Apparatus, method, and separation element for removing a pumpable medium from a container

Abstract

An apparatus for removing a pumpable medium (6), particularly a liquid or paste, from a container (5), comprising a follower plate (8) and a separation element (1) disposed on the follower plate (8). The follower plate (8) comprises at least one ventilation opening (8a) for aspirating and removing gas (7), particularly air, present between the pumpable medium (6) and the follower plate (8), and at least one suction port (14) for aspirating the pumpable medium (6). The separation element (1) has a gas-permeable body (2) and an opening (3) for removing the pumpable medium (6), the body having a membrane that is semipermeable to gas. The present invention also relates to a method for removing a pumpable medium and a separation element necessary therefor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for removing a pumpable medium, particularly a liquid or paste, from a container, particularly a barrel, and to a separating element for use in such an apparatus, more particularly to a separating element in the form of a flexible sheet-like structure. The separating element has a body at least partially gas-permeable for ventilation before and / or during removal of the pumpable medium from the container using the apparatus, and further comprises at least one opening for removing the pumpable medium from the container using the apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In order to prevent air from being trapped before and / or during removal of a pumpable medium, i.e., a paste, Patent Document 1 proposes using a separating element in the form of a sieve plate. This sieve plate comprises a body having sieve openings, and this body is partially gas-permeable. Further, a central opening is provided in this body that completely penetrates the body, through which the apparatus can remove the pumpable medium from the container.

[0003] However, such a sieve plate has the disadvantage that the pumpable medium clogs relatively quickly. This problem is particularly pronounced when removing a highly viscous or high-viscosity medium, such as a paste, from a container. This type of medium is known to have a relatively high surface undulation, which causes the sieve plate to be unevenly covered with the medium over the entire contact surface, preventing ventilation between the medium and the sieve plate. As a result, there is the disadvantage that a high-concentration medium containing air, i.e., gas, is generated during removal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

[0005] The object of the present invention is to improve upon the separation element of the type described at the beginning, so as to ensure reliable ventilation during the removal of a medium, regardless of the type of medium that can be pumped.

[0006] The present invention achieves this objective by the features described in claim 1.

[0007] Unlike conventional technology, when the main body has a semipermeable membrane to gas, especially air, the ventilation function of the separation element can be maintained regardless of the size of the contact surface with the medium. This is because the medium cannot pass through the ventilation space provided on the back side of the membrane of the separation element, and therefore does not obstruct ventilation. Consequently, even containers containing highly concentrated or highly viscous media, such as pastes with large surface irregularities, can be stably ventilated through the separation element. The semipermeable membrane ensures controlled ventilation across the entire contact surface with the medium. This reduces or completely prevents the generation of gas, i.e., air, from the medium when the medium is removed by the device through the opening of the separation element.

[0008] Therefore, the separation element according to the present invention can bring about significant cost reductions when discharging from the container.

[0009] This cost-saving effect is particularly pronounced when the separation element is configured as a flexible sheet-like structure. For example, when applying the separation element, it can flexibly conform to the surface shape of the medium being pumped, reducing the complexity of the ventilation structure compared to a highly rigid separation element.

[0010] Preferably, the semipermeable membrane is made of a polymer. This allows it to flexibly conform to various surface undulations. Furthermore, the polymer membrane reduces the manufacturing cost of the separation element and its flexibility prevents damage during use.

[0011] This effect is particularly noticeable when the semipermeable membrane is a flat membrane. For example, this membrane is a film.

[0012] For example, the membrane is a polymer film. For example, this polymer film is porous. The polymer film may be composed of, for example, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0013] Preferably, the semipermeable membrane has pores. For example, the pore size of the semipermeable membrane is 100 μm or less. In particular, a pore size of 1 μm or less ensures sufficient separation of the silicone, which is a pumpable medium, from air. For example, a pore size of 0.6 μm or less is sufficient for the silicone as a pumpable medium. In this way, the semipermeable membrane can hold the silicone with its open structure while allowing gas to pass through.

[0014] For example, the pore size of a semipermeable membrane is in the range of 1 mm to 0.1 μm, particularly in the range of 0.6 μm to 0.1 μm.

[0015] Furthermore, in combination with the pore size range described above, the thickness of the semipermeable film may be in the range of 1 to 100 μm. This allows for sufficient mechanical properties to be met while maintaining relatively high flexibility. Preferably, the thickness of the semipermeable film is in the range of 5 to 25 μm.

[0016] The ventilation performance of the separation element can be further improved by having a multilayer structure in the main body, which includes an open layer forming its planar side. For example, this allows for the movement of ventilation gas in a direction independent of direction. This configuration is particularly advantageous when the following plate is pressed against the separation element and the ventilation gas is discharged from between the separation element and the following plate.

[0017] Preferably, the perforated layer is provided on a semipermeable membrane, and is configured to allow gas to pass through the membrane in a direction-independent manner and with low resistance. Preferably, the perforated layer is laminated on the membrane.

[0018] The apertured layer may be a fibrous sheet structure. This fibrous sheet structure may have a woven fabric, felt, machine knitting, hand knitting, or non-woven fabric structure. The non-woven fabric structure is particularly excellent in low-resistance conduction of ventilation gas.

[0019] Furthermore, the apertured layer may be an apertured elastic foam, whereby the compatibility when pressing the separation element against a pumpable medium can be enhanced.

[0020] Also, the apertured layer may be an apertured sintered structure made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or the like.

[0021] Furthermore, an apertured deposition structure may be adopted as an alternative configuration.

[0022] The apertured layer preferably has gas permeability in the thickness direction or in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction. Thereby, the movement independent of the direction of the ventilation gas can be made easier.

[0023] Preferably, the layer thickness of the apertured layer is in the range of 0.1 to 10 mm, and a sufficient effect can be obtained even when the layer thickness is 0.4 mm.

[0024] Preferably, the apertured layer is configured to have medium blocking property toward the opening at a part of the outside, or is provided with a medium blocking cover. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the ventilation gas from leaking into the region of the pumpable medium from which the ventilation gas is removed, and the ventilation through the separation element can be further improved.

[0025] By configuring the opening in a circular shape, the structure of the separation element can be further simplified.

[0026] Also, by arranging the opening at the center of the main body, the handling property of the separation element can be enhanced. By configuring it in this way, it becomes easy to apply to a standard device provided with a follower plate for removing a pumpable medium from a barrel-shaped container. Furthermore, the central opening makes the handling and storage of the separation element easier.

[0027] For example, when the separating element has a circular outer shape, it can be adapted to a barrel-shaped container. With this configuration, the occurrence of breaks in the separating element can be suppressed, and the ventilation performance can be further improved.

[0028] In addition, by preferably providing the separating element with visible markings in the edge region, further simplification of handling can be achieved. By doing so, centering can be easily performed along the edge of the container to be discharged, and the risk of poor ventilation can be reduced.

[0029] By providing the markings on the aperture layer, the correct application direction or placement position of the separating element with respect to the medium being pumped can be visually indicated, improving workability.

[0030] Preferably, the pressure loss across the entire body is in the range of 30 Pa to 50,000 Pa. This value is measured in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9237:1995-12, and high ventilation performance can be ensured.

[0031] For example, the thickness of the separating element is in the range of 0.2 to 0.5 mm and can be handled flexibly.

[0032] By adopting a configuration in which the semi-permeable membrane forms the planar side of the body facing the medium, the structure can be further simplified.

[0033] The separating element according to the present invention is particularly suitable for a device that removes a medium that can be pumped from a container equipped with a follower plate. This is because the separating element can be easily arranged between the medium that can be pumped and the follower plate, and handling is simple. The medium that can be pumped may be, for example, a liquid or paste such as silicone.

[0034] Such a follow-up plate has at least one ventilation opening for ventilation, which draws in and removes gases, particularly air, present between the pumpable medium and the follow-up plate. Furthermore, the follow-up plate has at least one intake port for drawing in the pumpable medium. A separation element is positioned between the medium and the follow-up plate, and its body is configured to communicate with the ventilation opening for drawing in and removing gases, and the opening communicates with the intake port for removing the pumpable medium.

[0035] In this way, the device can stably remove the pumpable medium from the container without releasing air bubbles. This further reduces the loss of pumpable medium, for example, in a newly connected container.

[0036] Ventilation performance can be further enhanced when the perforated layer of the separation element is positioned opposite the follow-up plate. Furthermore, even when the follow-up plate is wet with a pumpable medium, gas flows through the separation element to the ventilation opening, improving the stability of the device that removes the pumpable medium and enabling removal without contamination by gas, especially air.

[0037] Preferably, the follow-up plate has a non-textured surface structure, or / or a surface with an average roughness Ra in the range of 1.2 to 18 μm, as measured in accordance with DIN EN ISO 4287.

[0038] For example, by making the diameter of the opening formed within the body of the separation element greater than or equal to the diameter of the suction port of the follow-up plate, it is possible to reliably prevent the separation element from being sucked into the suction channel when removing the medium. Furthermore, the risk of medium contamination by particles drawn in by the separation element can also be reduced. In addition, by providing such a large opening, the degree of freedom in positioning relative to the suction port is increased, further improving the handling of the separation element and the entire device.

[0039] Preferably, the external dimensions of the separation element are larger than those of the follow-up plate, thereby allowing the separation element to be easily handled in a container located above the medium. For example, the separation element is marked to facilitate centering on the container. Such precise centering prevents or minimizes wetting or contamination of the follow-up plate by the pumpable medium, thereby reducing the effort required for cleaning the equipment.

[0040] Furthermore, by making the outer shape of the separation element large, it becomes possible to sandwich the separation element between the container and the follow-up plate, thereby fixing the follow-up plate to surround it from all sides. Specifically, the follow-up plate is configured to be in close contact with the container, and as a result, the separation element is sandwiched between the follow-up plate and the container. In this way, the separation element can be reliably positioned while being stretched over the surface of a pumpable medium, and high ventilation efficiency can be ensured.

[0041] Another object of the present invention is to improve the method for removing a pumpable medium from a container.

[0042] Preferably, the semipermeable membrane of the separation element is positioned opposite the medium, thereby holding the medium on the second planar side of the separation element.

[0043] The present invention achieves the above objective by the features described in claim 20.

[0044] By using the apparatus of the present invention, gas, particularly air, present between the pumpable medium and the follow plate is removed by suction through the body of the separation element for ventilation. This configuration makes it possible to remove the pumpable medium with reduced gas content or in a gas-free state. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0045] The details of the invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings, based on one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1]Figure 1 shows a plan view of the separation element. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the separation element shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus equipped with the separation elements shown in Figures 1 and 2, and a container containing a pumpable medium. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in Figure 3, with the container being ventilated. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the separation element 1 has a gas-permeable body 2 and an opening 3. As shown in Figure 2, this opening 3 completely penetrates the body 2. Furthermore, this opening 3 is configured with an opening width d, and the apparatus 4 shown in Figure 3 allows the medium 6, i.e., silicone that can be pumped at room temperature, to be sucked out from the container 5, i.e., the barrel, through the suction port 14 on the follow-up plate 8. This is achieved, for example, by a barrel pump of apparatus 4, which is not shown.

[0047] Ventilation is performed before or during the removal of the pumpable medium 6, thereby preventing the removed medium 6 from being contaminated by gas 7, i.e., air. Ventilation is performed through a gas-permeable body 2, as shown in Figure 4. For this purpose, gas 7 is discharged through a plurality of ventilation openings 8a provided in the follow plate 8 of the device 4.

[0048] As shown in Figure 3, the medium 6 to be removed has a high viscosity at room temperature, resulting in a relatively wavy surface 6a. Consequently, during ventilation, the separation element 1 cannot make full contact with the entire surface of the medium 6, at least in the initial stages.

[0049] According to the present invention, in order to prevent contamination of the separation element 1 by the medium 6, the main body 2 has a special configuration on the first planar side 2a opposite to the second planar side 2b of the main body 2 that faces the medium 6.

[0050] In other words, the main body 2 is equipped with a semipermeable membrane 9 that allows gas 7 to pass through but prevents the pumpable medium 6 from passing through. For this reason, the semipermeable membrane 9 has corresponding pores. With this configuration, the gap between the separation element 1 and the follow-up plate 8 is not filled with the medium 6, and ventilation is not obstructed. According to the present invention, the pumpable medium 6 can be removed from the container 5 without contamination by gas 7.

[0051] Since the semipermeable membrane 9 is formed of a polymer film, the separation element 1 can be flexibly adapted to the surface 6a of the medium 6.

[0052] Furthermore, an open layer 10 is provided on the first planar side 2a of the main body 2. This gives the main body 2 a multilayer structure, resulting in a flexible, multilayered separation element 1.

[0053] The perforated layer 10 constitutes a gas-permeable fibrous sheet structure and is formed by a gas-permeable nonwoven fabric structure. This nonwoven fabric structure or nonwoven fabric is laminated on a polymer film or membrane 9.

[0054] The main body 2, made of polymer film and nonwoven fabric, is extremely flexible. Furthermore, the perforated layer 10 allows for the directional transport of gas 7 from each position between the separation element and the pumpable medium 6 towards the ventilation opening 8a. Therefore, ventilation is possible even if the follow-up plate 8 is wet or contaminated with this medium or other media.

[0055] As shown in Figure 1, the separation element 1 has a circular shape, which makes it particularly suitable for the barrel. Furthermore, since the opening 3 is circular and located in the center of the separation element 1, as shown in Figure 3, handling is made easier when positioning the separation element 1 relative to the barrel and the follow-up plate 8.

[0056] The separation element 1 preferably has a visible marking 11 on its edge region for aligning the separation element 1, which makes handling easier. This marking 11 is provided on the perforated layer 10, as shown in Figure 2.

[0057] The marking 11 allows the separation element 1 to be aligned relatively easily with respect to the edge of the container 5, as shown in Figure 3.

[0058] Furthermore, since the separation element 1 has a portion that protrudes outward around the entire circumference of the container 5, handling it becomes even easier.

[0059] In this way, the separation element 1 can be sandwiched between the follow-up plate 8 and the container 5. To achieve this, the follow-up plate 8 is configured to have at least one seal 12 surrounding the end face of the follow-up plate 8, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. This ensures that the separation element 1 is securely sandwiched around its entire circumference.

[0060] The separation element 1, having a flexible sheet-like structure, is smoothly positioned in close contact with the surface of the pumpable medium 5, thereby facilitating ventilation of the container 5. Furthermore, because the separation element 1 can be pressed against the container wall, the sides can be kept sealed, and the follow-through plate can be kept clean. As a result, the effort required for cleaning is reduced.

[0061] Furthermore, the separation element 1 is equipped with a seal 13 at the central opening 3, which is provided on the main body 2 when the opening 3 is formed, for example, by laser cutting. This configuration prevents ventilation gas from leaking from the main body 2 towards the intake port 14 when aspirating the pumpable medium 6.

[0062] The separation element 1 shown as an example is configured as a flexible sheet-like structure with a two-layer structure and a thickness of 0.4 mm. The semipermeable membrane 9 of the separation element 1 is formed from a polymer film with a thickness of 8 μm and a pore size of 0.6 μm. This perforated polymer film is made of polyethylene (PE).

[0063] The nonwoven fabric (as the open layer 10) forms a second layer with a flexible, sheet-like structure. The nonwoven fabric is a polymer-based spunbond nonwoven fabric, with a thickness of 0.1 to 10 mm, specifically 0.4 mm.

[0064] Furthermore, although not shown in detail, it is conceivable to provide a rust-shaped portion on the protruding part of the separation element, preferably, to prevent breakage. This configuration may also further improve centering.

[0065] It should be noted that "insbesondere" is generally translated as "more particularly" in English. Features introduced by "more particularly" are interpreted as optional features and may be omitted, and therefore do not limit the claims, for example. The same applies to "vorzugsweise" (translated as "preferably" in English).

Claims

1. A separation element for a device (4) for removing a pumpable medium (6), in particular a liquid or paste, from a container (5), in particular a barrel, The device has a main body (2) that is gas permeable in at least a portion of it, The main body (2) is for ventilating before or during the removal of the pumpable medium (6) from the container (5) using the device (4), The apparatus (4) has at least one opening (3) for removing the pumpable medium (6) from the container (5), The opening (3) completely penetrates the main body (2), The main body (2) has a semipermeable membrane (9) to gas, especially air. A separation element characterized by the following features.

2. A separation element according to claim 1, The semipermeable membrane (9) is composed of a polymer and / or is a flat membrane, particularly a film. A separation element characterized by the following features.

3. A separation element according to claim 1 or 2, The semipermeable film (9) is a polymer film. A separation element characterized by the following features.

4. A separation element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The semipermeable film (9) has a pore size of 100 μm or less, particularly 1 μm or less, for example 0.6 μm or less, and / or a film thickness in the range of 1 to 100 μm, particularly 5 to 25 μm. A separation element characterized by the following features.

5. A separation element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The main body (2), which has a multilayer structure, has an open layer (10) that forms the planar side (2a) of the main body (2), and in particular, the open layer (10) is provided on the semipermeable membrane (9). A separation element characterized by the following features.

6. A separation element according to claim 5, The perforated layer (10) is a fibrous sheet structure having any of the following structures: woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, felt, machine-knitted, or hand-knitted; perforated elastic foam; perforated sintered structure; or perforated deposited structure. A separation element characterized by the following features.

7. A separation element according to claim 5 or 6, The perforated layer (10) is gas permeable in the thickness direction and / or perpendicular to the thickness direction, and / or the thickness of the perforated layer (10) is in the range of 0.1 to 10 mm, particularly 0.4 mm. A separation element characterized by the following features.

8. A separation element according to any one of claims 5 to 7, The perforated layer (10) is configured to have media-blocking properties on its outer surface facing the opening (3) in at least a portion of the area, or is provided with a media-blocking cover. A separation element characterized by the following features.

9. A separation element according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The opening (3) is configured in a circular shape and / or is located in the center of the main body (2), A separation element characterized by the following features.

10. A separation element according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The separation element (1) has a circular outer shape. A separation element characterized by the following features.

11. A separation element according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The separation element (1) preferably has a visible marking (11) in the edge region for positioning the separation element (1). A separation element characterized by the following features.

12. A separation element according to claims 5 and 11, The marking (11) is provided on the opening layer (10). A separation element characterized by the following features.

13. A separation element according to any one of claims 1 to 12, The pressure loss across the entire main body (2) is in the range of 30 Pa to 50,000 Pa, and / or the thickness of the separation element (1) is in the range of 0.2 to 0.5 mm. A separation element characterized by the following features.

14. A separation element according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The semipermeable membrane (9) forms the planar side (2b) of the main body (2) facing the medium (6). A separation element characterized by the following features.

15. An apparatus for removing a pumpable medium (6), particularly a liquid or paste, from a container (5), wherein the apparatus is Follower plate (8), A separation element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, Equipped with, The aforementioned follow-up plate (8) A ventilation opening (8a) for sucking and removing gas (7), particularly air, between the pumpable medium (6) and the follow-up plate (8), At least one suction port (14) for drawing in the pumpable medium (6), Equipped with, The separation element (1) is positioned on the follow-up plate (8) such that the main body (2) communicates with the ventilation opening (8a) to suck and remove the gas (7), and the opening (3) communicates with the intake port (14) to suck in the pumpable medium (6). An apparatus characterized by the following features.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, The perforated layer (10) of the separation element (1) faces the following plate (8), and / or the following plate (8) has a non-textured surface structure and / or a surface having an average roughness in the range of 1.2 to 18 μm. An apparatus characterized by the following features.

17. The apparatus according to claim 15 or 16, The diameter of the opening (3) in the body (2) of the separation element (1) is greater than or equal to the diameter of the intake port (14) of the follow-up plate (8), and / or the external dimensions of the separation element (1) are greater than the external dimensions of the follow-up plate (8). An apparatus characterized by the following features.

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 17, The separation element (1) is sandwiched between the following plate (8) and the container (5), and is configured to surround the following plate (8) from all sides. An apparatus characterized by the following features.

19. The apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 18, The semipermeable membrane (9) of the separation element (1) faces the medium (6). An apparatus characterized by the following features.

20. A method for removing a pumpable medium (6), particularly a liquid or paste, from a container (5) using the apparatus (4) according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein air is drawn in and removed from the gas (7) present between the pumpable medium (6) and the follow plate (8) by suction through the body (2) of the separation element (1) for ventilation. A method for removing a pumpable medium, characterized by the features described above.

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