a closed state, and vice versa. In other words, transitioning the inlet control device 6.5 to an open state typically occurs when the outlet control device 6.6 is in a closed state, and vice versa. Thus, synchronization means that the inlet control device 6.5 and the outlet control device 6.6 are never in an open and / or closed state at the same time.

[0067] The first wall structure 6.1 delimiting the first chamber 6 can be constructed from or comprise a wire-wrapped mesh or a wire-wrapped screen, having a hollow cylindrical shape that also defines the hollow cylindrical basic shape of the first chamber 6. The first openings 6.1.1 of the first wall structure 6.1 can therefore have different dimensions, in particular different cross-sectional areas, between an inlet portion, where the particle-carrying fluid flow enters the respective opening 6.1.1 from the first chamber 6, to an outlet portion, where the particle-carrying fluid flow leaves the respective opening 6.1.1 into the second chamber 7. The wall portions of the first wall structure 6.1 delimiting the first openings 6.1.1 can therefore be inclined with respect to a secondary axis extending radially from the central axis A1 of the first chamber 6.

[0068] As is evident from Figures 2 and 3, the pressure reduction unit 3 may comprise a number of damping devices 8 arranged at different positions relative to the circumferential and / or longitudinal extension of the pressure reduction unit, e.g. at different axial and / or radial and / or circumferential positions, which allows for a more uniform pressure reduction.

[0069] As is evident from figures 2 and 3, at least two damping devices 3 arranged at the same axial position but different circumferential positions, e.g. at opposite circumferential positions, may form a damping group or damping stage, respectively. The pressure reducing unit 3 may comprise a number of such damping groups or damping stages at different axial positions. Each damping stage may comprise the same or a different number of damping devices 8.

[0070] The device 1 may comprise a washing fluid stream generation unit for generating a pressurized washing fluid stream for washing the decompression unit 3 from residual polymer particles. The washing stream serves in particular to wash the first chamber 6 from particle residues that were not removed through the respective outlet opening 6.4 of the first chamber 6. Likewise, the washing stream can serve to wash the respective connection means connecting the pressurization unit 2 and the decompression unit 3. The washing fluid stream generation unit may be identical to the pressurization unit 2. The pressurization unit 2 may thus also be configured to generate a respective washing fluid stream free of transported polymer particles. The washing fluid stream may be a gas stream, such as an air stream or an inert gas stream.

[0071] The device 1 can be operated in a cleaning mode in which residual polymer particles can be removed from the decompression unit 3 by generating a pressurized cleaning fluid flow for cleaning the decompression unit 3 from residual polymer particles. In the respective cleaning mode, the operation of the inlet control device 6.5 and the outlet control device 6.6 is typically synchronized via the respective hardware-embodied and / or software-embodied control devices of the inlet control device 6.5 and the outlet control device 6.6 or via a higher-level hardware-embodied and / or software-embodied control device of the decompression unit 3 or the device 1, respectively. In particular, both the inlet control device 6.5 and the outlet control device 6.6 are transferred to their respective open states. Synchronization in the cleaning mode therefore typically means that both the inlet control device 6.5 and the outlet control device 6.6 are simultaneously in their respective open states.

[0072] Each cleaning mode may be initiated using a master key (e.g., a mechanical master key) configured to initiate a controlled synchronization of the inlet control device 6.5 and the outlet control device 6.6, causing them to each transition to an open state.

[0073] Figure 2 also shows that the apparatus 1 can comprise a support structure 9 for supporting at least the pressure reduction unit 3 in a desired orientation and / or position. As shown in Figure 2, each support structure 9 can support at least the pressure reduction unit 3 in a vertical orientation and / or position, i.e. in particular in an orientation and / or position in which the first chamber 6 and the second chamber 7 are vertically arranged with their respective central axes A1, A2 oriented at approximately 90° to a horizontal reference plane.

[0074] Even if not explicitly shown in the figures, at least the first chamber 6 and the second chamber 7 can be arranged, for example, within a housing structure of the device 1 that can protect them from environmental influences.

[0075] The apparatus 1 can form part of a higher level system 10 for processing polymer particles, in particular for post-processing of polymer particles. The system 10 comprises at least one storage device 11 for storing polymer particles to be processed via at least one processing device 12, such as a molding device for forming polymer parts, at least one processing device 12 for processing the polymer particles, and the apparatus 1.

[0076] The device 1 also makes it possible to realize a method for transporting polymer particles from a first location L1 to a second location L2, which method comprises the steps of generating, via a pressurization unit 2, a particle-carrying fluid stream comprising in particular polymer particles in a pressurized fluid, the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream having a first pressure level, and depressurizing, via a depressurization unit 3, the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream from the first pressure level to generate a depressurized particle-carrying fluid stream having a second pressure level. The pressure reduction unit 3 used in this method comprises a first chamber 6 for receiving a pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream, a second chamber 7 surrounding the first chamber 7, and optionally at least one damping device 8 for damping noise generated by depressurization of the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream by the pressure reduction unit 3, the first chamber 6 being bounded by a first wall structure 6.1 and the second chamber 7 being bounded by a second wall structure 7.1, the first wall structure 6.1 comprising at least one first opening 6.1.1 connecting the internal volume of the first chamber 6 to the internal volume of the second chamber 7, and the second wall structure 7.1 comprising at least one second opening 7.1.1 connecting the internal volume of the second chamber 7 to the at least one damping device 8.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for conveying polymer particles, in particular expanded polymer particles, from a first location (L1) to a second location (L2), the apparatus (1) comprising: a pressurization unit (2) for generating a pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream, in particular comprising polymer particles in a pressurized fluid, the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream having a first pressure level; a pressure reduction unit (3) for reducing the pressure of the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream from a first pressure level to produce a reduced pressure particle-carrying fluid stream having a second pressure level; Equipped with The pressure reduction unit (3) comprises a first chamber (6) for receiving a pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream and a second chamber (7) surrounding the first chamber (6), the first chamber (6) being bounded by a first wall structure (6.1) and the second chamber (7) being bounded by a second wall structure (7.1), The device, wherein the first wall structure (6.1) comprises at least one first opening (6.1.1) connecting the internal volume of the first chamber (6) to the internal volume of the second chamber (7), and the second wall structure (7.1) comprises at least one second opening (7.1.1) which can connect or connects the internal volume of the second chamber (7) to at least one damping device (8).

2. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressure reduction unit (3) further comprises at least one damping device (8) for damping noise generated by the pressure reduction of the pressurized particle-carrying fluid flow by the pressure reduction unit (3), the at least one damping device (8) optionally comprising a housing (8.1) containing a noise damping structure (8.3).

3. The first chamber (6) comprises at least one inlet opening (6.3) for a pressurized particle-carrying fluid flow and at least one outlet opening (6.4) for a reduced pressure particle-carrying fluid flow, 3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one inlet control device (6.5) for controlling the amount of pressurized particle-carrying fluid flow entering the first chamber (6) via the at least one inlet opening (6.3) is assigned to the at least one inlet opening (6.3) and at least one outlet control device (6.6) for controlling the amount of depressurized particle-carrying fluid flow and / or the amount of depressurized polymer particles leaving the first chamber (6) via the at least one outlet opening (6.4) is assigned to the at least one outlet opening (6.4).

4. 4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the inlet control device (6.5) is constructed as or comprises at least one valve device and / or the outlet control device (6.6) is constructed as or comprises at least one valve device.

5. 5. Apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising a control device (13) for controlling the operation of the at least one inlet control device (6.5) and / or the at least one outlet control device (6.6).

6. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first wall structure (6.1) delimiting the first chamber (6) comprises a plurality of first openings (6.1.1) forming a mesh or screen structure.

7. 7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first opening (6.1.1) has different dimensions, in particular different cross sections, between an inlet section, where the particle-carrying fluid flow enters the at least one opening from the first chamber (6), and an outlet section, where the particle-carrying fluid flow exits the at least one opening into the second chamber (7).

8. 8. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first wall structure (6.1) delimiting the first chamber (6) is constructed from or comprises a wire wrapped mesh or a wire wrapped screen.

9. An arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure reduction unit (3) comprises a plurality of damping devices (8) arranged at different positions with respect to the circumferential and / or longitudinal extension of the pressure reduction unit (3).

10. 10. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure reduction unit (3) comprises at least one group of at least two damping devices (8) arranged in a defined spatial relationship to one another, in particular arranged at a common longitudinal position but at different circumferential positions of the pressure reduction unit.

11. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a washing fluid stream generating unit for generating a pressurized washing fluid stream for washing the vacuum unit (3) from residual polymer particles.

12. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first chamber (6) and / or the second chamber (7) are constructed from or comprise at least one duct or pipe element.

13. A pressure reduction unit (3) for an apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising: The apparatus comprises a first chamber (6) for receiving a pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream and a second chamber (7) surrounding the first chamber (6), the first chamber (6) being bounded by a first wall structure (6.1) and the second chamber (7) being bounded by a second wall structure (7.1), A pressure reducing unit, wherein the first wall structure comprises at least one first opening (6.1.1) connecting the internal volume of the first chamber (6) to the internal volume of the second chamber (7), and the second wall structure (7.1) comprises at least one second opening (7.1) connecting the internal volume of the second chamber (7) to at least one damping device (8).

14. A system (10) for processing polymer particles, in particular a system for the post-processing of polymer particles, said system comprising: at least one storage device (11) for storing polymer particles which are to be processed through at least one processing device (12); At least one processing device (12) for processing polymer particles; and At least one device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 for transporting polymer particles from at least one storage device (11) to at least one processing device (12). A system comprising:

15. A method for conveying polymer particles from a first location (L1) to a second location (L2), the method comprising: - generating a particle-carrying fluid stream, in particular comprising polymer particles in a pressurized fluid, via a pressurization unit (2), the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream having a first pressure level; - reducing the pressure of the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream from a first pressure level via a pressure reduction unit (3) to generate a reduced pressure particle-carrying fluid stream having a second pressure level. Including, The method is carried out using a pressure reduction unit (3) comprising a first chamber (6) for receiving a pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream and a second chamber (7) surrounding the first chamber (6), the first chamber (6) being bounded by a first wall structure (6.1) and the second chamber (7) being bounded by a second wall structure (7.1), The method, wherein the first wall structure (6.1) comprises at least one first opening (6.1.1) connecting the internal volume of the first chamber (6) to the internal volume of the second chamber (7), and the second wall structure (7.1) comprises at least one second opening (7.1.1) which can connect or connects the internal volume of the second chamber (7) to at least one damping device (8).

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