Flow-monitoring device, conveying system and method for monitoring a flow

Abstract

The invention relates to a flow-monitoring device (10) and a method for monitoring a flow of a bulk material through a conveying line segment (12), wherein: the flow-monitoring device comprises the conveying line segment; the bulk material can flow through the flow-monitoring device in a flow direction (11) which runs preferably at least obliquely, more preferably substantially vertically, downward; the flow-monitoring device comprises a space-delimiting means (13) for at least contributing to the delimitation of a space (14) through which at least part of the bulk material can flow; an inlet (18) for admitting the bulk material into the space and an outlet (19) for discharging the bulk material from the space are provided; the inlet and / or the outlet is designed such that a fill level of the bulk material which depends on the flow can be formed in the space; the flow can be detected and / or measured on the basis of the fill level.

Description

[0001] KLEIN Plant Engineering AG

[0002] 57258 Freudenberg

[0003] Flow monitoring device, conveyor system and method for monitoring a flow

[0004] The invention relates to a flow monitoring device and a method for monitoring the flow of a preferably free-flowing bulk material, in particular sand or the like, through a conveyor line section. Furthermore, the invention relates to a conveyor system comprising a flow monitoring device.

[0005] The measurement of flow rates, i.e., volumetric and / or mass flows, is of fundamental importance in technology. Without information about the magnitude of volumetric and / or mass flows, an unmanageable number of technical processes, machines, and systems would not function.

[0006] Flows of materials or substances in all aggregate states—solid, liquid, and gaseous—are measured. For piece goods, for example, in logistics centers, the number of pieces per hour and / or the mass per hour are recorded, among other things. Liquid and gaseous materials or substances usually flow through pipes or are contained in containers. Bulk materials are "loose" solids or accumulations of granular or particulate solid materials. Monitoring, i.e., detecting and / or measuring, the flow of bulk materials is an indispensable technical task in mechanical process engineering.

[0007] Bulk materials are required in the construction, foundry, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries, as well as many other sectors. Sand is used specifically for sanding rail vehicles. The sand is needed to increase traction between a rail vehicle wheel and a rail. For this purpose, the sand is sprinkled onto the rail under the wheel. The wheel rolls over sand grains and grinds them. The sand grains interlock with the contact surfaces of the wheel and rail, thus increasing traction.

[0008] Bulk materials are moved using conveyor belts, pneumatic conveyor systems or mobile containers and stored in silos, for example.

[0009] A variety of measuring principles are used to monitor the flow of bulk materials, in particular capacitive measurements, microwave-based measuring methods, triboelectric measurements, optical measurements, sound measurements, belt scale measurements, radar measurements, measurements with impact plates and the use of the Coriolis principle.

[0010] Sensors available for industrial use are typically comparatively expensive. They often react very sensitively to actual material properties. For example, a changing moisture content in a bulk material, especially sand, significantly alters a capacitive measurement. High measurement accuracies are generally only achieved with stationary, i.e., temporally constant, flow rates. Furthermore, the electronics for processing measured values ​​in high-quality sensors are very complex and expensive. Commercially available sensors, which in principle can also measure flow rates, can usually only be used to determine or detect a flow.

[0011] The present invention is therefore based on the object of proposing a flow monitoring device, a conveyor system and a method for monitoring a flow, which enables a simple and cost-effective monitoring of a flow.

[0012] This object is achieved by a flow monitoring device having the features of claim 1, a conveyor system having the features of claim 20 and a method for monitoring a flow having the features of claim 21.

[0013] The flow monitoring device according to the invention for monitoring the flow of a preferably free-flowing bulk material, in particular sand or the like, through a conveyor line section comprises the conveyor line section, wherein the flow monitoring device can be flowed through by the bulk material in a flow direction that runs from top to bottom, preferably at least obliquely, particularly preferably substantially vertically, wherein the flow monitoring device has a space limitation device for at least co-limiting a space through which at least a portion of the bulk material can flow, wherein an inlet is provided for admitting the bulk material into the space and an outlet is provided for discharging the bulk material from the space, wherein the inlet and / or the outlet is designed such that a fill level of the bulk material can be formed in the space that is dependent on the flow,The flow rate can be detected and / or measured based on the fill level. In this context, the term "flow rate" refers to a mass flow and / or volume flow.

[0014] In this context, the term "bulk material" refers to a powdery or granular solid. The bulk material can be, in particular, a building material, such as sand, topsoil, gravel, cement; a raw material, such as ore, coal, clay, road salt; or a foodstuff, such as grains, sugar, salt, coffee, flour, or the like.

[0015] In this context, the term "flow direction" refers to the direction in which the bulk material flows through the flow monitoring device, in particular the conveying line section and / or the chamber. The flow direction of the bulk material in the chamber may coincide with the flow direction of the bulk material in the conveying line section or may at least partially deviate from it.

[0016] In this case, the term “room” is understood to mean a defined spatial extent, which, however, does not necessarily have to be limited on all sides by space-defining structures, such as wall structures or the like.

[0017] In the present case, the term “room-delimiting device” is understood to mean a device having at least one room-delimiting structure, such as a wall structure.

[0018] In this case, the term "detecting" the flow rate refers to determining the presence of flow, i.e., whether the bulk material is flowing through the conveying line section, or whether or not the bulk material is flowing through the conveying line section. In this case, the term "measuring" the flow rate refers to quantitatively determining a flow rate value.

[0019] The invention is based on the idea of ​​creating a space through which at least a portion of the flowable, preferably pourable, bulk material can flow, and in which a fill level of the bulk material can be formed which is dependent on the flow rate. The space is at least partly limited by a space limiting device of the flow monitoring device. The formation of the flow-dependent fill level is achieved by appropriate design, i.e. configuration and arrangement, of the inlet and / or outlet. The flow can then be easily detected and / or measured based on the fill level of the bulk material in the space. In the conveyor line section through which the bulk material does not flow, i.e. when the conveyor line section is not flowed through by the bulk material, the fill level can be increased up to a maximum filling of the space with the bulk material.The space can therefore be filled to its maximum, i.e. to a maximum fill level, with the bulk material in the section of the conveyor line through which the bulk material does not flow, i.e. when the bulk material is not discharged from the space via the outlet, because the bulk material can be admitted through the inlet, in particular can trickle in, until the space is completely filled with the bulk material. The space can be essentially completely filled with the bulk material at the maximum fill level. Due to the angle of repose of the bulk material, it can regularly happen that the space is not essentially completely filled with the bulk material at the maximum fill level, so that an air pocket can be present in the space which can be at least larger than the spaces between material particles of the bulk material. In particular, a cone of repose made of the bulk material can be formed in the space, as a result of which the air pocket can be present in the space.The space is therefore not necessarily essentially completely filled with the bulk material at the maximum fill level. In the conveyor line section through which the bulk material flows, i.e. when the bulk material flows through the conveyor line section, the fill level can be reduced. The space may therefore not be maximally filled, i.e. less than maximally filled, with the bulk material in the conveyor line section through which the bulk material flows, i.e. when the bulk material is discharged from the space via the outlet. Accordingly, the size of the air inclusion already present in the space in the conveyor line section through which the bulk material does not flow can increase in the conveyor line section through which the bulk material flows.If the space in the conveyor line section through which the bulk material does not flow is essentially completely filled with the bulk material, at least one air inclusion can form in the space, which can be at least larger than the spaces between material particles of the bulk material. In principle, the air inclusion does not necessarily have to extend over the entire cross-section of the space, in particular if the air inclusion is formed in the space as a result of the cone of material. An increase in the size of the air inclusion in the flow direction or the formation of an air inclusion therefore corresponds to a falling fill level. From the space that is maximally filled with the bulk material, it can be deduced that the bulk material is not flowing through the conveyor line section, whereby the space that is not maximally filled with the bulk material or the presence of the air inclusion in the space orthe size of the air inclusion can be used to deduce that the bulk material is flowing through the conveyor line section. In this way, the flow can be detected based on the fill level or the air inclusion. The flow can also be measured based on the fill level or a change in the size of the air inclusion. The space limitation device can also be interpreted as a device which serves to create, i.e. develop or enlarge, an air inclusion in the bulk material. It is also conceivable that the flow is so low that the space remains fully filled despite the low flow. In practice, however, this case is of no importance. As a result, the flow monitoring device according to the invention enables simple and cost-effective monitoring of a flow.

[0020] When monitoring flow, it can be assumed that the pore volume of the flowing bulk solid essentially corresponds to the pore volume of the stationary bulk solid, meaning that the flowing bulk solid may be densely packed. The term "pore volume" refers to the spaces between material particles in the bulk solid. However, it is also conceivable that the bulk solid is not densely packed.

[0021] When the flow monitoring device is used as intended, the flow monitoring device, in particular the conveyor line section, can preferably extend from top to bottom at least obliquely to a horizontal, particularly preferably essentially vertically, i.e. along a vertical, i.e. perpendicular to the horizontal. The bulk material can flow, in particular trickle, in the flow monitoring device, in particular in the conveyor line section, in a flow direction that runs from top to bottom, preferably at least obliquely to a horizontal, particularly preferably essentially vertically, i.e. along a vertical, i.e. perpendicular to the horizontal. An angle between a longitudinal direction of the flow monitoring device or a central axis of the conveyor line section orThe angle of the flow direction and the vertical can be in particular between 0° and 60°, preferably between 0° and 45°, particularly preferably between 0° and 20°, and most preferably essentially 0°. The bulk material can be conveyed in the conveying line section by the action of gravity acting on the bulk material and / or compressed air and / or a vacuum.

[0022] Preferably, the conveyor line section can be substantially straight, i.e., linear. However, it is also conceivable for the conveyor line section to be curved. The conveyor line section can form an interior space which can be laterally delimited by a wall of the conveyor line section. The conveyor line section can have, at one end, an inlet opening for admitting the bulk material into the conveyor line section, in particular into the interior space, and, at the other end, an outlet opening for discharging the bulk material from the conveyor line section, in particular from the interior space. The conveyor line section can be a conveyor pipeline section or a conveyor pipeline. The interior space of the conveyor pipeline section or of the conveyor pipeline can then be cylindrical.

[0023] The space can preferably be smaller in volume, in particular significantly smaller, than the interior of the conveyor line section. In principle, a geometric shape of the space, in particular a cross-sectional shape of the space, can be suitably selected. The space can, for example, be substantially cylindrical or cuboid-shaped. In other words, the space can have a round, in particular circular, or angular, in particular rectangular, cross-sectional shape. A cross-section of the space viewed in the direction of flow can advantageously be constant. However, it is also conceivable for the cross-section of the space to change viewed in the direction of flow. The space delimiting device can preferably be designed separately from the conveyor line section.Alternatively, the space-delimiting device can also be formed integrally with the conveying line section, wherein the space-delimiting device can then be formed onto the wall of the conveying line section that laterally delimits the interior space.

[0024] Furthermore, the flow monitoring device, in particular the space limitation device, can be designed such that the flow that can be admitted into the interior via the inlet opening of the conveyor pipe section is divided by means of the flow monitoring device, in particular by means of the space limitation device, into a portion that flows through the space and a portion that does not flow through the space. The space can then only be flowed through by a portion of the bulk material. The portion that flows through the space can be used in an advantageously simple manner to monitor the flow. After passing through the space, the portion that flows through the space can be reunited with the portion that does not flow through the space. Since the portion that does not flow through the space can influence the portion that does flow through the space in a reproducible manner, the portion that does flow through the space can be used to monitor the flow.However, such a division of the flow is not necessary for flow monitoring. Flow monitoring can advantageously be performed without dividing the flow. The entire bulk material can then flow through the space.

[0025] Furthermore, the space-delimiting device can at least co-form the inlet and / or the outlet. In particular, the space-delimiting device can also co-form the inlet and / or the outlet. Furthermore, the conveying line section can at least co-form the inlet and / or the outlet. In particular, the conveying line section can also co-form the inlet and / or the outlet. In particular, the space-delimiting device and the conveying line section can jointly form the inlet and / or the outlet.

[0026] In one embodiment of the flow monitoring device, the inlet can be designed to admit the bulk material into the space from above, wherein the outlet can be designed larger than the inlet. The inlet can therefore be designed at the top of the space as viewed in the direction of flow of the bulk material through the flow monitoring device or the conveyor line section or the space, so that the bulk material can be admitted into the space from above. An inlet cross-section can extend in a plane extending perpendicular to the flow direction. The fill level can then be reduced to a minimum fill level of the bulk material in the conveyor line section through which the bulk material flows, i.e. when the conveyor line section is flowed through by the bulk material.In the conveyor line section through which the bulk material flows, i.e. when the conveyor line section is flowed through by the bulk material, i.e. when the bulk material is discharged from the space via the outlet, due to the outlet being comparatively larger in cross-section than the inlet, more bulk material can be discharged from the space via the outlet per unit of time than can be admitted to the space via the inlet, as a result of which the fill level in the space can be reduced. The fill level can be reduced until the minimum fill level at which the space can be minimally filled is reached. At the minimum fill level, the space can be essentially completely emptied of bulk material. Nevertheless, the space can be flowed through by the bulk material at the minimum fill level. The minimum fill level orThe essentially complete emptying of the chamber of bulk material should not be understood as meaning that the chamber is not flowing with bulk material. The minimum fill level therefore indicates that the bulk material is flowing through the conveying line section. Therefore, the flow can be easily detected based on the fill level. The flow can also be measured based on the fill level.

[0027] Advantageously, a reduction in the fill level and / or the minimum fill level can be used to detect flow of the bulk material through the conveyor line section and / or an increase in the fill level and / or the maximum fill level can be used to detect non-flow of the bulk material through the conveyor line section. A detection device of the flow monitoring apparatus, which will be explained further below, can detect that the bulk material is not flowing through the conveyor line section at the maximum fill level or even when the fill level, viewed in the direction of flow, exceeds a detection range of the detection device. At the minimum fill level or even when the fill level, viewed in the direction of flow, falls below the detection range of the detection device, the detection device can detect that the bulk material is flowing through the conveyor line section.

[0028] Advantageously, the flow rate can be measured based on the rate of change in the fill level. The rate of change can be measured, for example, using two sensors of the detection device, which will be discussed further below.

[0029] Furthermore, the flow monitoring device can have a closure, preferably a gate valve, for closing and opening the outlet. The gate valve can be displaceable in a guide running transversely to the flow direction. Advantageously, in the conveying line section through which the flow passes, the outlet can be closed at least once by means of the closure to increase the fill level and subsequently opened to reduce the fill level. By closing the outlet, the fill level of the, in particular minimally filled, space can be increased, preferably with the space filled to its maximum, in order to measure the rate of change of the fill level again during the subsequent reduction of the fill level, whereby the fill level can be reduced, preferably with the formation of the minimum fill level.In this way, the flow rate in the conveying line section through which the flow is carried can be measured several times per unit of time, for example twice, three times, four times, five times, six times, seven times, eight times, nine times or ten times per minute or even more frequently.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the flow monitoring device, the inlet for admitting the bulk material can be formed laterally into the space, wherein the inlet can be formed to extend at least partially in the flow direction, i.e., parallel to the flow direction. The inlet can therefore be formed laterally on the space, viewed in the flow direction of the bulk material through the flow monitoring device or the conveyor line section or the space, so that the bulk material can be admitted laterally, i.e., transversely to the flow direction, into the space. An inlet cross-section can extend in a plane that extends parallel to the flow direction or in which the flow direction lies.The fill level can then be reduced in the conveyor line section through which the bulk material flows, i.e. when the bulk material flows through the conveyor line section, until a definable fill level is reached which is dependent on the flow. The flow is therefore a continuous function of the fill level, so that the flow can be assigned to the specific fill level. The inlet for letting the bulk material into the space from the side runs preferably in the direction of flow. In principle, however, it is also possible for the inlet for letting the bulk material into the space from the side to run at least partially diagonally to the direction of flow and thus only partially in the direction of flow. The fill level can be reduced in the conveyor line section through which the bulk material flows, i.e. when the bulk material flows through the conveyor line section, i.e. when the bulk material is discharged from the space via the outlet.When the fill level is reduced, the inlet for admitting the bulk material laterally into the space can be successively opened up as a result of the course running at least partially in the flow direction, wherein the bulk material can be admitted, in particular trickled, into the space through an opened part of the inlet for admitting the bulk material laterally into the space, wherein the fill level can be reduced until as much bulk material is admitted from the space via the outlet per unit of time as is admitted into the space via the inlet for admitting the bulk material laterally into the space. Depending on the flow rate, a determinable fill level can therefore be established in the space, which can be used to monitor the flow rate. In particular, a flow rate variable can be derived from the determined fill level to measure the flow rate.In a simple way, in addition to detecting the flow, a continuous measurement of a flow quantity can be carried out.

[0031] Advantageously, the inlet for admitting the bulk material laterally into the chamber can be formed by a slot, preferably extending in the direction of flow and preferably aligned with a central axis of the conveying line section. The slot preferably runs adjacent to the central axis.

[0032] In a further embodiment of the flow monitoring device, the inlet can be designed to admit the bulk material into the space from above, wherein a size of the inlet, i.e. an inlet cross-section, can be adjustable, wherein the flow can be measured based on a size of the inlet that is to be adjusted to form a constant fill level. The inlet can therefore be designed at the top of the space as viewed in the flow direction of the bulk material through the flow monitoring device or the conveyor line section or the space, so that the bulk material can be admitted into the space from above. The inlet cross-section can extend in a plane extending perpendicular to the flow direction. A comparatively large flow through the conveyor line section requires a comparatively large inlet cross-section, since otherwise the minimum fill level would develop or the space would otherwise be emptied of the bulk material.A comparatively small flow rate through the conveying line section requires a comparatively small inlet cross-section, as otherwise the space would be filled to its maximum with the bulk material. The size of the inlet can be adjusted, particularly regulated, to maintain a constant fill level in the space. The size of the opening can be assigned to a flow rate. This makes it possible to detect and / or measure the flow rate based on the size of the inlet.

[0033] Furthermore, the flow monitoring device can have an adjustment device, preferably a gate valve, for adjusting the size of the inlet. The gate valve can be displaceable in a guide running transversely to the flow direction. The size of the inlet can then be adjusted depending on the position of the gate valve in the guide. The flow can then be diverted from the position of the gate valve. The inlet can also be closed and opened using the adjustment device.

[0034] Furthermore, the flow monitoring device can comprise a control device for controlling the size of the inlet depending on the fill level. The control device can be connected to the detection device so that the control device can obtain information about the fill level from the detection device.

[0035] Preferably, the outlet can be configured to discharge the bulk material from the bottom of the chamber. The outlet can therefore be configured at the bottom of the chamber, as viewed in the direction of flow of the bulk material through the flow monitoring device, the conveying line section, or the chamber, so that the bulk material can be discharged from the bottom of the chamber. An outlet cross-section can extend in a plane extending perpendicular to the flow direction. The plane in which the outlet cross-section can extend can extend parallel or perpendicular to the plane in which the inlet cross-section extends.

[0036] In one embodiment of the flow monitoring device, the space-limiting device can be arranged within the conveying line section for at least co-limiting the space within the conveying line section. The interior space can then at least partially form the space. In particular, the interior space can substantially form the space. The space-limiting device can be arranged in the conveying line section, in particular in the interior space, wherein the space-limiting device can divide the interior space into the space and a further space. A sum of a volume of the space, a volume of the further space, and a volume of the space-limiting device can then correspond to a volume of the interior space. The inlet can open into the further space when viewed against the flow direction and / or the outlet can open into the further space when viewed in the flow direction.The flow can then be divided into a portion that flows through the space and a portion that does not flow through the space, i.e., flows through the further space. If the space limitation device is arranged within the conveyor line section, the flow monitoring device can be designed to be particularly compact.

[0037] In an alternative embodiment of the flow monitoring device, the space-limiting device for at least co-limiting the space outside the conveying line section can be arranged outside the conveying line section. The space is then not part of the interior space. Because the space is located outside the conveying line section, the flow can also be divided into the two portions. The space-limiting device can have a line section that is fluidically connected to the conveying line section, in particular the interior space, and in which the space can be formed. The line section can be designed as a bypass line section. The line section can connect two openings provided in the wall of the conveying line section, which openings can be spaced apart from one another as viewed in the flow direction.The bulk material can therefore flow from the conveying line section into the line section via a first opening and an inlet opening of the line section and, after flowing through the line section, in particular the space, flow back into the conveying line section via an outlet opening of the line section and a second opening from the line section. The outlet opening of the line section can form the outlet. The outlet can then open into the interior space, viewed in the direction of flow. If the inlet is provided for admitting the bulk material into the space from above, the inlet can be arranged in the line section. If the inlet is provided for admitting the bulk material into the space from the side, the wall of the conveying line section can have the inlet. The first opening can then form the inlet. The inlet can then open into the interior space, viewed against the direction of flow.If the space limitation device is located outside the conveying line section, the flow monitoring device can be retrofitted particularly easily.

[0038] The space within the conveyor line section can extend over only part of a cross-section of the conveyor line section or over the entire cross-section. Because the space extends over only part of the cross-section, the flow can be divided into two parts, depending on the design of the space-delimiting device. Depending on the design of the space-delimiting device, it is also possible for the fill level in the space in the conveyor line section through which the bulk material flows, i.e. when the conveyor line section is flowed through by the bulk material, to be reduced until the space is essentially completely emptied of the bulk material. If the space extends over the entire cross-section, the flow is not divided into the two parts.The fill level in the chamber cannot then be reduced to the point where the chamber is essentially completely emptied of bulk material. However, the flow can still be easily monitored based on the fill level.

[0039] Advantageously, the wall of the conveyor line section can also delimit the space, in particular laterally. A wall section can be opposite a side section of the space delimiting device, which is explained below, and can also delimit the space laterally. The wall can also delimit the space within the conveyor line section laterally on its own if the space extends over the entire cross-section. If the space is located within the conveyor line section, the detection device can then simply be arranged on the wall. Furthermore, the space can also be delimited, in particular laterally, solely by the space delimiting device. The space delimiting device can then have a or the line section, in particular a pipeline section or a pipeline, which can be arranged inside the conveyor line section or outside, in particular parallel, to the conveyor line section.A diameter of the pipeline section or the pipeline can then be smaller than a diameter of the production pipeline section or the production pipeline.

[0040] In one embodiment of the flow monitoring device, the wall can be transparent at least in sections to allow viewing of the fill level. For example, the wall can have a window, in particular made of glass. If the space-delimiting device is arranged outside the conveying line section, the side section of the space-delimiting device can be transparent at least in sections.

[0041] If the inlet for admitting the bulk material into the chamber is designed laterally, wherein the inlet is designed to run at least partially in the direction of flow, a body extending in the direction of flow, for example a cylindrical rod, of the flow monitoring arrangement can be arranged, preferably centrally, in the chamber. The bulk material can then flow around the body and consequently be calmed, i.e., evened out. In this way, the bulk material, in particular any bulk material that is flying around, can then reach the wall that is at least partially transparent or the side section that is at least partially transparent in order to be able to detect, in particular read, the fill level more precisely.

[0042] Advantageously, the space delimiting device can have a side section, in particular in the shape of a cylinder segment, which at least partly delimits the space laterally and / or an upper section which at least partially delimits the space upwards. The side section can at least partly delimit the space laterally, as viewed in the direction of flow. The upper section can at least partially delimit the space upwards, as viewed in the direction of flow, i.e. can extend over at least part of the cross-section of the space. The upper section can have the inlet for admitting the bulk material into the space from above. The inlet can be at least one hole in the upper section. If the inlet for admitting the bulk material into the space is formed laterally, the upper section can completely close the space at the top, i.e. can be formed without a hole or the like.The inlet for admitting the bulk material from above into the space can be formed by a distance of the side section from the wall. The space-delimiting device, in particular the side section, and the conveying line section, in particular the wall, can therefore jointly form the inlet. At the top, the space can then be essentially open, i.e., essentially free of a space-delimiting structure. If the cross-section of the space is constant as viewed in the direction of flow, an inlet cross-section can then correspond to the cross-section of the space. If the flow monitoring device has the adjustment device or the blocking slide, the adjustment device or the blocking slide can be viewed as a structure that variably defines the space upwards. The side section can have the inlet for admitting the bulk material laterally into the space. The inlet can be a slot in the side section.If the inlet is designed to admit the bulk material into the space from above, the side section can completely close off the space laterally, i.e., it can be designed without a hole or the like. The outlet for discharging the bulk material from below out of the space can be formed by spacing the side section from the wall. The space-delimiting device, in particular the side section, and the conveying line section, in particular the wall, can therefore jointly form the outlet. The space can then be open towards the bottom, i.e., it can be essentially free of a space-delimiting structure. If the cross-section of the space is constant in the direction of flow, an outlet cross-section can then correspond to the cross-section of the space. If the flow monitoring device has the closure, the closure can be regarded as a structure that variably delimits the space downwards.It would also be conceivable for the space-delimiting device to have a lower section that at least partially delimits the space downwards and that can have the outlet, which can be at least a hole in the lower section. The side section and the upper section and / or, if applicable, the lower section can be formed separately from one another or in one piece.

[0043] Furthermore, the side section can be formed by a line section or the line section. The upper section having the inlet can be arranged in the line section, wherein the outlet opening of the line section can form the outlet. The upper section can extend only over part of a cross-section of the line section or over the entire cross-section of the line section. The line section can be arranged inside or outside the conveying line section. The space can then extend from the upper section to the outlet opening, viewed in the direction of flow of the bulk material through the space.

[0044] In one embodiment of the flow monitoring device, the space limiting device can be formed by an upper section, which can only partially or completely limit the space extending over the entire cross-section of the conveyor line section. In other words, the upper section can extend only over part of the cross-section of the conveyor line section or over the entire cross-section of the conveyor line section. The upper section can have the inlet for admitting the bulk material into the space from above. If the upper section extends only over part of the cross-section of the conveyor line section, the bulk material can flow into the space via the inlet provided in the upper section and through an opening formed by a distance between the upper section and the wall of the conveyor line section.The conveying line section, i.e., the outlet opening of the conveying line section, can form the outlet. An outlet cross-section can then correspond to the cross-section of the conveying line section.

[0045] Advantageously, the flow monitoring device can comprise a detection device for detecting the fill level to enable automatic detection of the fill level. The detection device can be arranged on the conveying line section or on the space-delimiting device. Dynamic properties of the flow monitoring device, in particular a response time, can be adjusted during the design of the flow monitoring device by adjusting the size of the inlet, the size of the outlet, the length of the space in the flow direction, and the position of the detection device relative to the inlet or outlet.

[0046] Advantageously, the detection device can have at least one, preferably capacitive, sensor or be designed as an optical detection device, preferably a camera device. If the sensor is a capacitive sensor, the flow monitoring device can be manufactured particularly cost-effectively. Also, by means of a capacitive sensor, even the presence of a comparatively small air inclusion in the bulk material and a comparatively small change in the size of the air inclusion can be easily detected. The sensor, in particular a capacitive one, can come into direct contact with the bulk material. For this purpose, the sensor can at least engage in an opening formed in the wall of the conveyor line section or in a section of the space boundary device. However, the sensor does not have to come into direct contact with the bulk material. The sensor can also be passed through the wall of the conveyor line section orMeasure the section of the space-delimiting device. Furthermore, the sensor can also be an optical or acoustic sensor. Furthermore, the sensor can also be a radar sensor. The optical detection device can also be a camera device, which can detect the fill level using image processing and automatically determine the flow rate from the fill level.

[0047] The detection device, in particular the sensor, can be designed for contactless distance measurement of a bulk material surface in the space from above.

[0048] The sensor, in particular a capacitive one, can be designed as a rod sensor. The rod sensor can be arranged in the space with at least one sensor section of the rod sensor, wherein the sensor section can extend with a longitudinal axis of the sensor section along a flow direction of the bulk material through the flow monitoring device, in particular the space. Furthermore, a body of the flow monitoring arrangement can then be arranged in the space, extending with a longitudinal axis in the flow direction. The body can be arranged between the inlet for admitting the bulk material laterally into the space and the rod sensor. The body can project lengthwise beyond the rod sensor and / or the inlet for admitting the bulk material laterally into the space or the slot, as viewed in the flow direction. The body can be designed as a flat plate.It can also be designed as a curved plate, for example, around the rod sensor, or in any other suitable geometric shape. The body can therefore serve as a shield. The body can prevent the bulk material from flowing directly against the rod sensor. The bulk material can bounce against the body, fall off, and then more easily pass around the two sides of the body and flow into a more defined bulk material surface located around the rod sensor, thus generating a cleaner signal from the rod sensor. Alternatively, the rod sensor can be integrated into the side section of the space-delimiting device.

[0049] In particular, the detection device can have at least two sensors, preferably arranged at a distance from one another as viewed in the direction of flow. By means of the at least two, preferably capacitive, sensors, the rate of change of the fill level, in particular during a reduction in the fill level, can be detected, from which the flow rate can be determined. This makes it possible to measure the flow rate in a simple manner. A first sensor can detect a first point in time at which the fill level or a level of the bulk material or a mirror of the bulk material passes through a detection range of the first sensor, while a second sensor, arranged downstream of the first sensor as viewed in the direction of flow, in particular below it, can detect a second point in time at which the fill level or the level or the mirror passes through a detection range of the second sensor.The flow rate can then be determined from the difference between these two points in time, which corresponds to a measurement time. In particular, this allows the flow rate to be measured averaged over the measurement time. The measurement time is directly dependent on the flow rate. The shorter the measurement time, the higher the flow rate. The longer the measurement time, the lower the flow rate. The flow monitoring device also functions particularly well in closed conveyor lines or pipelines, i.e., under elevated pressure or even under a vacuum, i.e., a pressure that is not ambient pressure.

[0050] The conveying system according to the invention comprises a flow monitoring device according to the invention.

[0051] The conveyor system can comprise a storage container, in particular a silo, for the bulk material and a conveyor line, in particular a downpipe. The bulk material can be conveyed from the storage container through the conveyor line with the aid of compressed air and / or by the effect of gravity and / or under a vacuum. The conveyor system can in particular be a pneumatic conveyor system. The flow monitoring device can serve to monitor a flow through the conveyor line. For this purpose, the flow monitoring device can be arranged on the conveyor line, i.e. a conveyor line section of the flow monitoring device can be connected to the conveyor line or integrated into the conveyor line. The conveyor system can be intended for stationary sand filling. The conveyor system can be designed as a “sand filling station” for a vehicle. The vehicle can comprise at least one wheel.The vehicle can be a rail vehicle, but also a road vehicle, in particular a trolleybus, bus, or truck. Furthermore, the conveyor system can be designed as a spreading device for a vehicle. The sand can then be spread under at least one wheel of the vehicle or in front of a wheel of the vehicle onto a surface, in particular a rail, to increase friction between the wheel and the surface.

[0052] In the method according to the invention for monitoring the flow of a preferably free-flowing bulk material, in particular sand or the like, by means of a flow monitoring device through a conveyor line section, wherein the flow monitoring device comprises the conveyor line section, wherein the flow monitoring device can be flowed through by the bulk material in a flow direction that preferably runs at least obliquely, particularly preferably substantially vertically, from top to bottom, wherein the flow monitoring device has a space delimiting device for at least co-delimiting a space through which at least a portion of the bulk material can flow, wherein an inlet is provided for admitting the bulk material into the space and an outlet is provided for discharging the bulk material from the space, a fill level of the bulk material dependent on the flow is formed in the space,where the flow is detected and / or measured based on the fill level.,

[0053] Regarding the advantageous effects of the method according to the invention, reference is made to the advantageous effects of the flow monitoring device according to the invention.

[0054] Further advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention emerge from the descriptions of the features of the subclaims which refer back to device claim 1.

[0055] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] They show:

[0057] Fig. 1 is a perspective sectional view of a flow monitoring device in a first embodiment; Fig. 2 is a perspective sectional view of a flow monitoring device in a second embodiment;

[0058] Fig. 3 is a perspective sectional view of a flow monitoring device in a third embodiment;

[0059] Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the flow monitoring device in the third embodiment;

[0060] Fig. 5 is a perspective sectional view of a flow monitoring device in a fourth embodiment;

[0061] Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the flow monitoring device in the fourth embodiment;

[0062] Fig. 7 is a perspective sectional view of a flow monitoring device in a fifth embodiment;

[0063] Fig. 8 is a perspective sectional view of a flow monitoring device in a sixth embodiment;

[0064] Fig. 9 is a sectional view of the flow monitoring device in the sixth embodiment;

[0065] Fig. 10 is a perspective sectional view of a flow monitoring device in a seventh embodiment;

[0066] Fig. 11 is a sectional view of the flow monitoring device in the seventh embodiment; Fig. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of a flow monitoring device in an eighth embodiment;

[0067] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the flow monitoring device in the eighth embodiment.

[0068] Fig. 1 shows a flow monitoring device 10 for monitoring the flow of a free-flowing, preferably pourable, bulk material, in particular sand or the like, which flows in a vertical flow direction 11 from top to bottom through the flow monitoring device, in particular a conveyor line section 12, wherein the flow monitoring device 10 has the conveyor line section 12, wherein the flow monitoring device 10 has a space delimiting device 13 arranged within the conveyor line section 12 for co-delimiting a space 14 through which part of the bulk material can flow, within the conveyor line section 12. The space delimiting device 13 has a side section 15 which co-delimits the space 14 laterally and an upper section 16 which delimits the space 14 upwards.Furthermore, the space 14 is delimited by a wall section 17 of the conveyor line section 12, which wall section 17 is opposite the side section 15, and the wall section 17 also delimits the space 14 laterally. The space delimiting device 13 and the wall section 17 therefore jointly delimit the space 14. At the bottom, the space 14 is free of any space-delimiting structure. In other words, the space 14 is open at the bottom. Furthermore, an inlet 18 is formed for admitting the bulk material into the space 14 from above and an outlet 19 is formed for discharging the bulk material from below out of the space 14. The upper section 16 has the inlet 18 designed as a hole, and the outlet 19 is formed by a distance between the side section 15 and the wall section 17. The outlet 19 has a larger cross-section than the inlet 18.Furthermore, the flow monitoring device 10 has a detection device 20 arranged on the conveying line section 12 for detecting a fill level of the bulk material in the space 14, which has a sensor 21. The flow can be detected based on the fill level.

[0069] The fill level of the bulk material in the chamber 14 changes depending on the flow rate. In the conveying line section 12 through which the bulk material does not flow, i.e. when the conveying line section 12 is not flowing through by the bulk material, the fill level can be increased up to a maximum fill level which depends on an angle of repose of the bulk material. In the conveying line section 12 through which the bulk material does not flow, i.e. when the bulk material is not discharged from the chamber 14 via the outlet 19, the chamber 14 is therefore maximally filled with the bulk material because the bulk material trickles in through the inlet 18 until the chamber 14 is maximally filled with the bulk material. From the chamber 14 being maximally filled with the bulk material, it can be deduced that the conveying line section 12 is not flowing through by the bulk material.In the case of the conveying line section 12 through which the bulk material flows, that is to say when the conveying line section 12 is flowed through by the bulk material, i.e. when the bulk material is discharged from the space 14 via the outlet 19, due to the outlet 19 being comparatively larger in cross-section than the inlet 18, more bulk material is discharged from the space 14 via the outlet 19 per unit of time than is admitted into the space 14 via the inlet 18, as a result of which the fill level in the space 14 is reduced. The fill level is reduced until the space 14 is essentially completely emptied. From the space 14 being essentially completely emptied of the bulk material, it can be deduced that the bulk material is flowing through the conveying line section 12. The flow can therefore be easily detected based on the fill level. Fig.2 shows a flow monitoring device 22 which differs from the flow monitoring device 10 only in that a detection device 23 of the flow monitoring device 22 has two sensors 25, 26 arranged at a distance from one another in a flow direction 24 running vertically from top to bottom.

[0070] The two sensors 25, 26 detect a rate of change in the fill level when the fill level decreases, from which the flow rate is determined. The sensor 25 detects a first point in time at which the fill level passes a detection range of the sensor 25 (not shown here), while the sensor 26, which is arranged downstream of the sensor 25 in the flow direction 24, i.e. below the sensor 25, detects a second point in time at which the fill level passes a detection range of the sensor 26 (not shown here). The flow rate is then determined from a difference between these two points in time, which corresponds to a measuring time. In particular, a flow rate averaged over the measuring time can be measured in this way. Accordingly, a simple measurement of the flow rate can be carried out based on the fill level. The measuring time is directly dependent on the flow rate. The shorter the measuring time, the greater the flow rate.The longer the measuring time, the smaller the flow.

[0071] For further information, please refer to the description of the flow monitoring device 10.

[0072] 3 and 4 together show a flow monitoring device 27. A space limiting device 29 of the flow monitoring device 27, which limits a space 28, has a side section 30 which limits the space 28 laterally and an upper section 31 which limits the space 28 upwards. Furthermore, the space 28 is also limited by a wall section 32 of a conveyor line section 33 of the flow monitoring device 27, which wall section 32 lies opposite the side section 30 and limits the space 28 laterally. The space limiting device 29 and the wall section 32 therefore jointly limit the space 28. The space 28 is designed free of any limitation towards the bottom. In other words, the space 28 is designed to be open towards the bottom. Furthermore, an inlet 34 is formed for admitting bulk material laterally into the space 28 and an outlet 35 is formed for discharging the bulk material from below out of the space 28.The side section 30 has the inlet 34 designed as a gap running in a flow direction 36 of the bulk material through the flow monitoring device 27, in particular the space 28, and the outlet 35 is formed by a distance (not shown here) between the side section 30 and the wall section 32. The outlet 35, i.e. the slot, runs adjacent to a central axis 37 of the conveyor line section 33 and is aligned with the central axis 37. Furthermore, the wall section 32 has a window 38 for viewing a fill level of the bulk material in the space 28. The flow can be detected and / or measured based on the fill level. The flow monitoring device 27 can have a detection device, in particular an optical detection device, which can be designed as a camera device, for detecting the fill level. The optical detection device orCamera setup can be aligned to window 38.

[0073] The fill level of the bulk material in the space 28 changes depending on the flow rate. In the conveying line section 33 through which the bulk material does not flow, i.e. when the conveying line section 33 is not flowing by the bulk material, the fill level can be increased up to a maximum fill level. In the conveying line section 33 through which the bulk material does not flow, i.e. when the bulk material is not discharged from the space 28 via the outlet 35, the space 28 is therefore maximally filled with the bulk material because the bulk material trickles in through the inlet 34 until the space 28 is maximally filled with the bulk material. From the space 28 being maximally filled with the bulk material, it can be deduced that the conveying line section 33 is not flowing by the bulk material.When the conveying line section 33 is flowing through by the bulk material, that is to say when the conveying line section 33 is flowing through by the bulk material, i.e. when the bulk material is discharged from the space 28 via the outlet 35, the fill level is reduced. When the fill level is reduced, the inlet 34 for admitting the bulk material laterally into the space 28 is successively opened up as a result of the course running in the flow direction 36, wherein the bulk material trickles into the space 28 through an opened part of the inlet 34 for admitting the bulk material laterally into the space 28, wherein the fill level is reduced until as much bulk material is discharged from the space 28 via the outlet 35 per unit of time as is admitted into the space 18 via the inlet 34 for admitting the bulk material laterally.Depending on the flow rate, a determinable fill level is established in the chamber 28, which can be used to monitor the flow rate. To measure the flow rate, the flow rate is derived from the determined fill level. The flow rate is a continuous function of the fill level, so that a specific flow rate can be assigned to the determined fill level. A continuous measurement of a flow rate variable can therefore be carried out in a simple manner. Furthermore, it can be deduced from the chamber 28 not being fully filled or from the determined fill level that the bulk material is flowing through the conveying line section 33.

[0074] A combination of Figures 5 and 6 shows a flow monitoring device 39. The size of an inlet 40 for admitting bulk material from above into a space 42 delimited by a space-delimiting device 41 of the flow monitoring device 39 is adjustable by means of an adjusting device 43 of the flow monitoring device 39 designed as a blocking slide. The size of the inlet 40 is adjusted such that a fill level of bulk material in the space 42 is constantly regulated, with a flow being diverted through a conveying line section 44 of the flow monitoring device 39 from a position of the blocking slide. The inlet 40 is formed by a distance between the space-delimiting device 41 and the conveying line section 44. The blocking slide can be viewed as a structure that variably delimits the space 42 upwards.To detect the fill level, the flow monitoring device 39 has a detection device 45. This allows a measurement of the flow rate in a simple manner.

[0075] Fig. 7 shows a flow monitoring device 46. A space 47 is delimited by a space delimiting device 49 of the flow monitoring device 46, which is formed by an upper section 48, wherein the upper section 48 delimits the space 47 at the top. The upper section 48 has an inlet 50 for admitting bulk material into the space 47. The space 47 and the upper section 48 extend cross-sectionally over an entire conveyor line section 51 of the flow monitoring device 46. Furthermore, the space 48 is delimited by a wall section 52 of the conveyor line section 51, wherein the wall section delimits the space 47 laterally. An outlet 53 for discharging the bulk material from the space 47 is formed by the conveyor line section 51. Furthermore, the flow monitoring device 46 comprises a detection device 54 with a sensor 55 for detecting a fill level of bulk material in the space 47.The flow can be detected and / or measured based on the fill level. A combination of Figs. 8 and 9 shows a flow monitoring device 59. A space limiting device 60 of the flow monitoring device 59 is formed by an upper section 61, which partially limits a space 62 at the top. The space limiting device 61 and a wall section 63 of a conveyor line section 64 of the flow monitoring device 59 jointly limit the space 62. The space 62 extends cross-sectionally over the entire conveyor line section 64. The upper section 61 extends cross-sectionally only partially over the conveyor line section 64. The upper section 61 has an inlet 65. The flow monitoring device 59 also has a detection device 66 with a sensor 67 for detecting a fill level of bulk material in the space 62.In the conveying line section 64 through which bulk material flows, i.e., when the conveying line section 64 is flowing, at least one air pocket forms at least below the upper section 61, or an air pocket already present in the space 62 in the conveying line section 64 through which the bulk material does not flow, i.e., when the conveying line section 64 is not flowing, is enlarged, wherein the formation or enlargement of the air pocket can be detected by the sensor 67. The air pocket corresponds to the fill level.

[0076] The flow monitoring device 59 differs from the flow monitoring device 10 in that the side section 15 has been removed. Alternatively to removing the side section 15, the side section 15 can also be designed to be comparatively short, viewed in the flow direction 11.

[0077] A synopsis of Figures 10 and 11 shows a flow monitoring device 68 with a space-limiting device 69, which is arranged outside a conveying line section 70 of the flow monitoring device 68 through which a bulk material can flow. The space-limiting device 69 has a curved line section 71, which is fluidly connected to the conveying line section 70 and in which a space 72 is formed. The line section 71, in particular the space 72, can only be flowed through by a portion of the bulk material. The space 72 is limited solely by the space-limiting device 69. The line section 71 is designed as a bypass line section.The line section 71 connects two openings 74, 75 provided in a wall 73 of the conveying line section 70, which openings are spaced apart from one another in a vertical, top-to-bottom flow direction 76 of the bulk material through the conveying line section 70. The bulk material can therefore flow from the conveying line section 70 via the opening 74 and an inlet opening 77 of the line section 71 from the conveying line section 70 into the line section 71 and, after flowing through the line section 71, in particular the space 72, flow back into the conveying line section 70 via an outlet opening 78 of the line section 71 and the opening 75 from the line section 71. The outlet opening 78 of the line section 71 forms an outlet 79 for discharging the bulk material from the space 72. In the direction of a curved flow direction 80 of the bulk material from top to bottom through the line section 71 orViewed from the space 72, the outlet 79 is designed to discharge the bulk material from below out of the space 72. At the same time, the bulk material is discharged laterally through the outlet 79 from the line section 71, relative to the flow direction 76, and admitted laterally through the opening 75 into the conveying line section 70. The line section 71 forms a side section 81 of the space delimiting device 69. Furthermore, the space delimiting device 69 has an upper section 82 which delimits the space 72 at the top and is arranged in the line section 71, the upper section 82 having an inlet 83 for admitting the bulk material into the space 72 from above, viewed in the flow direction 76 or 80. Furthermore, the flow monitoring device 68 has a detection device 84 arranged on the line section 71 with a sensor 85 for detecting a fill level of the bulk material in the space 72.

[0078] 12 and 13 together show a flow monitoring device 86. A space limiting device 88 of the flow monitoring device 86, which limits a space 87, is arranged outside a conveying line section 89 of the flow monitoring device 86 through which a bulk material can flow, and has a side section 90 which laterally limits the space 87 located outside the conveying line section 89 and optionally an upper section (not shown here) which limits the space 87 at the top. The side section 90 forms a line section or a measuring tube. The space 87 is designed to be free of any boundary towards the bottom. In other words, the space 87 is designed to be open at the bottom. Furthermore, an inlet 91 is designed for admitting the bulk material laterally into the space 87 and an outlet 92 is designed for discharging the bulk material from below out of the space 87. A wall 93 of the conveying line section 89 orthe side section 90 has the inlet 91 designed as a slot running in a flow direction 94 of the bulk material through the flow monitoring device 86, in particular the space 87, and the outlet 92 is formed by the side section 90. By means of the flow monitoring device 86, in particular by means of the space limitation device 88, a flow of the bulk material through the conveying line section 89 is divided into a portion that does not flow through the space 87, or a main flow, and a portion that flows parallel thereto through the space 87, or a measuring flow. After passing through the space 87, the two portions or flows are reunited in a lower section of the flow monitoring device 86, with the measuring flow being returned vertically from above into the main flow, so that the measuring flow can easily be taken up again by the main flow.The flow can be detected and / or measured based on the fill level of the bulk material in the space 87. The flow monitoring device 86 has a detection device 95, wherein the detection device 95 has a capacitive sensor 96 designed as a rod sensor with a longitudinal axis extending in the flow direction 94. Furthermore, a body 97 of the flow monitoring arrangement 86, designed as a flat plate and extending with a longitudinal axis in the flow direction 94, is arranged in the space 87. The body 97 is arranged between the inlet 91 and the sensor 96 and projects beyond the sensor 96 and the inlet 91 in terms of length, viewed in the flow direction 94. The body 97 therefore serves as a shield. The body 97 prevents the bulk material from flowing directly against the sensor 96.The bulk material impacts the body 97, falls off it, and then flows more easily around the two sides of the body 97 and flows into a more defined bulk material surface located around the sensor 96, thus generating a cleaner signal from the sensor 96. The body 97 does not have to be a flat plate; it can also be designed as a curved plate, for example, bent around the sensor 96, or in any other suitable geometric shape. The capacitive rod sensor is just one example. Alternatively, a non-contact distance measurement of the bulk material surface in the space 87 from above or an optical detection or measurement from the outside are also conceivable, wherein the side section 90 can be designed to be at least partially transparent for viewing the fill level, or an integration of the rod sensor into the side section 90.The mode of operation of the flow monitoring device 86 is the same as the mode of operation of the flow monitoring device 27, so that additional reference is made to the description of the flow monitoring device 27.

[0079] In the embodiments of the flow monitoring device shown in Figs. 1 to 6 and 10 to 13, the flow is divided by means of the respective flow monitoring device, in particular by means of the respective space-limiting device, into a portion flowing through the respective space and a portion not flowing through the respective space. After passing through the respective space, the two portions are reunited. The portion flowing through the space can be used in an advantageously simple manner to monitor the flow.

[0080] 3 and 4, the space limiting device 29 arranged in an interior space 56 of the conveyor line section 33 limits the space 28 in such a way that the cross-section of the space 28 does not extend over the entire conveyor line section 33, i.e. only over part of a cross-section 57 of the conveyor line section 33. As a result, the flow through the conveyor line section 33 can be divided into a portion flowing through the space 28 and a portion that does not flow through the space 28, i.e. flows around the space 28. After passing through the space 28, the two portions are brought together again in the interior space 56. The portion flowing through the space 28 is used to monitor the flow. The space limiting device divides the interior space 56 into the space 28 and a further space 58.A sum of a volume of the space 28, a volume of the further space 58 and a volume of the space limiting device 29 corresponds to a volume of the interior space 56. In the embodiments of the flow monitoring device shown in Figs. 7 to 9, no such division of the flow occurs.

[0081] The features of the various embodiments of the flow monitoring device shown in Figs. 1 to 13 can be combined with each other in any meaningful way.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Flow monitoring device (10, 22, 27, 39, 46, 59, 68, 86) for monitoring a flow of a preferably free-flowing bulk material, in particular sand or the like, through a conveyor line section (12, 33, 44, 51, 64, 70, 89), wherein the flow monitoring device has the conveyor line section, wherein the flow monitoring device can be flowed through by the bulk material in a flow direction (11, 24, 36, 76, 80, 94) running preferably at least obliquely, particularly preferably substantially vertically, from top to bottom, wherein the flow monitoring device has a space limitation device (13, 29, 41, 49, 60, 69, 88) for at least co-limiting a space (13) through which at least a part of the bulk material can flow. 14, 28, 42, 47, 62, 72, 87), wherein an inlet (18, 34, 40, 50, 65, 83, 91) for admitting the bulk material into the space and an outlet (19, 35, 53, 79,92) is provided for discharging the bulk material from the space, wherein the inlet and / or the outlet is designed such that a fill level of the bulk material dependent on the flow can be formed in the space, wherein the flow can be detected and / or measured on the basis of the fill level.

2. Flow monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that the inlet (18, 50, 65, 83) is designed to admit the bulk material from above into the space (14, 47, 62, 72), wherein the outlet (19, 53, 79) is designed to be larger than the inlet.

3. Flow monitoring device according to claim 2, characterized in that a reduction in the fill level and / or a minimum fill level is used to detect flow of the bulk material through the conveying line section (12, 51, 70) and / or a non-flow of the bulk material through the conveying line section is used to detect an increase in the fill level and / or a maximum fill level.

4. Flow monitoring device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the flow can be measured based on a rate of change of the fill level.

5. Flow monitoring device according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the flow monitoring device (10, 22, 46, 68) has a closure, preferably a locking slide, for closing and releasing the outlet (19, 53, 79).

6. Flow monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that the inlet (34, 91) is designed to admit the bulk material laterally into the space (28, 87), wherein the inlet is designed to run at least partially in the flow direction (36, 94).

7. Flow monitoring device according to claim 6, characterized in that the inlet (34, 91) is formed by a slot, preferably running in the flow direction (36, 94) and preferably aligned with a central axis (37) of the conveying line section (33, 89).

8. Flow monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that the inlet (40) is designed to admit the bulk material from above into the space (42), wherein a size of the inlet is adjustable, wherein the flow is measurable on the basis of a size of the inlet which is to be adjusted to form a constant fill level.

9. Flow monitoring device according to claim 8, characterized in that the flow monitoring device (39) has an adjusting device (43), preferably a locking slide, for adjusting the size of the inlet (40).

10. Flow monitoring device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the flow monitoring device (39) has a control device for controlling the size of the inlet (40) as a function of the fill level.

11. Flow monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet (19, 35, 53, 79, 92) is designed to discharge the bulk material from below from the space (14, 28, 42, 47, 62, 72, 87).

12. Flow monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the space limiting device (13, 29, 41, 49, 60) for at least co-limiting the space (14, 28, 42, 47, 62) within the conveyor line section (12, 33, 44, 51, 64) is arranged within the conveyor line section or that the space limiting device (69, 88) for at least co-limiting the space (72, 87) outside the conveyor line section (70, 89) is arranged outside the conveyor line section.

13. Flow monitoring device according to claim 12, characterized in that the space (14, 28, 42, 62) located within the conveyor line section (12, 33, 44, 64) extends only over a part of a cross section (57) of the conveyor line section or that the space (47) located within the conveyor line section (51) extends over the entire cross section of the conveyor line section.

14. Flow monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a wall (73) of the conveying line section (12, 33, 44, 51, 64) also delimits the space (14, 28, 42, 47, 62).

15. Flow monitoring device according to claim 14, characterized in that the wall is transparent at least in sections to allow viewing of the fill level.

16. Flow monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the space delimiting device (13, 29, 41, 69, 88) has a side section (15, 30, 81, 90) which at least co-delimits the space (14, 28, 42, 72, 87) laterally and / or in that the space delimiting device (13, 29, 49, 60, 69) has an upper section (16, 31, 48, 61, 82) which at least partially delimits the space (14, 28, 47, 62, 72) upwards.

17. Flow monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow monitoring device (10, 22, 27, 39, 46, 59, 68, 86) has a detection device (20, 23, 45, 54, 66, 84, 95) for detecting the fill level.

18. Flow monitoring device according to claim 17, characterized in that the detection device (20, 23, 54, 66, 84, 95) has at least one, preferably capacitive, sensor (21, 25, 26, 55, 67, 85, 96) or is designed as an optical detection device, preferably a camera device.

19. Flow monitoring device according to claim 18, characterized in that the detection device (23) has at least two sensors (25, 26), preferably arranged at a distance from one another as viewed in the flow direction (24).

20. Conveying system comprising a flow monitoring device (10, 22, 27, 39, 46, 59, 68, 86) according to one of claims 1 to 19.

21. Method for monitoring a flow of a, preferably free-flowing, bulk material, in particular sand or the like, by means of a flow monitoring device (10, 22, 27, 39, 46, 59, 68, 86) through a conveyor line section (12, 33, 44, 51, 64, 70, 89), wherein the flow monitoring device has the conveyor line section, wherein the flow monitoring device can be flowed through by the bulk material in a flow direction (11, 24, 36, 76, 80, 94), preferably at least obliquely, particularly preferably substantially vertically, from top to bottom, wherein the flow monitoring device has a space limitation device (13, 29, 41, 49, 60, 69, 88) for at least co-limiting a Bulk material flow-through space (14, 28, 42, 47, 62, 72, 87), wherein an inlet (18, 34, 40, 50, 65, 83, 91) for admitting the bulk material into the space and an outlet (19, 35, 53, 79,92) is provided for discharging the bulk material from the space, wherein a fill level of the bulk material is formed in the space which depends on the flow, wherein the flow is detected and / or measured on the basis of the fill level.

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