Device for simultaneously adjusting the filling of a multitude of enclosures

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) for simultaneously adjusting the filling of a plurality of enclosures (2) with a solid filling product (3), in the divided state, to a method for using said adjustment device (1) and to a filling assembly comprising said adjustment device (1), in which said adjustment device (1) comprises means (5) for measuring the height of filling with said filling product (3) in one or more enclosures (2) of said plurality of enclosures (2), portioning means (6) comprising one portioning means (6) per enclosure (2) that has been the subject of a measurement of the filling height, each portioning means (6) being designed to form and contain an individualized portion of said filling product (3), determined by said measuring means (5), which is the amount of adjustment necessary to complete the filling level of each enclosure (2) of said plurality of enclosures (2), and discharge means (7) for simultaneously discharging said individualized portions from each of said portioning means (6) to each of said enclosures (2) of which the filling is to be adjusted.

Description

DEVICE FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY ADJUSTING THE FILLING OF MULTIPLE ENCLOSURES Object of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for simultaneously adjusting the filling of a plurality of enclosures with a solid filling product in a divided state, the enclosures being able to be tubes of an industrial type fixed catalyst bed reactor. State of the art

[0002] In many technical fields, it is necessary to fill several identical containers with a precise and constant quantity of a solid product.

[0003] This need is particularly pronounced for fixed-bed catalyst reactors, used in the chemical, electrochemical, petroleum, and petrochemical industries. These reactors comprise a multitude of containers, or reaction chambers, typically several hundred or thousands of identical tubes arranged vertically and roughly parallel to one another. These chambers must be filled with a solid product, a catalytic material, or catalyst, which is in the form of divided solid particles, such as spheres, cylindrical granules, rods, or pellets. In these reactors, the height and diameter of the chambers determine the volume, and therefore the quantity, of product to be dispensed.

[0004] To minimize the complete reactor shutdown time, it is known to use a filling device, which is also a dosing device, to fill a multitude of reaction vessels at once, of a fixed catalyst bed reactor, as described, for example, in document WO2015036693.

[0005] However, such devices have the drawback of not allowing for consistent, identical, or similar filling from one container to another and from one filling run to the next. Differences in fill levels appear between the different containers, differences that cannot be compensated for by such filling devices, which only allow for the dispensing of a fixed and predetermined quantity of product corresponding to the pre-established dosage.

[0006] As an alternative, it is known to use filling devices comprising means for continuous filling, also including means for measuring the quantity of solid contained in the filled containers.

[0007] For a vertical tube chemical reactor, comprising catalyst particles, it is known to use a filling device, for simultaneous and continuous filling of several tubes, comprising continuously operating filling means which also serve as level adjustment means, and means for measuring the filling levels.

[0008] For example, US patent 2009 / 0145727 describes a device in which the measuring means comprise a multitude of sensors, suspended from a wire rope wound around a reel, each extending into a filling funnel, to measure the catalyst level in a series of tubes. The measuring means are activated after means for diverting the particles to be loaded into a collection tank have been activated, while the filling means continue to operate continuously. The filling level of the tubes is determined by measuring the length of wire extended until the sensor touches the top of the catalyst. This measurement is then compared to a target value to determine the additional operating time of the filling means, at a constant flow rate, required to reach the desired level in each tube.The remaining amount of catalyst to be charged is then dispensed to each tube, one after the other, by the filling means themselves.

[0009] Document DE202007019017 also describes a multi-tube filling device, which includes means for continuously filling reactors, operating continuously and comprising a filling funnel, in which filling height measurement means are deployed allowing LASER, radar or ultrasonic measurement, the filling height being determined several times during the filling of the tubes, the particle discharge speed from the continuous filling means being reduced before the desired filling level is reached.

[0010] However, such devices have the disadvantage of being time-consuming to use, as the measurement and filling methods must be implemented several times to reach the desired reactor filling level, and being inefficient and imprecise in terms of filling, the implementation of continuous filling methods multiple times, as well as the use of particle deflection methods, leads to the formation of dust particles to which the operator of such devices is inevitably exposed, as is also the case when emptying the particles from the recovery tank. Objectives of the invention

[0011] The present invention aims to provide a device for simultaneously adjusting the filling of several containers and an implementation of such a device, which do not have the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0012] The present invention aims to provide an alternative to existing prior art solutions.

[0013] The present invention aims to provide a device for simultaneously adjusting the filling of several containers, which allows batch processing of containers, which can also be used concurrently with a device for dosing and / or simultaneously filling a multitude of reaction chambers at once.

[0014] The present invention aims to provide a device for simultaneously adjusting the filling of several containers, which is easy to implement, resulting in little or no degradation of the filling product, and little or no dust formation.

[0015] The present invention aims to provide a device for simultaneously adjusting the filling of several containers, which is suitable and capable of compensating for differences in filling between different containers comprising different filling levels.

[0016] The present invention aims to provide a device for simultaneously adjusting the filling of several containers, allowing for a quick and precise adjustment filling of the containers, with a determined and adapted quantity of solid product for each container, allowing for more precise and consistent filling between the different containers. Summary of the invention

[0017] The present invention relates to a device for simultaneously adjusting the filling of a plurality of enclosures with a solid filling product, in the state divided, the device comprising means for measuring the filling height with the filling product of one or more enclosures of the plurality of enclosures, portioning means, comprising one portioning means per enclosure which has been the subject of a filling height measurement, each portioning means being designed to form and contain an individualized portion of the filling product, determined by the measuring means, which is the amount of adjustment to complete the filling level of each enclosure of the plurality of enclosures, and discharge means for a simultaneous discharge of said individualized portion from each of the portioning means, to each of the enclosures whose filling is to be adjusted.

[0018] According to particular embodiments of the invention, the device according to the invention comprises at least one, or any suitable combination, of the following characteristics: - the measuring means are, include, or cooperate with, at least two probes, each comprising a sensor, which is provided at its end with a support means, - the device further includes means for determining the length of the support means, deployed during the implementation of the measurement means, the determination means including an incremental encoder, - the portioning means are, include, or cooperate with several dosing tubes, one per chamber whose filling is to be adjusted, each of the portioning tubes having a determined volume, the portioning means including or cooperating with means for individualized modification of the volume of each of the portioning tubes, - the means for individualizing the volume of each portioning tube include, or are, pistons, as many as there are portioning tubes, each piston being mounted to slide inside one of the portioning tubes, - each piston is also mounted to slide inside each means forming the discharge means, - the discharge means include a discharge means per portioning means, each comprising a discharge tube adapted to receive, and in operation receiving, each an individualized portion of filling product portioning means, each discharge tube being arranged in relation to and coaxially with a portioning means, - the device further includes means for timing the measuring means and / or means for timing the portioning means for adjusting the quantity of filler product, - the device further comprises means for filling the portioning means with filling products, including a tray, which includes a perforated bottom wall, receiving the upper end of each of the portioning means, so that the upper end extends into the tray, the tray being mounted movable, for a substantially vertical translation, to pass from a so-called "storage" position, in which the filling product cannot pass into the portioning means, to a "loading" position in which the filling product can pass into the portioning means, and vice versa, - the device further includes means for conveying the quantity of adjustment in filling product to each of the chambers whose filling is to be adjusted, allowing both the implementation of the measurement means on each of the chambers and the conveying of the quantity of adjustment in filling product to each of the chambers.

[0019] The present invention also relates to the use of the adjustment device according to the invention, to complete, if necessary, the filling with solid filling product, in divided state, of one or more chambers simultaneously, of a fixed catalyst bed reactor.

[0020] The present invention further relates to a method for simultaneously adjusting the filling of a plurality of enclosures with solid, divided filler material, comprising the steps of taking at least one plurality of enclosures, taking at least one adjustment device according to the invention, implementing the means for measuring the filling height of the adjustment device on one enclosure, or simultaneously on several enclosures, of the first plurality of enclosures, determining an adjustment quantity of filler material for each of the enclosures on which the measuring means have been implemented, and implementing the portioning means of the adjustment device to individually form and contain the necessary adjustment quantity for each enclosures, implement the means of discharging said adjustment device, to deliver the quantity of adjustment simultaneously to each of the enclosures.

[0021] The present invention also relates to a filling assembly for a plurality of enclosures with a solid filling product in a divided state, comprising one or more devices for simultaneously dosing and filling the enclosures with the filling product, and one or more adjustment devices according to the invention.

[0022] According to a particular embodiment of the filling assembly according to the invention, the adjustment device is a module separate from the dosing and filling device(s), capable of being coupled, reversibly, to one or more dosing and filling devices.

[0023] The present invention further relates to the use of the adjustment device according to the invention, or of the filling assembly according to the invention, for the simultaneous filling, with a solid filling product, in the divided state, of a plurality of enclosures of a solid catalyst bed reactor. Brief description of the figures

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a front view of a particular embodiment of the device for simultaneously adjusting the filling of a plurality of enclosures with a solid product according to the invention.

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a side perspective view of the embodiment of the adjustment device shown in Figure 1.

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a top perspective view of the embodiment of the adjustment device shown in Figure 1.

[0027] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a side view of the embodiment of the adjustment device shown in Figure 1.

[0028] Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a side view of the embodiment of the adjustment device shown in Figure 1, in which the means for measuring the filling of the enclosures are implemented.

[0029] Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a side view of a particular embodiment of the means for measuring the filling height of the enclosures of the adjustment device according to the invention shown in Figure 1.

[0030] Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a side view of the embodiment of the adjustment device shown in Figure 1, in which the means for measuring the filling of the enclosures have been implemented.

[0031] Figure 8 is a schematic representation of a side view of the embodiment of the adjustment device shown in Figure 1, in which the filling means of the individualized dosing means are implemented.

[0032] Figure 9 is a schematic representation of a side view of the embodiment of the adjustment device shown in Figure 1, in which the filling means of the individualized dosing means have been implemented.

[0033] Figure 10 is a schematic representation of a side view of the embodiment of the adjustment device shown in Figure 1, in which the solid product is released from the individual dosing means. Detailed description of the invention

[0034] In the following description and claims, the terms "top", "bottom", "above", "below", "superior", "lower", "vertical", "vertically" and "horizontal", "horizontally" refer to the normal operating position of the device for simultaneously adjusting the filling of several containers according to the invention, and of the elements which constitute it, and in particular to its or their position and arrangement, as shown in Figures 1 to 10, and as defined by the XYZ reference frame shown in the figures.

[0035] The terms "container" and "enclosure" are used synonymously and in their broadest sense, referring to anything comprising an internal space capable of receiving and being filled with a solid filler, regardless of its form or chemical nature, and including at least one opening through which the filler can be introduced. Examples include a well, a tank, or a tube.

[0036] The terms "multiple containers" mean that there are at least two containers, preferably more than two, advantageously a number corresponding to the number of containers forming one or more rows, and / or columns and / or sections, of containers in a complex set, for example, reaction tubes in an industrial-type fixed-catalytic bed reactor.

[0037] In the following description, device 1 according to the invention is described, by way of example, as an individual device, distinct from a device for simultaneously dosing and filling several containers. In particular, the simultaneous adjustment device 1 is not a device for continuously filling a filler product, nor a device for continuously dosing a filler product, which has the advantage of separating the container filling step from the filling adjustment step. Nevertheless, the adjustment device 1 is capable of cooperating with, or being used in conjunction with, one or more devices for simultaneously, and possibly also continuously, dosing and filling several containers, in the form of a set of unassembled components, for example, a kit.In particular, it may be in the form of a unit, or a module, which can be coupled, reversibly and non-destructively, to such a simultaneous dosing and filling device, and possibly also continuously, or it may be an integral part of such a dosing and filling device, or it may be coupled with one or more other simultaneous filling adjustment devices 1, in order to form a set of coupled elements. In any case, the device 1 according to the invention is used after the operation of at least one dosing and filling device on several containers 2 or simultaneously on two different sets of containers 2.

[0038] The adjustment device 1 according to the invention is capable of adjusting, correcting, if necessary, simultaneously and individually, the filling of at least one container 2, preferably several containers 2 simultaneously, advantageously as many as there are containers 2 that have been simultaneously filled, or not, with a solid product 3, in a divided state, by a simultaneous dosing and / or filling device, with which the adjustment device 1 according to the invention cooperates. This means that the adjustment device 1 according to the invention is capable of correcting, and in operation, corrects, if necessary, simultaneously and individually, the volume of several incompletely filled containers 2, but possibly also containers 2 that have not been filled.For containers 2 having been properly filled, which include a level of filling considered adequate, the adjustment device 1 according to the invention is able not to modify, and in operation does not modify, the filling of these containers 2.

[0039] The adjustment device 1 according to the invention comprises a chassis 4, preferably metallic, which extends substantially in the three dimensions of space, and having, preferably, a generally substantially cylindrical or parallelepiped shape, advantageously a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, which is suitable for supporting, and which in operation supports the various means of the device 1 according to the invention (figures 1 to 5 and 7 to 10).

[0040] The adjustment device 1 according to the invention comprises means 5 for measuring the fill height of one or more containers 2 with a solid filling product 3, means 6 for portioning the filling product 3 to form a portion, an adjustment quantity of filling product 3 for each of the containers 2 whose fill level has been measured, and includes discharge means 7 for the simultaneous discharge of each adjustment quantity from the portioning means 6 to the container(s) 2 whose fill level is to be adjusted. These various means are, independently of each other, capable of being used on at least one container 2, preferably several containers 2 simultaneously, in a concurrent manner.

[0041] All the means of the adjustment device 1 according to the invention can be implemented on the same container(s) 2 of a first series of containers 2, sequentially, or some of these means, or a first series of means, are implemented on one or more determined containers 2 of this first series of containers 2, and other means, or a second series of means, are implemented concomitantly on another or other containers 2 of the first series of containers 2 or of a second series of containers 2.

[0042] The means 5 for measuring the filling height of one or more containers 2 with a solid, divided filling product 3 are capable of measuring, and, in operation, measure, simultaneously or sequentially, the distance between the upper end of one or more containers 2, generally between their opening through which they are filled, and the lower part, the bottom, of the containers 2, and the upper level of the filling product 3 contained in the containers 2, if the latter contain any. Preferably, the measured distance is that from a so-called "reference" position of the measuring means 5 in the device 1 according to the invention, which is constant for each measuring means 5 of each container 2 and between each measurement. From these measurements, and therefore from the heights By measuring these values, it is possible to determine the volumes to be filled or the volumes already filled. The measuring means 5 according to the invention are not means for continuously measuring the filling level of a container during its continuous filling, even though they can be used several times on the same container(s) 2.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the measuring means 5 may include, be, or cooperate with at least two measuring tapes, preferably as many measuring tapes as there are containers 2 to be picked, one measuring tape per container 2.

[0044] Each ribbon comprises a longitudinal, self-supporting, non-extensible body, sufficiently flexible to be wound upon itself and unwound, and having suitable dimensions. It includes graduation marks, covering all or part of the body, which are preferably arranged on at least one of its surfaces to form a measuring scale. It comprises a first end adapted and intended to come into contact with the upper level of the filling product and a second end fixed to means for simultaneously dispensing the ribbon or ribbons, comprising one or more cylinders around which each body of each ribbon is wound and unwound, preferably by means of drive means, including, for example, a motor.

[0045] In another preferred embodiment, the measuring means 5 are or include at least one probe 8, preferably as many probes 8 as there are containers 2 whose fill level is to be measured, which is or are movable in translation, at least along the Y-Y' axis, from the so-called "reference" position to a so-called "deployed" position, and vice versa (Figures 4 and 5). Each probe 8 includes a sensor 9, preferably of the capacitive type, provided at the end of a support means 10, for example at the end of a wire cable or a toothed belt 11, the other end of which is fixed to implementation means 12 comprising one or more cylinders around which each cable or belt 11 is wound and unwound, preferably by means of drive means, including for example a motor (Figure 6).

[0046] Preferably, the measuring means 5 include or cooperate with means 13 for determining the length of the deployed support means 10, namely the length of each ribbon, cable, or belt 11, deployed from its position of reference until sensor 9 touches the upper level of the filling product 3 in the chambers 2 (figure 5).

[0047] Preferably, in the embodiment in which the measuring means 5 include at least one sensor 9 provided at the end of a toothed belt 11, the means 13 for determining the length of the deployed belt 11 include or cooperate with means for implementing the measuring means 5, preferably including a toothed pulley 14, on which the belt 11 is engaged, and an incremental encoder, mounted on this pulley 14, allowing the number of turns of the pulley 14 to be counted when the belt 11 drives it, and thus the height of the solid 3 in the container 2 to be determined (Figure 7).

[0048] The incremental encoder can understand, cooperate with, or implement mechanical and / or magnetic and / or optical means.

[0049] Preferably, the measurement means 5 are implemented by a single means of implementation for a simultaneous measurement of several enclosures 3, or for a sequential measurement.

[0050] Whatever the embodiments of the measuring means 5, these are preferably arranged on the device 1 according to the invention, so as to be spaced by a distance which is equivalent, or compatible, with the distance separating the containers 2 whose filling is to be measured, preferably separating their filling opening, advantageously the center of their opening.

[0051] Preferably, the measuring means cooperate with timing means 5, which compensate for any difference in size that may exist between containers 2 that are simultaneously measured. These means have the advantage of being able to measure, simultaneously, quantities that are not identical or strictly identical to each other.

[0052] Preferably, the measuring means 5 comprise, or cooperate with, stop means 15, provided at, and defining, a reference position for the probe(s) 8 (Figure 5). These means have the advantage of allowing the probe(s) 8 to return to the reference position from the deployed position and / or not to exceed the reference position. Advantageously, these stop means 15 comprise or are a sensor, preferably optical and / or magnetic, cooperating with the probe(s) 8, preferably the sensor 9 or the belt 11.

[0053] Preferably, the measuring means 5 cooperate with control means 31 comprising at least one processing unit, configured to receive measurements of filling heights, information from means for determining the length of cable or belt 11 deployed, for example the incremental encoder, to evaluate the filling volume and to determine the values ​​of volumes to be completed.

[0054] Preferably, the measuring means 5 also cooperate with means for determining the filling volume and / or determining the volume to be completed. These means can cooperate with, be included in, or be part of the control means 31, preferably the processing unit of these control means 31.

[0055] The portioning means 6 allow for individualized portioning, the individualized formation of a specific quantity of solid product 3 for each container 2 considered individually. Preferably, one portioning means 6 corresponds to one container 2. These portioning means 6 are not the filling means, whether continuous at a constant flow rate or at a determined dosage, of a filling device with which the device 1 according to the invention cooperates. They are not continuous, constant-flow dosing means, but rather means for individualized and determined portioning, for forming and containing a portion of product 3 to be filled, which is individualized and corresponds to the quantity of product 3 to be filled for each individual container 2, which is determined by, or with the aid of, the measuring means 5 of the adjusting device 1 according to the invention.This quantity of product 3 of filling can be equal to zero, therefore non-existent, for enclosures 2 whose filling is considered adequate.

[0056] Preferably, the portioning means 6 comprise, are, or cooperate with at least one, preferably several dosing tubes 16, one portioning tube 16 per container 2 whose filling is to be adapted, each tube 16 comprising at least one upper opening 17, through which the filling product 3 can be introduced and discharged, and having a determined internal volume, which is variable, adjustable, using means 18 for individualized modification of the volume of each portioning tube 16 (Figures 1, 3, 5).

[0057] In one particular embodiment, these volume modification means 18 comprise, are, or cooperate with pistons 19, as many pistons 19 as there are portioning means 6, and therefore as many portioning tubes 16. Each Piston 19 is mounted to slide, and in sliding operation, inside each portioning tube 16, from bottom to top, and vice versa, along the axis Y-Y' (Figure 7). Each piston 19 has a shape and dimensions adapted to the shape and dimensions of the portioning tube 16 that receives it. Each piston 19 is set in motion by means of actuation means comprising, for example, a screw 20, coupled to drive means, including, for example, a motor.

[0058] In a particular embodiment, each piston 19 adopts a cross-section, in the XY plane, in the shape of an "L", of which a first arm, or a first end, is housed in at least the portioning tube 16, and of which the second arm, or the second end, cooperates with or is mounted on the screw 20 (figure 4).

[0059] The position of each piston 19, and therefore its height, within each portioning tube 16, allows for the individual formation of a portion corresponding to the quantity of filling product 3 to be completed in the chamber 2, the level of which has been measured. Its position along the screw 20 is between a so-called "high" position, in which the portioning means 6 do not contain any filling product 3 (Figure 5), and a so-called "intermediate" position, in which the portioning means 6 can contain the maximum quantity of filling product 3 that each portioning tube 16 can hold. Its movement from one to the other can be monitored, for example, by means of the drive means, the motor, of the piston actuating means 19.

[0060] Preferably, the portioning means 6 cooperate with the control means 31, and in particular the processing unit, which is configured to control them, in order to fix the adjustment volumes of the filling product 3 for each portioning tube 16 individually.

[0061] Preferably, the control means 31 actuate and control the volume modification means 18, advantageously their drive means, individually, for example by controlling the stroke of each piston 19 on the screw 20, for example by means of an incremental encoder, or by acting on the time of implementation of the drive means, of the motor, of the piston actuating means 19.

[0062] Preferably, the portioning means 6 cooperate with timing means for the portioning means 6, which have the function of compensating for the volume difference that may exist between the portioning tubes 16. These Timing methods have the advantage of being able to complete, simultaneously, volumes that are not identical or strictly identical.

[0063] The portioning means 6 are coupled, or cooperate, with means 21 of filling the portioning means 6 into filling products 3 (figure 4), for the dispensing of product 3 into each portioning tube 16, once each piston 19 has been positioned, in its portioning tube 16, at the height defining the adjustment volume of the filling into filling product 3.

[0064] Preferably, these means 21 are, or include, a container 22, suitable for receiving, and receiving the filling product 3, and which advantageously is provided in the upper part of the frame 4 of the device 1 according to the invention, above the dosing means 6 (figures 1, 2 and 7).

[0065] In one particular embodiment, the container 22 comprises a perforated bottom wall with openings, as well as portioning tubes 16 for the dosing means 6. These holes have a shape and dimensions adapted to those of the upper openings 17 of the portioning tubes 16, and are aligned with, and thus in communication with, the portioning tubes 16. Preferably, the upper openings 17 of the portioning tubes 16 are flush with the bottom wall of the container 22. The portioning tubes 16 are then filled by adding the filling product 3 to the container 22, preferably using leveling means, for example, a metal scraper, whether or not it is part of the container 22, to remove excess filling product 3. This has the advantage of allowing easy and rapid filling of the portioning means 6.

[0066] In another embodiment, the holes opening from the bottom wall of the tank 22 engage the upper part of the portioning tubes 16, which protrude from the bottom wall to extend substantially vertically into the tank 22 (Figures 3 and 7). The tank 22 is mounted to move in translation, substantially vertically, along the Y-Y' axis, and can move from a so-called "storage" position, in which it is in a lowered position and in which the filling product 3 cannot enter the portioning tubes 16 (Figure 7), to a "loading" position in which the tank 22 is raised (figure 8), so that the filling product 3 in the tray 22 enters the upper openings 17 of the portioning tubes 16, and vice versa. Preferably, the bin 22 moves from one position to the other, and vice versa, by means of a translational means, preferably a cylinder 23, advantageously cooperating with or being under the control of the control means. Once each portioning tube 16 that requires it has been filled, the bin 22 returns to its storage position (Figure 9).

[0067] The discharge means 7 of the portioning means 6 are capable of releasing, and in operation release, in a controlled and simultaneous manner, the filling product 3 contained in the portioning means 6 towards each chamber 2 whose filling level is to be adjusted. These discharge means 7 may be, or include, means for tilting the portioning means 6, or may be, or cooperate with, the volume modification means 18, most advantageously by each piston 19 inside the portioning tubes 16, which, for example, each push their dose of filling product 3 towards their respective chamber 2.

[0068] In another embodiment, the discharge means 7 are capable of receiving, and in operation receive, the individualized portion or portions of the portioning means 6, before they are released towards the containment or containments 2. Preferably, there is one discharge means 7 per portioning means 6.

[0069] Preferably, the discharge means are, include, or cooperate with at least one discharge tube 24, preferably several discharge tubes 24, advantageously one discharge tube 24 per portioning tube 16, and therefore per container 2 whose filling is to be adapted. These discharge tubes 24 are provided below, are connected to, or extend from each portioning tube 16, a discharge tube 24 being arranged axially to a portioning tube (Figure 8). The discharge tubes 24 include, at one of their ends, the upper end, at least one opening through which they receive the product from the portioning means 6, and, at the other end, the lower end, an opening through which the product 3 is released into the container 2. Preferably, each discharge tube 24 has a larger diameter than the portioning tubes 16 to which it is connected.This has the advantage of facilitating the discharge of the filling product 3 from the portioning means 6 to the enclosures 2, so that the maximum of the dosed filling product 3 is effectively discharged.

[0070] In a particular embodiment of the invention, each piston 19 of the volume-modifying means 18, which slides in its portioning tube 16, is able to slide, and in operation slides, also in the corresponding discharge tube 24, from bottom to top, and vice versa, along the Y-Y' axis (Figure 10). This has the advantage of improving the discharge of the filling product 3 from the portioning means 6; indeed, the filling product 3 can flow from each portioning tube 16, by gravity, on either side of each piston 19.

[0071] Each piston 19 can then move along the screw 20 to a so-called "low" position, in which each piston 19 has disengaged from its portioning tube 16, to settle at the bottom of its discharge tube 24 (figure 10), and their arrival at this low position can be followed by the incremental encoder and / or controlled by the control means, and in particular the processing unit.

[0072] Regardless of the embodiment of the portioning means 6, these include, or preferably cooperate with, at least means 25 forming an upper stop, provided at the level of, and defining, the upper position of the pistons 19, and preventing the latter from exceeding this upper position (Figures 4, 5 and 8). Advantageously, the dosing means 6 include, or cooperate with, means 26 forming a lower stop, provided at the level of, and defining, the intermediate position of the pistons 19, enabling the latter to reach this position, preferably preventing them from exceeding it, or, in embodiments comprising discharge tubes 24, provided at the level of, and defining, a so-called "low" position of the pistons 19, in which the latter are located at the lowest point of the discharge tubes 24, for the release of the filling product 3 (Figure 10).

[0073] These stop means 25 and 26 are, or include, a sensor, preferably optical and / or magnetic, cooperating with each piston 19, preferably with its arm, or its end, cooperating or mounted on the screw 20.

[0074] Preferably, the discharge means 7 further comprise, or cooperate with, means 27 for simultaneously emptying the doses of filling product 3, being, or comprising, at least one discharge plate, provided under the lower end of the discharge tubes 24, with a perforated plate having as many openings, for example through holes, as there are discharge tubes 24, each hole being positioned in relation, therefore coaxially along the Y-Y' axis, with each lower end of each discharge tube 24, and having a shape and dimensions adapted to the latter.

[0075] The drain plate is substantially flat, rigid and does not bend under its own weight. It is mobile in translation, under the action of means of movement, and can pass from a so-called "closed" position, in which each of its openings is not related, not arranged coaxially, with the lower opening of the discharge tubes, to a so-called "open" position in which its openings are related, arranged coaxially, with the lower opening of the discharge tubes, and vice versa.

[0076] The discharge means 7 further include, or cooperate with, means for conveying 28 portions of the filling product 3 to the chambers 2 whose filling is to be adjusted (Figures 9 and 10). These conveying means 28 are, or include, pipes, tubes, or conduits, at least one or more of which are connected to, or communicate with, the portioning means 6. These means 28 preferably include bypass means 29, comprising, or being, a fitting or elbow with a Y-shaped cross-section in the XY plane, allowing only one lower pipe per chamber 2 to be used for the passage and conveyance of both the measuring means 5, in particular the probe 8, and the filling product 3 from the portioning means 6.These discharge means 7 are made of any suitable material or assembly of suitable materials, compatible with the filling product 3, and having suitable shape and dimensions, compatible with the filling product 3.

[0077] Preferably, the discharge means 7 further comprise, or cooperate with, means 30 for the simultaneous release of the filling product 3, comprising or being, for example, a release plate, provided in the lower part with the device 1 according to the invention, downstream of the conveying means 28, a plate which is perforated, having as many openings, for example through holes, as there are filling product 3 conduits, each hole being positioned in relation, therefore coaxially along the Y-Y' axis, with each lower end of each conduit, and also coaxially along the Y-Y' axis, with each upper opening of each enclosure 2.

[0078] The release plate has a shape and dimensions adapted to the conduits and / or the upper opening of the enclosures 2. It is substantially flat, rigid and does not bend under its own weight. It is mobile in translation, substantially horizontally, under the action of means of movement, and can pass from a so-called "closed" position, in which each of its openings is not related, not arranged coaxially, with the lower opening of the conveying means 28 and the upper opening of the enclosures 2, to a so-called "open" position in which its openings are related, arranged coaxially, with the lower opening of the conveying means 28 and the upper opening of the enclosures 2, and vice versa.

[0079] Preferably, the openings in the release plate have smaller dimensions, preferably a smaller diameter, than the openings in the discharge plate. This has the advantage of regulating the transfer speed of the filling product.

[0080] Preferably, the release plate is fixed while the discharge plate can vibrate, move translationally in the same horizontal plane, in the X-Z plane, in one direction and in the opposite direction, preferably in a reciprocating, circular, or orbital motion. This has the advantage of facilitating the passage of the product through the release plate.

[0081] Preferably, the adjustment device 1 according to the invention includes calibration means for measuring means 5 and / or dosing means 6.

[0082] As previously stated, the adjustment device 1 according to the invention includes control means 31, allowing the activation or deactivation of all or part of the means of the adjustment device 1.

[0083] The control means 31 include at least one control unit, configured to receive the filling height measurements, the information from the means 13 for determining the length of the deployed belt 11, and also to control the portioning means 6. These control means 31 may be, or cooperate with, means for determining the filling volume to be made up, to determine the volume values ​​to be completed.

[0084] Preferably, these same control means 31 also control the means 12 for implementing the means 5 for measuring the filling height of the containers 2, for, for example, the deployment and retraction of the tapes measurement or cables or belts 11 equipped with sensors 9, and therefore their drive means, but also the means of v 6, in particular their means of modification 18 of the volume, and the means of discharge 7 of the portioning means 6, their means 27 of simultaneous emptying, in particular the emptying plate, and the means 30 of simultaneous release of the filling product 3 towards the enclosures 2, in particular the release plate.

[0085] Preferably, the control means 31 include or implement computer means, software and hardware means.

[0086] Preferably, the adjustment device 1 according to the invention includes actuation means different from the means of the device 1 according to the invention, a type of means for actuation of a type of means of the device 1 or for actuation of all the means of the device 1. Advantageously, these actuation means include, or are, pushbuttons, or a user interface, for example a screen 32, preferably touch, for the implementation and control of the control means 31 (Figures 1, 2 and 4).

[0087] Preferably, the adjustment device 1 according to the invention includes means for engaging and disengaging, and / or braking, one or more means of the device 1 according to the invention.

[0088] Preferably, the adjustment device 1 according to the invention includes power supply means, in order to power all or part of the means of the device 1 according to the invention.

[0089] Preferably, the adjustment device 1 according to the invention is an individual, mobile device, its chassis 4 being equipped with means of movement 33, comprising, or being, for example, wheels or casters. It also includes means of maneuvering 34 of the device 1, for example handles and / or a handlebar (Figures 1 and 2).

[0090] Preferably, the adjustment device 1 according to the invention includes drive means, comprising, being, or cooperating with, for example, a motor, preferably electric, pinions, gears and / or belts, which cooperate with, for implementation, measuring means 5 and / or portioning means 6 and / or discharge means 7 and / or displacement means 33.

[0091] Preferably, the adjustment device 1 according to the invention includes coupling means, for reversible association with another adjustment device 1 according to the invention and / or a filling and dosing device for several containers 2.

[0092] In another embodiment, the adjustment device 1 according to the invention is an integral part of a device for filling and dosing several containers 2.

[0093] Regardless of the embodiments, the filling and dosing device(s) for several containers 2, which are referred to, are preferably capable of filling and dosing, and in operation, fill and dose, as a solid product 3, in divided state, advantageously a solid catalyst, containers 2 which are preferably reaction tubes of a fixed catalyst bed reactor, of industrial type.

[0094] The adjustment device 1 according to the invention is used to adjust, complete, if necessary, the filling of at least one chamber 2 of a plurality of chambers 2, preferably of at least two chambers 2, simultaneously, concomitantly with, or following, a filling carried out previously, preferably, by one or more filling and dosing devices of several chambers 2, preferably for the filling of a solid filling product 3, in the divided state, advantageously a solid catalyst, the chambers 2 being, preferably, reaction tubes of a fixed catalyst bed reactor, of industrial type, having an identical or substantially identical shape and dimensions.

[0095] For one or more enclosures 2 whose filling level has been measured and considered adequate, the terms "filling up" this or these enclosures 2 means that the addition may be a quantity of filling product 3 equal to zero, or be non-existent, the dosing means 6 may not be implemented or may be implemented without containing filling product 3.

[0096] The method for simultaneously adjusting the filling of at least one chamber 2, preferably several chambers 2, in a divided state, with solid filling product 3, concurrently and individually, from at least a first plurality of chambers 2, comprises the implementation of at least one adjustment device 1 according to the invention. It includes the implementation of the measuring means 5, as described above, on at least one or more chambers 2 of said first plurality of enclosures 2, and the determination of an adjustment quantity in product 3 of filling, for each enclosure 2 of said first plurality of enclosures 2. This adjustment quantity may be equal to zero, and therefore be non-existent, for one or more enclosures 2, if the filling level of this or these enclosures 2 is adequate, or considered as such.

[0097] The adjustment method also includes the step of implementing the portioning means 6, in order to supply the adjustment quantity of filling product 3, determined previously, to each enclosure 2, and implementing the discharge means 7 of the adjustment quantity, as described previously, to adjust, if necessary, the filling level of one or more enclosures 2 of the first plurality of enclosures 2.

[0098] The means for measuring the filling height of one or more enclosures 2 of a first plurality of enclosures 2, the means for portioning the quantity of adjustment into filling product 3, determined using said measuring means 5, and the means for discharging the quantity of adjustment 7 are implemented sequentially on this first series of plurality of enclosures 2.

[0099] It is also conceivable that part of the means of the adjustment device 1 according to the invention is implemented on one or more enclosures 2 of a first plurality of enclosures 2, while another part of the means is implemented on one or more enclosures 2 of a second plurality of enclosures 2. For example, the portioning means 6 and / or the discharge means 7 are implemented on the first series of plurality of enclosures 2, concomitantly with the implementation of the measurement means 5 on a second series of plurality of enclosures 2.

[0100] The method of filling a plurality of enclosures 2 with solid filling products 3, in a divided state, preferably enclosures 2 of a solid catalyst bed reactor, comprises the sequential, or concurrent, implementation of one or more dosing devices and concurrent filling of several enclosures 2, with filling products 3, and the adjustment device 1 according to the invention, or the implementation of the filling assembly according to the invention, which comprises one or more adjustment devices 1 according to the invention, in the form of module(s), coupled, preferably reversibly, to one or more dosing devices and concurrent filling of several enclosures 2, with solid filling products 3, in a divided state.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Device (1) for simultaneously adjusting the filling of a plurality of enclosures (2) with a solid filling product (3), in the divided state, said device (1) comprising: means for measuring (5) the filling height with said filling product (3) of one or more enclosures (2) of said plurality of enclosures (2), portioning means (6), comprising one portioning means (6) per enclosure (2) having been the subject of a filling height measurement, each portioning means (6) being designed to form and contain an individualized portion of said filling product (3), determined by said measuring means (5), which is the adjustment quantity to complete the filling level of each enclosure (2) of said plurality of enclosures (2), and discharge means (7) for a simultaneous discharge of said individualized portion from each of said portioning means (6),to each of the said enclosures (2) whose filling needs to be adjusted.

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, in which the measuring means (5) are, comprise, or cooperate with, at least two probes (8) each comprising a sensor (9), which is provided at the end of a support means (10).

3. The device (1) according to claim 2, further comprising means (13) for determining the length of the support means (10), deployed during the implementation of the measuring means (5), said determining means (13) comprising an incremental encoder.

4. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portioning means (6) are, comprise, or cooperate with several dosing tubes (16), one per chamber (2) whose filling is to be adjusted, each of said portioning tubes (16) having a determined volume, said portioning means (6) comprising or cooperating with means (18) for individualized modification of said volume of each of said portioning tubes (16).

5. The device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the means (18) for individualized modification of the volume of each portioning tube (16) comprise, or are, pistons (19), as many as there are portioning tubes (16), each piston (19) being mounted to slide inside one of said portioning tubes (16).

6. The device (1) according to claim 5, in which each piston (19) is also mounted to slide inside each means forming the discharge means (7).

7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the discharge means (7) comprise a discharge means (7) per portioning means (6), each comprising a discharge tube (24) capable of receiving, and in operation receiving each an individualized portion of product (3) from filling the portioning means (6), each discharge tube (25) being arranged in relation to and coaxially with a means of the portioning means (6).

8. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising means for timing the measuring means (5) and / or means for timing the portioning means (6) of the quantity of adjustment in filling product (3).

9. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising means (21) for filling the portioning means (6) with filling products (3), comprising a tray (22), which includes a perforated bottom wall, receiving the upper end of each of said portioning means (6), so that said upper end extends into said tray (22), said tray (22) being mounted movable, for a substantially vertical translation, to pass from a so-called "storage" position, in which said filling product (3) cannot pass into said portioning means (6), to a "loading" position in which said filling product (3) can pass into said portioning means (6), and vice versa.

10. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising means for conveying (28) the quantity of adjustment in filling product (3) to each of the enclosures (2) whose filling is to be adjusted, allowing both the implementation of the measuring means (5) on each of said enclosures (2) and the conveying of said quantity of adjustment in filling product (3) to each of said enclosures (2).

11. Use of the adjustment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, to complete, if necessary, the filling with solid filling product (3), in divided state, of one or more enclosures (2) simultaneously, of a fixed catalyst bed reactor.

12. Method for simultaneously adjusting the filling level of a plurality of enclosures (2) in a solid, divided state filling product (3), comprising the steps of: - take at least a first plurality of enclosures (2), - to take at least one adjustment device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, - to implement the means of measuring (5) the filling height of said adjustment device (1), on one enclosure (2), or simultaneously on several enclosures (2), of said first plurality of enclosures (2), - determine an adjustment quantity of filling product (3) for each of said enclosures (2) on which said measuring means (5) have been implemented, - implement the portioning means (6) of said adjustment device (1), to form and contain individually said quantity of adjustment necessary for each of said enclosures (2), - implement the discharge means (7) of said adjustment device (1), to deliver said quantity of adjustment simultaneously to each of said enclosures (2).

13. Assembly for filling a plurality of enclosures (2) with a solid filling product (3) in divided state, comprising one or more devices for simultaneously dosing and filling said enclosures (2) with said filling product (3), and one or more devices (1) for adjusting according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

14. The filling assembly according to claim 13, wherein the adjustment device (1) is a module separate from the dosing and filling device(s), capable of being coupled, reversibly, to one or more dosing and filling devices.

15. Use of the adjustment device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or of the filling assembly according to claim 13 or 25 14, for the simultaneous filling, with a filling product (3), solid, in the divided state, of a plurality of enclosures (2) of a solid catalyst bed reactor.

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