Device for transporting polyolefin particles

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for transporting polyolefin particles, in particular foamed polyolefin particles, from a first position (L1) to a second position (L2), the apparatus (1) comprising: · A pressurizing unit (2) for generating a pressurized particle transport fluid stream containing polyolefin particles, in particular in a pressurized fluid, the pressurized particle transport fluid stream having a first pressure level, the pressurizing unit (2); · A decompression unit (3) for decompressing the pressurized particle transport fluid stream from the first pressure level to produce a decompressed particle transport fluid stream having a second pressure level comprising: The decompression unit (3) comprises a first chamber (6) for receiving the pressurized particle transport fluid stream and a second chamber (7) surrounding the first chamber (6), the first chamber (6) being delimited by a first wall structure (6.1) and the second chamber (7) being delimited 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) that 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 polyolefin particles, particularly foamed or cellular polyolefin particles, from a first position to a second position.

Background Art

[0002] Each apparatus for transporting polyolefin particles is generally known from the field of polyolefin processing and generally enables the transportation of polyolefin particles from a first position to a second position. Exemplary first positions may be a first polyolefin processing position such as, for example, a polyolefin particle production position, and exemplary second locations may be a second polyolefin processing position such as, for example, a polyolefin particle test position, a polyolefin particle packaging position, or a polyolefin part production position.

[0003] Heretofore, the transportation of polyolefin particles generally involves transporting the polyolefin particles with a pressurized fluid flow such as a pressurized gas flow. For this reason, the particles are usually transported with a pressurized fluid flow and thus need to be depressurized or decompressed at the second position after being transported from each first position to each second position.

[0004] However, depressurization is a problem, and the principles known from the prior art are often technically immature with respect to the depressurization or decompression of polyolefin particles, so it is necessary to improve the principle of depressurization or decompression of each polyolefin particle.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for transporting polyolefin particles from a first position to a second position that can improve the depressurization or decompression of polyolefin particles contained in a pressurized fluid.

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus for transporting polyolefin particles, in particular foamed or cellular polyolefin particles, i.e., polyolefin particles having a foamed or cellular structure, from a first position to a second position. The expression "polyolefin particles" generally refers to polyolefin polymer particles based on or containing one or more polyolefin polymer materials such as, for example, polyethylene and / or polypropylene. Each polyolefin material may include a mixture of two or more (chemically) different polyolefins, and thus the expression "polyolefin particles" generally also includes polyolefin mixtures, polyolefin copolymers, and the like. Thus, the apparatus is configured to transport each polyolefin particle from a first position to a second position. An exemplary first position may be a first polyolefin processing position such as, for example, a polyolefin particle production position, and an exemplary second position may be a second polyolefin processing position such as, for example, a polyolefin particle testing position, a polyolefin particle packaging position, a polyolefin component production position, and the like. At least one of the first position and the second position may be a particle storage device, such as a tank, for storing polyolefin particles.

[0007] The apparatus comprises a pressurizing unit and a depressurizing or pressure-relieving unit, the functions and structures of which are detailed below.

[0008] The pressurizing unit is configured to generate a pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream. The pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream usually contains polyolefin particles in 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, 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, 79 bar, 80 bar, 81 bar, 82 bar, 83 bar, 84 bar, 85 bar, 86 bar, 87 bar, 88 bar, 89 bar, 90 bar, 91 bar, 92 bar, 93 bar, 94 bar, 95 bar, 96 bar, 97 bar, 98 bar, 99 bar, 100 bar. Each of the foregoing exemplary values can also be regarded as a threshold value of the lower or upper limit of the pressure range of the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream. The foregoing exemplary pressure levels / values usually refer to absolute pressure levels / values. The foregoing pressure levels / values can also be used as threshold values for pressure level intervals.

[0009] The pressure reducing unit is configured to reduce the pressure of the pressurized particle conveying fluid flow from a first pressure level to a second pressure level that is lower than the first pressure level. The pressure reducing unit is thus configured to generate a reduced-pressure particle conveying fluid flow having a second pressure level that is lower than the first pressure level. Accordingly, the pressure reduction includes lowering the pressure level of the pressurized particle conveying fluid flow from the first pressure level to the 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 the pressurized particle conveying fluid flow is depressurized, the particles can be conveyed by gravity and / or the conveying fluid.

[0010] The pressurizing unit and the pressure reducing unit are typically connected via suitable connecting means such as tubes, hoses, pipes, etc., whereby the pressurized particle conveying fluid flow can flow from the pressurizing unit, i.e., in particular from the outlet opening of the pressurizing unit, to the pressure reducing unit, i.e., in particular to the inlet opening of the pressure reducing unit. Accordingly, the device can comprise a connecting unit comprising at least one connecting element such as a tube, hose, pipe, etc. connecting the pressurizing unit and the pressure reducing unit. The pressure reducing unit is typically arranged downstream of the pressurizing unit.

[0011] The pressure reducing unit comprises a first chamber and a second chamber.

[0012] The first chamber is configured to receive a pressurized particle transport fluid stream. The first chamber can comprise an inlet opening of the vacuum unit or can communicate directly or indirectly at least with the inlet opening of the vacuum unit. The first chamber can have a hollow cylindrical basic shape that defines a central axis of the first chamber. In particular, the first chamber can be constructed from at least one duct element or pipe element. Thus, the first chamber can include a duct-like shape or a pipe-like shape. Thus, the first chamber is extensible by selecting appropriate duct elements or pipe elements. In any case, the first chamber is provided with a first wall structure that defines or delimits a first volume representing the (internal) volume of the first chamber. Thus, according to a specific example, the first chamber can be configured, for example, generally as a tube or a pipe.

[0013] The second chamber surrounds the first chamber. The second chamber can also have a hollow cylindrical basic shape that defines a central axis of the second chamber. In particular, the second chamber can be constructed from at least one duct element or pipe element. Thus, the second chamber can have a duct-like shape or a pipe-like shape. Thus, the second chamber is extensible by selecting appropriate duct elements or pipe elements. In any case, the second chamber is provided with a second wall structure that defines or delimits a second volume representing the (internal) volume of the second chamber. Thus, according to a specific example, the first chamber and the second chamber can 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, and thus the second chamber can surround the first chamber. Thus, the first chamber can be accommodated within the (internal) volume of the second chamber.

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

[0015] As described above, the first chamber is delimited by a first wall structure and the second chamber is delimited by a second wall structure. The first wall structure comprises 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 can comprise at least one second opening connecting the internal volume of the second chamber (i.e., the second volume) to at least one attenuation device (if present).

[0016] Thus, the decompression unit comprises a specific fluid communication arrangement of the first chamber and the second chamber. Specifically, the first chamber and the second chamber are in fluid communication such that the fluid in the first chamber can enter the second chamber from the first chamber through at least one first opening provided in the first wall structure, particularly in the radial direction.

[0017] The dimensions of the at least one first opening are typically small enough to prevent the polyolefin 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 particle size or the average particle size of the polyolefin particles in the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream. Thus, the first wall structure functions as a separating means, sorting means, or screening means configured to separate, sort, or screen the polyolefin particles in the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream from the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream while the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream is simultaneously decompressed.

[0018] Due to the configuration of the pressure reducing unit, polyolefin particles can be depressurized without damaging the polyolefin particles. In particular, no visually perceptible damage occurs to the polyolefin particles.

[0019] In this way, a very effective and practical method for depressurizing each pressurized particle transport fluid stream is realized.

[0020] The pressure reducing unit can further include at least one damping device. The at least one damping device is configured to attenuate the noise generated by the depressurization of the pressurized particle transport fluid stream by the pressure reducing unit. The at least one damping device can include a housing having an internal space with a noise attenuation structure, such as a baffle structure, for attenuating the noise generated by the depressurization of the pressurized particle transport fluid stream by the pressure reducing unit. The noise attenuation structure can include a multi-dimensional arrangement of baffle elements arranged and / or oriented to attenuate each noise. The housing can include 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 attenuation structure is arranged or formed between the inlet and the outlet. Thus, the at least one damping device can be formed as a noise suppression device.

[0021] The second chamber and the internal spaces of each of the at least one damping device (if present), i.e., in particular the at least one damping device having a damping structure, are in fluid communication, whereby the fluid in the second chamber, for example the fluid entering the second chamber through at least one first opening, can enter the internal space of the at least one damping device through at least one second opening provided in the second wall structure, in particular in a radial direction, from the second chamber.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first chamber can include at least one inlet opening for the pressurized particle transport fluid stream and at least one outlet opening for the depressurized particle transport fluid stream.

[0023] At least one inlet control device can be assigned to at least one inlet opening of the first chamber. The at least one inlet control device is configured to control the amount of pressurized particle-carrying fluid flow entering the first chamber via the at least one inlet opening. Thus, the at least one inlet control device can determine the precise control of the amount of pressurized particle-carrying fluid flow entering the first chamber via the at least one inlet opening.

[0024] The at least one inlet control device can comprise at least one shutter element movably supported between at least two directions and / or positions, where the at least one first direction and / or position corresponds to the open state of the at least one inlet control device, in which a certain amount of pressurized particle-carrying fluid flow can enter the first chamber via the at least one inlet opening, and the at least one second direction and / or position corresponds to the closed state of the at least one inlet control device, in which a certain 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 each shutter element between its respective open and closed states, can be controlled by a control device embodied in the hardware of the inlet control device and / or a control device embodied in software, or by a control device embodied in the hardware of a decompression unit or device above and / or a control device embodied in software, respectively.

[0025] According to specific exemplary embodiments, at least one inlet control device can be constructed as at least one valve device or can 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, which is typically specified in relation to at least one inlet control device. Each valve device can be connected to at least one actuating device for actuating each valve element to switch at least one valve element between its 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 transport fluid flow and / or the amount of the depressurized polyolefin particles exiting the first chamber via the at least one outlet opening. Thus, the at least one outlet control device can determine the precise control of the amount of the depressurized particle transport fluid flow and / or the amount of the depressurized polyolefin particles exiting the first chamber via the at least one outlet opening. The at least one outlet control device can comprise at least one shutter element movably supported between at least two directions and / or positions, wherein the at least one first direction and / or position corresponds to an open state of the at least one outlet control device, in which a certain amount of the depressurized particle transport fluid flow can exit the first chamber via the at least one outlet opening, and the at least one second direction and / or position corresponds to a closed state of the at least one outlet control device, in which a certain amount of the depressurized particle transport fluid flow cannot exit the first chamber via 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 its respective open and closed states, can be controlled respectively by a control device embodied in the hardware of the outlet control device and / or a control device embodied in the software, or by a control device embodied in the hardware of a depressurization unit or device above and / or a control device embodied in the software.

[0027] According to a specific exemplary embodiment, at least one outlet control device can be constructed as at least one valve device or can 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, which is usually specified in relation to at least one outlet control device. Each valve device can be connected to at least one actuating device for actuating each valve element to switch at least one valve element between its open state and its closed state and vice versa.

[0028] The operation of at least one inlet control device and at least one outlet control device is usually synchronized via a control device embodied in the respective hardware of at least one inlet control device and at least one outlet control device and / or a control device embodied in software, or via a control device embodied in the hardware of a pressure reducing unit or a device above the unit and / or a control device embodied in software. Specifically, when at least one inlet control device is shifted to the open state, at least one outlet control device has previously been shifted to the closed state, and vice versa. In other words, shifting at least one inlet control device to the open state is usually done when at least one outlet control device is in the closed state, and vice versa. Thus, synchronization generally means that it never happens that at least one inlet control device and at least one outlet control device are simultaneously in their respective open states and / or closed states.

[0029] According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the first wall structure delimiting the first chamber can comprise not only one but a plurality of first openings forming a mesh structure or a screen structure. The openings can generally have a shape such as a hole or a shape such as a slit. However, as described above, the dimensions of the openings usually prevent polyolefin particles in the pressurized particle transport fluid flow from entering the second chamber.

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

[0031] According to further exemplary embodiments, the first wall structure delimiting the first chamber is constructed from or comprises a wire wrap mesh or a wire wrap screen. Each wire wrap mesh or wire wrap screen can have a hollow cylindrical shape that also defines the basic hollow cylindrical shape of the first chamber. Each wire wrap mesh or wire wrap screen enables a cost-effective and highly efficient separation of polyolefin particles from their respective pressurized particle transport fluid flow.

[0032] According to further exemplary embodiments, the decompression unit can comprise a plurality of respective damping devices arranged at different positions, for example different axial and / or radial and / or circumferential positions, with respect to the circumferential and / or longitudinal extension of the decompression unit. As an example, the decompression unit may comprise a plurality of damping devices arranged at different positions with respect to the circumferential and / or longitudinal extension of the decompression unit. By arranging each damping device at a different axial and / or radial and / or circumferential position, a more uniform decompression can be achieved. Increasing the number of damping devices can enhance the damping efficiency. In general, at least two damping devices may have different damping characteristics, for example, due to different designs of the damping structure.

[0033] At least two damping devices that are in the same axial position but in different circumferential positions, for example, in opposing circumferential positions, can each form a damping group or a damping stage. The pressure reducing unit can be provided with a plurality of such damping groups or damping stages at different axial positions. Each damping stage can be provided with the same number or a different number of damping devices.

[0034] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the device can comprise a cleaning fluid flow generating unit for generating a pressurized cleaning fluid flow for cleaning the pressure reducing unit from residual polyolefin particles. The cleaning flow serves in particular to clean the first chamber from particle residues that have not been removed through each outlet opening of the first chamber. Similarly, the cleaning flow can serve to clean each connection means connecting the pressurizing unit and the pressure reducing unit. The cleaning fluid flow generating unit can be identical to the pressurizing unit. Thus, the pressurizing unit can also be configured to generate a respective cleaning fluid flow that does not contain the polyolefin particles being conveyed. The cleaning fluid flow can be a gas flow such as an air flow or an inert gas flow.

[0035] By generating a pressurized cleaning fluid stream for cleaning the vacuum unit from residual polyolefin particles, the apparatus can be operated in a cleaning mode in which the residual polyolefin particles can be removed from the vacuum unit. In each cleaning mode, the operation of at least one inlet control device and at least one outlet control device is typically synchronized via a control device embodied in the respective hardware of at least one inlet control device and at least one outlet control device and / or a control device embodied in software, or via a control device embodied in the hardware of the vacuum unit or a higher-level hardware of the apparatus and / or a control device embodied in software. Specifically, both the at least one inlet control device and the at least one outlet control device are shifted to their respective open states. Thus, synchronization in the cleaning mode 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 can be initiated using a master key (e.g., a mechanical master key) configured to initiate controlled synchronization of at least one inlet control device and at least one outlet control device such that they each transition to an open state.

[0037] According to a further embodiment, the apparatus can comprise a support structure for supporting at least the vacuum unit in a desired direction and / or position. As an example, each support structure can support at least the vacuum unit in a vertical direction and / or vertical position, i.e., in particular, in a direction and / or position in which the first chamber and the second chamber are vertically arranged and their respective central axes are oriented in a direction approximately 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 can construct a columnar chamber arrangement.

[0039] According to a further exemplary embodiment, at least a first chamber and a second chamber can be arranged within a housing structure of the device. By arranging at least the first chamber and the second chamber within the housing structure, for example, they can be protected from the influence of the environment.

[0040] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a pressure reducing unit for the device according to the first aspect of the present invention. The pressure reducing unit includes a first chamber for receiving a pressurized particle transport fluid flow and a second chamber surrounding the first chamber. The first chamber is separated by a first wall structure, and the second chamber is separated by a second wall structure. The first wall structure includes at least one first opening connecting the internal volume of the first chamber to the internal volume of the second chamber, and the second wall structure includes at least one second opening that can connect the internal volume of the second chamber to at least one damping device (if present). All the annotations regarding the device according to the first aspect of the present invention are also applicable to the pressure reducing unit according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0041] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a system for processing polyolefin particles, particularly a system for post-processing polyolefin particles. This system includes at least one storage device for storing polyolefin particles to be processed via at least one processing device such as a molding device for molding polyolefin parts, at least one processing device for processing polyolefin particles, and at least one device according to the first aspect of the present invention. All the annotations regarding the device according to the first aspect of the present invention are also applicable to the system according to the third aspect of the present invention.

[0042] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a method for transporting polyolefin particles from a first position to a second position. The method includes generating a particle transport fluid stream containing polyolefin particles in a pressurized fluid, particularly via a pressurizing unit, such that the pressurized particle transport fluid stream has a first pressure level, and depressurizing the pressurized particle transport fluid stream from the first pressure level via a depressurizing unit to generate a depressurized particle transport fluid stream having a second pressure level. The depressurizing unit used in this method includes a first chamber for receiving the pressurized particle transport fluid stream and a second chamber surrounding the first chamber. The first chamber is separated by a first wall structure, the second chamber is separated by a second wall structure, the first wall structure includes at least one first opening connecting the internal volume of the first chamber to the internal volume of the second chamber, and the second wall structure includes at least one second opening that can connect the internal volume of the second chamber to at least one damping device (if present). All the notes regarding the apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention also apply to the method according to the fourth aspect of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0043] The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0044] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an apparatus 1 for transporting polyolefin particles according to an exemplary embodiment. The apparatus 1 is configured to transport each polyolefin particle from a first position L1 to a second position L2. The exemplary first position L1 may be a first polyolefin processing position, such as a polyolefin particle production position, and the exemplary second position L2 may be a second polyolefin processing position, such as a polyolefin particle test position, a polyolefin particle packaging position, or a polyolefin component production position. 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 polyolefin particles.

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

[0046] The pressurizing unit 2 is configured to generate a pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream (schematically shown by arrow 4 in FIG. 1). The pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream contains polyolefin particles in 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, or CO2. 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, particularly in the range of 1 bar to 50 bar, and more particularly 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 conveying fluid flow 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 pressure-reduced particle conveying fluid flow having a second pressure level lower than the first pressure level. Thus, the pressure reduction includes reducing the pressure level of the pressurized particle conveying fluid flow from the first pressure level to the 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 the second pressure level is lower than the first pressure level. Thus, after the pressurized particle conveying fluid flow is depressurized, the particles can be conveyed by gravity and / or the conveying fluid.

[0048] As is apparent from FIG. 1, the pressurizing unit 2 and the pressure reducing unit 3 are connected via suitable connecting means 5 such as tubes, hoses, pipes, etc., whereby the pressurized particle conveying fluid flow can flow from the pressurizing unit 2, i.e., in particular from the outlet opening 2.1 of the pressurizing unit 2, to the pressure reducing unit 3, i.e., in particular to the inlet opening 3.1 of the pressure reducing unit 3.

[0049] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the pressure reducing unit 3 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional cut-away view of the pressure reducing unit of FIG. 2, providing insight into the internal structure of the pressure reducing unit 3.

[0050] In particular, as is apparent from FIGS. 2 and 3, the pressure reducing unit 3 comprises a first chamber 6, a second chamber 7, and a plurality of optional damping devices 8.

[0051] The first chamber 6 is configured to receive a pressurized particle transport fluid flow. The first chamber 6 comprises the inlet opening 3.1 of the vacuum unit 3, or can communicate directly or indirectly at least with the inlet opening 3.1 of the vacuum unit 3. The first chamber 6 can have a hollow cylindrical basic shape defining a central axis A1 of the first chamber 6. The first chamber 6 can be constructed from at least one duct element or pipe element, whereby the first chamber 6 can include a duct-like shape or a pipe-like shape. Thus, the first chamber 6 is expandable by selecting suitable duct elements or pipe elements. In any case, the first chamber 6 comprises a first wall structure 6.1 defining or delimiting a first volume 6.2 representing the internal volume of the first chamber 6.

[0052] As is particularly apparent from FIG. 3, the second chamber 7 surrounds the first chamber 6. The second chamber 7 can also have a hollow cylindrical basic shape defining a central axis A2 of the second chamber 7. In particular, the central axis A2 of the second chamber 7 can coincide with the central axis A1 of the first chamber 6 and be coaxially arranged (see, for example, FIG. 3). The second chamber 7 can be constructed from at least one duct element or pipe element, whereby the second chamber 7 can include a duct-like shape or a pipe-like shape. Thus, the second chamber 7 is expandable by selecting suitable duct elements or pipe elements. In any case, the second chamber 7 comprises a second wall structure 7.1 defining or delimiting a second volume 7.2 representing the internal volume of the second chamber 7.

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

[0054] Figure 3 shows the coaxial arrangement of the first chamber 6 and the second chamber 7, which is based on the fact that the dimensions of the second chamber 7, specifically the inner diameter, are larger than the dimensions of the first chamber 6, specifically the outer diameter, so that the second chamber 7 can surround the first chamber 6. Accordingly, the first chamber 6 is accommodated within the internal volume of the second chamber 7.

[0055] In the exemplary embodiment of the figure, the first chamber 6 and the second chamber 7 are arranged at an angle of approximately 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 can be arranged vertically with their respective central axes A1, A2 oriented at approximately 90° with respect to the horizontal reference plane P. Accordingly, the particles can be conveyed, for example by gravity, through the decompression unit 3, that is, specifically through the first chamber 6, after the pressurized particle conveying fluid flow as described above has been decompressed.

[0056] Each damping device 8 is configured to damp the noise generated by the decompression of the pressurized particle conveying fluid flow by the decompression unit 3. Each damping device 8 can comprise a housing 8.1 having an internal space 8.2 with a noise damping structure 8.3 (schematically shown in Figure 3), for example a baffle structure, for damping the noise generated by the decompression of the pressurized particle conveying fluid flow by the decompression unit 3. The noise damping structure 8.3 can comprise a multi-dimensional arrangement of baffle elements arranged and / or oriented to damp each noise. The housing 8.1 can comprise an inlet 8.1.1 for the fluid flow entering the damping device 8 and an outlet 8.1.2 for the fluid flow exiting 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. Accordingly, each damping device 8 can be formed as an acoustic suppression device.

[0057] As is apparent from FIG. 3, the first wall structure 6.1 includes a plurality of first openings 6.1.1 that connect 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 apparent from FIG. 3, the second wall structure 7.1 includes a plurality of second openings 7.1.1 that connect the internal volume of the second chamber 7 (i.e., the second volume 7.1) to the respective damping devices 8.

[0058] Accordingly, the pressure reducing unit 3 has a specific fluid communication arrangement of the first chamber 6, the second chamber 7, and the respective damping devices 8. Specifically, 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 enter from the first chamber 6 into the second chamber 7 through the first openings 6.1.1 provided in the first wall structure 6.1. Further, the second chamber 7 and the damping devices, i.e., the respective internal spaces 8.2 particularly having the damping structure 8.3, are in fluid communication, whereby the fluid in the second chamber 7, for example, the fluid that has entered the second chamber 7 through the first openings 6.1.1, can enter from the second chamber 7 into the internal space 8.2 of the damping device 8 through the second openings 7.1.1 provided in the second wall structure 7.1.

[0059] The dimensions of the first openings 6.1.1 are usually small enough to prevent the polyolefin particles in the pressurized particle transport fluid stream from entering the second chamber 7. Accordingly, the dimensions of the first openings are usually at least smaller than the minimum particle size or the average particle size of the polyolefin particles in the pressurized particle transport fluid stream. As an example, the dimensions of the first openings 6.1.1 can be less than 1 mm, particularly less than 0.5 mm, and more particularly less than 0.25 mm. Accordingly, the first wall structure 6.1 functions as a separating means or a sorting means configured to separate or sort the polyolefin particles in the pressurized particle transport fluid stream from the pressurized particle transport fluid stream while the pressurized particle transport fluid stream is simultaneously depressurized.

[0060] The first chamber 6 also includes an inlet opening 6.3 for the pressurized particle transport fluid flow and an outlet opening 6.4 for the depressurized particle transport fluid flow. As is apparent from the drawings, the inlet opening 6.3 of the first chamber 6 also represents the inlet opening 3.1 of the vacuum unit 3, and the outlet opening 6.4 of the first chamber 6 also represents the outlet opening 3.2 of the vacuum unit 3.

[0061] An inlet control device 6.5 can be assigned to the inlet opening 6.3. The inlet control device 6.5 is configured to control the amount of the pressurized particle transport fluid flow entering the first chamber 6 through the inlet opening 6.3. Thus, the accurate control of the amount of the pressurized particle transport fluid flow entering the first chamber 6 through the inlet opening 6.3 can be determined by the inlet control device 6.5.

[0062] The inlet control device 6.5 includes a shutter element 6.5.1 that is movably supported between at least two directions and / or positions. At least one first direction and / or position corresponds to the open state of the inlet control device 6.5. In this open state, a certain amount of the pressurized particle transport fluid flow can enter the first chamber 6 through the inlet opening 6.3. At least one second direction and / or position corresponds to the closed state of the inlet control device 6.5. In this closed state, a certain amount of the pressurized particle transport fluid flow cannot enter the first chamber 6 through the inlet opening 6.3. The operation of the inlet control device 6.5, i.e., particularly the movement of the shutter element 6.5.1 between its respective open and closed states, can be controlled by a control device 13 embodied in the hardware of the vacuum unit 3 or the device 1 and / or a control device 13 embodied in the software.

[0063] The inlet control device 6.5 is constructed as at least one valve device or can comprise at least one valve device, which comprises at least one valve element (shutter element) movably supported between at least one open state and at least one closed state. The valve device can be connected to at least one actuating device (not shown) for actuating the valve element to switch the valve element 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 conveying fluid flow and / or the amount of the depressurized polyolefin particles exiting the first chamber 6 via the outlet opening 6.4. Thus, the accurate control of the amount of the depressurized particle conveying fluid flow and / or the amount of the depressurized polyolefin particles exiting the first chamber 6 via 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 movably supported between at least two directions and / or positions, wherein at least one first direction and / or position corresponds to the open state of the outlet control device 6.6, in which a certain amount of the depressurized particle conveying fluid flow can exit the first chamber 6 via the outlet opening 6.4, and at least one second direction and / or position corresponds to the closed state of the outlet control device 6.6, in which a certain amount of the depressurized particle conveying fluid flow cannot exit the first chamber 6 via 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 the control device 13 embodied in the hardware of the depressurization unit 3 or the device 1 and / or by the control device 13 embodied in the software.

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

[0066] The operations of the inlet control device 6.5 and the outlet control device 6.6 are synchronized via the control device 13. Specifically, when the inlet control device 6.5 transitions to the open state, the outlet control device 6.6 has previously transitioned to the closed state, and vice versa. In other words, the transition of the inlet control device 6.5 to the open state is usually performed when the outlet control device 6.6 is in the closed state, and vice versa. Therefore, synchronization means that the inlet control device 6.5 and the outlet control device 6.6 never become open and / or closed simultaneously.

[0067] The first wall structure 6.1 delimiting the first chamber 6 has a shape of a wire wrap mesh or a wire wrap screen, which also defines the hollow cylindrical basic shape of the first chamber 6, or can comprise a wire wrap mesh or a wire wrap screen. Therefore, the first opening 6.1.1 of the first wall structure 6.1 can have various dimensions, in particular various cross-sectional areas, between the inlet portion where the particle transport fluid flow enters the respective opening 6.1.1 from the first chamber 6 and the outlet portion where the particle transport fluid flow exits the respective opening 6.1.1 into the second chamber 7. Therefore, the wall portion of the first wall structure 6.1 delimiting the first opening 6.1.1 can be inclined with respect to an auxiliary axis extending radially from the central axis A1 of the first chamber 6.

[0068] As is apparent from FIGS. 2 and 3, the pressure reducing unit 3 may comprise a plurality of damping devices 8 arranged at different positions, for example different axial and / or radial and / or circumferential positions, with respect to the circumferential and / or longitudinal extensions of the pressure reducing unit, thereby enabling a more uniform pressure reduction.

[0069] As is apparent from FIGS. 2 and 3, at least two damping devices 3 arranged at the same axial position but different circumferential positions, for example opposite circumferential positions, can each form a damping group or a damping stage. The pressure reducing unit 3 can comprise a plurality of such damping groups or damping stages at different axial positions. Each damping stage can comprise the same number or a different number of damping devices 8.

[0070] The device 1 can comprise a cleaning fluid flow generating unit for generating a pressurized cleaning fluid flow for cleaning the pressure reducing unit 3 from residual polyolefin particles. The cleaning flow serves in particular to clean the first chamber 6 from particle residues that have not been removed through the respective outlet openings 6.4 of the first chamber 6. Similarly, the cleaning flow can serve to clean the respective connection means connecting the pressurizing unit 2 and the pressure reducing unit 3. The cleaning fluid flow generating unit can be identical to the pressurizing unit 2. Thus, the pressurizing unit 2 can also be configured to generate a respective cleaning fluid flow that does not contain the polyolefin particles being conveyed. The cleaning fluid flow can be a gas flow such as an air flow or an inert gas flow.

[0071] By generating a pressurized cleaning fluid stream for cleaning the vacuum unit 3 from residual polyolefin particles, the apparatus 1 can be operated in a cleaning mode in which the residual polyolefin particles can be removed from the vacuum unit 3. In each cleaning mode, the operation of the inlet control device 6.5 and the outlet control device 6.6 is usually via a control device embodied in the respective hardware of the inlet control device 6.5 and the outlet control device 6.6 and / or a control device embodied in software, or via a control device embodied in the hardware and / or a control device embodied in software of a higher-level hardware of the vacuum unit 3 or the apparatus 1, and are synchronized respectively. Specifically, both the inlet control device 6.5 and the outlet control device 6.6 are shifted to their respective open states. Therefore, synchronization in the cleaning mode usually 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 can be started using a master key (e.g., a mechanical master key) configured to initiate controlled synchronization of the inlet control device 6.5 and the outlet control device 6.6 such that they each transition to an open state.

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

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

[0075] Device 1 can form part of an upper system 10 for processing polyolefin particles, in particular for post-processing polyolefin particles. The system 10 includes at least one storage device 11 for storing polyolefin particles to be processed via at least one processing device 12 such as a molding device for molding polyolefin parts, at least one processing device 12 for processing the polyolefin particles, and the device 1.

[0076] Device 1 also enables the realization of a method for transporting polyolefin particles from a first position L1 to a second position L2. This method includes generating a particle transport fluid stream containing polyolefin particles in a pressurized fluid, in particular via a pressurizing unit 2, and the step that the pressurized particle transport fluid stream has a first pressure level, and reducing the pressure of the pressurized particle transport fluid stream from the first pressure level to generate a decompressed particle transport fluid stream having a second pressure level via a decompression unit 3. The decompression unit 3 used in this method includes a first chamber 6 for receiving the pressurized particle transport fluid stream, a second chamber 7 surrounding the first chamber 7, and at least one attenuation device 8 for attenuating the noise generated by the decompression of the pressurized particle transport fluid stream by the decompression unit 3. The first chamber 6 is delimited by a first wall structure 6.1, the second chamber 7 is delimited by a second wall structure 7.1, the first wall structure 6.1 includes 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 includes at least one second opening 7.1.1 connecting the internal volume of the second chamber 7 to at least one attenuation device 8.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for conveying polyolefin particles, in particular expanded polyolefin particles, from a first location (L1) to a second location (L2), comprising: a pressurization unit (2) for generating a pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream, in particular comprising polyolefin 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 reducing 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) that 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 depressurized particle-carrying fluid flow, 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one inlet control device (6.5) is assigned to at least one inlet opening (6.3) for controlling the amount of pressurized particle-carrying fluid flow entering the first chamber (6) via the at least one inlet opening (6.3), and at least one outlet control device (6.6) is assigned to at least one outlet opening (6.4) for controlling the amount of decompressed particle-carrying fluid flow and / or the amount of decompressed polyolefin particles leaving the first chamber (6) via 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. 4. The device according to claim 3, 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. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 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. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first opening (6.1.1) has different dimensions, in particular different cross sections, from an inlet section, where the particle-carrying fluid flow enters the at least one opening from the first chamber (6), to an outlet section, where the particle-carrying fluid flow exits the at least one opening into the second chamber (7).

8. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first wall structure (6.1) delimiting the first chamber (6) is constructed from or comprises a wire-wrapped mesh or screen.

9. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the pressure reduction unit (3) comprises a plurality of damping devices (8) arranged at different positions relative to the circumferential and / or longitudinal extension of the pressure reduction unit (3).

10. 2. The device according to claim 1, 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. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a washing fluid stream generation unit for generating a pressurized washing fluid stream for washing the vacuum unit (3) from residual polyolefin particles.

12. 2. The device according to claim 1, 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 the device (1) according to claim 1, comprising: The device 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 decompression 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) which can connect or connects the internal volume of the second chamber (7) to at least one damping device (8).

14. A system (10) for treating polyolefin particles, in particular a system for post-treatment of polyolefin particles, said system comprising: at least one storage device (11) for storing polyolefin particles that are processed through at least one processing device (12); At least one processing device (12) for processing polyolefin particles; and At least one device (1) according to claim 1 for transporting polyolefin particles from at least one storage device (11) to at least one processing device (12). A system comprising:

15. 1. A method for conveying polyolefin particles from a first location (L1) to a second location (L2), the method comprising: - generating a particle-carrying fluid stream comprising polyolefin particles in a pressurized fluid via a pressurization unit (2), the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream having a first pressure level; - depressurizing the pressurized particle-carrying fluid stream from a first pressure level via a depressurization unit (3) to produce a depressurized 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) that can connect or connects the internal volume of the second chamber (7) to at least one damping device (8).

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