Polymer particle pressurizing device

Abstract

An apparatus for pressurizing polymer particles with a gas to generate a specific expansion capacity of the polymer particles, the apparatus comprising at least one pressure tube constituting a polymer particle processing volume, the at least one pressure tube having a length and an inner diameter, the ratio of the length to the inner diameter being 5 or more, and the inner diameter being 500 mm or less.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for pressurizing polymer particles with a gas to generate a specific expansion capacity in the polymer particles. [Background technology]

[0002] Expandable cellular polymer particles refined by pressure are known to require placing the polymer particles in a pressurized atmosphere for a period of time. Placing the polymer particles in a pressurized atmosphere allows pressurized gas to penetrate the hollow regions of each polymer particle, for example, by a diffusion process, resulting in specific expansion behavior or expansion capabilities of the polymer particles. The expansion behavior or expansion capabilities of the polymer particles allow for further processing of the polymer particles, for example, by secondary expansion to reduce bulk density or by molding to produce expanded particle parts.

[0003] Each pressurization of the polymer particles is typically carried out using a large autoclave that can be pressurized (hereinafter referred to as an "autoclave-based pressurization system"). Each autoclave is filled with the polymer particles to be pressurized and set under medium to high pressure, typically at a high temperature, to achieve pressurization of the polymer particles and generate a specific expansion behavior or expansion capacity of the polymer particles. Because each autoclave has a large internal volume, typically an internal diameter of 1,000 mm or more, it is necessary to achieve the desired pressurization conditions, i.e., the desired temperature level throughout the entire volume, as well as to maintain the pressurization for a long time, and it is necessary to maintain the pressurization of the polymer particles in each autoclave for several hours, typically several days, in order to generate a specific expansion behavior or expansion capacity uniformly in all the polymer particles. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for more efficiently pressurizing polymer particles into a gas to generate specific expansion capabilities of the polymer particles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The subject matter of the dependent claims indicates possible embodiments of the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a particularly efficient apparatus for pressurizing polymer particles with a gas to generate specific expansion behavior or expansion capacity in the polymer particles. Thus, the apparatus described herein is generally configured to pressurize compact or (pre-)expanded polymer particles with a gas to generate specific expansion behavior or expansion capacity in the polymer particles. Gas pressurization of polymer particles can also be considered as filling the polymer particles with a gas, for example, by a dissolution process typically applied to compact starting polymer particles, and / or filling the cellular spaces of the polymer particles with a gas, for example, by a diffusion process typically applied to starting (pre-)expanded polymer particles. Thus, the apparatus described herein can also be considered as an apparatus for producing polymer particles with specific expansion behavior or expansion capacity. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus described herein can be considered as an apparatus for purifying polymer particles so as to impart to the polymer particles a specific expansion behavior or expansion capacity relative to an original state which may not have the expansion behavior or expansion capacity typically applied to the starting compact polymer particles or which may already have the (minor) expansion behavior or expansion capacity typically applied to the starting (pre-)expanded polymer particles.

[0007] Each pressurized polymer particle having a particular expansion behavior or expansion capacity typically has a cellular (internal) structure. Each pressurized polymer particle having a particular expansion behavior or expansion capacity can be considered a (pre-)expanded polymer particle.

[0008] Each pressed polymer particle having a particular expansion behavior or expansion capacity can be further processed by at least one second process. The second process can be or include an expansion process in which each pressed polymer particle having a particular expansion behavior or expansion capacity is further expanded under the influence of thermal energy, particularly radiation-based thermal energy such as infrared radiation, or steam-based thermal energy. Alternatively or additionally, the second process can be or include a molding process in which each polymer particle having a particular expansion behavior or expansion capacity is molded to produce one or more expanded particle parts.

[0009] The apparatus may include at least one pressure tube. The at least one pressure tube may thus generally be configured as a tube exhibiting a particular diameter-to-length ratio that is typically different from the diameter-to-length ratio of autoclaves used in conventional autoclave-based pressurization systems. In particular, the at least one pressure tube may be configured as a vertical tube, particularly a straight tube, having a longitudinal axis defining its length and axial direction, and a transverse axis defining its outer and inner diameters and radial direction.

[0010] At least one pressure tube comprises a particle processing volume. The particle processing volume may comprise at least a portion of, and particularly the entire, interior volume of, the at least one pressure tube. The interior volume of the at least one pressure tube is bounded by one or more walls of the at least one pressure tube. In other words, the at least one pressure tube may comprise one or more walls and define an interior volume that may be the particle processing volume.

[0011] As mentioned above, due to its longitudinal geometric configuration, the at least one pressure tube has a length and an inner diameter. In particular, the ratio of the length of the at least one pressure tube to the inner diameter of the at least one pressure tube is equal to or greater than 5. In particular, the ratio of the length of the at least one pressure tube to the inner diameter of the at least one pressure tube may be equal to or greater than 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30. The ratio value may also be a threshold value for a ratio interval.

[0012] Furthermore, the inner diameter of at least one pressure tube is less than or equal to 500 mm. In particular, the inner diameter of at least one pressure tube is less than or equal to 475 mm, 450 mm, 425 mm, 400 mm, 375 mm, 350 mm, 325 mm, 300 mm, 275 mm, 250 mm, 225 mm, 200 mm, 175 mm, 150 mm, 125 mm, 100 mm, 75 mm, or 50 mm. The inner diameter values ​​may also be threshold inner diameter spacings.

[0013] Thus, at least one pressure tube has a particular geometric configuration, typically having a different length to inside diameter ratio, which differs from the geometries of conventional autoclave-based pressurized systems, which typically have an inside diameter of 1,000 mm or more.

[0014] The particular geometric configuration of the at least one pressure tube has various advantages with respect to pressurizing the polymer particles to produce particular expansion behaviors or expansion capabilities, respectively.

[0015] One advantage of the geometric configuration of the at least one pressure tube is that the at least one pressure tube can more quickly, easily, and efficiently establish and maintain desired processing conditions within the particle processing volume. This allows desired processing conditions, i.e., desired pressure level distributions, desired temperature levels, and temperature level distributions, etc., to be more quickly and easily achieved, particularly since the inner diameter of the at least one pressure tube is essentially reduced, not only in the radial direction of the at least one pressure tube, but also in the axial direction of the at least one pressure tube, relative to the autoclave of a conventional autoclave-based pressurized system. In other words, desired processing conditions can be reached and maintained the same more quickly, easily, and efficiently throughout the cross-sectional area of ​​the at least one pressure tube as well as the entire particle processing volume.

[0016] Another advantage of the geometry of the at least one pressure tube is that due to the small to moderate radius, the pressure-induced mechanical loads, typically tensile loads in the circumferential direction (hoop stress), on the at least one pressure tube are relatively small, which allows the at least one pressure tube to have a relatively thin wall thickness. In particular, the wall thickness of the at least one pressure tube is 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.9 mm, 3.0 mm, 4.0 mm, 5.0 mm, 6.0 mm, 7.0 mm, 8.0 mm, 9.0 mm, 10.0 mm. The thickness value may also be a threshold value for the thickness interval.

[0017] Thus, at least one pressure tube may generally be constructed from a material that is less mechanically stable than the autoclaves of conventional autoclave-based pressurization systems, which require high-strength metal grades, particularly standard metals such as aluminum or standard steel. Furthermore, the apparatus may include multiple standard tubes as pressure tubes, which allows for a significant reduction in the manufacturing costs of the apparatus compared to the typically welded autoclaves of conventional autoclave-based pressurization systems.

[0018] Another advantage of the geometric configuration of the at least one pressure pipe is that the footprint of the at least one pressure pipe is significantly smaller than that of an autoclave in a conventional autoclave-based pressurized system, which not only facilitates installation, service, repair, etc., but also facilitates installation of the at least one pressure pipe in small installation spaces, such as the interior walls of a building, and allows for efficient installation of multiple pressure pipes in a given installation space.

[0019] Thus, an improved apparatus is provided for pressurizing polymer particles with a gas to generate specific expansion behavior or expansion capacity of the polymer particles.Thus, an improved apparatus is provided for pressurizing polymer particles with a gas to generate specific expansion behavior or expansion capacity of the polymer particles, which results in particular from the specific geometric configuration of at least one pressure tube.

[0020] The apparatus may further comprise a polymer particle feeder configured to feed a feed stream of polymer particles, in particular a periodically pressurized, air-based feed stream of polymer particles, to the particle processing volume of the at least one pressure pipe. The polymer particle feeder may be arranged or configured upstream of the at least one pressure pipe and connected to the at least one pressure pipe via one or more connecting elements, such as a connecting pipe, a connecting pipe, etc.

[0021] The polymer particle feed streams may be pneumatic polymer particle feed streams. Each pneumatic polymer particle feed stream may comprise a pressurized feed medium and polymer particles fed into the particle processing volume of at least one pressure line. The feed medium may be supplied from a feed medium supply device. The feed medium source may be a gas source or a gas reservoir. The feed medium source may be connected to the infrastructure of a higher-level facility, such as a manufacturing facility, where a gas suitable for use as the respective feed medium, e.g., compressed air, is present.

[0022] The transport medium may be a transport gas. The transport gas may be, for example, air. The transport medium may be pressurized and / or temperature regulated. The transport medium may comprise a pressure range of 1 bar to 10 bar, in particular a pressure range of 2 bar to 9 bar, more particularly a pressure range of 3 bar to 8 bar, even more particularly a pressure range of 4 bar to 7 bar, and even more particularly a pressure range of 5 bar to 6 bar. The pressure values ​​may be threshold pressure intervals.

[0023] At least one polymer particle supply device is connectable to or connected to at least one polymer particle inlet opening of the polymer particle inlet section of at least one pressure tube. Thus, the at least one pressure tube has a polymer particle inlet section with one or more polymer particle inlet openings, through which polymer particles pressurized through the device can flow into the particle processing volume. The one or more polymer particle inlet openings are typically provided at a first free end, particularly an upper free end, of the at least one pressure tube (e.g., when its longitudinal axis is arranged parallel to the vertical axis). The one or more polymer particle inlet openings may be provided on the axial side of each first free end of the at least one pressure tube.

[0024] At least one polymer particle inlet control device may be assigned to the polymer particle inlet section, in particular to one or more polymer particle inlet openings. The polymer particle inlet control device is configured to control the amount of polymer particles flowing into the particle processing volume. The polymer particle inlet control device may consist of or comprise at least one polymer particle inlet control valve device. The polymer particle inlet control valve device may comprise one or more valve elements capable of transitioning between at least one open state in which polymer particles can pass through the polymer particle inlet control valve device and be transported to the particle processing volume through the one or more polymer particle inlet openings, and at least one closed state in which polymer particles cannot pass through the polymer particle inlet control valve device and be transported to the particle processing volume through the one or more polymer particle inlet openings.

[0025] The polymer particle inlet control device is configured to allow for semi-continuous or discontinuous / batch operation, such that the polymer particles can flow into the particle processing volume in a semi-continuous or discontinuous / batch manner.

[0026] The polymer particle inlet controller may include a control unit implemented in hardware and / or software configured to control operation of the polymer particle inlet controller. The control unit may communicate with other control units of the apparatus and / or a central control unit of the apparatus configured to control operation of the apparatus. In particular, the central control unit of the apparatus may be configured to implement one or more operating modes of the apparatus.

[0027] Typically, the at least one pressure tube also includes one or more polymer particle outlet openings through which the pressurized polymer particles can flow out of the particle processing volume. The one or more polymer particle outlet openings are typically provided at the second free end, particularly the lower free end, of the at least one pressure tube (when its longitudinal axis is arranged parallel to the vertical axis). The one or more polymer particle outlet openings may be provided at the axial side of each second free end of the at least one pressure tube.

[0028] At least one polymer particle outlet control device may be assigned to the polymer particle outlet section, in particular to one or more polymer particle outlet openings. The polymer particle outlet control device is configured to control the amount of pressurized polymer particles flowing out of the particle processing volume after pressurization. The polymer particle outlet control device may consist of or comprise at least one polymer particle outlet control valve device. The polymer particle outlet control valve device may comprise one or more valve elements capable of transitioning between at least one open state in which pressurized polymer particles can pass through the polymer particle outlet control valve device and be transported out of the particle processing volume through the one or more polymer particle outlet openings, and at least one closed state in which pressurized polymer particles cannot pass through the polymer particle outlet control valve device and be transported out of the particle processing volume through the one or more polymer particle outlet openings.

[0029] The polymer particle outlet control device is configured to allow for semi-continuous or discontinuous / batch operation, such that the polymer particles can be discharged from the particle processing volume in a semi-continuous or discontinuous / batch manner.

[0030] The polymer particle outlet controller may comprise a control unit, implemented in hardware and / or software, configured to control the operation of the polymer particle outlet controller, which control unit may communicate with other control units of the apparatus and / or with a central control unit of said apparatus.

[0031] The at least one pressure tube may include at least one double-walled section. The at least one double-walled section of the at least one pressure tube may be comprised of an outer wall structure, which may be the outer wall of the at least one pressure tube, defining a first interior volume of the at least one double-walled section of the at least one pressure tube, and an inner wall structure, which is disposed or configured inside the first interior volume of the at least one pressure tube, defining a second interior volume of the at least one double-walled section of the at least one pressure tube. The first interior volume may be or delimit a cylindrical or annular volume (barrel jacket volume). The second interior volume may be or delimit a cylindrical volume. The first and second interior volumes communicate with each other through one or more openings, such as holes, slits, etc., provided in the inner wall structure. The one or more openings are sized and shaped relative to the size and shape of the polymer particles to be processed in the particle processing volume of the at least one pressure tube such that the size and / or shape of the polymer particles prevents them from entering the first internal volume from the second internal volume, particularly during application of a large gas flow. The one or more openings may provide an inner wall structure having a filter-like, grid-like, or sieve-like configuration and function, respectively.

[0032] The at least one double-walled section is particularly configured to separate the polymer particles from the conveying medium. In this way, the at least one double-walled section can be considered a separation unit configured to separate each feed stream of polymer particles into the conveying medium and the polymer particles. The conveying medium can flow out of the at least one pressure tube through the inner wall structure having one or more openings, the outer wall structure, and the gas outlet of the at least one pressure tube. After being separated from the conveying medium, the polymer particles can fall into the at least one pressure tube and the particle processing volume based solely on gravity, allowing for very "soft" filling of the at least one pressure tube and the polymer particle processing volume, respectively.

[0033] The polymer particle inlet of the at least one pressure tube may comprise at least one double-walled section of the at least one pressure tube. Thus, the double-walled section of the at least one pressure tube may be provided at a first free end, in particular an upper free end, of the at least one pressure tube (e.g., when its longitudinal axis is arranged parallel to the vertical axis).

[0034] The polymer particle feeder may include a nozzle arrangement including one or more nozzles, particularly Venturi nozzles, configured to generate a polymer particle stream with desired characteristics, i.e., in particular, a desired pressure, a desired flow profile, a desired flow velocity, etc. The nozzle arrangement may be provided upstream of the polymer particle inlet control device.

[0035] The apparatus may further comprise a temperature control device configured to temperature-control, in particular heat, the polymer particles and / or the carrier medium and / or the feed stream of polymer particles supplied into the particle processing volume. The temperature control device may also be configured to dry the polymer particles and / or the carrier medium and / or the feed stream of polymer particles, respectively. The temperature control device may be arranged or configured upstream of at least one pressure pipe. In particular, the temperature control device may comprise a respective connection element, such as a connecting pipe, a connecting tube, etc., to which the polymer particle supply device is connected. The temperature control device may comprise one or more temperature control elements, such as, for example, electric heating elements, the operation of which may be controlled through a control unit implemented in the hardware and / or software of the temperature control device.

[0036] The apparatus may further comprise a pressure supply device configured to supply pressurized gas into the particle processing volume of the at least one pressure tube. The pressure supply device may be connected to the gas inlet of the at least one pressure tube. The gas inlet of the at least one pressure tube may comprise one or more gas inlet openings. The pressure supply device may be connected to the at least one pressure tube through one or more connecting elements, such as connecting pipes or connecting tubes. For example, air is typically applied to (pre-)expanded polymer particles, or carbon dioxide is typically applied to compact polymer particles. In either case, the pressurized gas may also be a mixture of at least two gases. The pressurized gas may be supplied from a pressurized gas supply source. Accordingly, the pressurized gas supply source may be a gas supply source or a gas reservoir, respectively. The pressurized gas supply source may be connected to the infrastructure of a higher-level facility, such as a manufacturing facility, in which pressurized gases suitable for use as the respective pressurized gases are present.

[0037] The pressurized gas that can be supplied or is supplied by the pressure supply device can have an absolute pressure equal to or greater than 1 bar, which is the ambient pressure. In particular, the pressurized gas can have a pressure of 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 The absolute pressures may be 7 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. The pressure values ​​may also be thresholds for pressure intervals.

[0038] Thus, during operation of the at least one pressure tube in at least the pressurized mode, the pressure within the particle processing volume may exceed 1 bar, and thus may exceed ambient pressure. The pressure level of the pressurized gas deliverable or supplied by the pressure supply device may correspond to the pressure level within the particle processing volume of the at least one pressure tube during operation of the device in at least the pressurized mode.

[0039] At least one gas inlet control device may be assigned to a gas inlet section of at least one pressure line, in particular to one or more gas inlet openings of the gas inlet section. The gas inlet control device is configured to control the amount of pressurized gas flowing into the particle processing volume. The gas inlet control device may consist of or comprise at least one gas inlet control valve device. The gas inlet control valve device may comprise one or more valve elements transitionable between at least one open state in which pressurized gas can pass through the gas inlet control (valve) device and flow through the one or more gas inlet openings into the particle processing volume, and at least one closed state in which pressurized gas cannot pass through the gas inlet control (valve) device and flow through the one or more gas inlet openings into the particle processing volume.

[0040] The gas inlet control device may be capable of continuous, quasi-continuous, or discontinuous operation, allowing pressurized gas to flow continuously, quasi-continuously, or discontinuously into the particle processing volume.

[0041] The gas inlet controller may comprise a control unit implemented in hardware and / or software configured to control the operation of the gas inlet controller, the control unit may communicate with other control units of the device and / or with a central control unit of said device.

[0042] The gas inlet port of the at least one pressure tube may be provided with at least one double-walled portion of the at least one pressure tube. In particular, the gas inlet port may be provided adjacent to the polymer particle inlet port. As mentioned above, the polymer particle inlet port may typically be provided at a first free end of the at least one pressure tube. The apparatus may further comprise a temperature control device configured to regulate the temperature, in particular heat, of the pressurized gas supplied to the at least one pressure tube. The temperature control device may be configured to dry the pressurized gas. The temperature control device may comprise a connection element, such as a connecting pipe or a connecting tube, via which the pressure supply device may be connected to the at least one pressure tube. The temperature control device may comprise one or more temperature control elements, such as, for example, an electric heating element.

[0043] As further indicated above, the at least one pressure tube may further comprise a gas outlet port. The gas outlet port may comprise one or more gas outlet openings through which a feed stream of polymer particles, particularly a gas such as a pressurized gaseous carrier medium, may exit the particle processing volume, e.g., in a filling mode of the device in which the particle processing volume is filled with pressurized polymer particles. Each gas outlet port may be provided at a first free end, i.e., typically the upper end, of the at least one pressure tube. Each first free end of the at least one pressure tube is the end of the at least one pressure tube that comprises the polymer particle inlet port.

[0044] At least one gas outlet control device is assigned to the gas outlet, in particular to one or more gas outlets of the gas outlet. The gas outlet control device is configured to control the amount of gas flowing out of the at least one pressure line, for example in each filling mode of the device. The gas outlet control device may consist of or comprise at least one gas outlet control valve device. The gas outlet control valve device may comprise one or more valve elements that are transitionable between at least one open state, in which gas can pass through the gas outlet control (valve) device and flow out of the at least one pressure line through the one or more gas outlet openings, and at least one closed state, in which gas cannot pass through the gas outlet control (valve) device and flow out of the at least one pressure line through the one or more gas outlet openings.

[0045] The gas outlet control device may be configured to allow continuous, quasi-continuous, or discontinuous operation, such that gas may be continuously, quasi-continuously, or discontinuously discharged from the at least one pressure line.

[0046] The gas outlet controller may comprise a control unit implemented in hardware and / or software configured to control the operation of the gas outlet controller, the control unit may communicate with other control units of the device and / or with a central control unit of said device.

[0047] The gas outlet port of the at least one pressure tube may also be provided in at least one double-walled portion of the at least one pressure tube. In particular, the gas outlet port may be provided adjacent to the polymer particle inlet port. More particularly, the gas outlet port may be provided between the polymer particle inlet port and the gas inlet port. As mentioned above, the polymer particle inlet port is typically provided at the first free end of the at least one pressure tube. By providing the gas outlet port in the double-walled portion of the at least one pressure tube, it is ensured that only gas, and not polymer particles, flows out of the at least one pressure tube through the gas outlet port and each gas outlet opening.

[0048] The gas inlet and / or gas outlet of the at least one pressure line can cooperate to control or regulate the pressurization of the at least one pressure line and the particle processing volume. The control or regulation of the pressurization of the at least one pressure line and the particle processing volume can be effectively performed by alternating operation of the at least one gas inlet controller and the at least one gas outlet controller. In particular, the control or regulation of the pressurization of the at least one pressure line and the particle processing volume can include a first step of opening the at least one gas inlet controller for a specific time to allow pressurized gas to flow into the particle processing volume, thereby increasing the pressure in the particle processing volume by a predetermined amount, e.g., to reach a first (upper) threshold pressure, while closing the at least one gas outlet controller; and a second step of closing the at least one gas inlet controller to prevent pressurized gas from flowing into the particle processing volume and opening the at least one gas outlet controller for a specific time to allow pressurized gas to flow out of the particle processing volume, thereby decreasing the pressure in the particle processing volume by a predetermined amount, e.g., to reach a second (lower) threshold pressure. By operating the at least one gas inlet controller and the at least one gas outlet controller and performing two steps alternately, the pressure in the at least one pressure line and the particle processing volume can be reliably controlled and regulated, respectively. Each alternate operation of the at least one gas inlet controller and the at least one gas outlet controller can be performed, for example, through a central controller.

[0049] The apparatus may further comprise a damping device, in particular an acoustic damping device, connectable or connected to the gas outlet section and configured to damp, i.e. in particular reduce pressure, the pressurized gas flow exiting the at least one pressure tube through the gas outlet section. The damping device may comprise a damping structure including one or more damping elements, such as damping walls, to dampen noise resulting from gas exiting the at least one pressure tube through the one or more gas outlet openings of the gas outlet section. The damping device may be located or configured upstream of the gas outlet control device.

[0050] The apparatus may further include a heating device configured to heat the particle processing volume of the at least one pressure tube. Heating the particle processing volume, and thus the polymer particles packed therein, can significantly improve the efficiency of the polymer particle compression process. As described above, the at least one pressure tube, due to its special geometric configuration, allows desired processing conditions, such as desired temperature levels and temperature level distributions, to be achieved more quickly not only in the radial direction of the at least one pressure tube but also in the axial direction of the at least one pressure tube. In other words, the desired temperature level can be reached and maintained more quickly, easily, and efficiently not only in the cross-sectional area of ​​the at least one pressure tube but also in the entire particle processing volume. The heating device may be particularly configured to heat the particle processing volume to a temperature in the range of 10 to 100°C, particularly in the range of 30 to 80°C, and more particularly in the range of 50 to 60°C. Typically, the temperature is selected taking into account the properties of the polymer particles to be compressed, i.e., at least one of the softening temperature, glass transition temperature, or melting temperature.

[0051] The heating device can be configured to generate multiple temperature zones within the particle processing volume, each having the same or different temperatures. In this manner, highly individualized temperature control of the particle processing volume can be achieved. As noted above, each temperature control typically aims for a constant temperature level and / or temperature distribution throughout the particle processing volume of at least one pressure tube, ensuring constant pressurization of the polymer particles, and therefore gas loading of the polymer particles, regardless of their location within the particle processing volume.

[0052] The heating device may include a controller implemented in hardware and / or software to control the operation of the heating device, which may communicate with other controllers of the device and / or with a central controller of said device.

[0053] The control unit of the heating device may be configured to control the operation of the heating device to provide a specific temperature or temperature profile, e.g., a constant temperature or a constant temperature profile, in at least one pressure tube, particularly in the particle processing volume, during pressurization of polymer particles in the particle processing volume. The control unit of the heating device may be configured to control the operation of the heating device to create, adjust, or maintain a specific temperature profile in the particle processing volume. Each constant temperature may be, for example, in the range of 20-50°C, particularly 20-30°C, to ensure stable process conditions (despite low ambient temperatures). Each temperature profile may, for example, compensate for possible convection and / or diffusion effects, promote the ability to dissolve gases in the polymer particles, or promote the ability to diffuse gases into the polymer particles. Each temperature profile may be material- and / or process-specific, such that each material and / or process is processed / performed with its own unique temperature profile.

[0054] The heating device may comprise one or more heating elements. The one or more heating elements may be arranged at different positions of the at least one pressure pipe, in particular on the outer surface of the at least one pressure pipe, and / or may extend in different directions along the at least one pressure pipe, in particular on the outer surface of the at least one pressure pipe. Each heating element may be assigned to a specific temperature zone of the at least one pressure pipe. Each heating element may comprise, for example, an electric heating element and / or a heating channel element through which a heating medium can flow.

[0055] The at least one pressure tube may be at least partially, in particular entirely, surrounded by at least one insulating element. The at least one insulating element avoids or reduces undesired temperature losses, thereby enabling efficient temperature control within the particle processing volume and improving the energy efficiency of the device. The at least one insulating element may be manufactured from a thermally insulating material, such as glass fiber, mineral fiber, plastic foam, etc., and / or may form a thermally insulating material structure, such as a woven glass structure, a woven mineral fiber structure, a plastic foam structure, etc.

[0056] The apparatus may comprise one or more sensor elements configured to sense chemical and / or physical quantities in at least one pressure line and / or one or more of the devices of the apparatus. Accordingly, each sensor element may be mounted on or within at least one pressure line, particularly within the particle processing volume. Alternatively or additionally, each sensor element may be mounted on or within a polymer particle supply device and / or a pressure supply device and / or a polymer particle inlet control device and / or a polymer particle outlet control device and / or a gas outlet control device and / or a gas inlet control device and / or a connecting element such as a connecting pipe, connecting tube, etc.

[0057] In particular, the device may include one or more sensor elements configured to sense chemical and / or physical quantities within the particle processing volume during one or more modes of operation of the device, and each sensor's information may be used to control operation of the device, e.g., to implement a control loop based on the sensor's information, during one or more modes of operation of the device.

[0058] In particular examples, the apparatus may include one or more pressure sensors or pressure sensing devices configured to sense pressure levels within the particle processing volume, and each pressure value, particularly in conjunction with one or more other sensor values, may be used by a respective control unit to control operation of the apparatus.

[0059] As another example, the apparatus may include one or more temperature sensors or temperature detection devices configured to detect temperature levels on or within the particle processing volume, and each temperature value, particularly in conjunction with one or more other sensor values, may be used by a respective control unit to control operation of the apparatus.

[0060] As noted above, the device is operable and therefore can be operated in one or more modes of operation, non-limiting examples of which are provided below.

[0061] The apparatus can operate in a filling mode, in which the particle processing volume can be filled or filled with pressurized polymer particles to produce each specific expansion behavior or capacity. Implementation of each filling mode can be performed through a central control unit implemented in the apparatus's hardware and / or software. The central control unit can communicate with one or more devices of the apparatus necessary to enable the filling mode. In a filling mode, which can include continuous, quasi-continuous, or discontinuous (stepwise) filling of the particle processing volume with pressurized polymer particles, one or more of the following processes can be performed sequentially or in parallel:

[0062] The polymer particle supply device supplies polymer particles to the particle processing volume of at least one pressure tube to fill the particle processing volume with pressurized polymer particles. Typically, the particle processing volume is completely filled with pressurized polymer particles. In this manner, the polymer particle inlet control device enables the particle processing volume to be filled with polymer particles. In this manner, one or more polymer particle inlet control valve devices are in an open state. In particular, each one or more valve elements are transitioned to at least one open state, allowing pressurized polymer particles to pass through the one or more control valve devices and be delivered to the particle processing volume.

[0063] Typically, the gas outlet control device (if present) allows removal of gas through the gas outlet port in the filling mode. Thus, the one or more gas outlet control valve devices are in an open state in the filling mode. In particular, each one or more valve elements are transitioned to at least one open state, allowing gas to pass through the one or more gas outlet control valve devices and exit the particle processing volume through one or more gas outlet openings. In this way, filling of the particle processing volume with pressurized polymer particles can be performed or at least assisted by gravity. In particular, the particle processing volume can be filled by simply allowing the polymer particles to fall into it.

[0064] Optionally, the polymer particle outlet control device allows the particle processing volume to be filled with pressurized polymer particles. Thus, the one or more polymer particle outlet control valve devices are in a closed state in the filling mode. In particular, each one or more valve elements are transitioned to at least one closed state so that polymer particles cannot pass through the one or more polymer particle outlet control valve devices and be transported from the particle processing volume through the one or more polymer particle outlet openings.

[0065] Another exemplary operating mode of the device is a pressurized mode in which the particle processing volume and the polymer particles packed therein are placed under pressure. The pressurized mode can include continuous, quasi-continuous, or discontinuous (stepwise) pressurization of the particle processing volume and the polymer particles packed therein. Implementation of the pressurized mode can be performed through a central control unit implemented in the hardware and / or software of the device. The central control unit can communicate with one or more devices of the device necessary to enable the pressurized mode. In the pressurized mode, one or more of the following processes can be performed sequentially or in parallel:

[0066] The polymer particle inlet control device allows pressurization of the particle processing volume and the polymer particles packed therein. As such, the one or more polymer particle inlet control valve devices are typically in a closed state. In particular, each one or more valve elements are transitioned to at least one closed state so that polymer particles cannot pass through the one or more polymer particle inlet control valve devices and cannot be transported out of the particle processing volume through the one or more polymer particle inlet openings.

[0067] The one or more polymer particle inlet control valve devices can be transitioned to an open state to repressurize the particle processing volume at at least one or more specific times during the pressurization mode. In particular, each of the one or more valve elements can be transitioned to at least one open state to allow pressurized gas from a pressurized gas reservoir of the apparatus to pass through the one or more polymer particle inlet control valve devices and be supplied into the particle processing volume. In this manner, the one or more polymer particle inlet control devices can also be used to supply pressurized gas into the particle processing volume at one or more specific times during the pressurization mode to achieve or maintain a desired, particularly material-specific, pressure level in the particle processing volume during pressurization of the polymer particles. Each time can include periodic or regular time intervals, or counter-periodic or irregular time intervals.

[0068] Optionally, the gas outlet control device does not remove gas through the gas outlet port of the at least one pressure line in the pressurized mode, such that the one or more gas outlet control valve devices are in a closed state, and in particular, each of the one or more valve elements is transitioned to each of at least one closed state, such that gas cannot pass through the one or more gas outlet control valve devices and exit the particle processing volume through the one or more gas outlet openings.

[0069] Optionally, the polymer particle outlet control device, in a pressurization mode, allows pressurization of the particle processing volume and the polymer particles filled therein. Thus, the one or more polymer particle outlet control valve devices are in a closed state in the pressurization mode. In particular, each of the one or more valve elements is transitioned to at least one closed state, preventing polymer particles from passing through the one or more polymer particle outlet control valve devices and being transported from the particle processing volume through the one or more polymer particle outlet openings.

[0070] In a pressurization mode, the pressure supply device enables pressurization of the particle processing volume and the polymer particles packed therein. Thus, the one or more gas inlet control devices are in an open state at least initially in the pressurization mode. In particular, each of the one or more valve elements is transitioned to at least one open state, allowing pressurized gas to pass through the one or more gas inlet control devices and be supplied into the particle processing volume through the gas inlet opening.

[0071] The structural and / or functional structure of the at least one pressure tube automatically generates a backflow of polymer particles inside the at least one pressure tube above a predetermined threshold filling level, so that overfilling of the polymer particle processing volume cannot occur. Due to a (high) filling level that prevents the conveying medium from exiting the at least one pressure tube through the at least one gas outlet, each backflow typically results in the conveying medium, including the polymer particles, changing its flow direction inside the polymer particle processing volume and effectively flowing back toward the polymer particle inlet port, since the conveying medium cannot exit the at least one pressure tube through the at least one gas outlet port. This allows for a self-regulating filling mode that typically does not require a separate filling level sensor, which often provides unsatisfactory filling level information.

[0072] Another exemplary operating mode of the device is a removal mode (emptying mode) in which pressurized polymer particles are removed (emptied) from the particle processing volume. The removal mode may include continuous, quasi-continuous, or discontinuous emptying of the particle processing volume. Implementation of the removal mode may be performed through a central control unit implemented in the hardware and / or software of the device. The central control unit may communicate with one or more of the devices necessary to enable the removal mode. In the removal mode, one or more of the following processes may be performed sequentially or in parallel:

[0073] In the removal mode, the polymer particle supply device typically does not supply polymer particles to the particle processing volume. Therefore, the polymer particle inlet control device allows removal of the particle processing volume through one or more polymer particle outlet openings. Thus, the one or more polymer particle inlet control valve devices are typically in a closed state. In particular, each one or more valve elements are transitioned to at least one closed state, typically preventing polymer particles from passing through the one or more polymer particle inlet control valve devices and being transported from the one or more polymer particle inlet openings to the particle processing volume.

[0074] Optionally, the gas outlet control device (if present) also allows removal of the particle processing volume through one or more polymer particle outlet openings in the removal mode. As such, the one or more gas outlet control valve devices are typically in a closed state. In particular, each one or more valve elements are transitioned to at least one closed state, preventing gas from passing through the one or more gas outlet control valve devices and from exiting the particle processing volume through the one or more gas outlet openings.

[0075] In the removal mode, the polymer particle outlet control device allows removal of polymer particles from the particle processing volume through one or more polymer particle outlet openings. As such, the one or more polymer particle outlet control devices are in an open state. In particular, each of the one or more valve elements is transitioned to at least one open state, allowing pressurized polymer particles to pass through the one or more polymer particle outlet control devices and be transported from the particle processing volume through the one or more polymer particle outlet openings.

[0076] In this way, removal of the particle processing volume can also be performed or at least assisted by gravity, in particular the particle processing volume can be removed by simply allowing the pressurized polymer particles to fall through one or more polymer particle outlet openings.

[0077] The apparatus may also be configured to perform a cleaning mode, which allows cleaning of the particle processing volume of at least one pressurized tube. Cleaning particularly involves removing residual polymer particles from the particle processing volume, which may be necessary, for example, when polymer particles having different chemical and / or physical properties are pressurized relative to previously processed polymer particles. Implementation of the cleaning mode may be achieved through a central control unit implemented in the apparatus' hardware and / or software. The central control unit may communicate with one or more of the apparatus necessary to enable the cleaning mode. In the cleaning mode, which may include continuous, quasi-continuous, or discontinuous cleaning of the particle processing volume, one or more of the following processes may be performed, either sequentially or in parallel:

[0078] In the cleaning mode, the polymer particle supply device typically does not supply polymer particles to the particle processing volume. However, the polymer particle inlet control device allows a continuous, quasi-continuous, or discontinuous flow of cleaning fluid, e.g., pressurized cleaning gas such as pressurized air, to be supplied to the particle processing volume of at least one pressure line through one or more polymer particle inlet openings. As such, the one or more polymer particle inlet control valve devices are typically in an open state. In particular, each one or more valve elements are transitioned to at least one open state, typically allowing a flow of cleaning fluid to pass through the one or more polymer particle inlet control valve devices and enter the particle processing volume through one or more polymer particle inlet openings.

[0079] Optionally, the gas outlet control device, in a cleaning mode, allows each flow of cleaning fluid to clean the particle processing volume. As such, the one or more gas outlet control devices are typically in a closed state. In particular, each one or more valve elements are transitioned to at least one closed state, preventing gas from passing through the one or more gas outlet control valve devices and from exiting the particle processing volume through the one or more gas outlet openings.

[0080] Typically, the polymer particle outlet control device also allows each flow of cleaning fluid to clean the particle processing volume. Thus, the one or more polymer particle outlet control valve devices are in an open state in the cleaning mode. In particular, each one or more valve elements are transitioned to at least one open state, allowing the flow of cleaning fluid to pass through the one or more polymer particle outlet control valve devices and exit the particle processing volume through the one or more polymer particle outlet openings.

[0081] In this manner, cleaning of the particle processing volume can be effectively achieved by one or more cleaning gas streams flowing through the particle processing volume. The one or more cleaning gas streams typically enter the particle processing volume through a larger number of polymer particle inlet openings and exit the particle processing volume through one or more polymer particle outlet openings. In this manner, the one or more cleaning gas streams typically flow through the entire particle processing volume, particularly the entire cross-section of the particle processing volume, thereby removing undesirable residues, such as polymer particle residues, and efficiently and thoroughly cleaning the particle processing volume. Furthermore, chemical and / or physical conditioning of the particle processing volume can be performed, particularly when the cleaning gas has specific chemical and / or physical properties, such as a specific chemical composition, a specific temperature, etc.

[0082] Each flow of cleaning gas may be provided as one or more separate pressure increments, impulses or waves, each of which may have a pressure of, for example, between 5 and 25 bar, in particular between 10 and 15 bar.

[0083] To effectuate each cleaning mode, the apparatus may comprise a cleaning device configured to generate or supply at least one flow of cleaning fluid, such as pressurized cleaning gas. The cleaning device may be arranged or configured upstream of the at least one pressure line and connected to the at least one pressure line via one or more connecting elements, such as connecting pipes, connecting tubes, etc. In particular, the cleaning device may be arranged or provided upstream of one or more polymer particle inlet control devices.

[0084] When the device comprises multiple pressure lines, particularly in a parallel arrangement, one, several or all of the exemplary operating modes of the device may be performed.

[0085] In an exemplary configuration of the device with multiple pressure tubes, the following operation of the device is possible and may be performed, for example, via a central control unit implemented in the device's hardware and / or software.

[0086] The first pressure tube may be operated in a filling mode during the time interval between the first time t1 and the second time t2. After the filling mode is completed, the first pressure tube may be operated in a pressurization mode during the time interval between the third time t3 and the fourth time t4. In particular, the third time t3 may be simultaneous with the second time t2 or may occur after the second time t2. After the pressurization mode is completed, the first pressure tube may be operated in a purge mode during the time interval between the fifth time t5 and the sixth time t6. In particular, the fifth time t5 may be simultaneous with the fourth time t4 or may occur after the fourth time t4. The filling, pressurization, and purge of the first pressure tube may be considered a first operating cycle of the first pressure tube. After each first operating cycle is completed, i.e., after completing the purge mode at time t6, one or more further operating cycles of the first pressure tube may be performed in the same or similar manner.

[0087] The same is true if the first operating cycle further includes performing a cleaning mode after completing the removal mode. Performing a cleaning mode after completing the removal mode may be necessary, for example, when chemically and / or physically different polymer particles are processed in the first pressure tube. In this case, the first pressure tube is operated in the cleaning mode during the time interval between the seventh time t7 and the eighth time t8. Notably, the seventh time t7 can occur simultaneously with the sixth time t6 or after the sixth time t6. Again, after completing each first operating cycle, including the respective cleaning mode, i.e., after completing the cleaning mode at time t8, one or more additional operating cycles of the first pressure tube can be performed in the same or similar manner.

[0088] Also, at least one further pressure tube may be operated in each operating cycle. The operating cycle of the at least one further pressure tube may implement the same start and end times for each operating mode as the first pressure tube and therefore have the same duration for each operating mode as the first pressure tube. Thus, the filling mode (and subsequent modes) of the second pressure tube may start simultaneously with and have the same duration as the filling mode (and subsequent modes) of the first pressure tube (this applies in particular to pressure tubes of the same functional and structural structure). This also means that the overall duration of the operating cycle of the second pressure tube may be the same as the overall duration of the operating cycle of the first pressure tube, or vice versa.

[0089] However, it is also possible to stagger the operating cycles of the two pressure tubes, meaning that the operating cycle of the second pressure tube starts with a certain time delay after the start of the operating cycle of the first pressure tube. Thus, for example, the filling mode (and subsequent modes) of the second pressure tube can start with a certain time delay relative to the filling mode (and subsequent modes) of the first pressure tube, and, taking into account that each mode has the same duration (this applies in particular to pressure tubes of the same functional and structural structure), the first operating cycle of the second pressure tube also ends with a respective time delay relative to the operating cycle of the first pressure tube.

[0090] Applying this principle of operating multiple pressurized tubes in staggered cycles, the apparatus can provide a continuous or quasi-continuous output of pressurized polymer particles, thereby significantly improving post-processing or post-manufacturing efficiency compared to conventional autoclave-based pressurized systems. This is particularly true in light of the smaller footprint required for each pressure tube compared to conventional autoclave-based pressurized systems. This also applies in light of the tedious cleaning of conventional autoclave pressurized systems.

[0091] As is clear from the above description, the at least one pressure tube may be vertically oriented, in which the longitudinal axis of the at least one pressure tube extends (essentially) parallel to a vertical axis, allowing for the use of gravity to fill and / or empty the particle processing volume of the at least one pressure tube.

[0092] However, an inclined orientation of the at least one pressure tube is also possible. In an inclined orientation, the longitudinal axis of the at least one pressure tube extends at an angle relative to the vertical axis, which typically still allows for the use of gravity for filling and / or emptying the particle processing volume, if the at least one pressure tube. Thus, the angle of inclination of the longitudinal axis of the at least one pressure tube relative to the vertical axis may be in the range of 1 to 75°, more particularly in the range of 1 to 65°, more particularly in the range of 1 to 55°, more particularly in the range of 1 to 45°, more particularly in the range of 1 to 35°, more particularly in the range of 1 to 25°, more particularly in the range of 1 to 15°, and more particularly in the range of 1 to 5°.

[0093] In device configurations with multiple pressure tubes, a parallel arrangement of angled pressure tubes may result in optimal use of available installation space relative to the total available particle processing volume.

[0094] Thus, in a configuration of the device having multiple pressure tubes, two, two or more, or all of the multiple pressures can be arranged in parallel.

[0095] As is also apparent from the above, the at least one pressure pipe may comprise one or more mounting interfaces, typically allowing the at least one pressure pipe to be mounted, for example, to a wall, particularly a vertically extending wall, or to any other mounting structure, such as a rack, shelf, etc., of a given infrastructure. Mounting the at least one pressure pipe to a wall or other mounting structure allows for the vertical or inclined arrangements indicated further above. Each mounting interface provided on the at least one pressure pipe may be or comprise, for example, a mechanical interface allowing for removable mounting of the at least one pressure pipe.

[0096] One advantage of the structural and / or functional design of the device is that it can be classified as either risk class 1 or 2 with respect to official regulations, such as the European Pressure Equipment Directive. This means that the working pressure p w to the nominal inner diameter DN (e.g., DN max. ≦250mm@p wThis means that, unlike conventional autoclaves, the equipment does not necessarily have to be officially / externally certified either before installation or during its use.

[0097] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a system for pressure-treating polymer particles. The system comprises the apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention and at least one processing device for further processing the polymer particles pressurized by the apparatus of the first aspect in a second process. Thus, the processing device is typically located downstream of the apparatus of the first aspect and can be connected to the apparatus of the first aspect via one or more connecting elements, connecting pipes, connecting tubes, etc., and / or conveying elements, such as conveyor bands. As mentioned above, each second process can be or include an expansion process in which each polymer particle having a specific expansion behavior or expansion capacity is further expanded under the influence of, for example, thermal energy, particularly thermal energy based on radiation such as infrared radiation, or thermal energy based on steam, and / or a molding process in which each polymer particle having a specific expansion behavior or expansion capacity is molded to produce one or more expanded particle parts.

[0098] A third aspect of the invention relates to a method for pressurizing polymer particles with a gas to give the polymer particles a particular expansion behavior or expansion capacity, the method being carried out by the apparatus of the first aspect of the invention.

[0099] The method may include filling a particle processing volume of at least one pressure tube with polymer particles and pressurizing the polymer particles in the particle processing volume for a specific period of time to obtain pressurized polymer particles having a specific expansion capacity.

[0100] The method includes implementing one or more of the modes of operation of the device, particularly as set forth above.

[0101] Thus, the method may be carried out by a central control unit of the device as described above.

[0102] In general, all considerations relating to the apparatus of the first aspect of the invention also apply to the system of the second aspect of the invention and / or the method of the third aspect of the invention.

[0103] The present invention is further specified by the accompanying drawings, which include: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0104] [Figure 1] Schematic of a polymer particle pressurization device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] Schematic of a polymer particle pressurization device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3] Schematic of a polymer particle pressurization device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an implementation of an operating mode of a polymer particle pressurizing device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates an implementation of an operating mode of a polymer particle pressurizing device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates an implementation of an operating mode of a polymer particle pressurizing device according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0105] 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus 1 for pressurizing compact or (pre-)expandable polymer particles with a gas to generate a specific expansion behavior or expansion capacity of the polymer particles, according to an exemplary embodiment. Thus, apparatus 1 is generally configured to pressurize compact or (pre-)expanded polymer particles with a gas to generate a specific expansion behavior or expansion capacity of the polymer particles. Gas pressurization of polymer particles may also fill the polymer particles with a gas, for example, by a dissolution process typically applied to starting material compact polymer particles, and / or fill the cell spaces of the polymer particles with a gas, for example, by a diffusion process typically applied to starting material (pre-)expanded polymer particles. The apparatus 1 can therefore be regarded as an apparatus for producing polymer particles having a particular expansion behavior or expansion capacity, or as an apparatus for purifying polymer particles in such a way as to give them a particular expansion behavior or expansion capacity relative to their original state, which means a state in which they do not have the expansion behavior or expansion capacity typically associated with the compact polymer particles of the starting material, or in which they already have some (minor) expansion behavior or expansion capacity typically associated with the (pre-)expanded polymer particles of the starting material.

[0106] Each pressed polymer particle having a particular expansion behavior or expansion capacity produced by the apparatus 1 can be further processed by at least one second process. Each second process can be or include an expansion process in which each pressed polymer particle having a particular expansion behavior or expansion capacity is further expanded, for example under the influence of thermal energy, in particular thermal energy based on radiation such as infrared radiation or steam-based thermal energy. Alternatively or additionally, each second process can be or include a molding process in which each polymer particle having a particular expansion behavior or expansion capacity is molded to produce one or more particle foams.

[0107] The apparatus 1 comprises a pressure tube 2. At least one pressure tube 2 is therefore generally configured as a tube exhibiting a diameter-to-length ratio that is typically different from the diameter-to-length ratio of autoclaves used in conventional autoclave-based pressurized systems. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the pressure tube 2 has a longitudinal axis A1 defining its length L and axial direction, and its outer and inner diameters d i and may be configured as a longitudinal pipe, in particular a straight pipe, having a short axis A2 forming a radial direction.

[0108] 1, the pressure tube 2 comprises a particle processing volume 2.1. The particle processing volume 2.1 may comprise at least a portion of the internal volume of the pressure tube 2 defined by one or more walls of the pressure tube 2.

[0109] As mentioned above, due to its longitudinal geometry, the pressure tube 2 has a length L and an internal diameter d i In particular, the inner diameter d of the pressure pipe 2 i The ratio of the length L of the pressure tube to the inner diameter d of the pressure tube 2 is 5 or more. i The ratio of the pressure tube length L to the pressure line length L may be 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 or more. The ratio value may also be a threshold for a ratio interval.

[0110] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the pressure pipe d i In particular, the inner diameter d of the pressure pipe 2 is 500 mm or less. i may be equal to or less than 475 mm, 450 mm, 425 mm, 400 mm, 375 mm, 350 mm, 325 mm, 300 mm, 275 mm, 250 mm, 225 mm, 200 mm, 175 mm, 150 mm, 125 mm, 100 mm, 75 mm, or 50 mm. The inner diameter value may be a threshold for the inner diameter spacing.

[0111] Thus, the pressure tube 2 has a particular geometry that typically has a different ratio of length to inner diameter and differs from the geometry of conventional autoclave-based pressurized systems, which have significantly larger inner diameters. As noted above, the autoclaves of conventional autoclave-based pressurized systems typically have inner diameters of 1000 mm or more.

[0112] The particular geometric configuration of the pressure tube 2 offers various advantages with regard to pressurizing the polymer particles to produce particular expansion behaviors or expansion capabilities, respectively.

[0113] One advantage of the geometric configuration of the pressure tube 2 is that it allows the desired processing conditions within the particle processing volume 2.1 to be established and maintained more quickly, easily, and efficiently. This is particularly true for the inner diameter d of the pressure tube 2. i Since the pressure pipe 2 is substantially reduced in size relative to the autoclave of a conventional autoclave-based pressurized system, it becomes possible to more quickly and easily achieve desired processing conditions, i.e., particularly desired pressure levels and pressure level distributions, desired temperature levels and temperature level distributions, etc., not only in the radial direction of the pressure pipe 2 but also in the axial direction of the pressure pipe 2. In other words, desired processing conditions can be approached and maintained more quickly, easily, and therefore more efficiently throughout not only the cross-sectional area of ​​the pressure pipe 2 but also the entire particle processing volume.

[0114] Another advantage of the geometry of the pressure tube 2 is that the mechanical loads, typically circumferential tensile loads, due to the pressure on the pressure tube 2 are relatively small, which allows the pressure tube 2 to have a relatively small wall thickness. In particular, the wall thickness of the pressure tube 2 can be 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.9 mm, 3.0 mm, 4.0 mm, 5.0 mm, 6.0 mm, 7.0 mm, 8.0 mm, 9.0 mm, or 10.0 mm. The wall thickness values ​​can also be threshold values ​​for wall thickness intervals.

[0115] Thus, the pressure tube 2 can generally be manufactured from a material that is less mechanically stable than the autoclaves of conventional autoclave-based pressurization systems, which require high-strength metal grades, in particular standard metals such as aluminum or standard steel. Furthermore, the device 1 can even comprise a standard tube as the pressure tube 2, which allows for a significant reduction in the manufacturing costs of the device 1 compared to the autoclaves of conventional autoclave-based pressurization systems.

[0116] Another advantage of the geometric configuration of the pressure pipe 2 is that its footprint is significantly smaller than that of the autoclaves of conventional autoclave-based pressurized systems, which not only facilitates installation, service, repair, etc., but also makes it easier to install the pressure pipe 2 in environments with limited installation space. It also allows for multiple pressure pipes 2 to be installed efficiently in a given installation space.

[0117] As can be seen in Figure 1, the apparatus 1 may further comprise a polymer particle feeder 3 configured to feed a feed stream of polymer particles, in particular a pressurized feed stream of polymer particles, into the particle processing volume 2.1 of the pressure line 2. The polymer particle feeder 3 may be located or configured upstream of the pressure line 2 and connected to the pressure line 2 via one or more connecting elements, such as a connecting line, a connecting tube, etc.

[0118] The polymer particle feed streams can be pneumatic polymer particle feed streams. Each pneumatic polymer particle feed stream can comprise a pressurized feed medium and polymer particles fed into the particle processing volume 2.1 of the pressure line 2. The feed medium can be supplied from a feed medium source 3.1. The feed medium source can be a gas source or a gas reservoir. The feed medium source 3.1 can be connected to the infrastructure of a higher-level facility, such as a manufacturing facility, where gases suitable for use as the feed medium are available.

[0119] The carrier medium may be a carrier gas. The carrier gas may be, for example, air. The carrier medium may be pressurized and / or temperature-controlled. The carrier medium may, for example, comprise a pressure in the range of 1.5 bar to 10 bar.

[0120] 1 also shows that the polymer particle feeder 3 may comprise a polymer particle source or reservoir 3.2 and a nozzle arrangement 3.3 comprising one or more nozzles, in particular Venturi nozzles, configured to generate a polymer particle stream with desired characteristics, i.e. in particular a desired pressure, a desired flow profile, a desired flow velocity, etc.

[0121] 1 also shows that the polymer particle supply device 3 is connectable to or connected to a polymer particle inlet opening 2.2.1 of the polymer particle inlet section 2.2 of the pressure tube 2. The pressure tube 2 thus comprises a polymer particle inlet section 2.2 that includes one or more polymer particle inlet openings 2.2.1 through which polymer particles pressurized by the device 1 can enter the particle processing volume 2.1. The one or more polymer particle inlet openings 2.2.1 are typically provided at a first free end, particularly the upper free end, of the pressure tube 2 (e.g., when its longitudinal axis A1 is arranged parallel to the vertical axis). The one or more polymer particle inlet openings 2.2.1 may be provided at the axial side of each first free end of the pressure tube 2.

[0122] FIG. 1 also shows that the apparatus 1 may further comprise a temperature control device 7 configured to temperature-control, in particular heat, the polymer particles and / or the carrier medium and / or feed stream of the polymer particles fed into the particle processing volume 2.1. The temperature control device 7 may be configured to dry the polymer particles and / or the carrier medium and / or feed stream of the polymer particles, respectively. The temperature control device 7 may be arranged or configured upstream of the pressure line 2. In particular, the temperature control device 7 may comprise a connecting element, such as a connecting pipe or tubing, by which the polymer particle feed device 3 may be connected to the pressure line 2. The temperature control device 7 may comprise one or more temperature control elements 7.1, such as, for example, electric heating elements, the operation of which may be controlled via a control unit implemented in the hardware and / or software of the temperature control device 7.

[0123] A polymer particle inlet control device 4 may be assigned to the polymer particle inlet section 2.2, in particular to one or more polymer particle inlet openings 2.2.1. The polymer particle inlet control device 4 is configured to control the amount of polymer particles flowing into the particle processing volume 2.1. The polymer particle inlet control device 4 may comprise or comprise at least one polymer particle inlet control valve device 4.1, which may include one or more valve elements that can transition between at least one open state and at least one closed state. In the at least one open state, polymer particles can pass through the polymer particle inlet control valve device 4.1 and be transported into the particle processing volume 2.1 through the one or more polymer particle inlet openings 2.2.1, while in the at least one closed state, polymer particles cannot pass through the polymer particle inlet control valve device 4.1 and be transported into the particle processing volume 2.1 through the one or more polymer particle inlet openings 2.2.1.

[0124] The polymer particle inlet control device 4 is configured to allow semi-continuous or discontinuous / batch operation, so that the polymer particles can be flowed into the particle processing volume 2.1 in a semi-continuous or discontinuous / batch manner.

[0125] The polymer particle inlet controller 4 may comprise a control unit implemented in hardware and / or software configured to control the operation of the polymer particle inlet controller 4. The control unit may communicate with other control units of the apparatus 1, in particular with a central control unit 5 of the apparatus 1 configured to control the operation of the apparatus 1. In particular, the central control unit 5 of the apparatus 1 is configured to implement one or more operating modes of the apparatus 1.

[0126] As can be seen in Figure 1, the pressure tube 2 also comprises a polymer particle outlet section 2.3 including one or more polymer particle outlet openings 2.3.1 through which the pressurized polymer particles can exit the particle processing volume 2.1. The one or more polymer particle outlet openings 2.3.1 are typically provided at the second free end of the pressure tube 2, particularly the lower free end (e.g., when its longitudinal axis is arranged parallel to the vertical axis). One or more polymer particle outlet openings 2.3.1 may be provided at the axial side of each second free end of the pressure tube 2.

[0127] The polymer particle outlet control device 6 may be assigned to the polymer particle outlet section 2.3, in particular to one or more polymer particle outlet openings 2.3.1. The polymer particle outlet control device 6 is configured to control the amount of pressurized polymer particles that flow out of the particle processing volume 2.1 after pressurization. The polymer particle outlet control device 6 may comprise or include at least one polymer particle outlet control valve device 6.1, which may include one or more valve elements that can transition between at least one open state and at least one closed state. In the at least one open state, the pressurized polymer particles can pass through the polymer particle outlet control valve device 6.1 and be transported out of the particle processing volume 2.1 through the one or more polymer particle outlet openings 2.3.1, while in the at least one closed state, the pressurized polymer particles cannot pass through the polymer particle outlet control valve device 6.1 and be transported out of the particle processing volume 2.1 through the one or more polymer particle outlet openings 2.3.1.

[0128] The polymer particle outlet control device 6 is configured to allow semi-continuous or discontinuous / batch operation, so that the polymer particles can be discharged from the particle processing volume 2.1 in a semi-continuous or discontinuous / batch manner.

[0129] The polymer particle outlet controller 6 may comprise a control unit implemented in hardware and / or software configured to control the operation of the polymer particle outlet controller 6. The control unit may communicate with other control units of the apparatus 1, in particular with the central control unit 5 of the apparatus 1.

[0130] 1 also shows that the pressure tube 2 can have a double-walled section provided at or adjacent to the polymer particle inlet section 2.2. The double-walled section is constituted by an outer wall structure that is the outer wall of the pressure tube 2, which defines a first interior volume 2.4, and an inner wall structure disposed or configured inside the first interior volume 2.4, which defines a second interior volume 2.5 of the double-walled section of the pressure tube 2. The first interior volume 2.4 defined by the outer wall structure can be an annular volume or define an annular volume. The second interior volume 2.5 defined by the inner wall structure can be a cylindrical volume or define a cylindrical volume. The first and second interior volumes 2.4, 2.5 are provided with an internal wall structure and communicate with each other through one or more openings 2.6, e.g., holes, slits, etc., which are sized and shaped according to the size and shape of the polymer particles to be processed in the particle processing volume 2.1, so that the polymer particles, due to their size and / or shape, cannot pass from the second interior volume 2.5 into the first interior volume 2.4. The one or more openings 2.6 may each provide the internal wall structure with a filter-like, grid-like, or sieve-like configuration and function.

[0131] The apparatus 1 may further comprise a pressure supply device 9 configured to supply pressurized gas into the particle processing volume 2.1. The pressure supply device 9 may be connected to the gas inlet 2.7 of the pressure line 2. The gas inlet 2.7 of the pressure line 2 may comprise one or more gas inlet openings 2.7.1. The pressure supply device 9 may be connected to the pressure line 2 via one or more connecting elements such as connecting pipes, connecting tubes, etc. The pressurized gas may be air, as is typically applied to (pre-)expanded polymer particles, or carbon dioxide, as is typically applied to compact polymer particles, for example. The pressurized gas may in any case be a mixture of at least two gases. The pressurized gas may be supplied from at least one pressurized gas source, which may be or comprise a respective gas source 9.1 or gas reservoir 9.2. A pressurized gas supply 9.1 or gas reservoir 9.2 may be provided in communication with the infrastructure of a higher level facility, such as a manufacturing facility, where pressurized gas suitable for use as the respective pressurized gas is present.

[0132] The pressurized gas that can be supplied or is supplied by the pressure supply device 9 may have an absolute pressure above 1 bar, which is the ambient pressure. In particular, the pressurized gas may have a pressure of 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, The pressure may be 7 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 absolute. The pressure value may also be a pressure interval threshold.

[0133] Thus, in pressurized mode, the pressure in at least the active particle processing volume 2.1 of the pressure tube 2 may exceed 1 bar. The pressure level of the pressurized gas that can be or is supplied by the pressure supply device 9 may correspond to the pressure level in at least the active particle processing volume 2.1 of the pressure tube 2 of the device 1 in pressurized mode.

[0134] The gas inlet control device 10 may be assigned to the gas inlet section 2.7, in particular to one or more gas inlet openings 2.7.1 of the gas inlet section 2.7. The gas inlet control device 10 is configured to control the amount of pressurized gas flowing into the particle processing volume 2.1. The gas inlet control device 10 may comprise or include at least one gas inlet control valve device 10.1, which may include one or more valve elements capable of transitioning between at least one open state and at least one closed state, wherein in the at least one open state, pressurized gas can pass through the gas inlet control valve device 10.1 and flow into the particle processing volume 2.1 through the one or more gas inlet openings 2.7.1, but in the at least one closed state, pressurized gas cannot pass through the gas inlet control valve device 10.1 and flow into the particle processing volume 2.1 through the one or more gas inlet openings 2.7.1.

[0135] The gas inlet control device 10 allows for continuous, quasi-continuous or discontinuous operation, allowing pressurized gas to be flowed continuously, quasi-continuously or discontinuously into the particle processing volume 2.1.

[0136] The gas inlet control device 10 may comprise a control unit implemented in hardware and / or software configured to control the operation of the gas inlet control device 10. The control unit may communicate with other control units of the device 1, in particular with the central control unit 5 of the device 1.

[0137] The gas inlet port 2.7 of the pressure tube 2 may be provided in the double-walled portion of the pressure tube 2. In particular, the gas inlet port 2.7 may be provided adjacent to the polymer particle inlet port 2.2, which may typically be provided at the first free end of the pressure tube 2.

[0138] The gas inlet 2.7 and gas outlet 2.8 of the pressure tube 2 may each cooperate to control or regulate the pressurization of the pressure tube 2 and particle treatment volume 2.1. The respective control or regulation of the pressurization of the pressure tube 2 and particle treatment volume 2.1 may be effectively performed by the respective alternating operation of the gas inlet controller 10 and gas outlet controller 12. In particular, the control or regulation of the pressurization of pressure tube 2 and particle processing volume 2.1 may include a first step in which gas inlet controller 10 is opened for a specific time period, allowing pressurized gas to flow into particle processing volume 2.1, thereby increasing the pressure in particle processing volume 2.1 by a certain amount, e.g., until a first (upper) threshold pressure is reached, while gas outlet controller 12 is closed; and a second step in which gas inlet controller 10 is closed, preventing pressurized gas from flowing into particle processing volume 2.1, and gas outlet controller 12 is opened for a specific time period, allowing pressurized gas to flow out of particle processing volume 2.1, thereby decreasing the pressure in particle processing volume 2.1 by a certain amount, e.g., until a second (lower) threshold pressure is reached. By alternately operating gas inlet controller 10 and gas outlet controller 12 to perform these two steps, it is possible to reliably control and regulate the pressure in pressure tube 2 and particle processing volume 2.1, respectively. The alternate operation of gas inlet controller 10 and gas outlet controller 12 may be performed, for example, through central controller 5.

[0139] The apparatus 1 may further comprise a temperature regulation device 11 configured to regulate the temperature, in particular heat, the pressurized gas supplied to the pressure tube 2. The temperature regulation device 11 may also be configured to dry the pressurized gas. The temperature regulation device 11 may comprise connection elements, such as a connecting pipe, a connecting tube, etc., through which the pressure supply device is connected to the pressure tube 2. The temperature regulation device 11 may comprise one or more temperature regulation elements 11.1, such as e.g. electric heating elements, the operation of which can be controlled via a control unit implemented in hardware and / or software of the temperature regulation device 11.

[0140] As can be seen from Figure 1, the pressure tube 2 may further comprise a gas outlet 2.8, which comprises one or more gas outlet openings 2.8.1, through which gas, e.g. in a filling mode of the device 1 in which the particle processing volume 2.1 is filled with pressurized polymer particles, gas, e.g. a pressurized gaseous carrier medium of the feed stream of polymer particles, can flow out of the particle processing volume 2.1.

[0141] The gas outlet control device 12 is assigned to the gas outlet section 2.8, in particular to one or more gas outlet openings 2.8.1 of the gas outlet section 2.8. The gas outlet control device 12 is configured to control the amount of gas leaving the pressure line 2, for example in each filling mode of the device 1. The gas outlet control device 12 constitutes or can comprise at least one gas outlet control valve device 12.1, which can comprise one or more valve elements that can be switched between at least one open state in which gas can pass through the gas outlet control valve device 12.1 and leave the pressure line 2 through the one or more gas outlet openings 2.8.1, and at least one closed state in which gas cannot pass through the gas outlet control valve device 12.1 and leave the pressure line 2 through the one or more gas outlet openings 2.8.1.

[0142] The gas outlet control device 12 may be configured to allow continuous, quasi-continuous or discontinuous operation, such that gas may be discharged from the pressure tube 2 continuously, quasi-continuously or discontinuously.

[0143] The gas outlet controller 12 may comprise a control unit implemented in hardware and / or software configured to control the operation of the gas outlet controller 12. The control unit may communicate with other control units of the device 1, in particular with the central control unit 5 of the device 1.

[0144] The gas outlet 2.8 of the pressure tube 2 may be provided in the double-walled portion of the pressure tube 2. In particular, the gas outlet 2.8 may be provided adjacent to the polymer particle inlet 2.2. More particularly, the gas outlet 2.8 may be provided between the polymer particle inlet 2.2 and the gas inlet 2.7. As mentioned above, the polymer particle inlet 2.2 is typically provided at the first free end of the pressure tube 2. By providing the gas outlet 2.8 in the double-walled portion of the pressure tube 2, it is ensured that only gas, and not polymer particles, exits the pressure tube 2 through the gas outlet 2.8 and the gas outlet opening 2.8.1, respectively.

[0145] The apparatus 1 may further comprise a damping device 13, in particular an acoustic damping device, connectable to or configured to damp, i.e. in particular reduce the pressure of, the pressurized gas flow leaving the pressure tube 2 through the gas outlet 2.8. The damping device 13 may comprise a damping structure including one or more damping elements, such as damping walls, to dampen noise resulting from the gas leaving the pressure tube 2 through the one or more gas outlet openings 2.8.1 of the gas outlet 2.8. As is clear from Figure 1, the damping device 13 may be arranged or configured upstream of the gas outlet control device 12.

[0146] The apparatus 1 further includes a heating device 14 configured to heat the particle processing volume 2.1 of the pressure tube 2. Heating the particle processing volume 2.1, and thus the polymer particles filled therein, can significantly improve the efficiency of the polymer particle compression process. As described above, the pressure tube 2's special geometric configuration allows for faster achievement of desired processing conditions, such as desired temperature levels and temperature level distributions, not only in the radial direction of the pressure tube 2 but also in the axial direction of the pressure tube 2. In other words, desired temperature levels can be reached and maintained more quickly, easily, and efficiently throughout the entire particle processing volume 2.1, not just the cross-sectional area of ​​the pressure tube 2. With the heating device 14, the particle processing volume can be heated to a temperature in the range of 10 to 100°C, particularly in the range of 30 to 80°C, and more particularly in the range of 50 to 60°C. Typically, the temperature is selected taking into account the properties of the polymer particles being compressed, i.e., at least one of the softening temperature, glass transition temperature, and melting temperature.

[0147] The heating device 14 may be configured to create multiple temperature zones within the particle processing volume 2.1, each having the same or different temperatures. In this way, highly individualized temperature control of the particle processing volume 2.1 can be achieved. As mentioned above, each temperature control typically aims for a constant temperature level and / or temperature distribution throughout the particle processing volume 2.1 of the pressure tube 2 to ensure a constant pressurization of the polymer particles, and therefore the gas loading of the polymer particles, regardless of their location within the particle processing volume 2.1.

[0148] The heating device 14 may comprise a controller implemented in hardware and / or software that controls the operation of the heating device 14. The controller may communicate with other controllers of the device 1, in particular with the central controller 5 of the device 1.

[0149] Thus, the control unit of the heating device 14 may be configured to control the operation of the heating device 14 so that a specific temperature or temperature distribution, e.g., a constant temperature or a constant temperature distribution, may be provided inside the pressure tube 2, particularly inside the particle processing volume 2.1, particularly during pressurization of the polymer particles in the particle processing volume 2.1. In particular, the control unit of the heating device 14 may be configured to control the operation of the heating device 14 so that a specific temperature profile may be generated, adjusted, or maintained inside the particle processing volume 2.1. Each temperature profile may, for example, compensate for possible convection and / or diffusion effects, promote the ability to dissolve gases in the polymer particles, promote the ability to diffuse gases into the polymer particles, etc. Each temperature profile may be material- and / or process-specific, such that each material and / or process can be processed / implemented with its own temperature profile.

[0150] The heating device 14 may comprise one or more heating elements 14.1. The one or more heating elements 14.1 may be arranged at different positions on the pressure tube 2, in particular on the outer surface of the pressure tube 2, and / or may extend in different directions along the pressure tube 2, in particular on the outer surface of the pressure tube 2. Each heating element 14.1 may be assigned to a specific temperature zone of the pressure tube 2. Each heating element 14.1 may comprise, for example, an electric heating element and / or a heating channel element through which a heating medium flows.

[0151] 1 further shows that the pressure tube 2 can be at least partially, in particular completely, surrounded by an insulating element 15. The insulating element 15 allows for efficient temperature control in the particle processing volume 2.1 to avoid or reduce unwanted temperature losses, which also improves the energy consumption of the device 1. The insulating element 15 can be manufactured from a thermally insulating material, such as, for example, glass fiber, mineral fiber, plastic foam, etc., and / or can form a thermally insulating material structure, such as, for example, a woven glass structure, a woven mineral fiber structure, a plastic foam structure, etc.

[0152] The apparatus 1 may comprise one or more sensor elements 16 configured to sense chemical and / or physical quantities in or within the pressure line 2 and / or in or within said one or more devices of the apparatus 1. Each sensor element 16 may thus be provided in the pressure line 2, in particular in the particle processing volume 2.1, and / or in at least one of the polymer particle supply device 3, the pressure supply device 9, the polymer particle inlet control device 4, the polymer particle outlet control device 6, the gas inlet control device 10, the gas outlet control device 12, and / or in each connecting element such as a connecting pipe, a connecting tube, etc.

[0153] In particular, the apparatus 1 may comprise one or more sensor elements 16 configured to sense chemical and / or physical quantities within the particle processing volume 2.1 during one or more modes of operation of the apparatus 1. Each sensor's information may be used to control operation of the apparatus 1 during one or more modes of operation of the apparatus 1, e.g., to implement a control loop based on the sensor's information.

[0154] As a specific example, the device 1 may comprise one or more pressure and / or temperature sensors configured to detect pressure and / or temperature levels within the particle processing volume 2.1. Each pressure and / or temperature value, particularly together with one or more other sensor values, may be used by a respective control unit to control the operation of the device 1.

[0155] 1 also shows that the pressure tube 2.1 can be arranged in a vertical orientation, in which the longitudinal axis A1 of the pressure tube 2 extends (essentially) parallel to the vertical axis, allowing gravity to be used to fill and / or empty the particle processing volume 2.1 of the pressure tube 2.

[0156] However, an inclined orientation arrangement of the pressure tube 2 is also contemplated, even though not shown in Figure 1. In an inclined orientation arrangement, the longitudinal axis A1 of the pressure tube 2 extends at an angle relative to the vertical axis, which typically still allows gravity to be used for filling and / or emptying the particle processing volume of the pressure tube 2. Thus, the angle of inclination of the longitudinal axis A1 of the pressure tube 2 relative to the vertical axis is in the range of 1 to 75°, more particularly in the range of 1 to 65°, more particularly in the range of 1 to 55°, more particularly in the range of 1 to 45°, more particularly in the range of 1 to 35°, more particularly in the range of 1 to 25°, more particularly in the range of 1 to 15°, and more particularly in the range of 1 to 5°.

[0157] In the configuration of the device 1 having multiple pressure tubes 2 shown in the exemplary embodiments of Figure 2 (vertical arrangement of pressure tubes 2) and Figure 3 (inclined arrangement of pressure tubes 2), the inclined parallel arrangement of the pressure tubes 2 results in optimized use of the available installation space relative to the total available particle processing volume.

[0158] Thus, in configurations of the device 1 with multiple pressure tubes 2, two or more or all of the multiple pressure tubes 2 may be arranged in parallel.

[0159] As is apparent from the above, each pressure pipe 2 typically comprises one or more mounting interfaces, allowing the pressure pipe 2 to be mounted, for example, to a wall W, in particular a vertically extending wall W (as shown diagrammatically in Figures 2 and 3), or to any other mounting structure, such as a rack, shelf, etc., of a given infrastructure. Mounting the pressure pipe 2 to a wall or other mounting structure allows for the vertical or inclined arrangements indicated further above. Each mounting interface provided on each pressure pipe 2 may, for example, be or comprise a mechanical interface allowing for removable mounting of the pressure pipe 2.

[0160] As noted above, the device 1 is operable and therefore typically operable in one or more modes of operation that are coordinated and / or implemented by a central control unit 5. Non-limiting examples of modes of operation for the device 1 are provided below.

[0161] The apparatus 1 can be operated in a filling mode in which the particle processing volume 2.1 can be filled or is filled with polymer particles to be pressurized, thereby generating a specific expansion behavior or capacity. The execution of the filling mode can be performed by a central control unit 5 of the apparatus 1. The central control unit 5 can communicate with one or more devices of the apparatus 1 necessary to enable the filling mode.

[0162] In the filling mode, which allows continuous, semi-continuous or discontinuous filling of the particle processing volume 2.1 with pressurized polymer particles, the following processes can be carried out in series or in parallel:

[0163] The polymer particle supply device 3 supplies polymer particles to the particle processing volume 2.1, filling the particle processing volume 2.1 with pressurized polymer particles. Typically, the particle processing volume 2.1 is completely filled with pressurized polymer particles. Thus, the polymer particle inlet control device 4 enables the particle processing volume 2.1 to be filled with polymer particles. Thus, one or more polymer particle inlet control valve devices 4.1 are in an open state. In particular, each one or more valve elements are transitioned to at least one open state, allowing pressurized polymer particles to be conveyed through the one or more control valve devices 4.1 into the particle processing volume 2.1.

[0164] The gas outlet control device 12 (if present) allows gas removal through the gas outlet 2.8 in the filling mode. Thus, the one or more gas outlet control valve devices 12.1 are in an open state in the filling mode. In particular, each one or more valve elements are transitioned to at least one open state, allowing gas to pass through the one or more gas outlet control valve devices 12.1 and exit the particle processing volume 2.1 through the one or more gas outlet openings 2.8.1. The filling of the particle processing volume 2.1 with pressurized polymer particles in this manner can be carried out or at least assisted by gravity. In particular, the particle processing volume 2.1 can be filled simply by allowing the polymer particles to fall into it.

[0165] The polymer particle outlet control device 6 also allows the particle processing volume 2.1 to be filled with pressurized polymer particles. Thus, the polymer particle outlet control valve device(s) 6.1 are closed in the filling mode. In particular, each of the valve elements is transitioned to at least one of the closed states, preventing polymer particles from passing through the polymer particle outlet control valve device(s) 6.1 and being transported out of the particle processing volume 2.1 through the polymer particle outlet opening(s) 2.3.1.

[0166] Another exemplary operating mode of the apparatus 1 is a pressurized mode in which the particle processing volume 2.1 and the polymer particles loaded therein are placed under pressure. The pressurized mode may include continuous, quasi-continuous, or discontinuous pressurization of the particle processing volume 2.1 and the polymer particles loaded therein. Implementation of the pressurized mode may be performed by a central control unit 5 of the apparatus 1. The central control unit 5 may communicate with one or more devices of the apparatus 1 necessary to enable the pressurized mode. In the pressurized mode, the following processes may be performed sequentially or in parallel:

[0167] The polymer particle inlet control device 4 allows pressurization of the particle processing volume and the polymer particles therein. As such, the polymer particle inlet control valve device(s) 4.1 are typically in a closed state. In particular, each of the valve elements is transitioned to at least one closed state so that polymer particles cannot pass through the polymer particle inlet control valve device(s) 4.1 and be transported from the particle processing volume 2.1 through the polymer particle inlet opening(s) 2.2.1.

[0168] The one or more polymer particle inlet control valve devices 4.1 can be transitioned to an open state at least one or more specific times during the pressurization mode to repressurize the particle processing volume 2.1. In particular, each one or more valve elements can be transitioned to at least one open state, allowing pressurized gas, for example, from the pressurized gas reservoir 17 of the apparatus 1, to pass through the one or more polymer particle inlet control valve devices 4.1 and enter the particle processing volume 2.1. In this manner, the one or more polymer particle inlet control devices 4.1 can also be used to supply pressurized gas into the particle processing volume 2.1 at one or more specific times during the pressurization mode to achieve or maintain a desired, particularly material-specific, pressure level in the particle processing volume 2.1 during pressurization of the polymer particles. The times can comprise periodic or regular time intervals, or counter-periodic or irregular time intervals.

[0169] Optionally, in pressurized mode, the gas outlet control device 12 is unable to remove gas through the gas outlet 2.8 of the pressure line 2. For this reason, the gas outlet control valve device(s) 12.1 are in a closed state. In particular, each of the valve elements is transitioned to at least one closed state, so that gas cannot pass through the gas outlet control valve device(s) 12.1 and exit the particle processing volume 2.1 through the gas outlet opening(s) 2.8.1.

[0170] Additionally, in the pressurization mode, the polymer particle outlet control device 6 allows pressurization of the particle processing volume 2.1 and the polymer particles filled therein. Thus, the one or more polymer particle outlet control valve devices 6.1 are in a closed state in the pressurization mode. In particular, each one or more valve elements are transitioned to at least one closed state, so that polymer particles cannot pass through the one or more polymer particle outlet control valve devices 6.1 and be transported out of the particle processing volume 2.1 through the one or more polymer particle outlet openings 2.3.1.

[0171] In pressurization mode, the pressure supply device 9 enables pressurization of the particle processing volume 2.1 and the polymer particles packed therein. Thus, the one or more gas inlet control devices 10.1 are in an open state, at least initially in the pressurization mode. In particular, each one or more valve elements can be transitioned to at least one open state to allow pressurized gas to pass through the one or more gas inlet control devices 10.1 and be supplied into the particle processing volume 2.1 through the gas inlet opening 2.7.1.

[0172] The structural and / or functional design of the pressure tube 2 ensures that overfilling of the polymer particle processing volume 2.1 cannot occur, since a backflow of polymer particles automatically occurs inside the pressure tube 2 above a predetermined threshold filling level. During each backflow, the transport medium, typically containing the polymer particles, changes its flow direction inside the polymer particle processing volume 2.1 and effectively flows back toward the polymer particle inlet 2.2 because the (high) filling level prevents the transport medium from exiting the pressure tube 2 via the gas outlet 2.8. This allows for a self-regulating filling mode that typically does not require a separate level sensor, which often provides unsatisfactory filling level information.

[0173] Another exemplary mode of operation of the apparatus 1 is a removal mode in which pressurized polymer particles are removed from the particle processing volume 2.1. The removal mode may include continuous, quasi-continuous, or discontinuous removal of the particle processing volume 2.1. Implementation of the removal mode may be performed through a central control unit 5 of the apparatus 1. The central control unit 5 may communicate with one or more devices of the apparatus 1 necessary to enable the removal mode. In the removal mode, one or more of the following processes may be performed, either sequentially or in parallel:

[0174] In the removal mode, the polymer particle supply device 3 does not supply polymer particles into the particle processing volume 2.1. Thus, the polymer particle inlet control device 4 allows removal of the particle processing volume 2.1 through one or more polymer particle outlet openings 2.3.1. Thus, the one or more polymer particle inlet control valve devices 4.1 are typically in a closed state. In particular, each one or more valve elements are transitioned to at least one closed state, typically preventing polymer particles from passing through the one or more polymer particle inlet control valve devices 4.1 and being transported into the particle processing volume 2.1 through the one or more polymer particle inlet openings 2.2.1.

[0175] Additionally, in a purge mode, the gas outlet control device 12 (if present) allows removal of particle processing volume 2.1 through one or more polymer particle outlet openings 2.3.1. As such, one or more gas outlet control valve devices 12.1 are typically in a closed state. In particular, each one or more valve elements are transitioned to at least one closed state so that gas cannot pass through one or more gas outlet control valve devices 12.1 and exit particle processing volume 2.1 through one or more gas outlet openings 2.8.1.

[0176] The polymer particle outlet control device 6 allows for the removal of polymer particles from the particle processing volume 2.1, and in the removal mode, removes polymer particles through one or more polymer particle outlet openings 2.1. As such, the one or more polymer particle outlet control devices are in an open state. In particular, each one or more valve elements can be transitioned to at least one open state to allow pressurized polymer particles to pass through the one or more polymer particle outlet control devices 6.1 and be transported from the particle processing volume 2.1 through one or more polymer particle outlet openings 2.3.1.

[0177] In this way, removal of the particle processing volume 2.1 can also be performed or at least assisted by gravity. In particular, in the particle processing volume 2.1, the pressurized polymer particles can be easily removed by falling through one or more polymer particle outlet openings 2.3.1.

[0178] The apparatus 1 may be configured to perform a cleaning mode that allows cleaning of the particle processing volume 2.1 of the pressurizing tube 2. Cleaning in particular consists of removing polymer particle removal residues from the particle processing volume, which may be necessary, for example, when pressurizing polymer particles that have different chemical and / or physical properties than previously processed polymer particles. The implementation of the cleaning mode may be performed by a central control unit 5 of the apparatus 1, which may communicate with one or more devices of the apparatus 1 necessary to activate the cleaning mode. In the cleaning mode, which may include continuous, quasi-continuous or discontinuous cleaning of the particle processing volume, one or more of the following processes may be performed, consecutively or in parallel:

[0179] In the cleaning mode, the polymer particle supply device 3 does not supply polymer particles into the particle processing volume 2.1. However, the polymer particle inlet control device 4 allows a continuous, quasi-continuous, or discontinuous flow of cleaning fluid, e.g., pressurized cleaning gas such as compressed air, to be supplied to the particle processing volume 2.1 through one or more polymer particle inlet openings 2.2.1. As such, the one or more polymer particle inlet control valve devices 4.1 are typically in an open state. In particular, each one or more valve elements are transitioned to at least one open state, typically allowing a flow of cleaning fluid to pass through the one or more polymer particle inlet control valve devices 4.1 and enter the particle processing volume 2.1 through the one or more polymer particle inlet openings 2.2.1.

[0180] In addition, in a cleaning mode, the gas outlet control device 12 may enable cleaning of the particle processing volume 2.1 with each flow of cleaning fluid. As such, the gas outlet control device(s) 12.1 are typically in a closed state. In particular, each of the valve elements is transitioned to at least one closed state so that gas cannot pass through the gas outlet control valve device(s) 12.1 and exit the particle processing volume 2.1 through the gas outlet opening(s) 2.8.1.

[0181] The polymer particle outlet control device 6 also allows the particle processing volume 2.1 to be washed with each flow of washing fluid. Thus, the one or more polymer particle outlet control valve devices 6.1 are in an open state in the washing mode. In particular, each one or more valve elements are transitioned to at least one open state so that the flow of washing fluid can pass through the one or more polymer particle outlet control valve devices 6.1 and exit the particle processing volume 2.1 through the one or more polymer particle outlet openings 2.3.1.

[0182] Cleaning of particle processing volume 2.1 is thus effectively achieved by one or more streams of cleaning gas flowing through particle processing volume 2.1. The stream(s) of cleaning gas typically enter particle processing volume 2.1 through polymer particle inlet opening 2.2.1 and exit particle processing volume 2.1 through one or more polymer particle outlet openings 2.3.1. Thus, the stream(s) of cleaning gas typically flow throughout particle processing volume 2.1, thereby removing undesirable residues, such as polymer particle residues, and providing efficient and thorough cleaning of particle processing volume 2.1. Furthermore, chemical and / or physical conditioning of particle processing volume 2.1 can be effective, particularly when the cleaning gas has specific chemical and / or physical properties, such as a specific chemical composition, a specific temperature, etc.

[0183] Each flow of cleaning gas may be provided as one or more separate pressure increments, impulses or waves, each having a pressure of, for example, 5 to 25 bar, in particular 5 to 15 bar.

[0184] To enable each cleaning mode, the device 1 may comprise a cleaning device 18 configured to generate or supply at least one flow of cleaning fluid, such as pressurized cleaning gas. The cleaning device 18 constitutes a pressurized gas reservoir 17 and may be arranged or configured upstream of the pressure line 2 and connected to the at least one pressure line via one or more connecting elements, such as a connecting line, a connecting tube, etc. As is clear from Figure 1, the cleaning device 18 may in particular be arranged or provided upstream of one or more polymer particle inlet control devices 4.1.

[0185] 4-6 each illustrate an exemplary configuration for implementing an operational mode of device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0186] 4-6 show that one, several, or all of the exemplary operating modes of the device 1 can be implemented when the device 1 comprises multiple pressure tubes 2, particularly when arranged in parallel. The embodiments of FIGS. 4-6 relate to a device 1 having six pressure tubes 2, and the comparison of the output of the device 1 with a conventional autoclave (see the top half of the figures) is merely exemplary in nature and is not limiting.

[0187] In an exemplary configuration of the device 1 with multiple pressure tubes 2, the following operations of the device 2 are possible and may be carried out, for example, by a central control unit 5 of the device 1.

[0188] 4-6 show that the first pressure tube 2 (upper pressure tube) can be operated in a filling mode indicated by the letter "F" during the time interval between the first time t1 and the second time t2. After the filling mode is complete, the first pressure tube 2 can be operated in a pressurization mode indicated by the letter "P" during the time interval between the third time t3 and the fourth time t4. In particular, the third time t3 can be simultaneous with the second time t2 or can occur after the second time t2. After the pressurization mode is complete, the first pressure tube 2 can be operated in a removal or production mode indicated by the letter "M" during the time interval between the fifth time t5 and the sixth time t6. In particular, the fifth time t5 can be simultaneous with the fourth time t4 or can occur after the fourth time t4. The filling, pressurization, and removal of the first pressure tube 2 can be considered a first operating cycle of the first pressure tube 2. After completion of each first operating cycle, i.e. in particular after completing the removal mode at time t6, possibly taking into account any idling time of the second process indicated by the letter "I", one or more further operating cycles of the first pressure tube 2 can be carried out in the same or similar manner.

[0189] As shown in FIG. 5 , the first operating cycle may also include a cleaning mode after the removal mode, as indicated by the letter "F." For example, in FIGS. 5 and 6 , a cleaning mode after the removal mode may be required when chemically and / or physically different polymer particles, as indicated by the letter "A" indicating class / type A polymer particles, the letter "B" indicating class / type B polymer particles, and the letter "C" indicating class / type C polymer particles, are processed in the pressure tube. In this case, the first pressure tube 2 is operated in the cleaning mode during the time interval between the seventh time t7 and the eighth time t8. In particular, the seventh time t7 can be simultaneous with or after the sixth time t6. Again, after each first operating cycle, including each cleaning mode, is completed, i.e., after the cleaning mode is completed at time t8, one or more additional operating cycles of the first pressure tube can be performed in the same or similar manner.

[0190] As is clear from Figures 4 to 6, other pressure tubes 2 may also be operated according to the respective operating cycles. The operating cycles of the other pressure tubes may have the same start and end times for each operating mode as the first pressure tube, and therefore the same duration for each operating mode as the first pressure tube. Thus, the filling mode (and subsequent modes) of the second pressure tube may start simultaneously with and have the same duration as the filling mode (and subsequent modes) of the first pressure tube (this applies in particular to pressure tubes of the same functional and structural structure). This also means that the overall duration of the operating cycle of the second pressure tube may be the same as the overall duration of the operating cycle of the first pressure tube, or vice versa.

[0191] 4 to 6 show, however, that it is also conceivable that the operating cycles of the other pressure tubes 2 are shifted in time, with the operating cycle of the second pressure tube 2 starting with a certain time delay after the start of the operating cycle of the first pressure tube 2. Thus, for example, the filling mode (and subsequent modes) of the second pressure tube 2 can start with a certain time delay relative to the filling mode (and subsequent modes) of the first pressure tube 2, and, taking into account that each mode has the same duration (this applies in particular to pressure tubes of the same functional and structural configuration), the first operating cycle of the second pressure tube 2 also ends with a respective time delay relative to the operating cycle of the first pressure tube 2. This applies analogously to all other pressure tubes 2.

[0192] Applying this principle of operating multiple pressure tubes 2 with shifted duty cycles in time, as shown in Figures 4-6, the apparatus 1 provides a quasi-continuous or continuous output of pressurized polymer particles, resulting in significantly improved efficiency compared to conventional autoclave-based pressurized systems. This applies particularly when the space required for each pressure tube 2 is small compared to conventional autoclave-based pressurized systems. It also applies when cleaning conventional autoclave-based pressurized systems requires several hours of laborious cleaning.

[0193] The device 1 therefore also makes it possible to carry out a method of pressurizing polymer particles with a gas in order to generate in the polymer particles a specific expansion behavior or expansion capacity.

[0194] The method may include filling a particle processing volume of at least one pressure tube with polymer particles and pressurizing the polymer particles in the particle processing volume for a specific time to obtain pressurized polymer particles having a specific expansion capacity.

[0195] The method particularly comprises implementing one or more of the operating modes of the device 1 described above.

[0196] The method can therefore be carried out by the central control unit 5 of the device 1 described above.

Claims

1. A polymer particle pressurizing device for pressurizing polymer particles with a gas to generate a specific expansion capacity of the polymer particles, characterized in that the polymer particle pressurizing device comprises at least one pressure tube containing a polymer particle processing volume, the at least one pressure tube having a length and an inner diameter, the ratio of the length to the inner diameter being 5 or more, and the inner diameter being 500 mm or less.

2. 2. The polymer particle pressurizing device according to claim 1, further comprising a polymer particle feeder configured to feed a feed stream of polymer particles, in particular a pressurized feed stream of polymer particles, to the particle processing volume of the at least one pressure tube.

3. 3. A polymer particle pressurizing device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one polymer particle supply device is connectable to or connected to at least one polymer particle inlet opening of the polymer particle inlet portion of the at least one pressure tube, and the polymer particle inlet portion of the at least one pressure tube has a double-wall portion of the at least one pressure tube.

4. 4. The polymer particle pressurizing device according to claim 3, wherein the polymer particle feed device comprises a nozzle arrangement including one or more nozzles, in particular Venturi nozzles.

5. A polymer particle pressurizing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a polymer particle inlet control device assigned to a polymer particle inlet section, in particular one or more polymer particle inlet openings, the polymer particle inlet control device being configured to control the amount of polymer particles flowing into the particle processing volume.

6. 6. A polymer particle pressurizing device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one pressure tube has at least one inlet opening, particularly at a first free end, particularly at the upper end, of the at least one pressure tube, and a polymer particle inlet / outlet control device configured to control the amount of polymer particles flowing in from the particle processing volume, and / or the at least one pressure tube has at least one outlet opening, particularly at the other free end, particularly at the lower end, of the at least one pressure tube, and a polymer particle outlet control device configured to control the amount of polymer particles flowing out from the particle processing volume.

7. 7. The polymer particle pressurizing device of claim 6, wherein the polymer particle inlet control device is configured to allow semi-continuous or discontinuous / batch operation, whereby the polymer particles flow into the particle processing volume in a semi-continuous or discontinuous / batch manner, and / or the polymer particle outlet control device is configured to allow semi-continuous or discontinuous / batch operation, whereby the polymer particles can flow out of the particle processing volume in a semi-continuous or discontinuous / batch manner.

8. 8. The polymer particle pressurizing device according to claim 1, wherein the wall thickness of the at least one pressure tube is at least one of the following: 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.9 mm, 3.0 mm, 4.0 mm, 5.0 mm, 6.0 mm, 7.0 mm, 8.0 mm, 9.0 mm, and 10.0 mm.

9. 9. Apparatus for pressurizing polymer particles according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one pressure tube can comprise at least one double wall.

10. the at least one double-walled section of the at least one pressure pipe is comprised of an outer wall structure defining a first interior volume of the at least one double-walled section of the at least one pressure pipe, and an inner wall structure disposed or configured inside the first interior volume of the at least one pressure pipe and defining a second interior volume of the at least one double-walled section of the at least one pressure pipe; A polymer particle pressurizing device described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first internal volume and the second internal volume are connected to each other through one or more openings provided in the inner wall structure, and the size and shape of the one or more openings are set relative to the size and shape of the polymer particles to be processed in the particle processing volume of at least one pressure tube so that the polymer particles cannot enter the first internal volume from the second internal volume.

11. 11. The polymer particle pressurizing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the polymer particle inlet section of the at least one pressure tube comprises at least one double-walled section of the at least one pressure tube.

12. 12. A polymer particle pressurizing device as described in claim 10 or 11, wherein the at least one double-walled section is configured so that the conveying medium separates the polymer particles from the conveying medium, and the conveying medium can flow out of the at least one pressure tube through the inner wall structure of the at least one double-walled section having one or more openings, the outer wall structure of the at least one double-walled section, and the gas outlet section of the at least one pressure tube, and the polymer particles can fall by gravity into the at least one pressure tube and particle processing volume after being separated from the conveying medium.

13. 13. The polymer particle pressurizing apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a pressure supply configured to supply pressurized gas to the particle processing volume of the at least one pressure tube.

14. 14. The polymer particle pressurizing device according to claim 13, wherein the pressurized gas deliverable or supplied by the pressure supply device can have an absolute pressure above 1 bar or an absolute pressure above ambient pressure, respectively.

15. 15. A polymer particle pressurizing device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein at least one pressure tube is provided with at least one gas inlet port, and at least one gas inlet control device is assigned to the gas inlet port of at least one pressure tube.

16. 16. The polymer particle pressurization apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the gas inlet control device is configured to allow continuous, quasi-continuous, or discontinuous operation.

17. 17. Apparatus for pressurizing polymer particles according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the gas inlet section of at least one pressure tube comprises at least one double-walled section of at least one pressure tube.

18. 18. Apparatus for pressurizing polymer particles according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein at least one pressure tube is provided with at least one gas outlet, to which at least one gas outlet control device is assigned.

19. 19. The polymer particle pressurizing apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the gas outlet control device is configured to allow continuous, quasi-continuous, or discontinuous operation.

20. 20. Apparatus for pressurizing polymer particles according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the gas outlet of at least one pressure tube comprises at least one double-walled section of at least one pressure tube.

21. 21. A polymer particle pressurizing device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, further comprising a damping device, particularly an acoustic damping device, connectable or connected to the gas outlet port and configured to damp, i.e. in particular reduce the pressure of, the pressurized gas flow exiting the at least one pressure tube through the gas outlet port.

22. 22. The polymer particle pressurizing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 21, further comprising a heating device configured to heat the particle processing volume of the at least one pressure tube.

23. 23. The polymer particle pressurizing apparatus of claim 22, wherein the heating device is configured to create a plurality of temperature zones having different temperatures within the particle processing volume.

24. A polymer particle pressurizing device as described in claim 22 or 23, further comprising a control unit for controlling the operation of the heating device, wherein the control unit is configured to control the operation of the heating device so that a constant temperature or a constant temperature profile, particularly a constant axial temperature profile, is provided during pressurization of the polymer particles inside at least one pressure tube, particularly inside the particle processing volume, particularly inside the particle processing volume.

25. The polymer particle pressurizing device according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the polymer particle pressurizing device is operable in a plurality of operating modes including at least one of a filling mode, a pressurizing mode, a removal mode, and a cleaning mode.

26. The polymer particle pressurizing device of claim 25, wherein the polymer particle pressurizing device is operable in a filling mode, in which the particle processing volume can be filled or is filled with polymer particles that are pressurized to adjust or generate expansion capacity.

27. 27. The polymer particle pressurizing device according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the polymer particle pressurizing device is operable in a pressurizing mode in which the particle processing volume is pressurized.

28. 28. The polymer particle pressurizing device according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the polymer particle pressurizing device is operable in a removal mode in which pressurized polymer particles are removed from the particle processing volume.

29. A polymer particle pressurizing device according to any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein the polymer particle pressurizing device is operable in a cleaning mode in which the particle processing volume is cleaned of residues by a flow of cleaning fluid, for example a pressurized cleaning gas.

30. 30. The polymer particle pressurizing device according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein at least one pressure tube is arranged vertically or inclined relative to a horizontal axis.

31. The polymer particle pressurizing device according to any one of claims 1 to 30, comprising a plurality of pressure tubes.

32. 32. The polymer particle pressurizing apparatus of claim 31, wherein the plurality of pressure tubes are arranged at least partially in parallel.

33. 33. Apparatus for pressurizing polymer particles according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one pressure pipe is at least partly, in particular entirely, surrounded by a thermal insulating element.

34. A polymer particle pressurizing and processing system comprising: a polymer particle pressurizing device according to any one of claims 1 to 33; and at least one processing device that further processes the polymer particles pressurized by the polymer particle pressurizing device through a second process.

35. A method for pressurizing polymer particles with a gas to generate a specific expansion behavior or expansion capacity, which is carried out by the polymer particle pressurizing device described in any one of claims 1 to 34, characterized in that it comprises the steps of filling the particle processing volume of at least one pressure tube with polymer particles and pressurizing the polymer particles in the particle processing volume for a specific time to obtain pressurized polymer particles having a specific expansion capacity.

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