Apparatus and method for analysing a flow-permeable material, and installation

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus (100, 300, 400) for analysing a material (102), in particular a flow-permeable material, such as bulk material, the apparatus comprising: a sample chamber (104) for receiving a material sample, the sample chamber (104) having a filling opening (106) for introducing the material sample (102) and a discharge opening (108) for discharging the material sample (102); a first opening (118) for supplying a fluid into the sample chamber (104) and / or for discharging the fluid supplied to the sample chamber (104); a second opening (120) for supplying a fluid into the sample chamber (104) and / or for discharging the fluid supplied to the sample chamber (104); and an analysing device (210) which is coupled or can be coupled to the first opening (118) and / or the second opening (120) in order to analyse the fluid flowing out of the sample chamber (104). The invention also relates to an installation (200) for a material (102), in particular a flow-permeable material, comprising at least one apparatus (100, 300, 400), the apparatus (100, 300, 400) being integrated into a branch line or into a bypass line (204). The invention also relates to a method for analysing a material, in particular a flow-permeable material, such as bulk material.

Description

Device and method for analyzing a flowable material and system Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for analyzing a material, particularly a flowable material, such as bulk material. The invention also relates to a system, in particular a conveying system, for such a material.

[0002] Common measurement systems for analyzing bulk materials are typically divided into two categories. Firstly, there are measurement systems for high-priced products where a defined target parameter, such as a target moisture content, is sought. Exceeding or falling short of this target parameter results in both quality and cost disadvantages. Therefore, the most precise possible determination is desired. Such measurement systems are not only very expensive but also complex to calibrate and operate. For example, in the case of plastics as the material to be analyzed, a separate characteristic curve is required for each material, for instance, to illustrate the relationship between a measured auxiliary quantity, such as the dielectric constant, and the moisture content.Recording such a characteristic curve is complex and prone to errors, especially if poor moisture adhesion to the material leads to segregation and thus inconsistent moisture content. Changes in the composition and concentration of additives, particularly washable additives, also represent a significant source of interference that can distort the analysis. On the other hand, there are measuring systems for low-priced products where lower measurement accuracy is sufficient. These are considerably cheaper, but also less precise. Furthermore, even these systems require calibration for each specific material composition.

[0003] The invention is based on the objective of structurally and / or functionally improving a device mentioned above. Furthermore, the invention is based on the objective of structurally and / or functionally improving a method mentioned above. to improve. Furthermore, the invention is based on the objective of structurally and / or functionally improving a system mentioned above.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device and a method that enable cost-effective analysis without extensive calibration effort and yet offer sufficient accuracy. Furthermore, it can be an object of the present invention to enable a robust and simple analysis that is resistant to interference and / or changing product compositions.

[0005] The problem is solved by a device having the features of claim 1. Furthermore, the problem is solved by a system having the features of claim 16. Finally, the problem is solved by a method having the features of claim 20. Advantageous embodiments and / or further developments are the subject of the dependent claims, the description, and / or the accompanying figures. In particular, the independent claims of one claim category may also be further developed and / or combined analogously to the dependent claims of another claim category. Likewise, the device and method features described below may be combined and / or further developed with one another.

[0006] Both the features specified in the claims and those specified in the following embodiments of the device according to the invention are each suitable, individually or in combination with one another, for further developing the subject matter of the invention. The respective combinations of features do not constitute a limitation with regard to further developments of the subject matter of the invention, but are essentially merely exemplary.

[0007] According to one aspect, a device for analyzing a material is provided. The device comprises a sample chamber for receiving a material sample. For this purpose, the sample chamber has an inlet opening for filling the material sample and an outlet opening for removing the material sample. Furthermore, the device comprises a first opening for supplying fluids into the sample chamber. The first opening The device can also serve, additionally or alternatively, to drain the fluid supplied to the sample chamber. The material sample can then be analyzed via this fluid. For draining the fluid supplied to the sample chamber, the device includes a second opening. This second opening can also be used to supply fluid to the sample chamber, for example, for rinsing and / or cleaning purposes. Furthermore, the device includes an analysis unit coupled to the first and / or second opening for analyzing the fluid flowing out of the sample chamber, for example, from the second opening of the sample chamber. The device is thus designed such that the material can be analyzed, particularly indirectly, by analyzing the fluid flowing out of the sample chamber.

[0008] The material can be a flowable material. It can be transportable and / or conveyable and / or permeable by means of a fluid, i.e., a liquid or a gas. Water can be used as the liquid and air as the gas. For example, it can be pneumatically or hydraulically conveyable. The material can be an organic or inorganic substance or a composition thereof. In one variant, the material can be bulk material. This bulk material can be granules, granular material, powder, chips, or flakes. The particles of the material can have any shape. For example, the material can consist of particles whose largest dimension is approximately 0.4 to 50 mm. In a preferred variant, the material can be a plastic material and / or recycled material.

[0009] The fluid to be supplied or supplied can be a gas, for example, a measuring gas. Generally, any type of gas is suitable that, when flowing through a material sample, is capable of absorbing at least one volatile substance, such as moisture, and expelling it from the sample chamber and / or the material sample. The ability to absorb a volatile substance, such as moisture, does not necessarily have to be present at the time of introduction into the sample chamber or material sample. It can also develop during the flow process, for example, when the pressure drops or the temperature rises, such as through contact with the material sample. In a preferred embodiment, the gas is... Air. The air can be, for example, compressed air, such as without special quality and / or purity requirements, which has not undergone further treatment such as filtration, dewatering, or drying and is typically used for cleaning and maintenance work, so-called factory and / or maintenance air. However, compressed air with a low moisture content and / or low compression in the range of approximately 2 to 3 bar is particularly suitable, preferably treated by filtration and / or cleaning and / or dewatering and / or drying for the operation of pneumatic drives or similar devices, so-called instrument air. This is typically readily available in industrial plants and / or has a pressure between approximately 1 and 8 bar. The air can also be ambient air that is pressurized for the purpose of flowing through the apparatus and, if necessary, dewatered or dried. Alternatively, the air to be supplied or...The supplied fluid is a liquid, for example water. The water can be purified water and / or distilled water.

[0010] The device can be designed such that at least one volatile substance can be driven out of the sample chamber by means of the supplied fluid. The volatile substance can consist of volatile components, for example, monomers, moisture, gases, solvents, odors and / or flavors, or other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The volatile substance can be, for example, water, moisture, or a flavoring agent. In one variant, the device can therefore be designed such that the moisture, for example, the surface moisture, of the material sample can be driven out of the sample chamber by means of the supplied fluid. Additionally or alternatively, the device can be designed such that at least one flavoring agent of the material sample can be driven out of the sample chamber by means of the supplied fluid. A flavoring agent can be understood to be a flavoring substance, for example, an odorant or a flavoring agent.An odorant can be a substance detectable by a nose, especially a human nose. A taste substance can be a substance detectable by a tongue, especially a human tongue.

[0011] The analysis may therefore involve the determination of at least one volatile substance. The analytical instrument may therefore be a device such as... The measuring device is used to measure, detect, and / or record at least one volatile substance. For example, the analysis may involve determining the moisture content of the material and / or determining at least one aroma of the material. For this purpose, the analytical device may include a moisture measuring device to measure the moisture content of the fluid flowing from the sample chamber. The moisture measuring device may be a humidity sensor. The moisture measuring device may be designed to determine moisture content and / or relative humidity. In one variant, the moisture measuring device may include at least one capacitive sensor and / or an impedance sensor. For example, the moisture measuring device may include an adsorption hygrometer and / or a combined humidity and temperature sensor.Additionally or alternatively, the analytical instrument may include a device, such as a measuring device, for measuring, detecting, and / or recording volatile substances, for example, aromas, in the fluid flowing from the sample chamber. For example, the analytical instrument may include an aroma sensor for detecting and / or recording at least one aroma in the fluid flowing from the sample chamber. The sample chamber must contain a fluid, e.g., gas, flowing out of it. The aroma sensor can be an odor sensor and / or a taste sensor. In one variant, the aroma sensor can include a spectrometer, for example, a laser spectrometer, or a chromatograph. Special sensors can also be used, particularly those that utilize molecularly imprinted polymers as selective materials in combination with quartz crystal microbalances for the detection and / or identification of specific VOCs. So-called "electronic noses" can also be used for odor detection.

[0012] In one embodiment, the sample chamber can be oriented essentially vertically. The first opening can be located at the bottom and the second at the top. In a preferred embodiment, the first opening is located essentially at the bottom of the sample chamber and the second at the top. The device can thus be designed such that the fluid to be supplied flows through the sample chamber essentially vertically from bottom to top, particularly in the Countercurrent process. In one embodiment, the device can be designed for gravimetric filling of the sample chamber with a material sample. The material can be introduced or filled into the sample chamber, particularly in a vertical direction from top to bottom. In a preferred embodiment, a first shut-off element can be arranged upstream of the filling opening of the sample chamber. Furthermore, a second shut-off element can be arranged downstream of the outlet opening of the sample chamber. The shut-off elements can be designed, for example, as valves, in particular shut-off valves. In one embodiment, the shut-off elements can be ball valves or ball valves. Furthermore, the shut-off elements can be controllable, for example, by means of an actuator.

[0013] The device may have a fluid supply channel, for example, a gas supply channel. Furthermore, the device may have a fluid source, for example, a gas source, or be connectable to a fluid source. The fluid supply channel may be connectable to, or connected to, the fluid source, particularly at one end. Furthermore, the fluid supply channel may be connected at its other end to the first opening, particularly in such a way that fluid can be supplied into the sample chamber via the fluid supply channel. In one embodiment, the fluid supply channel may be designed as a fluid supply line, such as a gas supply line. A pressure and / or flow control device may be provided in the fluid supply channel to adjust the fluid pressure, e.g., gas pressure, and / or the fluid quantity, e.g., gas quantity. The pressure and / or flow control device may, for example, comprise a pressure regulator and / or a flow meter.Furthermore, the pressure and / or flow control device may include a pressure gauge. At least one shut-off device, for example a valve such as a solenoid valve, may be provided in the fluid supply channel, which is designed to open and / or shut off the flow of fluid into the sample chamber. This shut-off device may be located essentially directly upstream of the first opening. Additionally or alternatively, such a shut-off device may be located essentially directly upstream or downstream of the second opening.

[0014] In one variant, a first fluid flow regulator, e.g. a gas flow regulator, can be provided, which can be coupled to the first opening and / or the second opening. or coupled. The first fluid flow regulator can be provided in the fluid supply channel. Preferably, the first fluid flow regulator can be located downstream of a pressure regulator and / or the pressure and / or flow control device, or arranged in the fluid supply channel after the pressure regulator and / or after the pressure and / or flow control device. The first fluid flow regulator can be, for example, an orifice, a throttle, a nozzle such as a Laval nozzle, a valve such as a control valve, a flow regulator, or a compact flow regulator. Furthermore, the first fluid flow regulator can include a flow meter and / or a pressure gauge. The first fluid flow regulator can be used and / or designed to provide the fluid, e.g., the measuring gas. In this process, the fluid can expel a volatile substance from the material sample.The first fluid flow regulator can, for example, be designed such that the velocity, in particular the empty tube velocity, of the fluid in the sample chamber is approximately 5 m / s or less, in particular approximately 1 m / s or less, preferably approximately 0.5 m / s or less.

[0015] The device may further include a rinsing channel. The rinsing channel may be a rinsing line. In a preferred embodiment, the rinsing channel may be connectable to or coupled with the second opening. Additionally or alternatively, the rinsing channel may be connectable to or coupled with the first opening. Furthermore, the rinsing channel may be connected or connectable to both the analyzer and the fluid source and / or the fluid supply channel. For example, the rinsing channel may be connected at one end to the analyzer and at the other end to the fluid source and / or the fluid supply channel. The analyzer may also be integrated into the rinsing channel. The analyzer and / or the sample chamber may be rinsed and / or conditioned with fluid via the rinsing channel, for example, in countercurrent or cocurrent flow.This results in simple and advantageous cleaning and / or conditioning of both the analytical instrument and the sample chamber. Conditioning can be understood as tempering and / or drying. In a preferred embodiment, the rinsing channel can branch off from the fluid supply channel. The branching of the rinsing channel can be located, in particular, after pressure and / or... A flow control device may be provided. For example, the flushing channel can branch off from the fluid supply channel at a point downstream of the first fluid flow regulator or at a point between the pressure and / or flow control device and the first fluid flow regulator. The other end of the flushing channel can then open into the second opening of the sample chamber.

[0016] In one variant, a second fluid flow regulator, e.g., a gas flow regulator, can be coupled to or connected to the second opening. This second fluid flow regulator can be located within the purge channel. It can be positioned downstream of the pressure and / or flow control device and / or the first fluid flow regulator. Preferably, the second fluid flow regulator can be integrated into the purge channel directly after the branch point where the purge channel diverges from the fluid supply channel. The second fluid flow regulator can be, for example, an orifice, a throttle, a nozzle such as a Laval nozzle, a valve such as a control valve, a flow regulator, or a compact flow regulator. Furthermore, the second fluid flow regulator can include a flow meter and / or a pressure gauge.Furthermore, at least one shut-off device, for example a valve such as a solenoid valve, can be provided in the purge channel, designed to open and / or shut off the flow of fluid to and / or from the sample chamber. This shut-off device can be located essentially directly upstream or downstream of the second opening. Alternatively, this shut-off device can be integrated into the purge channel at a point between the branch from the fluid supply channel and the analytical device. In a preferred embodiment, this shut-off device can be integrated into the purge channel at a point between the second fluid flow regulator and the analytical device. The second fluid flow regulator can be used and / or designed to supply the fluid, e.g., the purge gas.The second fluid flow regulator can, for example, be designed such that the velocity, in particular the empty tube velocity, of the fluid in the sample chamber is approximately 5 m / s or less, in particular approximately 1 m / s or less, preferably approximately 0.5 m / s or less.

[0017] To discharge the fluid, the device may have a fluid outlet channel. If the fluid is a liquid, the fluid outlet channel may be a liquid outlet channel. If the fluid is a gas, the fluid outlet channel may be a gas outlet channel, for example, a vent channel. The vent channel may serve to vent to the atmosphere. The fluid outlet channel may be open at one end, allowing fluid to escape. In particular, the fluid outlet channel may branch off from the purge channel. The branch of the fluid outlet channel may be located, for example, between the second opening and the second fluid flow regulator or shut-off device. In one variant, the branch of the fluid outlet channel may be located between the analyzer and the second fluid flow regulator or shut-off device.The fluid outlet channel may also include at least one shut-off device, for example, a valve such as a solenoid valve, designed to release and / or shut off fluid flow to the atmosphere. During a flushing process, this shut-off device can be selectively closed or opened. In another configuration, the analysis device may be integrated into or connected to the fluid outlet channel. Furthermore, the fluid outlet channel may also be connected to the fluid supply channel, for example, via a branch. This branch may be located, for instance, between the first opening and the first fluid flow regulator.

[0018] In another variant, the device can have a bypass channel. The bypass channel can be a bypass line. The bypass channel can connect the fluid supply channel with the flushing channel. For example, the bypass channel branches off from the fluid supply channel upstream of the first opening and opens into the flushing channel downstream of the second opening. This allows the bypass channel to connect the first opening with the second opening. In another variant, the bypass channel can connect the fluid supply channel and the flushing channel by providing a branch from the fluid supply channel directly upstream of the first opening and an opening into the flushing channel directly downstream of the second opening. Furthermore, an adjustment element can be incorporated into the bypass channel. The adjusting element is designed to regulate a fluid flow rate, e.g., a gas flow rate. It can be configured to adjust the distribution of the fluid flow between the bypass channel and the sample chamber. The adjusting element can be a flow regulator. For example, the adjusting element can be a throttle, an orifice, or a valve. The valve can be, for example, a shut-off valve, a control valve, or a regulating valve. The throttle can be fixed or adjustable. In particular, the adjusting element can be manually or automatically adjustable. With a regulating valve, a measurement function, e.g., of the flow rate or fluid quantity, can be provided. In one variant, the adjusting element can also be fixed, for example, by means of a pre-configured throttle, such as a fixed throttle. A design with a bypass channel and / or an adjusting element can be used particularly with warm materials.By means of the bypass channel and / or the adjustment element, condensation caused by temperature differences in the channels and / or in the analyzer can be prevented or at least significantly reduced. The bypass channel can be designed so that fluid is routed past the sample chamber to the analyzer. This allows a portion of the fluid to be routed past the sample chamber to the analyzer, at least temporarily. The fluid flowing through the sample chamber, which may be heated and / or moist, the so-called sample fluid, can then be diluted downstream of the sample chamber with the fluid routed past it. In one variant, the bypass channel and / or the adjustment element can be designed so that approximately two-thirds of the fluid is routed past the sample chamber, while one-third of the fluid is routed through the sample chamber.Condensation and / or dew formation on the analysis device can be prevented by this. Furthermore, the device can be designed so that the bypass is reduced or closed during the analysis. This can occur, for example, when the humidity on the analysis device begins to decrease again. This allows the residual moisture to be expelled more quickly and / or the analysis process to be completed faster. Additionally, a shut-off device, such as a solenoid valve, can be provided in the bypass channel. This shut-off device can be designed to open and / or close the bypass channel. Furthermore, this shut-off device can be used to open the... The bypass channel can be selectively opened or closed to allow fluid to bypass the bypass channel, or to block the bypass channel. Preferably, the shut-off device can be integrated into the bypass channel upstream of the adjustment element. In one embodiment, this shut-off device can be selectively closed during a flushing process and selectively opened during an analysis process.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, the device can have an adjustment element for setting a differential pressure and / or a pressure drop, which in an advantageous embodiment can be provided between the second opening and the analysis device. Such a configuration can also be used with warm materials. The adjustment element can be provided in the purge channel or in the fluid outlet channel. Preferably, the adjustment element can be integrated into the purge channel or the fluid outlet channel at a point between the second opening and the analysis device. In one embodiment, the adjustment element can be integrated into the purge channel at a point between the branch point of the purge channel from the fluid supply channel and the second opening. For example, the adjustment element can be integrated into the purge channel at a point between the second opening and the first or second fluid flow regulator.In a preferred embodiment, the adjusting element can be integrated into the fluid outlet channel between the second opening and the analysis device, for example, after a branch of the fluid outlet channel from the purge channel. The adjusting element can be a flow regulator and / or a pressure regulator. For example, the adjusting element can be a throttle, an orifice, or a valve. The valve can be, for example, a shut-off valve, a control valve, or a regulating valve. The throttle can be a fixed or adjustable throttle. In particular, the adjusting element can be designed to be manually or automatically adjustable. In the case of a regulating valve, a measurement, e.g., of flow rate, pressure, or gas quantity, can be provided. In one embodiment, the adjusting element can also be fixed, for example, by means of a pre-configured throttle, such as a fixed throttle.The adjusting element can be specifically designed to set a differential pressure and / or an increased pressure drop, for example a pressure gradient, between the sample chamber and the analysis device. Setting the differential pressure or pressure drop. This can be achieved, for example, by adjusting the degree of opening of the control element. If the pressure in the sample chamber is higher, the fluid can hold less moisture, and the maximum possible water content is lower. As the pressure drops when the fluid flows out of the second opening into the rinsing channel, the water absorption potential increases, or the relative humidity decreases. This allows for a certain degree of cooling without condensation occurring.

[0020] In one variant, the first opening of the sample chamber can be formed and / or defined at least partially by a channel, for example, a bore, and / or at least partially by a circumferential gap. The channel or bore of the first opening can lead into or transition into the circumferential gap of the first opening. The circumferential gap of the first opening can essentially be annular. Additionally or alternatively, the second opening of the sample chamber can be formed and / or defined at least partially by a channel, for example, a bore, and / or at least partially by a circumferential gap. The channel or bore of the second opening can lead into or transition into the circumferential gap of the second opening. The circumferential gap of the second opening can essentially be annular.The respective gap can also be a circumferential channel, for example, an annular channel. The channel or bore of the first and / or second opening can extend essentially in a radial direction. The channel or bore can serve as a connection for the fluid supply channel or the flushing channel, or be designed accordingly. Preferably, the respective channel or bore is arranged radially outside and the associated gap radially inside. The fluid can distribute itself evenly through the respective gap before flowing into the sample chamber. This ensures optimal flow through the material. In another embodiment, a fluid-permeable separating element can be provided or arranged in the region of the first opening and / or in the region of the second opening of the sample chamber to retain material and / or solid and / or liquid particles present in the fluid.The fluid-permeable separating element can be arranged in such a way that the fluid first flows through the separating element before entering the sample chamber or the... The fluid-permeable separating element can thus be designed and / or arranged such that the fluid must first flow through the separating element before it enters or exits the sample chamber. Therefore, a separating element can be positioned downstream of the first gap of the first opening such that the fluid flows through the separating element and only then can it enter the sample chamber. Furthermore, another separating element can be positioned upstream of the second gap of the second opening such that the fluid flows through the separating element and only then can it exit the sample chamber. Preferably, the separating element can be gas-permeable. In one embodiment, the separating element can be a porous material. The porous material can be a filter material and / or a sintered material.

[0021] In another variant, a second analysis unit can be provided. This second analysis unit can be designed like the analysis unit described above and / or below. The second analysis unit can be configured to analyze the fluid flowing into the sample chamber. For this purpose, the second analysis unit can be coupled to, or connectable with, the first or second opening of the sample chamber. For example, the second analysis unit can be integrated into or connected to the fluid supply channel. Preferably, the second analysis unit can be located directly upstream of the first opening. Fluctuations in the supplied fluid can thus be detected by means of the second analysis unit. These fluctuations can then be taken into account and / or compensated for during the analysis of the fluid flowing out of the sample chamber. In a further variant, the second analysis unit can include at least one sensor.At least one sensor can be an analytical sensor, such as a humidity sensor, aroma sensor, or pressure sensor. For example, the second analytical device can include an analytical sensor and a pressure sensor. The analytical sensor can be a humidity sensor and / or an aroma sensor. This allows for pressure measurement at the point of humidity or aroma detection, enabling precise determination of the moisture or aroma content.

[0022] Another aspect concerns a system for handling the material, particularly flowable materials such as bulk solids. This system can be a bulk material handling system. For example, it can be a conveying system for transporting the material or a silo system for filling and / or storing the material. The conveying system can be, for example, a pneumatic or hydraulic conveying system. The system comprises at least one device designed as described above and / or below. In a preferred embodiment, the device is integrated into a branch line or a bypass line.

[0023] The system can include at least one line for the material. This line can be a main line, e.g., a main material flow line, and / or a conveying line. In one variant, the system can include at least one storage container for the material. The storage container can be designed as a silo for filling and / or storing the material. Furthermore, the system can include a branch line or a bypass line. The branch line or bypass line can be connected to the at least one line or to the at least one storage container. In another variant, the system can include a sampler. The sampler can be connected to the at least one line or to the at least one storage container, in particular directly. Furthermore, the sampler can be designed to take a material sample from the line or the storage container and feed it into the branch line or bypass line.Alternatively, the sampler can be configured to directly feed the material sample to the device and / or its sample chamber. The sampler can be directly connected to the device. For example, the sampler can be designed as a piston sampler. Furthermore, the sampler can have a defined sampling volume and / or be designed such that a defined volume of material can be extracted. Preferably, the line, branch line, and / or bypass line can be a vertical line, at least in sections. The device can be arranged and / or connected at a point in the line where the line runs essentially vertically. The branch line or bypass line can be connected at a point in the line where the line runs essentially vertically. The device runs in a vertical direction. It can be operated volumetrically or gravimetrically, and can be filled with material volumetrically or gravimetrically. The advantage is that the device can thus be designed and / or operated as a semi- or fully automated inline analysis device.

[0024] Another aspect concerns a method for analyzing a material, particularly a flowable one, such as bulk material. This method can be an analytical procedure, for example, a moisture determination method or an aroma determination method. In particular, the analysis can be carried out using the device described above and / or below. The method comprises the following steps: filling a sample chamber with a material sample, particularly a defined one; passing a fluid through the sample chamber; and analyzing the fluid flowing out of the sample chamber with an analytical device. The fluid can be introduced into the sample chamber via a first or second opening. As described above and / or below, the fluid can be a gas or a liquid.Filling can be preceded by a rinsing step to flush the sample chamber with fluid, particularly to remove residues of the material to be analyzed and / or for conditioning. The material sample can be a bulk sample. The material sample can be defined by volume or mass. The sample chamber can therefore be filled with a defined material sample, for example, according to a defined volume, quantity, mass, or weight. The sample chamber can be completely filled with a material sample. The material sample can thus be defined by the sample chamber, for example, by the volume of the sample chamber. In one variant, the volume, quantity, mass, or weight of the material sample can be determined via the sampler or by appropriately controlling the first shut-off element before the filling opening and the second shut-off element after the outlet opening.In one variant, the material sample can be delimited and / or defined by essentially filling the sample chamber completely and then closing the upper shut-off device or the first shut-off element. This prevents material above the sample chamber from being separated. The sample quantity analyzed can be excluded from the analysis. The amount of sample analyzed can be defined by the sample chamber volume. Conversion to sample mass and / or sample quantity can be performed using a known or externally determined sample density and / or bulk density. Alternatively, the sample can be weighed in an external device.

[0025] The supplied fluid can drive out at least one volatile substance, such as moisture, especially surface moisture, from the material sample in the sample chamber. Additionally or alternatively, the supplied fluid can also drive out at least one aroma from the material sample in the sample chamber. The aroma can also be a volatile substance, such as an odorant or flavoring agent. Analysis can include measuring and evaluating the amount of the volatile substance and / or aroma released. For example, the evaluation can be carried out as follows. During the analysis process, the value of the volatile component / substance absorbed by the fluid from the material sample, as measured by the analytical instrument, can be recorded. If the measured value, after its rise and fall, tends towards zero, the volatile component being analyzed has essentially been driven out of the material sample. By integrating the value curve and parameters such as sample mass or bulk density and sample volume, a sufficiently accurate value of the proportion of the volatile component, e.g., Moisture content can be determined. This may eliminate the need to calibrate the analysis procedures for different materials.

[0026] The analysis can include measuring the humidity of the gas flowing from the sample chamber. This measurement can be performed using a humidity measuring device. This allows the moisture content of the material sample to be determined. Additionally or alternatively, the analysis can include detecting and / or identifying at least one aroma compound in the gas flowing from the sample chamber. This allows for the identification or determination of at least one aroma compound in the material sample.

[0027] In one variant of the method, the steps can be performed cyclically or continuously and / or repeated. Material and / or fluid can flow continuously or essentially continuously through the sample chamber. Furthermore, a continuous flow operation can be implemented. In this case, the material can flow essentially continuously through the sample chamber, while the fluid is supplied to the sample chamber in such a way that it flows essentially against the material flow. Alternatively, the fluid can also flow essentially continuously against the material flow through the sample chamber. Furthermore, analysis can be performed essentially continuously, allowing, for example, the visualization of trends.

[0028] The sample chamber can also be emptied during the process. This can be done, for example, by opening the second shut-off element located at the outlet of the sample chamber. Furthermore, the sample chamber, the separation elements, and / or the analytical apparatus can be rinsed with fluid, particularly for cleaning and / or conditioning. As described above, the rinsing step can precede or be performed before filling the sample chamber with material. Conditioning can refer to tempering and / or drying. Rinsing can be carried out by supplying fluid via the rinsing channel. Additionally or alternatively, rinsing can also be performed by supplying fluid via the fluid supply channel. Thus, rinsing can be performed by supplying fluid to the first and / or second opening of the sample chamber. The rinsing and / or fluid supply can be performed counter-currently or co-currently.Countercurrent / counter-direction refers to a current or direction that is opposite to the material flow. Conversely, direct current / contrast direction refers to a current or direction that is in the same direction as the material flow. This allows for complete backflushing. Rinsing can be carried out for a defined period, for example, until a predefined time interval has elapsed or a drying, cleaning, and / or conditioning effect, determined by the device and / or its analytical unit, has occurred. Furthermore, the sample chamber can be rinsed primarily in a vertical direction from above. The process is carried out downwards. In a preferred embodiment, the separating elements can be backflushed in the opposite direction and thus cleaned. When rinsing the sample chamber, the fluid can be directed to the analysis device after exiting the sample chamber. This allows the condition of the sample chamber, e.g., its moisture content and / or conditioning state, to be analyzed and / or evaluated. This also enables verification of the rinsing results.

[0029] Furthermore, the process allows for pressure equalization between the sample chamber and the environment. In one variant, pressure equalization can occur after a rinsing step and / or before filling the sample chamber with material.

[0030] In another variant of the method, an endpoint of the analysis and / or measurement can be determined by reaching a known or specific initial and / or normal state, for example, a normal moisture content, of the supplied fluid, by reaching a defined measurement time, or by achieving a drying effect determined by the device and / or its analytical unit. The initial and / or normal state of the supplied fluid can be determined by a second analytical unit, e.g., a moisture measuring device, for example, cyclically or continuously. Additionally or alternatively, the pressure of the fluid can be measured, particularly at essentially the same location where the initial and / or normal state is measured. This allows the moisture content of the supplied fluid to be determined precisely.

[0031] In this method, a moisture flow rate can be determined based on a known or determined volumetric and / or mass flow rate of the supplied fluid and a difference between the measured moisture content of the fluid flowing out of the sample chamber and the initial and / or normal moisture content of the supplied fluid. Furthermore, a quantity of moisture can be determined based on the determined moisture flow rate. Based on this, and using the corresponding quantity of material sample (characterized, for example, by the volume of the sample chamber), the moisture content of the material sample can be determined. This can be expressed as a percentage of the material volume and / or, if the moisture content is known, as a percentage of the material sample volume. or separately determined material density, such as bulk density, can be converted to the mass of the sample.

[0032] A preferred variant of the procedure is described below. First, the chamber can be rinsed for conditioning. Then, pressure equalization can be performed between the sample chamber and the environment. Subsequently, the sample chamber can be filled with a material sample and then sealed. Once the sample chamber is closed, a fluid can be passed through it, and the fluid flowing out of the sample chamber is then analyzed. The sample chamber can then be emptied, in particular by opening the shut-off valves. For complete emptying, for example, with the first shut-off valve before the filling opening of the sample chamber closed and the second shut-off valve after the outlet opening open, the sample chamber can be flushed, e.g., by blowing it out, by flushing the sample chamber with fluid through the lower outlet opening.In one variant, a sample run, i.e., a passage of material through the sample chamber, can be performed without analysis. In this case, a subsequent rinsing step for conditioning can be omitted. Otherwise, the rinsing step for conditioning can be started again. The aforementioned further steps can then be carried out again.

[0033] The invention enables cost-effective analysis with sufficient accuracy. Analysis during operation is also possible. Calibration can be eliminated or at least performed with minimal effort.

[0034] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the figures, which show schematically and by way of example: Fig. 1 shows a device for analyzing a flowable material with a detailed view of a sample chamber; Fig. 2 shows a variant of a system for a flowable material with a device according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3 shows another variant of a device for analyzing a flowable material; and Fig. 4 shows another variant of a device for analyzing a flowable material.

[0035] Fig. 1 shows part of a device 100 for analyzing a flowable material 102. The flowable material can be, for example, a bulk material in the form of plastic granules, which has been taken from a line of a system for the plastic granules via a bypass or a branch line. The line can be, for example, a conveying line of a pneumatic or hydraulic conveying system, a line connected to a silo, or another type of line. The integration of the device 100 into a system is described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 2.

[0036] The device comprises a sample chamber 104, shown in detail in Fig. 1, for receiving a material sample of material 102. The sample chamber 104 is oriented essentially vertically and has a filling opening 106 arranged vertically at the top, or essentially at an upper end, of the sample chamber 104 for filling with the material sample 102. Furthermore, the sample chamber 104 has an outlet opening 108 arranged vertically at the bottom, or essentially at a lower end, for removing the material sample 102. This design of the sample chamber 104 allows the material 102 to be introduced or filled into the sample chamber 104 essentially vertically from top to bottom, preferably by gravimetric filling of the sample chamber 104 with a material sample 102.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 1, the device 100 further comprises a first shut-off element 110 and a second shut-off element 112. The first shut-off element 110 is located upstream of the filling opening 106 of the sample chamber 104, and the second shut-off element 112 is located downstream of the outlet opening 108 of the sample chamber 104. The sample chamber 104 can thus be closed by the first and second shut-off elements 110 and 112. When both shut-off elements 110 and 112 are closed, no material 102 can enter or exit the sample chamber 104. In particular, during the filling of the sample chamber 104, the first shut-off element 110 can be in the open state and the second shut-off element 112 in the closed state, so that the material 102 enters the sample chamber 104 through the filling opening 106 and the sample chamber 104 is filled with a defined material sample 102. In the present embodiment, the shut-off elements 110 and 112 are designed as ball valves. An actuator 114 and 116, respectively, is provided for controlling each ball valve.

[0038] The device 100 further comprises a first opening 118 for supplying fluid to the sample chamber 104. The material sample 102 can be analyzed via the fluid. For draining the fluid supplied to the sample chamber 104, the device 100 comprises a second opening 120. The second opening 120 can also serve to supply fluid to the sample chamber 104, for example, for rinsing and / or cleaning purposes. Furthermore, the device 100 comprises an analysis device (not shown in Fig. 1) coupled and / or connectable to the second opening 120 for analyzing the fluid flowing out of the sample chamber 104. The device 100 is thus designed such that the material 102 is analyzed, in particular indirectly, via the analysis of the fluid flowing out of the sample chamber 104. The fluid to be supplied or supplied can be a gas.In general, any type of gas is suitable that, when flowing through a material sample 102, is capable of absorbing at least one volatile substance, such as moisture or an aroma compound, and expelling it from the sample chamber 104 and / or from the material sample 102. Preferably, the gas can be purified and / or dried air, so-called instrument air. The device 100 is therefore designed such that at least one volatile substance can be expelled from the sample chamber 104 by means of the supplied gas. The volatile substance can include volatile components, for example, monomers, moisture, gases, solvents, odors and / or aromas, or other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The volatile substance can be, for example, water or moisture, or an aroma compound.In one variant, the device 100 can therefore be designed such that the moisture, for example the surface moisture, of the material sample 102 can be driven out of the sample chamber 104 by means of the supplied gas. Additionally or. Alternatively, the device 100 can be designed such that at least one aroma substance, such as an odorant or a flavoring substance, can be driven out of the material sample 102 from the sample chamber 104 by means of the supplied gas.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 1, the first opening 118 for supplying fluid in a vertical direction is located at the bottom, or essentially at the lower end, of the sample chamber 104, and the second opening 120 for discharging fluid in a vertical direction is located at the top, or essentially at the upper end, of the sample chamber 104. The fluid to be supplied to the sample chamber 104 therefore flows through the sample chamber 104, and thus also through the material sample 102, essentially in a vertical direction from bottom to top, i.e., in a countercurrent flow. In the present embodiment according to Fig. 1, the first opening 118 and the second opening 120 are each formed and defined section by a radially extending bore 122, 124, which transitions into a circumferential gap 126, 128. The bore 122 serves as a connection for a fluid supply channel (not shown in Fig. 1) and the bore 124 serves as a connection for a flushing channel (not shown in Fig. 1).The circumferential gap 126, 128 is designed here as a circumferential channel. The fluid can distribute itself via the channel before flowing into or out of the sample chamber 104. In the region of the first opening 118 and in the region of the second opening 120 of the sample chamber 104, a fluid-permeable, in particular gas-permeable, separating element 130, 132 is provided for retaining material and / or solid and / or liquid particles present in the fluid. The fluid-permeable separating elements 130, 132 are arranged such that the fluid must first flow through the first separating element 130 before flowing into the sample chamber 104, and the fluid must first flow through the second separating element 132 before leaving the sample chamber 104. The fluid flow can also occur in the reverse direction, for example, during a rinsing process. As shown in Fig.As shown in Figure 1, the first separating element 130 is arranged downstream of the first circumferential gap 126 such that the fluid flows through the first separating element 130 and only then can enter the sample chamber 104. Furthermore, the second separating element 132 is arranged upstream of the second circumferential gap 128 such that the fluid first flows through the second separating element 132 and only then can the samples enter the 104 chamber. can exit. Preferably, the separating elements 130, 132 can be made of porous material. The porous material can be a filter material and / or a sintered material.

[0040] Fig. 2 shows a variant of a system 200 for a flowable material 102. The system 200 can, for example, comprise the device 100 with the sample chamber 104 according to Fig. 1. Alternatively, the system can comprise one of the devices described with reference to Figs. 3 to 4.

[0041] In the present embodiment, the system 200 is designed as a pneumatic or hydraulic conveying system for conveying the material 102 and includes a conveying line 202 for the material 102. The conveying line 202 is a main line in which the material 102 is conveyed as the main material flow (illustrated by the arrow). Furthermore, the system 200 includes a bypass to the conveying line 202, which is designed as a bypass line 204. Material 102 is withdrawn or diverted from the conveying line 202 via the bypass line 204 and fed back into the conveying line 202 at a downstream point. The withdrawn or diverted material 102 can be a partial material flow. Alternatively, the material 102 diverted via the branch line 205 of the bypass line 204 can be a material sample that has already been delimited, e.g., volumetrically or gravimetrically.In one variant, the branch line 205 can be connected to a sampler for taking a material sample of defined volume or mass, which is connected to the conveying line 202. The device 100 is integrated into the bypass line 204 as shown in Fig. 2. The bypass line 204 first leads via the first shut-off element 110 to the filling opening 106 of the sample chamber 104 and subsequently from the outlet opening 108 of the sample chamber 104 via the second shut-off element 112 and a return line 206 connected thereto back to the conveying line 202. Alternatively, a discharge line can be provided instead of the return line 206, which, for example, leads into a container. The conveying line 202 of the plant 200 is preferably designed as a gravity line, wherein the device 100 or the branch line 205 of the bypass line 204 is arranged and connected at a point 208 of the conveying line 202, in which the conveying line 202 is essentially in. The device 100 runs in a vertical direction. Since the sample chamber 104 of the device 100 is also essentially vertically oriented, the device 100 can be operated gravimetrically, or the sample chamber 104 can be filled gravimetrically with material 102. The sample chamber 104 of the device 100 and the section 208 of the conveying line 202, to which the material 102 is drawn and the bypass line 204 or its branch line 205 is connected, can therefore be essentially parallel to each other.

[0042] The analytical unit 210 of the device 100 is coupled to the second opening 120, enabling the material 102 to be analyzed, particularly indirectly, by analyzing the fluid flowing from the sample chamber 104. The analysis may involve determining the at least one volatile substance. The analytical unit 210 may therefore be or include a measuring device for measuring, detecting, and / or recording the at least one volatile substance. For example, the analysis may involve determining the moisture content of the material 102 and / or determining at least one flavoring agent of the material 102. In one embodiment, the analytical unit 210 may include a moisture measuring device, e.g., a moisture sensor, for measuring the moisture content of the fluid flowing from the sample chamber 104.Additionally or alternatively, the analysis device 210 can include an aroma sensor for detecting and / or recording at least one aroma substance in the fluid flowing out of the sample chamber 104. The aroma sensor can be an odor sensor and / or a taste sensor. By integrating the device 100 into the bypass line 204 of the system 200, the device 100 can advantageously be operated as a semi- or fully automated inline analysis device.

[0043] Furthermore, particular reference is made to Fig. 1 and the accompanying description.

[0044] Fig. 3 shows a variant of a device 300 for analyzing a flowable material. The device 300 comprises the device 100 described with reference to Fig. 1, with the sample chamber 104, the first shut-off element 110 connected to the filling opening 106 of the sample chamber 104, and the The second shut-off element 112 is connected to the outlet opening 108 of the sample chamber 104, the first opening 118 for supplying and removing fluid, and the second opening 120 for supplying and removing fluid. Furthermore, the analysis device 210 described with reference to Fig. 2 is coupled to the second opening 120, so that an analysis of the material, in particular indirectly, can be carried out by analyzing the fluid flowing out of the second opening 120 of the sample chamber 104.

[0045] The device 300 comprises a fluid supply channel 302, which is coupled on one side to the first opening 1 18 of the sample chamber 104 and on the other side to a fluid source 304. This allows fluid, e.g., gas, to be fed from the fluid source 304 via the fluid supply channel 302 and through the first opening 1 18 into the sample chamber 104, so that the material sample in the sample chamber 104 is subjected to countercurrent flow (illustrated by the dashed arrows with black tips). The fluid then exits the sample chamber 104 again via the second opening 120. A pressure and / or flow control device 306 is provided in the fluid supply channel 302 for adjusting the fluid pressure and / or flow rate. The pressure and / or flow control device 306 includes a pressure regulator 308. Additionally, the pressure and / or flow control device 306 may include a flow meter and / or a pressure gauge. The fluid source 304 is connected to the pressure regulator 308.A first fluid flow regulator 310 is provided in the fluid supply channel 302 between the pressure and / or flow control device 308 and the first opening 1 18 of the sample chamber 104, and is thus coupled to the first opening 1 18 of the sample chamber 104. In the present embodiment, the first fluid flow regulator 310 is designed as a compact flow controller. The first fluid flow regulator 310 comprises a flow controller 312 and a flow meter 314. The fluid supplied to the sample chamber 104 via the opening 1 18 is defined by the upstream pressure set by the pressure and / or flow control device 306 and by the flow rate set by the first fluid flow regulator 310.

[0046] Furthermore, the device 300 includes a flushing channel 316. The flushing channel 316 is coupled on one side to the second opening 120 of the sample chamber 104 and on the other side to the fluid supply channel 302. As shown in Fig. 3, the Flushing channel 316 branches off from the fluid supply channel 302. In the present embodiment, the branching of the flushing channel 316 is located at a point between the pressure and / or flow control device 306 and the first Fluid flow regulator 310. One end of the flushing channel 316 opens into the fluid supply channel 302, and the other end of the flushing channel 316 opens into the second opening 120 of the sample chamber 104. The sample chamber 104 can be flushed with fluid via the flushing channel 316 (illustrated by the dashed arrows with white tips). This results in simple and advantageous cleaning and / or conditioning of the sample chamber 104. For flushing, the device 300 further comprises a second fluid flow regulator 318, which is provided in the flushing channel 316 and coupled to the second opening 120 of the sample chamber 104. As shown in Fig. 3, the second fluid flow regulator 318 is integrated into the flushing channel 316 directly after the branch of the flushing channel 316 from the fluid supply channel 302. In the present embodiment, the second fluid quantity regulator 318 is designed as an orifice or throttle.Additionally, a shut-off device 320, for example a valve such as a solenoid valve, is provided in the rinsing channel 316, which is designed to open and / or shut off the flow of rinsing fluid into the sample chamber 104. As shown in Fig. 3, the shut-off device 320 is integrated into the rinsing channel 316 at a point between the second fluid flow regulator 318 and the second opening 120 of the sample chamber 104. The shut-off device 320 can be located essentially directly downstream of the second fluid flow regulator 318.

[0047] To discharge the fluid, the device 300 includes a fluid outlet channel 322. In the case of gas as the fluid, the fluid outlet channel can be a gas outlet channel, for example, a vent channel. The vent channel 322 serves to vent to the atmosphere. The fluid outlet channel 322 is open at one end so that fluid can escape from the fluid outlet channel 322. The fluid outlet channel 322 branches off from the purge channel 316. In the present embodiment, the branch of the fluid outlet channel 322 is located between the second fluid flow regulator 318 and the second opening 120 of the sample chamber 104. As shown in Fig. 3, the analysis device 210 is now integrated into the fluid outlet channel 322. Since the fluid outlet channel 322 branches off from the purge channel 316, the The analysis device 210 is coupled to the purge channel 316 and the second opening 120 of the sample chamber 104. Furthermore, a shut-off device 324, for example a valve such as a solenoid valve, is provided in the fluid outlet channel 322. This shut-off device 324 is designed to release and / or block the outflow of fluid to the atmosphere. During a purge process, this shut-off device 324 can be selectively closed, and during an analysis process, it can be selectively opened. The device 300 also includes an adjusting element 326 for setting a differential pressure. The adjusting element 326 is integrated into the fluid outlet channel 322 at a point between the shut-off device 324 and the branch point of the fluid outlet channel 322 from the purge channel 316. Thus, the adjusting element 326 is located between the second opening 120 of the sample chamber 104 and the analysis device 210.The adjusting element 326 is designed to set a differential pressure and / or a pressure drop, particularly an increased one, between sample chamber 104 and the analysis device 210. For this purpose, the adjusting element 326 can be configured as a flow regulator and / or a pressure regulator. For example, the adjusting element 326 is configured as a throttle, e.g., a fixed throttle or a manually adjustable throttle. Alternatively, the adjusting element 326 can be configured as a control valve for setting a differential pressure or pressure drop. The differential pressure or pressure drop can be set, for example, by adjusting the degree of opening of the control valve.

[0048] Furthermore, the device 300 comprises a connecting channel 328 that connects the fluid supply channel 302 with the fluid outlet channel 322. As shown in Fig. 3, the connecting channel 328 branches off from the fluid supply channel 302 at a point downstream of the first fluid flow regulator 310 and then opens into the fluid outlet channel 322 at a point between the analyzer 210 and the shut-off device 324. This allows the sample chamber 104 and the analyzer 210 to be flushed, in particular backflushed, with fluid from the flushing channel 316 via the sample chamber 104 into the fluid supply channel 302 and into the fluid outlet channel 322. Furthermore, a shut-off device 330, for example a valve such as a solenoid valve, is provided in the connecting channel 328, which is designed to release and / or shut off a flow of fluid to the atmosphere. During a rinsing process, this shut-off valve 330 can be selectively opened, and during an analysis process, it can be selectively opened. The chamber can be closed. This design allows for complete backflushing. Furthermore, it is advantageous that backflushing does not occur via a throttle or similar device, thus avoiding reduced flow rates. Backflushing via the analysis unit 210 also offers the advantage of allowing testing of the sample chamber 104, particularly to determine whether it has reached a predetermined temperature and / or degree of dryness, and / or whether any residues of the material to be analyzed have been completely flushed out.

[0049] As further shown in Fig. 3, the device 300 comprises a bypass channel 332 that connects the fluid supply channel 302 with the purge channel 316. The bypass channel 332 branches off from the fluid supply channel 302 at a point upstream of the first opening 118 of the sample chamber 104 and opens into the purge channel 316 at a point downstream of the second opening 120 of the sample chamber 104. The branch of the bypass channel 332 from the fluid supply channel 302 is located at a point between the first opening 118 of the sample chamber 104 and the branch of the connecting channel 328. The opening of the bypass channel 332 into the purge channel 316 is then located at a point between the second opening 120 of the sample chamber 104 and the branch of the fluid outlet channel 322. 332 thus connects the first opening 1 18 of the sample chamber 104 with the second opening 120 of the sample chamber, passing by the sample chamber 104.Sample chamber 104 is thus selectively bypassed by means of the bypass channel 332, so that fluid is routed past sample chamber 104 to the analysis device 210. An adjustment element 334 for setting a fluid quantity, e.g., a gas quantity, is provided in the bypass channel 332. The adjustment element 334 is designed to adjust the distribution of the fluid flow between bypass channel 332 and sample chamber 104. The adjustment element 334 is, in particular, a flow regulator, for example, a throttle, which is configured to set a fluid quantity. The throttle can be a fixed or adjustable throttle. In one variant, the adjustment element 334 can be designed such that approximately 2 / 3 of the fluid is routed past sample chamber 104. This allows the fluid flowing through sample chamber 104, which may be heated and / or moistened—the so-called measuring fluid—to flow downstream of sample chamber 104 to the analysis device 210. The fluid is diluted at the inlet point after the second opening 120 by the fluid that passes the sample chamber 104 via the bypass channel 332. This prevents or at least significantly reduces condensation in the channels and / or in the analysis unit 210 caused by temperature differences. Furthermore, a shut-off device 336, for example a valve such as a solenoid valve, is provided in the bypass channel 332, which is designed to open and / or close the bypass channel 332. This shut-off device 336 can be selectively opened or closed to open the bypass channel 332, i.e., to allow fluid to pass through, or to close the bypass channel 332. As shown in Fig. 3, the shut-off device 336 is integrated into the bypass channel 332 upstream of the adjustment element 334. Furthermore, the shut-off device 336 can be selectively closed during a flushing process and selectively opened during an analysis process.

[0050] Furthermore, particular reference is made to Figures 1 and 2 and the accompanying description.

[0051] Fig. 4 shows another variant of a device 400 for analyzing a fluid-permeable material 102. The device 400 essentially corresponds to the device 300 described with reference to Fig. 3. In contrast to the device 300 according to Fig. 3, the device 400 according to Fig. 4 does not have a connecting channel 328 between the fluid supply channel 302 and the fluid outlet channel 322. Likewise, the adjusting element 326, the shut-off device 336, and the bypass channel 332 have been omitted. In the device 400 according to Fig. 4, the analysis device 210 is not integrated in the fluid outlet channel 322, but rather in the purge channel 316, preferably at a location between the second opening 120 of the sample chamber 104 and the branch of the fluid outlet channel 322. In the present embodiment, the analysis device 210 is located essentially directly downstream of the second opening 120 of the sample chamber 104.

[0052] The device 400 now additionally comprises a second analysis unit 402. The second analysis unit 402 is configured to analyze the fluid flowing into the sample chamber 104. For this purpose, the second analysis unit 402 is coupled to the first opening 1 18 of the sample chamber 104 and inserted into the fluid supply channel. 302 integrated. As shown in Fig. 4, the second analysis device 402 can be essentially directly connected upstream of the first opening 1 18 of the sample chamber 104. The second analysis device 402 can, in particular, detect fluctuations in the supplied fluid. These fluctuations can then be taken into account and / or compensated for during the analysis of the fluid flowing out of the sample chamber 104. For this purpose, the second analysis device 402 now comprises an analysis sensor 404 and a pressure sensor 406. The analysis sensor 404 can be configured like the analysis device 210 described above and / or below. The pressure sensor 406 can, for example, include a manometer. This makes it possible to measure the pressure at the point of analysis of the fluid flowing into the sample chamber 104, so that, for example, the moisture content can be determined precisely.

[0053] Furthermore, particular reference is made to Figures 1 to 3 and the accompanying description.

[0054] The term "may" refers in particular to optional features of the invention. Accordingly, there are also further developments and / or embodiments of the invention that additionally or alternatively include the respective feature(s).

[0055] From the combinations of features disclosed herein, isolated features can also be selected as needed and, after dissolving any structural and / or functional relationship that may exist between the features, used in combination with other features to define the subject matter of the claim. The order and / or number of steps of the method can be varied. Reference sign Device through which material can flow / material sample sample chamber Sample chamber filling opening Sample chamber outlet opening First shut-off element / ball valve Second shut-off element / ball valve Actuator Actuator, first opening for fluid supply, second opening for fluid discharge, bore Bore circumferential gap / ring channel circumferential gap / ring channel first separating element second separating element Plant / Conveyor system Conveyor Bypass line branch line Return line Extraction section of the pipeline analysis facility device Fluid supply channel Fluid source Pressure and / or flow control device Pressure regulator, first fluid quantity regulator / compact flow regulator Flow regulator Flow meter Flushing channel, second fluid flow regulator / orifice Shut-off device / solenoid valve Fluid outlet channel / vent channel Shut-off device / solenoid valve Adjustment element / throttle / control valve Connection channel Shut-off device / solenoid valve Bypass channel Adjustment element / throttle Shut-off device / solenoid valve Device second analysis unit Analysis sensor Pressure sensor

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (100, 300, 400) for analyzing a material (102), in particular a flowable material, such as bulk material, comprising: - a sample chamber (104) for receiving a material sample, wherein the sample chamber (104) has an inlet opening (106) for filling the material sample (102) and an outlet opening (108) for removing the material sample (102); - a first opening (1 18) for supplying a fluid into the sample chamber (104) and / or for removing the fluid supplied to the sample chamber (104); - a second opening (120) for supplying a fluid to the sample chamber (104) and / or for discharging the fluid supplied to the sample chamber (104); and - an analysis device (210) that can be coupled to or connected with the first opening (1 18) and / or second opening (120) for the analysis of the fluid flowing out of the sample chamber (104).

2. Device (100, 300, 400) according to claim 1 , characterized in that at least one volatile substance, in particular the moisture, of the material sample (102) and / or at least one aroma of the material sample (102) can be driven out of the sample chamber (104) by means of the supplied fluid.

3. Device (100, 300, 400) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the analysis device (210) includes a moisture measuring device for measuring the moisture content of the sample from the sample chamber (104) outflowing fluid or that the analytical device (210) has a device for measuring and / or detecting volatile substances, in particular flavors, in the fluid outflowing from the sample chamber (104).

4. Device (100, 300, 400) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sample chamber (104) is substantially vertically oriented, wherein the first opening (1 18) is substantially at the lower end of the sample chamber (104) and the second opening (120) is substantially at the upper end of the sample chamber (104).

5. Device (100, 300, 400) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a fluid supply channel (302) connectable to a fluid source (304) and / or a pressure and / or quantity control device (306) provided in the fluid supply channel (302) for adjusting the fluid pressure and / or the fluid quantity.

6. Device (100, 300, 400) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first fluid quantity regulator (310) can be coupled or is coupled to the first opening (1 18) and / or the second opening (120).

7. Device (100, 300, 400) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a flushing channel (316) which can be coupled or is coupled to the second opening (120) and / or the first opening (1 18).

8. Device (100, 300, 400) according to claim 7, characterized in that the rinsing channel (316) is coupled or can be coupled to both the analysis device (210) and the fluid source (304) and / or the fluid supply channel (302).

9. Device (100, 300, 400) according to at least one of the preceding claims 7 to 8, characterized in that a second fluid quantity regulator (318) is provided in the flushing channel (316).

10. Device (100, 300, 400) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a bypass channel (332) which connects the fluid supply channel (302) with the flushing channel (316), in particular branching off from the fluid supply channel (302) at a point upstream of the first opening (1 18) and opening into the flushing channel (316) at a point downstream of the second opening (120), wherein an adjusting element (334) for adjusting a fluid quantity is provided in the bypass channel (332). 1 1 . Device (100, 300, 400) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the second opening (120) and The analysis device (210) is provided with an adjustment element (326) for setting a differential pressure and / or a pressure drop.

12. Device (100, 300, 400) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first opening (1 18) and / or the second opening (120) of the sample chamber (104) is / are formed at least partially by a bore (122, 124) and / or at least partially by a circumferential gap (126, 128).

13. Device (100, 300, 400) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fluid-permeable separating element (130, 132) is provided or arranged in the region of the first opening (1 18) and / or in the region of the second opening (120) of the sample chamber (104) for retaining material (102) and / or solid and / or liquid particles present in the fluid, in particular such that the fluid first flows through the separating element (130, 132) before it can enter or leave the sample chamber (104).

14. Device (100, 300, 400) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first shut-off element (1 10) is arranged in front of the filling opening (106) of the sample chamber (104) and a second shut-off element (1 12) is arranged after the outlet opening (108) of the sample chamber (104).

15. Device (100, 300, 400) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a second analysis device (402) that can be coupled or connected to the first opening (1 18) and / or second opening (120), wherein the second analysis device (402) is integrated into the fluid supply channel (302) and is configured to analyze the fluid flowing into the sample chamber (104).

16. Plant (200) for a material (102), in particular a flowable material, such as bulk material, comprising at least one device (100, 300, 400) according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 15, wherein the device (100, 300, 400) is integrated in a branch line or in a bypass line (204). 1 7. Plant (200) according to claim 16, characterized in that the plant (200) comprises at least one line (202) for the material (102) or at least one storage container for the material (102), wherein the branch line or the bypass line (204) is connected to the at least one line (202) or to the at least one storage container.

18. Plant (200) according to claim 1 7, characterized in that a sampler is provided which is connected to the at least one line (202) or to the at least one storage container and is designed to take a material sample (102) from the line (202) or from the storage container and to supply it to the branch line or bypass line (204).

19. System (200) according to at least one of the preceding claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the device (100, 300, 400) is arranged and / or connected at a point in the line (202) where the line (202) runs substantially in a vertical direction.

20. Method for analyzing a material (102), in particular a flowable material, such as bulk material, in particular with a device (100, 300, 400) according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 15, comprising the steps: - Filling a sample chamber (104) with a material sample (102); - Flowing a fluid through the sample chamber (104); - Analyzing the fluid flowing out of the sample chamber (104) with an analysis device (208).

21. Method according to claim 20, characterized in that at least one volatile substance, in particular the moisture of the material sample (102) and / or at least one aroma of the material sample (102), is driven out of the sample chamber (104) by means of the supplied fluid.

22. Method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the analysis comprises measuring the moisture content of the fluid flowing out of the sample chamber (104), and / or that the analysis comprises detecting and / or capturing at least one volatile substance, in particular an aroma substance, in the fluid flowing out of the sample chamber (104).

23. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the material (102) flows substantially continuously through the sample chamber (104), wherein the fluid is supplied to the sample chamber (102) in such a way that the fluid flows substantially against the flow of the material through the sample chamber (104).

24. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims 20 to 23, characterized in that rinsing is carried out with fluid to clean and / or condition the sample chamber (104) and / or the analysis device (208).

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