Apparatus for producing a multi-component mass, and method for producing a multi-component mass

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus and to a method for producing a multi-component mass M, comprising: a first feed means 11 for supplying particles P; a first vacuum system 20, the first vacuum system 20 being designed to extract gases from between the supplied particles P; and a throat region device 70 having a conveying device 73 which is designed to produce a multi-component mass M from the metered particles P, in the evacuated state, together with at least one liquid component K.

Description

[0001] Device for creating a multi-component mass and method for producing a multi-component mass

[0002] Cross-reference

[0003] The present patent application claims the priorities of Swiss patent application No. 000808 / 2024 of 26 July 2024 entitled "Dosage form based on starch and method for its production", Swiss patent application No. 000807 / 2024 of 26 July 2024 entitled "Device for creating a multi-component mass and method for producing a multi-component mass", and Swiss patent application No. 000806 / 2024 of 26 July 2024 entitled "Device and method for producing a multi-component mass, and a system comprising the device", the contents of which are hereby incorporated in full into this application by reference.

[0004] Technical field

[0005] The present invention relates to a device for creating a multi-component mass and a method for producing a multi-component mass.

[0006] Technological background

[0007] In the production of gelatin-containing confectionery, often also called "fruit gum", a casting mass is produced in the state of the art along a typical mogul plant or mogul line, which is then poured in a subsequent casting station using the casting machine.

[0008] The problem with the known Mogul processes is that the high temperatures typically exceeding 100°C used during cooking, and the still high temperatures of 60 to 90°C at which the casting compounds are stored before pouring, damage or even inactivate temperature-sensitive ingredients. Therefore, there is a need for a gentler process that can be carried out at lower temperatures.

[0009] Another problem arises from the batch process, which is common in the production of casting compounds using state-of-the-art technology. This process compromises the consistency and uniformity of the products, as the varying curing times of the individual casting compounds result in a unique product history. This is particularly true in the case of sensitive ingredients, where fluctuations in the products can occur.

[0010] On the other hand, continuous processes are generally more uniform, easier to control, easier to document, easier to automate, and ultimately more cost-effective in terms of production. These advantages are particularly important for high-quality products containing active ingredients. Therefore, there is a need for a continuous process.

[0011] WO 2007 / 128150 A1, filed by the same applicant, describes a low-temperature mogul process in which particulate starch is used in the casting compound, meaning the casting compound is not boiled. The starch particles in the casting compound swell over time and are only present in a swollen form after casting.

[0012] The described methods are not continuous; while continuous mixing of the particulate strength is mentioned as a further possibility, it is not explained how this is to be implemented in practice.

[0013] Furthermore, the examples are based on fractionated powders of particulate starch, i.e., starch powders with narrow particle size distributions. This is technically complex because sieving processes are required, and expensive because fractions outside the desired particle size range cannot be used. The particulate starches used in the examples are extruded and contain short-chain starches and / or plasticizers such as glycerin and / or an additional hydrocolloid such as xanthan gum. However, such products are not commercially available and must be specially manufactured, resulting in comparatively very high costs.

[0014] WO 2010 / 072847 A2, also filed by the same applicant, describes a low-temperature mogul process where particulate starch is used in the casting compound. A key aspect of the process concerns the residence time of the particulate starch in the continuous process, i.e., the time the starch particles are in contact with the liquid phase, which should be as short as possible. This is because, as soon as the starch particles come into contact with the liquid, water-containing phase, they begin to swell, increasing the viscosity until it is so high that the casting compound is no longer pourable.

[0015] Even with this method, the products are still too solid to meet market demands. While active ingredients are mentioned, the necessary characteristics of the formulations are not disclosed. Like the application mentioned above, this one focuses on confectionery and filled products, such as those containing a more or less liquid filling.

[0016] While the described process does degas the mixture of starch powder with the liquid phase, i.e., with the liquid sugar mass or syrup, it is insufficient to adequately extract the air bubbles that inevitably form during the conveying or mixing of the powder into the liquid, especially in large-scale industrial processes. Furthermore, the throughput required for cost-effective production cannot be achieved with this method.

[0017] When conveying or mixing the particles into the multi-component mass, gases such as air are introduced. At the low temperatures of the process, where the viscosity is comparatively high and no water can be boiled off (which would help to remove air bubbles from the mass), this air cannot be extracted from the mass to the required extent. Thus, the otherwise advantageous low-temperature process results in a larger proportion of air bubbles in the products, which is unacceptable.

[0018] There is therefore a general need for improvements in this area.

[0019] US 5860,737 describes a device for the continuous degassing of liquid casting resin with the simultaneous addition of powdered fillers such as quartz dust, lime flour, aluminum oxide, etc. In one embodiment, the liquid casting resin components (hardener and resin) and the powdered filler are continuously metered into a degassing device. For this purpose, the liquid components (hardener and resin) and the powdered component (filler) are continuously metered into the degassing device using metering pumps or a screw conveyor with a scale. In the degassing device, the liquid components are distributed on the inner surface of a hollow cylinder, which acts as a degassing surface, and thus degassed. They are then scraped off the hollow cylinder by rotating means.The degassed liquid and the filler powder pass through a collection tank and a subsequent metering pump into a continuous mixer, where they are finally mixed. To prevent air from being drawn into the degassing unit via the powder storage tank and screw conveyor, the powder storage tank is sealed and connected to the degassing unit's vacuum pump. However, air cannot be drawn from the liquid component storage tanks as long as the liquid level is kept sufficiently high.

[0020] Description of the invention

[0021] The present invention aims to at least partially overcome the challenges and disadvantages of prior art mogul devices or apparatuses for creating multi-component compounds, while simultaneously maintaining the advantages of this technology and enabling additional benefits, in particular the time-constant and air-bubble-free incorporation of particles into a multi-component compound. The invention discloses a new device and a new method for creating a multi-component compound, with which the throughputs required for the cost-effective production of multi-component compounds are achieved.

[0022] One object of the invention is to provide devices and methods for producing multi-component masses that counteract at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages and / or other disadvantages.

[0023] These and other problems are solved by a device for producing a multi-component mass, a method for producing a multi-component mass, and a system for creating a multi-component mass according to the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

[0024] The inventive solution can be further improved by various embodiments, each advantageous in itself and, unless otherwise specified, combinable with one another, as well as by variations known to those skilled in the art. These embodiments and their associated advantages are discussed below.

[0025] A first aspect of the invention relates to a device for creating a multi-component mass.

[0026] An inventive device for producing a multi-component mass comprises at least one powder metering system, including a first feed for feeding particles, a first vacuum system configured to extract gases between the fed particles, and a throat chamber device with a conveying device configured to produce a multi-component mass from the particles in an evacuated state with at least one liquid component. At least one of the powder metering systems includes at least one second vacuum system connected to the first vacuum system, and in particular, a second airlock unit is provided to at least temporarily isolate the first vacuum system from the second vacuum system of the at least one powder metering system by pressure.

[0027] The device enables the production of a multi-component mass in a low-temperature mogul process, which is free of air bubbles. The particles can be introduced into the multi-component mass at a constant rate by falling into the throat-type device. The device according to the invention enables a continuous process that is fundamentally more uniform, easier to control, easier to document, easier to automate, and ultimately also more cost-effective in terms of production costs.

[0028] The conveying device can include a screw conveyor with which the multi-component compound can be continuously discharged from the throat assembly. Alternatively, the conveying device can be a nozzle that applies a jet pressure to the multi-component compound, thereby expelling it from the throat assembly. For example, the conveying device can be a pump to efficiently discharge the multi-component compound from the throat. Known pumps are efficient and cost-effective.

[0029] Before entering the first vacuum system, the particles are mixed with gases, such as air. These gases are separated from the particles in the first vacuum system, so that by the time they reach the conveying unit, virtually no gases remain between the particles. The resulting powder consists solely of evacuated particles, which are then conveyed with the liquid component in the throat section of the conveying unit, also operating under vacuum. This process produces a gas-bubble-free and therefore non-foaming multi-component mixture.

[0030] The first feeder can include a conveying system for the particles, such as a screw conveyor, a belt conveyor, or a pneumatic conveyor. The pneumatic conveyor allows for the rapid transfer of particles into the first vacuum system. The first vacuum system can then be evacuated without significant time loss. This makes it easy to overcome any height difference between, for example, a particle storage area and the first feeder and the first vacuum system. Furthermore, the first feeder can include a flow meter to monitor the quantity of particles being fed, ensuring a controlled supply of a sufficient quantity to the first vacuum system. In particular, the first vacuum system features a fill level sensor to prevent overfilling with particles.

[0031] In an advantageous embodiment, a mixing device is provided which is configured to create a mixed multi-component mass from the particles in the evacuated state with at least one liquid component.

[0032] This allows for the production of a homogeneous multi-component mass that is virtually free of gas bubbles. The mixing unit can be located outside the mouth chamber, with the conveying unit feeding the multi-component mass into the mixing unit. This spatially separates the introduction of the evacuated particles into the liquid component from the homogeneous mixing process, thus reducing the structural complexity of the device and enabling the production of a cost-effective device.

[0033] In this case, distributive mixing is advantageously employed, whereby the exchange of positions between the particles and the liquid component in the multi-component mixture continues until a uniform distribution of the components is achieved. The resulting mixing flows are of primary importance, thus achieving the desired homogenization within the multi-component mixture.

[0034] In particular, the conveying device includes the mixing device and is designed to create a mixed multi-component mass from the particles in the evacuated state with a liquid component in the throat device.

[0035] The conveying and mixing of the evacuated particles with the liquid component can be carried out entirely within the throat unit. Since the mixing unit also maintains the vacuum of the first vacuum system, the gas-bubble-free multi-component mixture can be produced reliably.

[0036] In an advantageous embodiment, the mixing device is arranged in a throat chamber of the throat chamber device and the mixing device has at least one filling zone and one compression zone.

[0037] In the filling zone, the evacuated particles and the liquid component are transferred from the first vacuum system. During the production of the multi-component mixture, the throat chamber is less than 70% filled, allowing for efficient mixing of the evacuated particles with the liquid component directly in the filling zone. The throat chamber maintains essentially the same vacuum pressure as the first vacuum system. Advantageously, the throat chamber is only 30% filled during the production of the multi-component mixture, thus improving mixing. In the compression zone, the multi-component mixture is compressed and thoroughly mixed. Increased mixing pressures are present there, which both improve mixing and facilitate the discharge of the multi-component mixture from the throat chamber assembly.The size of the pharyngeal cavity should be large enough to contain sufficient multi-component mixture. This prevents the liquid component or the multi-component mixture from entering the feeder for the evacuated particles, which would lead to undesirable contamination of the feeder. Advantageously, the evacuated particles can be dosed freely into the pharyngeal cavity, thus improving the production of a homogeneous multi-component mixture.

[0038] In particular, the homogeneously mixed multi-component mass can be discharged from the pharyngeal cavity in the area of ​​the compression zone.

[0039] The multi-component compound is discharged from the compression zone into a stator zone and then conveyed through a connecting line towards a casting station or other processing unit, or directly packaged. The stator zone can be spatially separated from the throat chamber unit. The rotor-stator in the stator zone essentially has a spindle shape, enabling improved transport of the finished multi-component compound. For example, an eccentric screw pump is arranged in the stator zone, which efficiently discharges the multi-component compound with high pumping efficiency. The connecting line for conveying the multi-component compound is designed as a flexible, force-decoupled hose.

[0040] In an advantageous embodiment, the mixing device comprises a screw pump.

[0041] This essentially enables the mixing and transport of the multi-component mass.

[0042] The spiral pitch of the last spiral turn is advantageously steeper than the spiral pitch of the other spiral turns.

[0043] This allows for a high filling pressure in the compression zone. This improves the mixing of the evacuated particles into the multi-component mixture. For this purpose, a wall is advantageously positioned in the compression zone, minimally spaced from the last screw turn of the screw pump. The multi-component mixture is forced towards the wall by the last screw turn and then forced back into the mixture by the wall.

[0044] In particular, the screw pump shaft is arranged between two universal joints, with the screw flights advantageously extending over the area of ​​the universal joints to ensure optimal pressure build-up in the compression zone and to improve the mixing of the multi-component mixture, and to prevent undesirable deposits of the evacuated particles in the filling zone. In the area of ​​the universal joints, the screw flight no longer rests on the shaft. This design promotes longitudinal mixing (leakage) in the mixing unit. Additionally, the dead space in the throat assembly is minimized. The screw pump can have connections for cleaning the throat assembly, which can be connected to water supplies.

[0045] In particular, the walls of the screw pump housing are essentially rounded, eliminating dead spaces. These rounded walls have no corners and are smoothly flowing to minimize dead spaces. This allows for efficient cleaning of the mixing unit and makes it essentially self-cleaning. This is advantageous for ensuring continuous operation and also for enabling optimal automatic cleaning of the mixing unit after production.

[0046] In particular, a gap is provided between the screw flights and the wall in the throat chamber, the minimum gap being less than 15 mm, advantageously less than 10 mm, particularly less than 5 mm, and most advantageously less than 1 mm. A minimal gap between the last screw flight and the wall in the compression zone improves the pumping action of the mixing device. A minimal gap between the screw flights in the filling zone improves the homogeneous mixing of the multi-component mixture between the individual screw flights.

[0047] In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one powder dosing system includes a dosing device designed to dose the quantity of particles in the evacuated state.

[0048] These gases are separated from the particles in the first vacuum system, so that virtually no gases remain between the particles by the time they reach the dosing unit. The metered powder therefore consists only of evacuated particles, which are then dosed into the hopper of the conveying unit, also under vacuum, along with the liquid component, resulting in a gas-bubble-free and therefore non-foaming multi-component mixture.

[0049] In particular, the dosing device of the at least one powder dosing system may include a conveyor, especially a single-shaft feeder and / or a flow control device, so that the evacuated particles can be dosed continuously.

[0050] The conveyor system includes a single-shaft feeder. The simple speed adjustment of the feeder and its minimal backlash enable precise dosing of the evacuated particles into the multi-component mixture. The feeder can be integrated directly into the first vacuum system, ensuring that the same vacuum level is maintained within the feeder as in the first vacuum system. The single-shaft feeder can utilize either a spiral screw or a solid-foil screw as the conveying element. A solid-foil screw is particularly suitable for conveying fine particles, while a spiral screw is ideal for coarser particles up to granules.

[0051] In an advantageous embodiment, a first decoupling unit is arranged at least between the dosing device and the throat device in the at least one powder dosing system.

[0052] This allows the dosing unit to be mounted virtually completely decoupled from the gullet unit under the same negative pressure conditions, ensuring that the particle dosing is not affected by vibrations from the mixing unit. In the filling zone of the mixing unit, the evacuated particles and the liquid component are transferred to the dosing unit.

[0053] In an advantageous embodiment, a first airlock unit is provided in the at least one powder metering system to separate the first feed from the first vacuum system at least temporarily by pressure.

[0054] During operation, the first vacuum system is largely separated from the ambient pressure by means of the first airlock unit.

[0055] The device according to the invention includes at least one second vacuum system connected to the first vacuum system, with a second airlock unit to at least temporarily isolate the first vacuum system from the second vacuum system by means of pressure. During operation, the first vacuum system is largely isolated from ambient pressure by means of the second airlock unit, allowing a vacuum to be created in the first vacuum area. The second airlock unit is open to the second vacuum system, enabling the evacuated particles to fall continuously into the second vacuum system. The first airlock unit is only opened when the second airlock unit is closed and new particles are being fed into the first vacuum system. This occurs in batches, so that particle quantities of predefined sizes are conveyed into the first vacuum system within a few seconds.During this time, there is no vacuum in the first vacuum system, which causes the weight of the vacuum system to change significantly due to the variable weight of the air and the process of refilling with particles. In this phase, the particles are dosed volumetrically. This means there is a relationship between the rotational speed of the dosing unit and the weight reduction of the vacuum system, allowing the rotational speed to be adjusted so that the multi-component mixture can be produced with the desired formulation. Subsequently, the second airlock unit is closed again, and gravimetric dosing can resume. The volumetric dosing phase should be short, preferably less than 5 minutes, and even more advantageously less than 2 minutes.

[0056] In at least one powder dosing system, the dosing device can be located directly in the second vacuum system, so that a vacuum in the same vacuum range is present in the dosing device as in the second vacuum system.

[0057] The gases are separated from the particles in the first and second vacuum systems, so that virtually no gases remain between the particles by the time they reach the dosing unit. The resulting powder consists solely of evacuated particles, which are then conveyed with the liquid component in the mixing unit, also under vacuum, within the hopper of the mixing unit. This process produces a gas-bubble-free and therefore non-foaming multi-component mixture.

[0058] In particular, in the at least one powder dosing system, a second decoupling unit can be arranged at least between the first feed and the first lock unit.

[0059] This allows the second feed unit to be mounted virtually completely decoupled from the first feeder, ensuring that the particle dosing is not affected by vibrations from the first feeder during particle feeding. Specifically, the second decoupling unit features a pressure-free surface. The first feeder is minimally spaced from the second feed unit. This distance can range from 1 mm to 3 mm, preventing contact between the two feeders. To maintain the vacuum, a flexible seal is attached to both the first feeder and the second feeder unit, sealing them. The gap should be small to prevent the vacuum from pulling the flexible seal too tightly into the gap.

[0060] The first vacuum system can be evacuated using a first vacuum pump and features a first pressure sensor as well as a venting unit with a vent valve, making it easy to vent. The first vacuum system has a funnel shape, so that the introduced particles fall towards at least one other vacuum system simply by gravity. To facilitate the particles sliding down the funnel, a vibrator unit is provided, which is activated particularly when the second airlock unit is open.

[0061] The second vacuum system can be evacuated with another vacuum pump and features an additional pressure sensor and a further venting unit with a vent valve, making it easy to vent. This second vacuum system is notably funnel-shaped, so that the introduced particles fall towards the dosing unit simply by gravity.

[0062] For example, with a multi-component throughput of approximately 1500 kilograms, evacuated particles are dosed at a rate of 280 kilograms per hour. If the second vacuum system can hold 70 kilograms of evacuated particles, then the first vacuum system needs to be refilled four times per hour. Ideally, refilling should be kept to a minimum, as volumetric dosing is then preferable. The bulk density of the particles is approximately 0.5 kilograms per liter for swelling particles. In an advantageous configuration, the vacuum systems can hold at least as many particles as are consumed in 5 minutes, even more advantageously than in 10 minutes, and still more advantageously than in 15 minutes.

[0063] Advantageously, the vacuum pumps are designed as rotary vane pumps, operated with oil, and even more advantageously, they incorporate a gas-assisted valve. Such vacuum pumps typically operate at full load, meaning the vacuum cannot be regulated by adjusting the vacuum level. In an advantageous embodiment, the second vacuum system of the at least one powder metering system includes at least one aeration unit for loosening the particles in the evacuated state.

[0064] The loosening unit features a rotating screw that keeps the evacuated particles moving within the at least one vacuum system. This ensures that the evacuated particles do not become trapped in the subsequent vacuum system. The loosening unit ensures consistent conditions during discharge and prevents tunneling or bridging. Advantageously, a vibration unit is also included, which vibrates the at least one vacuum system to, for example, move particles adhering to the walls of the at least one vacuum system towards the dosing device.

[0065] In an advantageous embodiment, the absolute pressure in the first vacuum system and, in particular, in the second vacuum system of the at least one powder metering system is substantially less than 300 mbar, more advantageously substantially less than 200 mbar, even more advantageously substantially less than 150 mbar, even more advantageously substantially less than 100 mbar, even more advantageously substantially less than 80 mbar, even more advantageously substantially less than 60 mbar, even more advantageously substantially less than 50 mbar, and even more advantageously substantially less than 40 mbar. These vacuum ranges define the vacuum pressure at which the particles, referred to here as evacuated particles, are separated from the surrounding gas.

[0066] In other words, an evacuated particle or an evacuated powder, a particle or powder which, in the devices disclosed herein, is conveyed or mixed with at least one liquid component at a pressure in mbar of essentially less than 300, more advantageously essentially less than 200, even more advantageously essentially less than 150, even more advantageously essentially less than 100, even more advantageously essentially less than 80, even more advantageously essentially less than 60, even more advantageously essentially less than 50, and even more advantageously essentially less than 40, and is pre-metered in the device with a pressure in mbar of essentially less than 300, more advantageously essentially less than 200, even more advantageously essentially less than 150, even more advantageously essentially less than 100, even more advantageously essentially less than 80, even more advantageously essentially less than 60, even more advantageously essentially less than 50, and even more advantageously essentially less than 40.

[0067] When both vacuum systems are evacuated, the vacuum of the first vacuum system and the at least one additional vacuum system should advantageously match to an accuracy better than 5 mbar, even more advantageously better than 3 mbar, even more advantageously 2 mbar, and still more advantageously 1 mbar. This ensures that the continuous or time-constant replenishment of particles from the first vacuum system to the at least one additional vacuum system can proceed reliably, so that the dosing device is constantly supplied with a sufficient quantity of evacuated particles.

[0068] In particular, a pressure equalization line is provided between the first vacuum system and at least one other vacuum system, which includes an automatic valve to enable pressure balancing. For pressure balancing, the valve is opened, and then the respective pressure sensors are calibrated so that they measure exactly the same pressure when the ambient pressure is the same.

[0069] The second airlock unit, through which the evacuated particles are conveyed, ensures that the respective vacuum areas of the first vacuum system and the at least one further vacuum system can communicate with each other, so that nominally the same vacuum is present in both vacuum areas.

[0070] Advantageously, the second lock unit is designed as a gate valve. In an advantageous embodiment, the gate valve is sealed by at least one pneumatic seal, this seal being advantageously designed as a tubular seal that seals towards the gate valve when pressurized and whose diameter decreases when the pressure is released, thus allowing the gate valve to be moved.

[0071] The slide gate comprises a horizontally movable metal surface that, when closed, can be moved into a connecting line between the first vacuum unit and at least one further vacuum unit. To open, the metal surface is moved to the side, causing the particles to fall into the second vacuum unit. The slide gate's seal is designed as a circular tube. When the second airlock unit is closed, the circular tube is pressurized and thus seals. To open the slide gate, the pressure is released from the circular tube, causing the sealing tube to collapse in on itself.

[0072] In particular, the first decoupling unit features a pressureless surface. The feed from the dosing unit is minimally spaced from the feed to the pharyngeal device. This distance can be between 1 mm and 3 mm, preventing contact between the two feeds. Alternatively, the feed from the dosing unit extends into the feed to the pharyngeal device, with the two feeds remaining separate, thus providing advantageous force decoupling. To maintain the vacuum, a flexible seal is attached to and seals both feeds. The distance between the seal and the flexible seal should be small to prevent the vacuum from drawing the seal too tightly into the gap.

[0073] The remaining force transmission is very low due to the flexible seal. The force in grams transmitted between the dosing device and the throat device fluctuates chaotically over time, but during a period of 1 minute, it remains below W, and the following values ​​apply to W in grams: advantageously less than 100g, even more advantageously less than 70g, even more advantageously less than 60g, even more advantageously less than 50g, even more advantageously less than 40g, even more advantageously less than 30g, and even more advantageously less than 20g.

[0074] In an advantageous embodiment, in the at least one powder metering system, at least the first vacuum system and in particular the second vacuum system are mounted in a force-decoupled manner from the throat chamber device.

[0075] This means that vibrations which can occur when conveying the multi-component mass are not transferred to the vacuum systems, thus improving, for example, the dosing of the evacuated powders.

[0076] It is particularly advantageous to arrange the first vacuum system vertically above at least one second vacuum system.

[0077] This provides a compact vacuum system with a small footprint and short connecting lines between the first vacuum unit and at least one additional vacuum unit. Furthermore, the evacuated particles can fall from the first vacuum unit to the second vacuum unit purely by gravity, thus simplifying the transport of the evacuated particles.

[0078] In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one powder dosing system includes at least one first measuring device for recording the weight of the first vacuum system and the second vacuum system.

[0079] The measured weight is used as the basis for determining the quantity of dosed and evacuated particles. Specifically, the first measuring device is a weighing device for gravimetrically determining the quantity of dosed and evacuated particles. The weight of at least the dosing unit and at least one additional vacuum unit, including the evacuated particles located therein, is determined. The weight loss that occurs when the evacuated and dosed particles leave the dosing unit towards the throat chamber is measured. The quantity dispensed from the at least one additional vacuum unit is determined gravimetrically. When the measured minimum weight of the particles in the at least one additional vacuum unit is reached, the second airlock unit opens, and further evacuated particles fall from the first vacuum unit located above it into the at least one additional vacuum unit.This allows for improved, time-constant dosing.

[0080] Advantageously, the weighing device has several load cells arranged on the housing of the dosing unit or the at least one additional vacuum system. The individual load cells measure the weight of the dosing unit or the at least one additional vacuum system and together determine the weight and, from this, the quantity of the dosed evacuated particles.

[0081] For example, the dosing accuracy of the gravimetric measurement as an average within 1 min is: essentially less than 10%, even more advantageous less than 7%, even more advantageous less than 5%, even more advantageous less than 4%, even more advantageous less than 3%, even more advantageous less than 2%, even more advantageous less than 1% and even more advantageous less than 0.7%.

[0082] Alternatively or additionally, the dosing unit includes a flow control device, whereby the dosing unit's conveyor operates with a constant conveying motion, e.g., a constant rotational speed. This determines the volumetric quantity of evacuated particles discharged into the throat device, thus enabling a time-constant supply of the evacuated particles to the multi-component mixture. This increases process reliability and allows for the continuous production of the multi-component mixture and the finished products derived from it.

[0083] It is advantageous to have at least one additional measuring device for recording the weight of the pharyngeal appliance.

[0084] This allows the weight of the throat chamber device and the multi-component mixture placed within it to be recorded, in order to determine the quantity of multi-component mixture produced. Knowing the quantity of multi-component mixture in the throat chamber can be particularly relevant for controlling the efficiency of the mixing process. If the throat chamber is filled with an undesirably high quantity of multi-component mixture, the efficiency of mixing and transport decreases. Therefore, it is particularly advantageous if the throat chamber is consistently filled with less than 50%, ideally 30%, of the multi-component mixture.

[0085] In particular, the second measuring device is a weighing device for determining the quantity of the produced multi-component mass. The weight of the mouthpiece assembly and the multi-component mass are determined. If the weight of the mouthpiece assembly without the multi-component mass is known, the quantity of the multi-component mass can be determined. Advantageously, the weighing device has several load cells arranged on the housing of the mouthpiece assembly.

[0086] In an advantageous embodiment, a further feed is provided which supplies at least the liquid component. This further feed is, in particular, arranged between the second vacuum system and the throat chamber device.

[0087] This allows the liquid component to be fed precisely and continuously into the pharyngeal cavity and the mixing unit, thus enabling improved mixing of the multi-component mixture with the also dosed evacuated particles. Since the pharyngeal cavity maintains essentially the same vacuum as the second vacuum system, efficient, bubble-free mixing of the multi-component mixture is achieved. With a precisely controlled supply of the evacuated particles and the liquid component into the pharyngeal cavity, the multi-component mixture can be produced according to a desired formula without foam or air bubbles.

[0088] In an advantageous embodiment, the further feed is equipped with a force decoupling, wherein this force decoupling is advantageously implemented as a flexible hose, so that no forces can be transmitted from the further feed to one of the vacuum systems above it.

[0089] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one bypass connection is provided between the pharyngeal cavity and the first vacuum system of the at least one powder dosing system, which is in particular decoupled from the first vacuum system, and in particular from the second vacuum system of the at least one powder dosing system.

[0090] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one bypass connection is provided between the pharynx and at least one other vacuum system.

[0091] This allows for the compensation of small, unexpected differences in vacuum between the throat chamber and at least one other vacuum system, which can arise from the mass flow of the particles. These small differences can negatively affect the dosing accuracy of the particle dosage, and this effect can be eliminated by the bypass connection.

[0092] In particular, the at least one bypass connection is decoupled from the at least one other vacuum system. The bypass connection is designed to be force-decoupled, with at least a section of the bypass connection having a flexible hose, so that no forces can be transmitted from the mixing device to any of the vacuum systems above it.

[0093] In an advantageous embodiment, a control device is provided which is connected at least to the mixing device and the metering device of the at least one powder metering system.

[0094] The control unit is connected to the mixing unit and the dosing unit for the exchange of control data. Furthermore, the control unit is connected to the vacuum pumps of the first vacuum system and at least one additional vacuum system, as well as to their vent valves, for controlling the vacuum systems. The control unit includes a processing unit designed to generate control data based on measurement data from the first and / or second measuring devices and to use this data in the process to control the respective components.

[0095] Advantageously, the control device is connected to the at least one powder dosing system and its units, in particular to the drive unit of the first lock unit, in order to control the movement of the first lock unit.

[0096] In particular, the control device can be connected to a drive unit of the first lock unit to control the movement of the first lock unit.

[0097] Furthermore, the control unit is connected to the first and second airlock units for opening and closing them via control data. This enables a reliable and time-constant dosing of the evacuated particles into the multi-component mixture.

[0098] In particular, the control unit is connected to a first control valve of the first vacuum system, which can regulate the vacuum in the first vacuum system practically steplessly. This control valve makes it difficult for the vacuum pump to draw more vacuum when the control valve is only slightly open. The valve is controlled by a PID controller, and the pressure can be set to an accuracy of 0.1 mbar. The pressure is advantageously set to an accuracy of 5 mbar, even more advantageously to 3, even more advantageously to 2, even more advantageously to 1, even more advantageously to 0.7, even more advantageously to 0.5, even more advantageously to 0.3, and even more advantageously to 0.2. If the pressure remains constant to this accuracy, pressure fluctuations are minimized, because pressure changes have a significant effect on gravitational weight measurement and thus a substantial influence on precise dosing.In particular, the control unit is connected to a drive unit of the second lock unit in order to control the movement of the second lock unit in a reproducible manner.

[0099] To ensure gentle processing of a mogul product at low temperatures, the macromolecules of the texturizing component in the multi-component compound are not used in dissolved form, but rather as a swellable component containing swellable particles of the macromolecules. These swellable particles are suspended in the casting compound. When the macromolecules are dissolved, they determine the viscosity, and the higher the molecular weight of the macromolecules, the higher the viscosity. In fact, it increases disproportionately with molecular weight. However, when the macromolecules are not dissolved but bound in particles, the viscosity of the casting compound is little affected by the presence of the particles and is independent of molecular weight.

[0100] Thus, in their bound form, macromolecules of high and very high molecular weight, which are very advantageous for the product properties, can also be used and processed, whereas such macromolecules would be difficult or impossible to process in dissolved form due to excessive viscosity.

[0101] Therefore, a previously unknown method, deemed impossible by experts, was employed: the particles are continuously dosed from one vacuum into another and mixed in under vacuum. This is because if air is not introduced in the first place, it does not need to be extracted.

[0102] In an advantageous embodiment, the proportion of powder with a particle size of less than 0.050 mm in wt.% is less than 40%, even more advantageously less than 35%, even more advantageously less than 30%, even more advantageously less than 25% and even more advantageously less than 20%.

[0103] Limiting small particles significantly improves viscosity stability during processing of the multi-component compound, thus extending the pourability window. This is advantageous for a stable process. In a preferred embodiment, the particle size distribution has an upper limit, with the upper limit being 0.700 mm, advantageously 0.600 mm, even more advantageously 0.500 mm, 0.400 mm, 0.350 mm, and 0.300 mm.

[0104] The quantity of particles can form a powder. In an advantageous embodiment, the proportion of the powder with a particle size of more than 0.200 mm is less than 25% by weight, even more advantageously less than 20%, even more advantageously less than 17%, even more advantageously less than 14%, even more advantageously less than 12%, and even more advantageously less than 10%.

[0105] In an advantageous embodiment, the particle size distribution covers a range extending at least from PA to PB. The value for PA in mm is 0.060, more advantageously 0.050, 0.040, 0.030, 0.020, and 0.010. The value for PB in mm is 0.150, 0.170, 0.180, 0.190, 0.200, 0.210, and 0.220.

[0106] A wide particle size distribution results in a uniform texture, good storage stability, and good dosing.

[0107] In particular, the multi-component mass is a casting compound. To enable a process that eliminates the need to cook the casting compound, allowing the confectionery production to be carried out at low temperatures, the macromolecules are used in the form of a swellable component. The swelling behavior of the swellable particles in the swellable component is determined by the parameters of the overall recipe, with the proportion of the swellable component and the water content being of particular importance.

[0108] With cooked casting compounds, the formulation has little significant influence on further processing. This is different with low-temperature processes, meaning the formulation must be optimally adapted to the process. For example, there are formulations that would yield good products, but because the swellable component swells too quickly, e.g., because the proportion of swellable particles is too high, such formulations are not suitable for industrial processing. This means the formulation must also take the requirements of the process into account and, in particular, enable the slowest possible increase in viscosity. This also makes the process robust. If continuous production stops due to any disruption, the casting compound should remain pourable for as long as possible.

[0109] In particular, the additional liquid component is a syrup, such as those typically used in the confectionery industry for the production of Mogul products. Specifically, these are, on the one hand, sugar syrups obtained from a combination of dissolved sugar and glucose syrup. The ratio of sugar to glucose syrup can vary widely, and the glucose syrup can exhibit a broad spectrum of oligosaccharides. Generally, glucose syrup is understood to be a syrup that, in addition to glucose, contains a more or less significant proportion of oligosaccharides. On the other hand, sugar-free syrups can also be used, as are typically employed in Mogul products. This category includes, for example, sugar alcohol syrups such as those containing sorbitol, mannitol, isomalt, maltitol, lactitol, xylitol, or erythritol, and mixtures thereof. Maltitol syrup is a particularly suitable sugar-free syrup.Combinations of sugar-containing and sugar-free syrups are also possible. Isomaltulose and fructose syrups, and mixtures thereof with other syrups, are also suitable.

[0110] Regarding the Brix value in °Brix, the syrups are advantageously in the range of 60 to 90, even more advantageous from 65 to 85, even more advantageous from 70 to 80, and even more advantageous from 72 to 79.

[0111] Another aspect of the invention relates to a mixing device for a device according to the invention as described herein.

[0112] A mixing device according to the invention is designed to create a mixed multi-component mass from metered particles with at least one liquid component, wherein the mixing device is arranged in a throat chamber of the throat chamber device and has at least one filling zone and one compression zone. This mixing device enables improved mixing of a multi-component mass, wherein the first component, for example, swellable particles or color pigments, is supplied in the area of ​​the filling zone and a liquid component, for example, water, varnish, or a solvent, is added in the area of ​​the filling zone. The components are conveyed by the mixing device towards the compression zone and mixed there in a more effective manner.

[0113] In particular, the homogeneously mixed multi-component mass can be discharged from the pharyngeal device in the compression zone. This makes it easy to discharge the mixed multi-component mass from the pharyngeal device.

[0114] In an advantageous embodiment, the mixing device comprises a screw pump, wherein the screw pitch of the last screw turn is advantageously steeper than the screw pitch of the other screw turns.

[0115] This allows for a high filling pressure in the compression zone. This, in turn, improves the mixing of the evacuated particles into the multi-component mixture.

[0116] Further embodiments of the pharyngeal cavity device and the mixing device arranged therein have already been disclosed previously.

[0117] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for creating a multi-component mass using a device according to the invention.

[0118] An apparatus according to the invention comprises the following steps: a) filling the first vacuum unit of the at least one powder metering system with particles, b) closing the first vacuum unit and evacuating the first vacuum unit of the at least one powder metering system, c) conveying the evacuated particles into a throat chamber device, d) continuously filling a throat chamber of the throat chamber device with the evacuated particles and at least one liquid component, e) conveying the evacuated particles with the at least one liquid component using a conveying device of the throat chamber device, and f) discharging the multi-component mass from the throat chamber device.

[0119] In at least one powder dosing system, the particles are fed into at least a second vacuum system of the at least one powder dosing system in an evacuated state before step c).

[0120] When particles are conveyed into a viscous mass, air is always mixed in with the powder, which is very difficult and time-consuming to remove, and often impossible to the required extent. Therefore, the inventive method employs the approach of adding the particles from a vacuum, thus preventing the introduction of interfering air in the first place. Implementing this principle has solved a whole range of problems.

[0121] The process enables the production of a multi-component mass in a low-temperature mogul process, which is free of air bubbles, whereby the particles can be incorporated into the multi-component mass at a constant rate over time. The process according to the invention allows for a continuous process that is fundamentally more uniform, easier to control, easier to document, easier to automate, and ultimately also more cost-effective in terms of production costs. These advantages are of particular importance for high-quality products containing active ingredients.

[0122] The vacuum section of the first vacuum system is supplied with particles batchwise at normal pressure via a feeder. This means that the first vacuum system is continuously refilled with particles until an upper fill level is reached.

[0123] In an advantageous embodiment, in step e) the evacuated particles are mixed with the at least one liquid component in a mixing device of the throat device.

[0124] This makes it possible to create a largely homogeneous multi-component mass.

[0125] In an advantageous embodiment, the evacuated particles are dosed after step c) using a metering device of the at least one powder metering system.

[0126] The particle quantity in the multi-component mixture is adjustable. In step d), the liquid component is continuously dosed into the pharynx of the particles and liquid component, where the two continuously arriving components are homogeneously mixed. This allows the multi-component mixture to be produced reproducibly according to a desired formula.

[0127] In an advantageous embodiment, for dosing the evacuated particles with the at least one powder dosing system, at least the first vacuum system is weighed by means of at least one weighing device of the at least one powder dosing system as the first measuring device.

[0128] This makes it possible to obtain a multi-component compound, such as casting compounds, that is effectively free of air bubbles. A robust, highly automated, continuous, and industrially applicable process with a throughput in the range of 900 to 5,000 kilograms per hour is provided, enabling low production costs. The inventive process is thus novel in many respects because new requirements had to be taken into account. It is not a variation of known processes, but rather something fundamentally new. The patent applications by the same applicant described in the prior art are to be understood as preliminary stages of this process.

[0129] Various components for the production of the casting compound and the casting compound itself are continuously conveyed. Continuous means that within a short period of one minute, the mass flow rate averaged over this period exhibits a deviation from the target value of advantageously less than 16%, even more advantageously less than 13%, even more advantageously less than 10%, even more advantageously less than 7%, even more advantageously less than 5%, and even more advantageously less than 3%.

[0130] In an advantageous embodiment, during the phase when the particles fall from the first vacuum system into the second vacuum system and when the first vacuum system is not at the same vacuum as the vacuum in the at least one further vacuum system, i.e., during the times when the first vacuum system is being refilled with particles, the particles are dosed in volumetric mode.

[0131] In the inventive method, the particles are introduced into the second vacuum system in an evacuated state before step c).

[0132] This creates two separable vacuum systems, enabling continuous operation of the process with logistically sound coordination of the device's airlock units. This allows for improved, time-constant particle conveying without breaking the vacuum in the second vacuum system. The first vacuum system is closed, and its vacuum is regulated to the same level as that in the second. When a minimum particle level is reached in the second vacuum system, the second airlock unit opens, and the particles fall from the first vacuum system into the second, after which the second airlock unit closes again.

[0133] Advantageously, the first vacuum system is arranged vertically above the at least one second vacuum system of the at least one powder dosing system.

[0134] This allows the evacuated particles to simply fall into the second vacuum system by gravity. In an advantageous embodiment, for dosing the evacuated particles in step d), at least the first vacuum system and the second vacuum system are weighed by means of at least one weighing device as a first measuring device.

[0135] In an advantageous embodiment, at least the pharyngeal cavity device is weighed before step f) by means of at least one weighing device.

[0136] The weight of at least the dosing unit and at least one additional vacuum unit, including the evacuated particles located therein, is determined. The weight loss that occurs when the evacuated and dosed particles leave the dosing unit towards the throat chamber is measured. The quantity dispensed from the at least one additional vacuum unit is determined gravimetrically. When the measured minimum weight of the particles in the at least one additional vacuum unit is reached, the second airlock unit opens, and further evacuated particles fall from the first vacuum unit located above it into the at least one additional vacuum unit. This enables improved, time-constant dosing.

[0137] A computer program product according to the invention comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by a computing unit of the device, cause the computing unit of the device to execute the method described herein.

[0138] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the drawings.

[0139] The list of reference numerals, like the technical content of the patent claims and figures, forms part of the disclosure. The figures are described coherently and comprehensively. Identical reference numerals denote identical components; reference numerals with different indices indicate functionally identical or similar components.

[0140] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments in the following figures. The list of reference numerals forms part of the disclosure.

[0141] Positional references, such as "top", "bottom", "right" or "left", refer to the corresponding representations and are not to be understood as restrictive.

[0142] Although the invention is illustrated and described in detail by means of the figures and the accompanying description, this illustration and detailed description are to be understood as illustrative and exemplary and not as limiting the invention. It is understood that those skilled in the art may make modifications and adaptations without departing from the scope of the following claims. In particular, the invention also includes embodiments with any combination of features mentioned or shown above with regard to various aspects and / or embodiments.

[0143] The invention also includes individual features shown in the figures, even if they are shown there in conjunction with other features and / or are not mentioned above. Furthermore, the term "comprise" and derivatives thereof do not exclude other elements or steps. Likewise, the indefinite article "a" or "an" and derivatives thereof do not exclude a plurality. The functions of several features listed in the claims can be fulfilled by a single unit. The terms "essentially," "approximately," "about," and the like, in conjunction with a property or value, also define precisely that property or value. All reference numerals in the claims are not to be understood as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0144] Further aspects of the advantageous production of advantageous casting compounds, for which the present device can be advantageously used, are disclosed in Swiss patent application No. 000808 / 2024 of 26 July 2024 entitled “Dosage form based on starch and method for its production” by the same applicant.

[0145] Another aspect of the disclosure relates to advantageous devices and methods for producing a multi-component mass from at least one powdered component and at least one liquid component, as disclosed in Swiss patent application No. 000806 / 2024 of July 26, 2024 entitled "Device and method for producing a multi-component mass, and a system with the device" of the same applicant.

[0146] The disclosure content of the two aforementioned patent applications is hereby incorporated in its entirety into the description by reference.

[0147] Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of an inventive device, a mixing device, and a method for producing products, in particular dosage forms, based on swellable particles, especially swellable starch particles, using a mogul process and / or a powderless casting process. The use of an inventive device, a mixing device, and a method in a mogul casting process, as described in Swiss patent application No. 000808 / 2024 of July 26, 2024, entitled "Starch-based dosage form and method for its production," is particularly advantageous.

[0148] Also particularly advantageous is the use of an inventive device, the use of an inventive mixing device, and the use of an inventive method in a powderless casting process, as described in the applicant's Swiss patent application entitled "Powderless manufactured dosage forms for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical active ingredients" and with the same filing date as this patent application.

[0149] Brief description of the drawings

[0150] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made below to the drawings. These show only exemplary embodiments of the invention. The same reference numerals are used in the following figures and the accompanying description for identical or similarly functioning parts.

[0151] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a device according to the invention in a schematic view.

[0152] Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of the device according to the invention in a schematic view.

[0153] Figure 3 shows a pharyngeal cavity device according to the invention.

[0154] Implementation of the invention

[0155] Figure 1 shows the first embodiment of the device 10 for producing a multi-component mass M. The device essentially comprises a first feeder 11 for feeding particles P, a first vacuum system 20 connected to a second vacuum system 40, the second vacuum system 40 comprising a metering device 50, and a throat chamber device 70. The first vacuum system 20 is arranged vertically above the second vacuum system 20. The first vacuum system 20 and the second vacuum system 40 are configured to extract gases, such as air, from between the fed particles P in order to create a powder of particles P that is gas-free or air-free.

[0156] The first feeder 11 is connected to a conveying system 12, which in this case includes a pneumatic conveyor, thus enabling the rapid feeding of particles P to a locking unit 15 in small batches. The locking unit

[0157] The first feed 11 from the first vacuum system 20 is separated at least temporarily from normal pressure by the airlock unit 15. The airlock unit 15 is designed as a slide gate 16.

[0158] The 16 is sealed by a pneumatic seal 17 and has a horizontally movable metal surface 18. The seal 17 is a tubular seal that seals against the slide 16 when pressurized and decreases in diameter when the pressure is released, allowing the slide 16 to move. When closing, the horizontally movable metal surface 18 is moved into a connecting line between the first feed 11 and the first vacuum unit 20. To open, the movable metal surface 18 is moved horizontally to the side, causing the particles P to fall into the first vacuum unit 20.

[0159] A decoupling unit 13 with a pressureless surface 14 is located between the first feed 11 and the lock unit 15. The first feed 11 is minimally spaced from the lock unit 15. This distance can be in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm, preventing contact and ensuring that vibrations from the first feed are not transmitted to the first vacuum system 20.

[0160] Directly connected to the lock unit 15 is the first vacuum system 20. The first vacuum system 20 can be evacuated by a first vacuum pump 21 and has a first pressure sensor 22 as well as a venting unit 23 with a venting valve 24. The vacuum pump 21 is designed as a rotary vane pump, is oil-operated and has a gas-assisted valve.

[0161] The first vacuum unit 20 has a funnel shape, so that the particles P placed inside fall towards the second vacuum unit 40 simply due to gravity. A vibrator unit 25 is provided to facilitate the sliding of the particles P in the funnel shape. Furthermore, a level sensor 26 is provided to measure the level of the particles P in the first vacuum unit 20.

[0162] A locking unit 30 is arranged between the first vacuum system 20 and the second vacuum system 40, connecting the first vacuum system 20 to the second vacuum system 40. The locking unit 30, through which the evacuated particles P are conveyed, ensures that the respective vacuum zones of the first vacuum system 20 and the second vacuum system 40 can communicate with each other, thus maintaining the same nominal vacuum in both zones. The locking unit 30 is designed as a slide gate 31. The slide gate 31 is sealed by a pneumatic seal 32 and has a horizontally movable metal surface 33. The seal 32 is a tubular seal that seals against the slide gate 31 when pressurized and decreases in diameter when the pressure is released, allowing the slide gate 31 to move.When closing, the horizontally movable metal surface 33 is moved into a connecting line between the first vacuum unit 20 and the second vacuum unit 40. To open, the movable metal surface 33 is moved horizontally to the side, causing the particles P to fall into the second vacuum unit 40.

[0163] During operation of the device 10, the first vacuum system 20 is largely separated from the ambient pressure by means of the airlock unit 15, so that a vacuum can be created in the first vacuum area and the airlock unit 30 to the second vacuum system 40 is open, allowing the evacuated particles P to fall continuously into the second vacuum system 40. The airlock unit 15 is only opened when the airlock unit 30 is closed and new particles P are fed into the first vacuum system 20 via the first feed 11.

[0164] The second vacuum unit 40 can be evacuated with a second vacuum pump 41 and has a second pressure sensor 42 as well as a venting unit 43 with a venting valve 44. The vacuum pump 41 is designed as a rotary vane pump, is oil-operated, and has a gas ballast valve. The second vacuum unit 40 has a funnel shape, so that the filled particles P fall towards the metering device 50 simply by gravity. A vibrator unit 45 is provided to facilitate the sliding of the particles P in the funnel shape. Furthermore, a level sensor 46 is provided to measure the level of the particles P arranged in the second vacuum unit 40. The level sensor 46 is designed as a vibrating fork 47. In addition, a temperature sensor 48 is provided to measure the temperature inside the second vacuum unit 40.

[0165] The pressure in the first vacuum system 20 and the second vacuum system 40 is essentially less than 40 mbar. When both vacuum systems 20 and 40 are evacuated, the difference in vacuum between the first vacuum system 20 and the second vacuum system 40 is less than 1 mbar. This allows for the continuous or time-constant replenishment of particles P from the first vacuum system 20 to the second vacuum system 40 to proceed reliably. A pressure equalization line 34 is provided between the first vacuum system 20 and the second vacuum system 40, which includes an automatic valve 35 to enable pressure balancing. For pressure balancing, the valve 35 is opened, and then the respective pressure sensors 22 and 42 are calibrated so that they measure exactly the same pressure when the pressure is the same.

[0166] The second vacuum system 40 includes a loosening unit 49 for loosening the particles P in the evacuated state. The loosening unit 49 has a rotatable screw 49a which keeps the evacuated particles P in motion in the second vacuum system 40 by means of the drive 49b. The loosening unit 49 ensures that the conditions remain constant during the discharge of the particles P from the second vacuum system 40 and that tunneling or bridging cannot occur.

[0167] The second vacuum system 40 is directly connected to a dosing unit 50, which is located in the lower section of the second vacuum system 40, so that the particles P align themselves in the area of ​​the dosing unit 50 due to gravity. The dosing unit 50 has a single-shaft feeder 52 as a conveyor 51, so that the evacuated particles P can be continuously dosed. The single-shaft feeder 52 has a spiral screw 53 as a conveying element, which is driven by a drive 54.

[0168] The device 10 comprises a first measuring device 60 for recording the weight of the first vacuum unit 20 and the second vacuum unit 40. This makes it possible to gravimetrically control the dispensing of particles P from the second vacuum unit 20 into the pharyngeal chamber unit 70. The recorded weight is used as the basis for determining the quantity of dispensed and evacuated particles P. The first measuring device 60 is a weighing device 61 for gravimetrically determining the quantity of dispensed and evacuated particles P. The weight of at least the dispensing device 50 and the vacuum units 20 and 40, including the evacuated particles P located therein, is determined. The weight loss that occurs when the evacuated and dispensed particles P leave the dispensing device 50 in the direction of the pharyngeal chamber unit 70 is measured. The quantity dispensed from the second vacuum unit 40 is determined gravimetrically.The weighing device 61 comprises several load cells 62, which are arranged on the housing of the dosing device 50 or the second vacuum unit 40. The individual load cells 62 measure the weight of the dosing device 50 or the second vacuum unit 40 and together determine the weight and, from this, the quantity of the dosed evacuated particles P. The dosing accuracy of the gravimetric measurement is less than 0.7% as an average value within 1 minute. Downstream of the dosing device 50, the throat unit 70 is arranged with a throat chamber 71 and with a mixing device 75, which is designed to create a homogeneously mixed multi-component mass M from the dosed particles P in the evacuated state with at least one liquid component K.

[0169] The liquid component K is supplied via a further feeder 74. This directs the liquid component K into the throat chamber 71 and the mixing unit 75, thus enabling improved mixing of the multi-component mass M with the evacuated particles P, which are also dosed into the throat chamber 71. Since at least the throat chamber 71 has essentially the same vacuum as the second vacuum system 40, efficient, bubble-free mixing of the multi-component mass M is ensured. The further feeder 74 is also implemented as a flexible hose, so that no forces can be transmitted from the further feeder 74 to either of the vacuum systems 20 or 40 above it.

[0170] A decoupling unit 90 is provided between the dosing unit 50 and the throat chamber unit 70. This allows the dosing unit 50 and the vacuum systems 20, 40 to be mounted virtually force-decoupled from the throat chamber unit 70, thus ensuring that the gravimetric dosing of the particles is not affected by the vibrations of the mixing unit 75. The decoupling unit 90 has a pressure-free surface 91. The feed from the dosing unit 50 extends into the feed to the throat chamber 70, with the two feeds not touching, thus providing force decoupling. To maintain the prevailing vacuum, a flexible seal 92 is provided, which is attached to and seals both feeds. The force transmission is very low due to the flexible seal 92.The force in grams transmitted between dosing device 50 and throat chamber device 70 fluctuates chaotically over time, but remains below 20 grams for a total of one minute. Valve 93 is only engaged when starting device 10 to prevent particles P from being unintentionally drawn out of the second vacuum system 40.

[0171] A bypass connection 72 is provided between the throat chamber 70 and the second vacuum system 40. This allows for the compensation of small, unexpected differences in vacuum between the throat chamber 70 and the second vacuum system 40, which can arise from the mass flow of the particles P. The bypass connection 72 is decoupled from the second vacuum system 40 by virtue of the bypass connection consisting, at least in part, of a flexible hose. The mixing device 75 has a filling zone 76 and a compression zone 78. In the filling zone 76, the evacuated particles P and the liquid component K are taken over by the metering device 50 in the throat chamber 71, with the liquid component K being metered externally via the further feeder 74 and a metering device 77.In this process, the throat chamber 71 is only 30% filled with the multi-component mass M during its production, allowing the efficient mixing of the evacuated particles P with the liquid component K to occur in the filling zone 76. The throat chamber 71 exhibits essentially the same vacuum as the second vacuum system 40.

[0172] In the compression zone 78, the multi-component mass M is compressed and thereby mixed, with increased mixing pressures present there, which on the one hand result in improved mixing and on the other hand simplify the discharge of the multi-component mass M from the pharyngeal device 70.

[0173] The mixing device 75 includes a screw pump 80, which mixes and transports the multi-component mixture M. For improved mixing, the screw pitch of the last screw turn 81 is steeper than the screw pitch of the other screw turns 82, resulting in a high filling pressure in the compression zone 78. A wall 83 is present in the compression zone 78, positioned at a minimal distance from the last screw turn 81 of the screw pump 80. The multi-component mixture M is forced by the last screw turn 82 towards the wall 83 and then pushed back by the wall 83. The walls 83 in the housing of the screw pump 80 are essentially rounded, so that there are no dead spaces. The screw pump 80 is driven by a drive 84.

[0174] The multi-component compound M is discharged from the compression zone 78 through a stator opening 86 into a stator zone 85 and subsequently conveyed into a connecting line 87 towards a casting station. The rotor-stator 88 in the stator zone 85 is spatially separated from the throat chamber 71 and essentially comprises a rotor-stator arrangement of a progressive cavity pump, which enables improved transport of the finished multi-component compound M. The connecting line 87 for conveying the multi-component compound M is designed as a flexible hose with force decoupling. The stator zone 85 is essentially at normal or ambient pressure. The throat chamber assembly 70 has a further measuring device 95 for recording the weight of the throat chamber assembly 70. This allows the weight of the throat chamber assembly 70 and the multi-component compound M contained therein to be recorded in order to determine the quantity of multi-component compound M produced.The further measuring device 95 is a weighing device 96 for determining the quantity of the produced multi-component mass M. The weight of the throat assembly 70 and the multi-component mass M are determined. If the weight of the throat assembly 70 without the multi-component mass M is known, the quantity of the multi-component mass M can be determined. The weighing device 96 has several load cells 97, which are arranged on the housing of the throat assembly 70.

[0175] The finished multi-component mass M is discharged from the throat chamber device 70 in the region of the rotor-stator 88. A flow meter 67, designed as a Coriolis flow meter, is provided to determine the quantity of the discharged multi-component mass M. In an advantageous embodiment, the Coriolis flow meter is equipped with at least two measuring tubes and is operated with at least two excitation frequencies.

[0176] The device 10 comprises a control unit 65, which is connected to the mixing unit 75 and the dosing unit 50. The control unit 65 is connected to the mixing units 75 and 90, as well as to the dosing unit 50, for the exchange of control data. Furthermore, the control unit 65 is connected to the vacuum pumps 21 and 41 of the first vacuum system 20 and the second vacuum system 40, as well as to their vent valves 24 and 44, for controlling the vacuum systems 20 and 40, which regulate the vacuum in the first vacuum system 20 and the second vacuum system 40, respectively, in a virtually stepless manner. The vent valves 24 and 44 are controlled by a PID controller in the control unit 65, whereby the pressure can be adjusted to an accuracy of 0.1 mbar.

[0177] The control unit 65 is connected to the drive units 19, 36 of the airlock units 15, 30 to control the movement of the airlock units 15, 30. Furthermore, the control unit 65 is connected to the airlock units 15, 30 for opening and closing them by means of control data or control commands. This enables process-reliable and time-constant dosing of the evacuated particles into the multi-component mass M. The control unit 65 is also connected to the aerator unit 49, the drive of the single-shaft feeder 52, and a drive of the screw pump 80 for the exchange of control data. The control unit 65 has a processing unit 66, which is configured to generate control data or control commands based on measurement data from the first and second measuring devices 60, 95, respectively, and to use these in the process to control the respective components.The processing unit 66 is configured to generate control data for the loosening unit 49. The processing unit 66 comprises a computer program containing instructions generated from control data. When the program is executed by the processing unit of the device, these instructions cause the processing unit to perform the procedure described herein. The control lines and connecting lines are not shown.

[0178] Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of a device 110 according to the invention, wherein the device 110 is essentially structurally and functionally identical to the device 10 according to Figure 1. The device 110 differs from the device 10 in that it lacks a first measuring device for determining the weight of the first vacuum unit 20 and the second vacuum unit 40. Therefore, the quantity of metered and evacuated particles P of the device 10 cannot be determined gravimetrically. Instead of the first measuring device, a flow control device 160 is arranged in the area of ​​the metering unit 150, which determines the metering of the particles volumetrically. This determines the quantity of evacuated particles dispensed into the throat chamber unit 70, thus enabling a time-constant supply of the evacuated particles P into the multi-component mass M.For example, the rotational speed of the doser of the dosing device 150 is set to a preset value in order to achieve a desired dosage of particles P.

[0179] Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of a device 210 according to the invention, wherein the device 210 is essentially structurally and functionally identical to the device 10 according to Figure 1. The device 210 differs from the device 10 in that a mixing device 275 is provided that is decoupled from the throat chamber assembly 70. The throat chamber assembly 70 comprises a screw conveyor 73, which conveys the evacuated particles P and the liquid component K through the stator zone 85 into the mixing device 275. In the mixing device 275, the multi-component mass M is further mixed by means of a screw pump and conveyed via the connecting line 87 to a casting station. The mixing device 275 is arranged in a force-decoupled manner from the throat chamber assembly 70.

[0180] Figure 4 shows a mixing device 75 which is designed to create a homogeneously mixed multi-component mass M from metered particles P with at least one further component K, wherein the mixing device 75 is arranged in a throat chamber 71 of the throat chamber device 70 and has at least one filling zone 76 and one compression zone 78.

[0181] The mixing device 75 includes a screw pump 80. The shaft of the screw pump 80 is arranged between two universal joints, with the screw flights 81, 82 advantageously extending over the area of ​​the universal joints to ensure optimal pressure build-up and improve the mixing of the multi-component mass M. In the area of ​​the universal joints, the screw flight 82, 81 no longer rests on the shaft. This design promotes longitudinal mixing (leakage) in the mixing device. Additionally, the dead space in the compression zone 78 is minimized.

[0182] An embodiment of a method according to the invention for producing a multi-component mass with a device 10 is described with reference to Figure 1 and comprises the following steps: a) filling the first vacuum system 20 with particles P, b) closing and evacuating the first vacuum system 20, c) transferring the evacuated particles P to a second vacuum system 40, d) closing and evacuating the second vacuum system 40, e) metering the evacuated particles with a metering device 50, f) transferring the metered and evacuated particles to a throat chamber device 70, g) continuously filling the throat chamber 71 with the metered and evacuated particles P and a liquid component K, h) mixing the metered and evacuated particles P with the liquid component K in a mixing device 75 of the throat chamber device 70.and i) discharge of the multi-component mass M from the pharyngeal device 70.,

[0183] The vacuum section of the first vacuum system 20 is supplied with particles P batchwise at normal pressure via the first feeder 11. This means that the first vacuum system 20 is replenished with particles P until an upper fill level is reached.

[0184] Then the first vacuum unit 20 is closed and its vacuum is regulated to the same vacuum as that present in the second vacuum unit 40. When a lower level of particles P is reached in the second vacuum unit 40, the airlock unit 30 is opened and the particles P fall from the first vacuum unit 20 into the second vacuum unit 40, after which the airlock unit 30 is closed again, or may remain open.

[0185] During the phase in which the particles P fall from the first vacuum system 20 into the second vacuum system 40 and during which the first vacuum system 20 is not at the same vacuum as the vacuum in the second vacuum system 40, i.e., at the times when the first vacuum system 20 is refilled with particles P, the particles P are dosed into the throat chamber 71 in volumetric mode.

[0186] In step h), the liquid component K is continuously dosed into the throat space 71 of particles and liquid component K, where the two continuously arriving components P, K are homogeneously mixed.

[0187] In step c), the particles are introduced into the second vacuum unit 40 in an evacuated state. For the dosing of the evacuated particles in step d), the first vacuum unit 20 and the second vacuum unit 40 are weighed using a weighing device 61. The throat chamber unit 70 is weighed before step i) using at least one weighing device 96.

[0188] A device that doses powder into the pharyngeal device 70 is called a powder dosing system.

[0189] The device arranged above the throat chamber assembly 70 in Figure 1, which begins at the bottom with the decoupling unit 90 and ends at the top with the first feed 11, is a specific powder dosing system. Due to its design, comprising a first vacuum unit 20 with airlock unit 15 and slide gate 16 and a second vacuum unit 40 with airlock unit 30 and slide gate 31, the second vacuum unit 40 can be supplied with powder P during operation without interrupting the vacuum. When the powder level in the second vacuum unit reaches a lower limit, the second vacuum unit 40 is supplied with new powder from the first vacuum unit 20, which is itself periodically supplied with new powder. This specific powder dosing system is referred to as a continuous powder dosing system.

[0190] A second type of powder dosing system comprises only the lower part of the continuous powder dosing system. This powder dosing system, referred to as a semi-continuous powder dosing system, corresponds in Figure 1 to the device located above the pharyngeal chamber device 70, beginning with the decoupling unit 90 and ending with the airlock unit 30 and the slide 31.

[0191] In a more general embodiment, a semi-continuous powder dosing system comprises an evacuable storage container, preferably designed as a funnel suitable for receiving a powder, and a dosing unit suitable for continuously conveying the powder into a throat chamber, wherein the connection to the throat chamber is made with a substantially force-free coupling, analogous to the decoupling unit 90 in Figure 1. The storage container advantageously includes an access point located at the top, which allows filling with powder under atmospheric conditions and can be sealed vacuum-tight.

[0192] Advantageously, the semi-continuous powder dosing system has a valve that allows the dosing system chamber to be atmospherically separated from the pharyngeal chamber, analogous to valve 93 in Figure 1. Advantageously, the semi-continuous powder dosing system has the same devices as the vacuum system 40 in Figure 1, i.e., devices 45 to 53, 60 and 62, as well as a bypass connection 72. The top access can be designed as an airlock unit 30 with a slide gate 31 and be operated automatically, or it can also be a simple access with a vacuum-tight lid that is opened and closed manually.

[0193] A key difference between the continuous powder dosing system and the semi-continuous powder dosing system is that the continuous powder dosing system can, in principle, supply powder continuously for an unlimited time, while the semi-continuous powder dosing system can only do so for a limited time until the supply of powder is used up.

[0194] The semi-continuous powder dosing system is particularly advantageous for powder components that are used in relatively small proportions within the multi-component mixture M. In such cases, the supply of this powder in the semi-continuous powder dosing system is sufficient for an entire production run. The continuous powder dosing system is advantageously used for powder components that are used in larger proportions within the multi-component mixture M.

[0195] In principle, several continuous powder dosing systems and several semi-continuous powder dosing systems can be used side by side.

[0196] An advantageous embodiment combines a first and a second semi-continuous powder dosing system for the same powder component, with only one of the two systems being active at any given time and dosing powder into the pharynx. While the first semi-continuous powder dosing system is active, the second semi-continuous powder dosing system can be disconnected from the pharynx by closing a valve, filled with powder under atmospheric conditions, and then evacuated. Once the first semi-continuous powder dosing system is empty, its valve to the pharynx is closed, and the valve to the pharynx of the second semi-continuous powder dosing system is opened, and the powder is then dosed from there.

[0197] The advantage of two parallel semi-continuous powder dosing systems over the continuous version is that the semi-continuous systems are significantly easier to clean. For example, if an active ingredient or combination of active ingredients is dosed via a continuous powder dosing system for a dosage form application, cross-contamination occurs between production runs with different active ingredients because comprehensive cleaning is hardly feasible. Using two semi-continuous powder dosing systems for the same powder avoids this problem.

[0198] The present invention is not limited in scope to the specific embodiments described herein. Rather, the description and accompanying figures will reveal to the person skilled in the art various further modifications of the present invention, in addition to the examples disclosed herein, which also fall within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, the description cites various references, the disclosure content of which is hereby incorporated into the description in its entirety by reference.

[0199] Reference symbol list

[0200] 10 Device

[0201] 11 first feed

[0202] 12 Funding

[0203] 13 Decoupling unit

[0204] 14 pressureless areas

[0205] 15 lock units

[0206] 16 sliders

[0207] 17 Seal

[0208] 18 metal surfaces

[0209] 19 Drive unit

[0210] 20 first vacuum system

[0211] 21 first vacuum pump 22 first pressure sensor

[0212] 23 Ventilation unit

[0213] 24 Ventilation valve

[0214] 25 vibrator units

[0215] 26 Level measurement

[0216] 30 lock units

[0217] 31 sliders

[0218] 32 Seal

[0219] 33 metal surface

[0220] 34 Pressure equalization line

[0221] 35 valve

[0222] 36 Drive unit

[0223] 40 second vacuum system

[0224] 41 second vacuum pump

[0225] 42 second pressure sensor

[0226] 43 Ventilation unit

[0227] 44 Ventilation valve

[0228] 45 vibrator units

[0229] 46 Level measurement

[0230] 47 Swing fork

[0231] 48 Temperature measurement

[0232] 49 Loosening unit

[0233] 49a Snail

[0234] 49b Drive

[0235] 50 Dosing unit

[0236] 51 sponsors

[0237] 52 single-shaft dispensers

[0238] 53 Spiral snail

[0239] 54 Drive

[0240] 60 Measuring device

[0241] 61 Weighing device

[0242] 62 load cells

[0243] 65 Control unit

[0244] 66 computing units

[0245] 67 flow meters

[0246] 70 Pharyngeal apparatus

[0247] 71 Pharynx

[0248] 72 Bypass connection 73 Conveyor device

[0249] 74 Feed

[0250] 75 Mixing device

[0251] 76 Filling zone

[0252] 77 Dosing device

[0253] 78 Compression zone

[0254] 80 screw pump

[0255] 81 snail turns

[0256] 82 last spiral turn

[0257] 83 walls

[0258] 85 Stator zone

[0259] 86 Stator opening

[0260] 87 Connecting line

[0261] 88 Rotor-stator

[0262] 90 decoupling unit

[0263] 91 pressureless area

[0264] 92 flexible seals

[0265] 93 Valve

[0266] 95 Measuring device

[0267] 96 Weighing device

[0268] 97 load cells

[0269] 110 Device

[0270] 150 dosing unit

[0271] 160 Flow control device

[0272] 210 Device

[0273] 275 Mixing device

[0274] M Multicomponent mass

[0275] P particles

[0276] K liquid component

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (10; 110; 210) for producing a multi-component mass (M) with at least one powder metering system comprising a first feed (11) for feeding particles (P), a first vacuum system (20) wherein the first vacuum system (20) is configured to extract gases between the fed particles (P), and a throat chamber device (70) with a conveying device (73) which is configured to produce a multi-component mass (M) from the particles (P) in the evacuated state with at least one liquid component (K); characterized in that at least one of the powder metering systems has at least one second vacuum system (40) which is connected to the first vacuum system, wherein in particular a second airlock unit (30) is provided to at least temporarily separate the first vacuum system (20) from the second vacuum system (40) of the at least one powder metering system by pressure.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein a mixing device (75; 275) is provided which is configured to produce a mixed multi-component mass (M) from the particles (P) in the evacuated state with at least one liquid component (K), and wherein in particular the conveying device (73) comprises the mixing device (75) and is configured to produce a mixed multi-component mass (M) from the particles (P) in the evacuated state with at least one liquid component (K) in the throat device (70).

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the mixing device (75) is arranged in a throat chamber (71) of the throat chamber device (70) and has at least one filling zone (76) and one compression zone (78), and wherein the homogeneously mixed multi-component mass (M) can be discharged from the throat chamber device (70), particularly in the area of ​​the compression zone (78).

4. Device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the mixing device (75; 275) comprises a screw pump (80), and wherein the screw pitch of the last screw turn (82) is advantageously steeper than the screw pitch of the remaining screw turns (81).

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one powder metering system includes a metering device (50; 150) which is configured to meter the quantity of particles (P) in the evacuated state.

6. Device according to claim 5, wherein in the at least one powder metering system the metering device (50; 150) comprises a conveyor (51), in particular a single-shaft metering device (52), and / or a flow control device (160).

7. Device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein in the at least one powder metering system a first decoupling unit (90) is arranged at least between the metering device (50; 150) and the throat device (70).

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one powder metering system includes a first airlock unit (15) to at least temporarily separate the first feed (11) from the first vacuum system (20) by pressure.

9. Device according to claim 8, wherein in the at least one powder metering system a first decoupling unit (13) is arranged at least between the first feed (11) and the first lock unit (15).

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the at least one powder metering system the metering device (50; 150) is arranged in particular in the second vacuum system (40).

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the at least one powder metering system the second vacuum system (40) has at least one loosening unit (49) for loosening the particles (P) in the evacuated state.

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the at least one powder metering system the absolute pressure in the first vacuum system (20) and in particular in the second vacuum system (40) is substantially less than 300 mbar, more advantageously substantially less than 200 mbar, even more advantageously substantially less than 150 mbar, even more advantageously substantially less than 100 mbar, even more advantageously substantially less than 80 mbar, even more advantageously substantially less than 60 mbar, even more advantageously substantially less than 50 mbar, and even more advantageously substantially less than 40 mbar.

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the at least one powder metering system at least the first vacuum system (20) and in particular the second vacuum system (40) are force-decoupled from the throat chamber device (70), wherein the first vacuum system (20) is in particular arranged vertically above the at least one second vacuum system (40).

14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one powder metering system includes at least one first measuring device (60) for recording the weight of the first vacuum system (20) and in particular the second vacuum system (40).

15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one further measuring device (95) is provided for detecting the weight of the pharyngeal device (70).

16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a further feeder (74) is provided which feeds at least the liquid component (K) and wherein the further feeder (74) is arranged in particular between the second vacuum system (40) and the throat chamber device (70).

17. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one bypass connection (72) is provided between the pharyngeal cavity (71) and the first vacuum system (20) of the at least one powder dosing system, which is in particular decoupled from the first vacuum system (20), and in particular from the second vacuum system (40) of the at least one powder dosing system.

18. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a control device (65) is provided which is connected at least to the mixing device (75) and the metering device (50; 150) of the at least one powder metering system.

19. Device according to claim 18, wherein the control device (65) is connected to the at least one powder metering system and its units, in particular to the drive unit (36) of the second lock unit (30) to control the movement of the second lock unit (30), and in particular to a drive unit (19) of the first lock unit (15) to control the movement of the first lock unit (15).

20. Mixing device (75) for a device according to one of claims 1 to 19, which is configured to produce a mixed multi-component mass (M) from metered particles (P) with at least one liquid component (K), wherein the mixing device (75) is arranged in a throat chamber (71) of the throat chamber device (70) and has at least one filling zone (76) and one compression zone (78), wherein the homogeneously mixed multi-component mass (M) can be discharged from the throat chamber device (70), particularly in the area of ​​the compression zone (78).

21. Mixing device (75) according to claim 20, wherein the mixing device (75) comprises a screw pump (80), and wherein the screw pitch of the last screw turn (82) is advantageously steeper than the screw pitch of the remaining screw turns (81).

22. Method for producing a multi-component mass (M) with a device, in particular a device (10; 110) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, comprising the following steps: a) filling the first vacuum unit (20) of the at least one powder metering system with particles (P), b) closing the first vacuum unit (20) and evacuating the first vacuum unit (20) of the at least one powder metering system, c) transferring the evacuated particles into a throat chamber device (70), d) continuously filling a throat chamber (71) of the throat chamber device (70) with the evacuated particles (P) and at least one liquid component (K), e) conveying the evacuated particles (P) with the at least one liquid component (K) with a conveying device (73) of the throat chamber device (70), and f) discharging the multi-component mass (M) from the throat chamber device (70);characterized in that, in at least one powder dosing system, the particles (P) are fed in an evacuated state into at least one second vacuum system (40) of the at least one powder dosing system before step c).

23. Method according to claim 22, wherein in step e) the evacuated particles (P) are mixed with the at least one liquid component (K) in a mixing device (75) of the pharyngeal device (70).

24. Method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the evacuated particles (P) are dosed after step c) by a metering device (50; 150) of the at least one powder metering system.

25. Method according to claim 24, wherein for dosing the evacuated particles (P) with the at least one powder dosing system, at least the first vacuum system (20) is weighed by means of at least one weighing device (61) of the at least one powder dosing system.

26. Method according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the first vacuum system (20) is arranged vertically above the at least one second vacuum system (40) of the at least one powder metering system.

27. Method according to any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein at least the pharyngeal cavity device (70) is weighed prior to step f) by means of at least one weighing device (96).

28. Use of a device (10; 110; 210) for creating a multi-component mass (M) according to any one of claims 1 to 19 for the production of products, in particular dosage forms, based on swellable particles, in particular on swellable starch particles, by means of a mogul process and / or a powderless casting process.

29. Use of a mixing device (75) according to claim 20 or 21 for the production of products, in particular dosage forms, based on swellable particles, in particular on swellable starch particles, by means of a mogul process and / or a powderless casting process.

30. Use of a method for creating a multi-component mass (M) according to any one of claims 22 to 17 for the production of products, in particular dosage forms, based on swellable particles, in particular on swellable starch particles, by means of a mogul process and / or a powderless casting process.

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