Producing a container from a sustainable material by means of a pressing and compressing process
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/EP2025/051183
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-03-04
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-17
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-02
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for producing containers from fiber pulp are complex, prone to failure due to inflatable devices, and limit shape options, requiring frequent replacements and increased material and energy consumption.
A method involving the application of flowable sustainable material to a mold inner surface, compressed by a pressurized liquid without inflatable means, followed by liquid removal and optional drying with a gaseous medium to form containers, allowing for flexible shape options and reduced production time.
Simplifies and energy-efficient production of sustainable containers with improved quality and reduced material and energy use, eliminating the need for inflatable devices and enabling diverse container shapes.
Smart Images

Figure EP2025051183_02102025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Manufacturing a container from sustainable material by pressing and compressing
[0002] State of the art
[0003] The invention relates to a method for producing a container from sustainable material, as well as a container produced by said method, and a device for producing a container from sustainable material according to said method.
[0004] Given the necessary shift away from fossil packaging materials based on petroleum products, especially plastics, towards sustainable, renewable packaging materials, the processing of sustainable natural fibers in the production of containers in the food and beverage industry is of particular interest.
[0005] For example, it is known to produce containers from a mixture of water and fibers, e.g., plant fibers or wood fibers. Such a mixture can also be referred to as fiber pulp, among other things, with water, in particular, making up the majority of the mixture.
[0006] However, one of the disadvantages of manufacturing containers from fiber pulp is that known manufacturing processes are very complex and require, for example, the insertion of an inflatable device, such as an inflatable balloon, into the mold to form the container. This manufacturing step is highly prone to failure.
[0007] For example, the inflatable material can easily be damaged during insertion into the mold and is subject to high wear, necessitating frequent replacement. The container being manufactured can also be damaged by the inflatable material. Furthermore, the use of the inflatable material limits the options for selecting the shape, contour, and shape of the container to be produced.
[0008] Task
[0009] It is therefore, among other things, an object of the invention to provide a method and a device or means that improve the production of containers made of sustainable materials. In particular, an object of the invention is to simplify the production of containers made of sustainable materials and make it more flexible. Another object of the invention is to shorten the process times for the production of containers made of sustainable materials.
[0010] Solution
[0011] This is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.
[0012] For example, an exemplary method described herein for manufacturing a food and beverage container from sustainable material without the use of an inflatable means may include one, some, or all of the following steps:
[0013] • applying flowable sustainable material, in particular fibrous material, in particular flowable sustainable fibrous material, to the inner surface of a mold, wherein the inner surface of the mold determines the outer shape of the container to be produced;
[0014] • compressing the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold by flowing a pressurized liquid against the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold to form the container, wherein the formation of the container takes place without the use of an inflatable means, such as an inflatable balloon;
[0015] • blowing excess liquid out of the shaped container by means of a pressurised gaseous medium;
[0016] • removing the formed container from the mold.
[0017] The application of flowable sustainable material to the inner surface of the mold can be understood as a flow or inflow or injection of the flowable sustainable material into the inner surface of the mold.
[0018] A flowable sustainable material can also be understood as an extensible, inflatable or stretchable material. The application of flowable sustainable material, in particular fibrous material, to the inner surface of the mold can also be understood as meaning that the flowable sustainable material, in the form of a preform made of flowable sustainable material, in particular fibrous material, is introduced into the mold and that the sustainable material is applied to the inner surface of the mold by flowing a pressurized liquid against the interior of the preform.
[0019] In other words, the application of flowable sustainable material, in particular fibrous material, to the inner surface of the mold may comprise a deformation of a preform made of sustainable material, wherein pressurized liquid and / or pressurized gas is flowed into the preform made of sustainable material, e.g. a pulp preform, via the preform mouth, so that the preform expands and is pressed against the inner surface of the mold and the preform wall can be compressed to form the container to be produced.
[0020] A container can, for example, be understood to mean a bottle. However, the term "container" can also include general packaging used in the food and beverage industry.
[0021] A sustainable material can be understood in particular as renewable and / or recycled natural materials based on plants, e.g. materials containing cellulose or cellulose, e.g. natural fibres such as plant fibres or wood fibres.
[0022] The exemplary sustainable material can be in the form of fibers and / or flakes, for example.
[0023] In particular, the sustainable material may comprise a mixture of fibers and / or flakes or particles, in particular a mixture of fibers and / or flakes and / or particles.
[0024] A flowable sustainable material can be understood as a mixture of substances or a suspension with a liquid content, e.g., water content, of more than 50% (weight or mass fraction), whereby the mixture of substances or the suspension can contain a proportion of said fibers and / or flakes and / or particles of sustainable material. Said flowable sustainable material can therefore be a mixture of liquid, in particular water, and fibers and / or flakes or particles of sustainable material and is also referred to herein and hereinafter as pulp or slurry or fiber pulp.
[0025] The flowable sustainable material can therefore be a water-containing suspension, which can comprise a mixture of fibers and / or flakes and / or particles.
[0026] However, it is also conceivable that said flowable, sustainable material may also contain portions of non-sustainable materials, e.g. synthetic fibers or metallic fibers.
[0027] A container made of sustainable material can be understood in particular to mean that the main part of the container material consists of sustainable material / sustainable materials.
[0028] It cannot therefore be ruled out that a container manufactured according to the process steps described herein may also contain portions of non-sustainable materials, e.g. synthetic fibers or metallic fibers.
[0029] In particular, said flowable material, i.e., the pulp, may comprise a suspension of water and fibers. The fibers may include, among others, lignin, banana leaves, quinine, glass fibers, metal threads, and / or surgical threads. The fibers may, for example, comprise fibers from conifers, deciduous trees, and / or plane trees, and / or from grasses, reeds, and / or bamboo, or the like. Lignin may have a supporting effect on the pulp and may also be suitable for transparent applications. Banana leaves may be suitable for larger containers, such as disposable tableware. Strength can be improved by embedding glass fibers, metal threads, and / or surgical threads.
[0030] The term "compression" can be understood, among other things, as pressing and / or squeezing, in particular, for example, pressing or squeezing the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold or the container material. The said shaping of the container can be understood herein, among other things, as meaning that the container has completely or at least partially assumed the desired container shape, at least partially predetermined by the inner surface of the mold.
[0031] In other words, it is not excluded that the container, after being removed from the mold, may be subjected to further processing steps for the final shaping of the container, for example in other shapes.
[0032] The process steps and means described above and here as examples enable a simplified and more energy-efficient production of sustainable containers with improved quality.
[0033] The use of inflatable means, e.g. inflatable balloons, for forming the container can be completely dispensed with.
[0034] The risk of damaging the container due to inflatable means can thus be completely avoided and by eliminating inflatable means, which are very susceptible to wear and tear and must be replaced frequently, material and energy resources can be saved.
[0035] By simplifying the manufacturing process, the time required to produce the container can also be reduced.
[0036] In addition, different container shapes can be produced more easily, since the feasible container shape is no longer limited by the shape of inflatable means.
[0037] Said blowing out of excess liquid from the shaped container can be carried out by means of a pressurised, cold or warm or hot, gaseous medium, e.g. compressed air or heatable compressed air, whereby additional drying of the container can be effected.
[0038] Alternatively or additionally, after blowing out, the container can be dried by blowing in a warm or hot gaseous medium, e.g., compressed air or heatable compressed air. Instead of the compressed air used as an example, steam and / or carbon dioxide gas can also be used as the pressurized gaseous medium, whereby said steam and said carbon dioxide gas can be heatable.
[0039] For example, the container can be dried by blowing in a warm or hot gaseous medium at temperatures exceeding 50°C (degrees Celsius), especially at temperatures exceeding 100°C or 150°C. However, the drying temperature may be limited, e.g., to a maximum of 250°C, to prevent the container from igniting.
[0040] By blowing out or drying the container, the solidification of the manufactured container can be improved and thus an improved dimensional stability of the container can be achieved.
[0041] To further improve drying efficiency, it is conceivable that specific areas of the container, such as the container base, are specifically irradiated or exposed to a warm or hot gaseous medium, such as heated compressed air, hot or warm steam, or warm or hot carbon dioxide gas, by deflecting the air. Alternatively or additionally, faster drying of the container can be achieved or supported by creating pressure drops through the container wall.
[0042] However, it is conceivable that the solidification or drying of the container takes place only passively, ie the container remains in the mold for a predetermined period of time before being removed from the mold until it is sufficiently dry, whereby the moisture or excess liquid can escape via an opening or via openings or channels in the mold.
[0043] Said compression (of the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold by flowing pressurized liquid) can be carried out by a liquid which is under a pressure of 0.1 to 20.0 bar or higher.
[0044] The pressurized liquid in question can be water or another liquid medium.
[0045] After applying flowable sustainable material or pulp to the inner surface of the mold, the liquid retention or water retention of the pulp enables the formation of the container. The potential of this retention can be used to press and shape the container and smooth the container surface from the inside.
[0046] In particular, by said compression of the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold by flowing the pressurized liquid against the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold to form the container, an improved smoothness and improved quality of the inner surface of the container can be achieved.
[0047] Due to the liquid or water retention of the fibers, flakes, or particles of the sustainable material, they are compressed and squeezed together.
[0048] The pressurised liquid for compressing the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mould can be mixed with fibres and / or particles, e.g. sustainable or non-sustainable fibres and / or particles, e.g. chalk particles, wherein the added fibres and / or particles can have average diameters which can be smaller than the average diameters of the fibres and / or flakes and / or particles of the flowable sustainable material.
[0049] Said particles in the pressurized liquid can be additionally added to the pressurized liquid. Alternatively or additionally, said particles can be generated in the pressurized liquid during the application of the flowable sustainable material or pulp to the inner surface of the mold and collected, e.g., by a sieve, and added to the pressurized liquid.
[0050] The particles in the pressurized liquid can help close any pores or gaps in the container during the compression process, thus increasing the pressure on the bottle. The possible deposition / settlement of the particles can also improve the surface quality of the container's interior and, if necessary, form a barrier layer.
[0051] It is also conceivable that compressed air could be introduced into the mold during compression by the pressurized liquid, e.g., simultaneously with compression, to achieve an even higher pressing force of the pressurized liquid against the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold. This optional compressed air can push the liquid, e.g., water, through the fiber arrangement of the container, thereby achieving an even higher pressing force.
[0052] The pressure range of the exemplary optional compressed air can be between 0.1 and 20 bar or even over 20 bar and higher.
[0053] The ratio of compressed air to liquid, e.g., water, can be adjusted as desired. The optionally switchable compressed air can be continuously activated during the compression process or added in pulses or intermittently.
[0054] It is also conceivable that the liquid, e.g. water, is only flowed in a pulsed manner against the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold.
[0055] During the compression of the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold by the flow of the pressurized liquid, a pressurized gaseous medium, e.g. compressed air, can also be introduced, whereby the additionally introduced gaseous medium, e.g. compressed air, can have a pressure of 0.1 to 20.0 bar or higher.
[0056] The pressurized and heatable gaseous medium, e.g. compressed air or steam or carbon dioxide gas, which can be used for blowing out and / or for the optional additional compression and / or for the optional drying, can come from the same source or from different sources.
[0057] The pressure or pressure build-up of the pressurized liquid during the flow against the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold to compress the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold can be static or dynamic.
[0058] For example, the pressure of the pressurized fluid can be increased over time during the flow.
[0059] The pressure buildup for the pressurized liquid as it flows against the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold to compress the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold can be achieved by line pressure and / or by a pump and / or by a piston. A disinfectant can also be added to the pressurized liquid to compress the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold.
[0060] This enables effective and efficient production of sterile containers, which can be particularly beneficial for containers in the food and beverage industry.
[0061] Before applying the flowable sustainable material to the inner surface of the mold, the flowable sustainable material can be warmed or heated.
[0062] This can shorten the time it takes for the container to dry and solidify.
[0063] The pressurized fluid used to compress the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold can also be heated before flowing against the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold.
[0064] For example, the sustainable material, i.e. the pulp, can be heated to a temperature close to its boiling point, for example up to 100 °C depending on the prevailing pressure.
[0065] This can also shorten the time it takes for the container to dry and solidify.
[0066] In addition, the inner surface of the mold can be heated by appropriate heating devices during the manufacturing process.
[0067] For example, the inner surface of the mold can be heated to temperatures that may exceed the temperature of the sustainable material / pulp. For example, the inner surface of the mold could be heated to temperatures exceeding 100°C or exceeding 130°C. To prevent ignition of the sustainable material / pulp, heating can be limited to a maximum temperature, in particular to a maximum temperature of 250°C.
[0068] This can also shorten the time it takes for the container to dry and solidify.
[0069] The excess liquid blown out in the above-mentioned blowing step can be collected and reused to produce another container. This potential reuse saves energy and material resources and improves the energy efficiency of container production.
[0070] The process steps described above and here as examples enable environmentally friendly and energy-efficient production of a container, e.g. a bottle, from sustainable material.
[0071] An exemplary device for producing a container from sustainable material according to one of the possible process steps described above may, for example, comprise some or all of the following components:
[0072] • A mold, in particular a multi-part mold, wherein the inner surface of the mold can determine the outer shape of the container to be produced.
[0073] • At least one supply line for the selective supply of flowable sustainable material to the inner surface of the mold and / or for the selective supply of pressurized liquid against the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold to form the container and / or for the selective supply of a pressurized gaseous medium, in particular for blowing out excess liquid from the molded container and / or in particular for compressing the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold.
[0074] In addition, the device may comprise means for collecting excess liquid, e.g. tanks, and / or means, e.g. tanks or sieves, for collecting excess sustainable material.
[0075] The device can be controlled by an internal or external control unit and can carry out all the process steps described above and below fully automatically.
[0076] Alternative process example 1 :
[0077] Alternatively, an exemplary method for producing a container for the food and beverage industry from sustainable material without using an inflatable means may comprise one, some or all of the following steps: • introducing a preform made of sustainable material, in particular fibrous material, into a mold, wherein the inner surface of the mold can define the outer shape of the container to be produced;
[0078] • injecting a pressurised liquid or gas into the preform to form the container, the forming of the container being effected without the use of an inflatable means such as an inflatable balloon;
[0079] • blowing excess liquid out of the shaped container by means of a pressurised gaseous medium;
[0080] • removing the formed container from the mold.
[0081] Said preform may consist of pulp which may have the properties and characteristics described above.
[0082] In particular, the preform may comprise a mixture of fibers and / or flakes and / or particles.
[0083] Alternative example 2:
[0084] Method according to alternative example 1, wherein the blowing out of excess liquid from the container formed from the preform can be carried out by a pressurized, warm or hot, gaseous medium, e.g. compressed air, for additional drying of the container
[0085] Alternative example 2:
[0086] Method according to one of the preceding examples, wherein alternatively or after blowing out, the container is dried by blowing in a warm or hot gaseous medium, e.g. compressed air.
[0087] Alternative Example 3: Method according to one of the preceding examples, wherein said inflow of pressurized liquid, e.g. water, or of pressurized gas, can take place under a pressure of 0.1 to 20.0 bar or higher.
[0088] Alternative example 4:
[0089] A method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the pressurized liquid which can be fed into the preform can be mixed with fibers and / or particles, e.g. with chalk particles or microcellulose particles, wherein the fibers and / or particles have average diameters which are smaller than the average diameters of the fibers and / or the flakes and / or the particles of the flowable sustainable material.
[0090] Alternative example 5:
[0091] Method according to one of the preceding examples, wherein the pressure of the pressurized liquid during flow into the preform can be static or dynamic, e.g. can be increased over time.
[0092] Alternative example 6:
[0093] Method according to one of the preceding examples, wherein the pressure build-up for the pressurized liquid during flow into the preform can be effected by line pressure and / or by a pump and / or a piston.
[0094] Alternative example 7:
[0095] Method according to one of the preceding examples, wherein during the flow of the pressurized liquid into the preform, a pressurized gaseous medium, e.g. compressed air, is additionally introduced into the preform, wherein the additionally introduced gaseous medium, e.g. compressed air, has a pressure of 0.1 to 20.0 bar or higher.
[0096] Alternative example 8:
[0097] Method according to one of the preceding examples, wherein the preform made of sustainable material, in particular fibrous material, is heated before being introduced into the mold. Alternative Example 9:
[0098] Method according to one of the preceding examples, wherein the pressurized liquid which is fed into the preform is mixed with a disinfectant.
[0099] Alternative example 10:
[0100] A method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the pressurized liquid is heated before flowing into the preform, and / or wherein the inner surface of the mold is heated during the manufacturing process.
[0101] Alternative example 11 :
[0102] A method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein at least the blown-out excess liquid is collected and reused for the production of another container.
[0103] The alternative process examples 1 to 11 can be combined with the process features described in the general part. The alternative process examples 1 to 11 can also be combined with the process features described in the figures and also with the process features claimed in claims 1 to 12.
[0104] Alternative example 12:
[0105] Container manufactured by a method according to any one of the preceding examples.
[0106] Alternative example 13:
[0107] Pulp preform.
[0108] Alternative example 14:
[0109] Device for producing a container from sustainable material according to one of the previous exemplary alternative methods, comprising: • a mold, in particular a multi-part mold, wherein the inner surface of the mold determines the outer shape of the container to be produced,
[0110] • at least one supply line for the selective supply of pressurized liquid for introduction into a preform introduced into the mold for forming the container from the preform and / or for the selective supply of a pressurized, gaseous medium for forming the container from the preform and / or for blowing out excess liquid from the formed container.
[0111] Alternative example 15:
[0112] Device according to the previous example, further comprising means for collecting excess liquid and / or for collecting excess sustainable material.
[0113] The following figures serve only to illustrate some technical aspects of the method steps and the device(s) described above.
[0114] Fig.1 : Example process diagram
[0115] Fig.2a: Exemplary device in an exemplary first process step
[0116] Fig.2b: Exemplary device in an exemplary second process step
[0117] Fig.2c: Exemplary device in an exemplary third process step
[0118] Fig.2d: Exemplary device in an exemplary fourth method step
[0119] Fig.1 shows an exemplary flow chart for an exemplary method 100 for producing a container from sustainable material.
[0120] The said procedure includes the following exemplary possible procedural steps.
[0121] An application 101 of flowable sustainable material, i.e. pulp, to the inner surface of a mold, wherein the inner surface of the mold determines the outer shape of the container to be manufactured.
[0122] Compression 102 of the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold by flowing a pressurized liquid, e.g., water, against the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold to form the container. Blowing out 103 of excess liquid from the formed container using a pressurized, gaseous medium, e.g., compressed air.
[0123] An optional drying 104 of the container by blowing in a warm or hot gaseous medium, e.g. compressed air or heatable compressed air.
[0124] Said optional drying 104 can also be part of the previous blow-out step 103. In other words, the same pressurized gaseous medium, e.g., compressed air, or heatable or heated compressed air, can be used for the blow-out 103 as well as for the possible drying 104.
[0125] After sufficient drying and / or sufficient solidification of the container, the container can be removed from the mold 105 and subjected to further subsequent processing steps, such as application of coatings, labeling or filling with a product.
[0126] Figures 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d show, by way of example, one or the same exemplary device 200 for producing a container from sustainable material, wherein the device can be configured to carry out some or all of the method steps described above.
[0127] The device 200 has, for example, a multi-part, e.g. two-part, mold 211, the inner surface 212 of which determines the outer shape of the container to be produced.
[0128] The device 200 also has, for example, a supply line 216 for the selective supply of flowable sustainable material / pulp 213 to the inner surface of the mold and / or for the selective supply 207a of pressurized liquid against the sustainable material 213 applied to the inner surface 212 of the mold 211 to form the container, and for the selective supply 215a, 209a of a pressurized, gaseous medium, in particular for blowing out excess liquid from the formed container 219 and / or in particular for compressing the sustainable material applied to the inner surface 212 of the mold 211. However, it is also conceivable for the device 200 to have a plurality of supply lines via which pulp and / or pressurized liquid and / or pressurized gaseous medium can be introduced into the interior of the mold or into the interior of the container.
[0129] Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d show the exemplary device 200 in an exemplary orientation that allows containers to be produced in an upside-down orientation, wherein the flowable sustainable material / pulp 213 is introduced into the mold 211 against the direction of gravity. This can facilitate the collection of excess liquid. However, it is also conceivable that the device 200 can be operated in other orientations, in particular in an orientation in which the flowable sustainable material / pulp 213 can be introduced into the mold 211 along / parallel to the direction of gravity.
[0130] The device 200 also has an exemplary source 205, e.g. a tank, via which additives of a pressurized liquid, e.g. water, which can be fed into the mold, e.g. via line 207, can be added.
[0131] Exemplary additives may comprise, for example, fibers and / or particles, e.g. chalk particles or microcellulose particles or microcrystalline cellulose particles, wherein the mean diameters of the added fibers and / or particles may be smaller than the mean diameters of the fibers and / or flakes and / or particles of the flowable sustainable material / pulp.
[0132] Other possible additives could be disinfectants, for example.
[0133] The reference numeral 207 denotes, by way of example, a supply line for a pressurized liquid, e.g. water or fresh water or purified water, which can be introduced into the mold 211 along the flow direction 207.
[0134] The reference numeral 208 indicates, by way of example, a supply line for flowable sustainable material, ie, an exemplary supply line for pulp, for introducing the flowable sustainable material / pulp 213 into the mold 211, wherein the reference numeral 208a indicates an exemplary flow direction of the pulp.
[0135] The reference numeral 209 indicates, by way of example, a possible supply line for a pressurized, gaseous medium, e.g. compressed air, wherein the gaseous medium can be heated and wherein the reference numeral 209a indicates an exemplary flow direction of the gaseous medium.
[0136] The reference numeral 215 indicates, by way of example, a further possible supply line for a pressurized, gaseous medium, e.g., compressed air, wherein the gaseous medium can be heated, and wherein the reference numeral 215a indicates an exemplary flow direction of the gaseous medium.
[0137] The possible exemplary supply lines 209 and 215 can be connected to the same or to different sources (not shown) for pressurized, gaseous medium.
[0138] The reference numerals 210a, 210b denote optional collecting means, e.g. collecting tank or collecting sieve, for collecting excess liquid and / or excess sustainable material / excess pulp, wherein excess liquid collected, e.g. via return line 220, can be returned for reuse, e.g. for reuse in the compression of the sustainable material 213 applied to the inner surface 212 of the mold 211 by flowing a pressurized liquid via supply line 207.
[0139] Said supply lines 207, 208, 209, 215, 220 can be connected to each other / in fluid communication and in particular the supply lines 207, 208, 209, 215, 220 can all open into the supply line 216.
[0140] The device 200 may comprise a plurality of valves, wherein the reference numeral 214 indicates, by way of example, one of the possible valves for regulating the flows of pulp and / or the pressurized liquid and / or the pressurized gaseous medium which flow or can flow through said lines 207, 208, 209, 215, 216, 220.
[0141] The reference numeral 206 denotes, for example, a pump or a piston for regulating or applying pressure to the pressurized liquid, which can be introduced into the mold 211 via the supply line 207.
[0142] In particular, Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d show the device 200 in exemplary various configurations or operating states, which can be assumed or realized by the device, in particular for the various method steps mentioned above. The order of Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d can indicate a chronological sequence of the configurations or operating states or method steps, with Figure 2a indicating the first / earliest state.
[0143] Thus, Fig. 2a shows the device 200 in an operating state in which flowable sustainable material / pulp 213 is applied to the inner surface 212 of the mold 212 via feed line 208 and feed line 216.
[0144] Fig. 2a shows the device 200 by way of example in the possible exemplary method step 101 from Fig.1.
[0145] Fig. 2b shows the device 200 in an operating state in which a pressurized liquid is flowed against the sustainable material applied to the inner surface 212 of the mold 211 for forming the container via supply line 207 and supply line 216, in order to compress the sustainable material 213 applied to the inner surface 212 of the mold 211.
[0146] The reference numeral 217 indicates, by way of example, the pressurized liquid 217 flowing into the mold 211, which presses the sustainable material / pulp 213 against the inner surface of the mold to form the container 219.
[0147] The exemplary arrows within the container 219 represent, by way of example, the direction of the pressing effect of the inflowing liquid 217.
[0148] Fig. 2b shows the device 200 by way of example in the possible exemplary method step 102 from Fig.1.
[0149] Fig. 2b also shows by way of example that during this step of compression of the sustainable material by the pressurized liquid, additional pressurized gaseous medium, e.g. compressed air, can be introduced via the supply line 215 and the supply line 216 to support the compression of the sustainable material in the mold 211 to form the container 219.
[0150] Fig. 2c shows the device 200 in an operating state in which, for example, a pressurized gaseous medium, e.g. compressed air, can be introduced into the container 213 via the supply line 215 and supply line 216 in order, for example, to blow out excess liquid from the formed container.
[0151] The exemplary arrows within the container 219 represent, by way of example, the direction of the blowing effect of the inflowing gaseous medium 218.
[0152] Fig. 2c shows the device 200 by way of example in the possible exemplary method step 103 from Fig.1.
[0153] Fig. 2d shows the device 200 in an operating state in which, for example, a pressurized gaseous medium, e.g., compressed air, can be introduced or blown into the container 213 via the supply line 209 and supply line 216 in order to dry the container.
[0154] The pressurized gaseous medium, e.g. compressed air, can be heated.
[0155] The exemplary arrows within the container 219 again represent, by way of example, the direction of the blowing effect of the inflowing gaseous medium 221.
[0156] Fig. 2d shows the device 200 by way of example in the possible exemplary method step 104 from Fig.1.
[0157] When the container 219 has dried sufficiently, the mold 211 can be opened and the manufactured container 219 can be removed from the device 200.
[0158] The following figures are Fig.1, Fig.2a, Fig.2b, Fig.2c and Fig.2d.
[0159] The reference symbols are used as examples as follows.
[0160] 100 Exemplary procedure
[0161] 101 , 102, 103, 104, 105 Example procedural steps
[0162] 200 Example device
[0163] 201 , 202, 203, 204 Example configurations or operating states
[0164] 205 Example source for additives to the pressurized liquid
[0165] 206 Example pump or example piston Example supply line for a pressurized liquid, e.g. water or fresh water or purified water a Example flow / flow direction of the pressurized liquid Example supply line of flowable sustainable material / example supply line of pulp a Example flow / flow direction of the flowable sustainable material / pulp Example supply line for pressurized, gaseous medium, e.g.Compressed air, whereby the gaseous medium can be heatable a Example flow / flow direction of the pressurized, gaseous medium a, 210b Example means for collecting excess liquid and / or excess sustainable material / excess pulp Example mold, multi-part mold Example inner surface of the mold Example sustainable material introduced into the mold / example introduced / flowed against pulp Example valve Example supply line for pressurized, gaseous medium, e.g. compressed aira Example flow / flow direction of the pressurized, gaseous medium Example supply line into the mold / into the container for optional.
[0166] Supply / introduction / inflow of flowable sustainable material / pulp and / or for pressurized liquid and / or for pressurized, gaseous medium. Example of a pressurized liquid introduced into the mold / container, e.g. water, or a mixture of introduced pressurized liquid and introduced pressurized, gaseous medium. Example of a pressurized gaseous medium introduced into the mold / container. Example of a molded or at least partially molded container. Example of a return line of collected excess liquid. Example of a pressurized gaseous medium introduced into the mold / container.
Claims
Claims 1. A method (100) for producing a container from sustainable material, comprising: Applying (101) flowable sustainable material, in particular fibrous material, to the inner surface of a mold, wherein the inner surface of the mold determines the outer shape of the container to be produced; compressing (102) the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold by flowing a pressurized liquid against the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold to form the container; blowing (103) excess liquid out of the shaped container by means of a pressurized gaseous medium; Removing (105) the formed container from the mold.
2. Method (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the flowable sustainable material is a water-containing suspension comprising a mixture of fibers and / or flakes and / or particles.
3. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the blowing out (103) of excess liquid from the shaped container is carried out by a pressurized, warm or hot, gaseous medium, e.g. compressed air, for additional drying (104) of the container and / or wherein after the blowing out (103) a drying (104) of the container is carried out by blowing in a warm or hot gaseous medium, e.g. compressed air.
4. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the compression (102) of the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold is carried out by flowing pressurized liquid, e.g. water, under a pressure of 0.1 to 20.0 bar or higher.
5. Method (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the pressurized liquid for compressing (102) the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold is mixed with fibers and / or particles, e.g. with chalk particles or microcellulose particles, wherein the fibers and / or particles have average diameters which are smaller than the mean diameters of the fibers and / or flakes and / or particles of the flowable sustainable material.
6. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure of the pressurized liquid during the flow against the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold to compress the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold is static or is dynamic, e.g. is increased over time.
7. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure build-up for the pressurized liquid during the flow against the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold to compress the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold can be carried out by line pressure and / or by a pump and / or a piston.
8. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein during the compression (102) of the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold by flowing the pressurized liquid, a pressurized gaseous medium, e.g. compressed air, is additionally introduced, wherein the additionally introduced gaseous medium, e.g. compressed air, has a pressure of 0.1 to 20.0 bar or higher.
9. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flowable sustainable material is heated prior to applying (101) the flowable sustainable material to the inner surface of the mold.
10. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressurized liquid for compressing (102) the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold is mixed with a disinfectant.
11. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressurized liquid for compressing (102) the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold is heated before flowing against the sustainable material applied to the inner surface of the mold, and / or wherein the inner surface of the mold is heated during the manufacturing process.
12. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the blown-out excess liquid is collected and reused for the production of another container.
13. Container (219) manufactured by a method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.
14. Device (200) for producing a container (219) from sustainable material (213) according to one of the preceding method claims, comprising: a mold (211), in particular a multi-part mold, wherein the inner surface (212) of the mold defines the outer shape of the container to be produced, at least one supply line (216) for the selective supply of flowable sustainable material (213) to the inner surface of the mold and / or for the selective supply of pressurized liquid against the sustainable material applied to the inner surface (212) of the mold for shaping the container and / or for the selective supply of a pressurized, gaseous medium, in particular for blowing out excess liquid from the molded container and / or in particular for compressing the sustainable material (213) applied to the inner surface (212) of the mold.
15. Device (200) according to the preceding claim, further comprising means (210a, 210b) for collecting excess liquid and / or for collecting excess sustainable material.