Bulk material temperature-control system for controlling the temperature of bulk material

Abstract

The invention relates to a bulk material temperature-control system (1) for controlling the temperature of bulk material, comprising at least one process unit (2) for treating the bulk material, wherein an untreated state of the bulk material (5) is provided ahead of a treated state of the bulk material (6), as seen in the conveying direction of the bulk material, wherein at least the untreated state of the bulk material (5) is in the form of a pre-state of the bulk material (5) and at least the treated state of the bulk material (6) is in the form of a post-state of the bulk material (6), wherein at least one pre-bulk-material heat exchange unit (3) is provided for a first heat exchange between heat exchange fluid, in particular gas or liquid, and bulk material (5) in the pre-state, wherein at least one post-bulk-material heat exchange unit (4) is provided for a second heat exchange between heat exchange fluid, in particular gas or liquid, and bulk material (6) in the post-state, which improves the prior art. The invention proposes that the pre-bulk-material heat exchange unit (3) and the post-bulk-material heat exchange unit (4) have at least one closed thermal circuit (9, 10).

Description

[0001] Patent application Applicant: Coperion GmbH Status: 23.10.2025 Our reference: C 4203-PC / RA - 1 -

[0002] "Bulk material temperature control system for temperature control of bulk materials"

[0003] The invention relates to a bulk material temperature control system for tempering bulk material with at least one process unit for treating the bulk material, wherein, in a conveying direction of the bulk material, an untreated state of the bulk material is provided before a treated state of the bulk material, according to claim 1, and a method according to claim 14.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] From DE 10 2011 078 954 B4, a bulk material heat exchanger device is already known, which is intended for the transfer of heat between a bulk material, e.g. granular bulk material such as PE, PP, PC, PET or similar granules from the plastics industry or ceramic materials, or for the transfer of heat between powdered bulk material such as PTA, cement, melamine, PVC, dry blend or similar powders from the plastics or food or minerals industry, and a heat transfer fluid.

[0006] This process requires a comparatively large amount of energy. In times of climate change, energy efficiency and energy conservation are becoming increasingly urgent.

[0007] Purpose and advantages of the invention

[0008] In contrast, the object of the invention is to propose a bulk material temperature control system that improves upon the state of the art, in particular by being operated more energy-efficiently.

[0009] This problem is solved, starting from a bulk material temperature control system of the type mentioned in the introduction, by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are possible by the measures mentioned in the dependent claims. Patent application Applicant: Coperion GmbH Status: October 23, 2025 Our reference: C 4203-PC / RA - 2 -

[0010] Accordingly, a bulk material temperature control system according to the invention for temperature control of bulk material comprises at least one process unit for treating the bulk material, wherein, viewed in a conveying direction of the bulk material, an untreated state of the bulk material is provided before a treated state of the bulk material, wherein at least the untreated state of the bulk material is designed as a pre-state of the bulk material and at least the treated state of the bulk material is designed as a post-state of the bulk material, wherein at least one pre-bulk material heat exchange unit is provided for a first heat exchange between heat exchanger fluid, in particular gas or liquid, and bulk material in the pre-state, wherein at least one post-bulk material heat exchange unit is provided for a second heat exchange between heat exchanger fluid, in particular gas or liquid, and bulk material in the pre-state.Gas or liquid, and bulk material in the post-state, wherein the pre-bulk material heat exchanger and the post-bulk material heat exchanger have at least one thermal circuit, in particular a closed and common heat or thermal circuit. For example, the closed heat or thermal circuit comprises a common heat exchanger fluid that is circulated or operated in a closed loop.

[0011] This measure allows thermal energy to be transferred from one bulk material heat exchanger to another. Accordingly, the bulk material in one heat exchanger can be heated, and the bulk material in the other can be cooled. This results in significant energy savings. For example, the energy required for preheating the bulk material in a process with warm or hot material is eliminated or reduced, or conversely, the energy required for precooling in a process with cool material is eliminated or reduced. Consequently, less heat energy is released into the environment or atmosphere. This saves costs and energy, resulting in more climate-friendly operation.

[0012] For example, the thermal circuit comprises at least the pre-heat exchange unit and the post-heat exchange unit. For instance, the thermal circuit, in particular the closed thermal circuit or common heat or thermal circuit, has a continuous thermal circuit with a common or single / identical heat transfer fluid. Patent application. Applicant: Coperion GmbH. Date: October 23, 2025. Our reference: C 4203-PC / RA - 3 -

[0013] It is also conceivable, however, that the thermal circuit consists of at least two interconnected heat exchanger systems, with each system containing, for example, a heat transfer fluid. Thus, the heat exchanger system comprises at least one heat exchanger for absorbing thermal energy and one for dissipating the absorbed thermal energy, as well as the heat transfer fluid flowing between these two heat exchangers. A heat pump can also be integrated into the thermal circuit or system, which may connect the two systems and / or serve as an auxiliary heater for the thermal circuit, particularly the closed thermal circuit or the combined heat and thermal circuit.

[0014] In principle, continuous operation of the bulk material temperature control system and / or the process unit and / or the pre-bulk material heat exchanger and / or the post-bulk material heat exchanger can be implemented. Alternatively, batch or discontinuous operation of the bulk material temperature control system, the process unit, and / or the pre-bulk material heat exchanger and / or the post-bulk material heat exchanger can also be implemented. Hybrid configurations are also conceivable, where, for example, the process unit can be operated discontinuously or in batch mode, and the pre-bulk material heat exchanger and / or the post-bulk material heat exchanger can be operated (almost) continuously. In the latter scenario, an actuator, such as a rotary valve or similar device, can be provided, if required, to control or regulate the discharge of the treated bulk material from the process unit.

[0015] In general, the process unit can be designed as a physical and / or chemical process unit, whereby, for example, the process unit is designed for the physical and / or chemical treatment of the bulk material. Thus, the process unit can be designed, for example, for the physical and / or chemical treatment of granular bulk materials such as PE, PP, PC, PET, or similar granules from the plastics industry, or of ceramic and / or porous and / or brittle materials, or of powdered bulk materials such as PTA, cement, melamine, PVC, dry blend, or similar powders from the plastics, food, or mineral industries.

[0016] For example, at least during a pre-heat exchange phase in the pre-heat exchange unit, a first conveying velocity of the bulk material is provided (Intelligence application, Applicant: Coperion GmbH, Status: October 23, 2025, Our reference: C 4203-PC / RA - 4 -) and / or at least during a post-heat exchange phase in the post-heat exchange unit, a second conveying velocity of the bulk material is provided. Accordingly, during the time in which heat is exchanged or transferred between the bulk material and the fluid, the bulk material can be moved or exhibit a first or second conveying velocity within the respective heat exchange unit that is greater than zero. Thus, two functions are simultaneously realized: heat transfer and, at the same time, transport or conveying / movement of the bulk material.In this way, a significant improvement in heat transfer to and from the bulk material can be achieved, particularly by using a moving and therefore changing bulk material. This improves the efficiency and operation of the bulk material temperature control system.

[0017] For example, vertical and / or horizontal and / or inclined conveying or conveying direction is provided within the temperature control system. For example, at least one screw conveyor and / or a conveyor belt and / or a lift, etc., and / or mechanical and / or electrical and / or pneumatic and / or hydraulic conveying of the bulk material is provided within the temperature control system and / or the pre-heat exchange unit and / or the post-heat exchange unit.

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, at least one gravimetric conveying device is provided for conveying the bulk material by gravity within / between the pre-heat exchange unit and / or the post-heat exchange unit and / or within the temperature control system. This measure allows for at least partial elimination of energy-intensive conveying or transport within / between the pre-heat exchange unit and / or the post-heat exchange unit and / or within the temperature control system. This means that, for example, instead of electrical energy, weight and thus gravity are used to drive or transport the bulk material within / between the pre-heat exchange unit and / or the post-heat exchange unit and / or within the temperature control system.This also saves energy and costs, making a particularly economical and environmentally friendly operating mode possible. Furthermore, this is especially gentle, particularly for fragile bulk materials or similar items.

[0019] For example, at least one gravimetric conveying device is provided for conveying the bulk material gravimetrically by gravity. In accordance with the invention (Intelligence Application Applicant: Coperion GmbH, Status: October 23, 2025, Our Reference: C 4203-PC / RA - 5), this can be designed, for example, as a downpipe or drop section / path and / or as an incline, so that the bulk material moves downwards automatically by gravity. Separate drives are then correspondingly unnecessary. However, at least one actuator or control element or the like can be provided, which, for example, controls or regulates the quantity and / or flow rate of the bulk material. An actuator or the like can be arranged, if necessary, on the inlet side and / or outlet side or at the bottom of the pre-heat exchanger unit and / or the post-heat exchanger unit and / or the temperature control system. A variable reducer or a rotary valve or the like, etc.B. at the upper and / or lower end of the pre-heat exchange unit and / or the post-heat exchange unit and / or the temperature control system, it can, for example, control or regulate the flow rate per unit of time.

[0020] For example, at least the pre-heat exchanger unit has at least one first pre-heat exchanger stage with a first pre-operating temperature and a second pre-heat exchanger stage with a second pre-operating temperature, where the first pre-operating temperature is lower than the second pre-operating temperature, and / or at least the post-heat exchanger unit has at least one first post-heat exchanger stage with a first post-operating temperature and a second post-heat exchanger stage with a second post-operating temperature, where the first post-operating temperature is lower than the second post-operating temperature. Optionally, several stages, e.g., 3 to 12, with different operating temperatures are provided, both on the pre- and post-side of the process unit. The number of pre-stages and the number of post-stages can also differ.

[0021] In principle, for the purposes of the invention, the operating temperature of the respective stage and / or unit is to be understood as a mean or average operating temperature, which typically exhibits a difference, for example, due to heat exchange between the inlet and outlet. Thus, this mean or average operating temperature lies between the inlet operating temperature of the bulk material and the outlet operating temperature of the bulk material. Alternatively, however, the respective inlet operating temperature of the bulk material can also be used as the operating temperature for the purposes of the invention. Accordingly, the heat exchanger units or stages can be differentiated and connected or combined with one another in accordance with the invention, particularly in a thermal circuit. Patent application Applicant: Coperion GmbH Status: October 23, 2025 Our reference: C 4203-PC / RA - 6 -

[0022] In a heat exchanger stage / unit that is heated due to heat exchange or heat input, the respective inlet operating temperature of the bulk material is lower than the corresponding outlet operating temperature of the bulk material. In a heat exchanger stage / unit that is cooled due to heat exchange or heat extraction, the respective inlet operating temperature of the bulk material is higher than the corresponding outlet operating temperature of the bulk material. Accordingly, the outlet operating temperature of the bulk material at a preceding stage of the corresponding heat exchanger unit essentially corresponds to the inlet operating temperature of the bulk material at the adjacent or subsequent stage of the corresponding heat exchanger unit. In general, the outlet operating temperature of the bulk material at the so-called last stage of the pre-heat exchanger unit essentially corresponds to the process operating temperature of the bulk material at the process unit.

[0023] However, on the one hand, a (special) heating stage or heating device can be provided on / before the process unit to achieve the process operating temperature of the bulk material for the process within the process unit, and / or on the other hand, additional heating of the process unit can also be provided, i.e., in or within the process unit, to achieve the desired process operating temperature of the bulk material. The heating stage can, for example, be designed as a heat exchanger heating stage, with a heat energy supply provided in a heating stage circuit. For example, an external auxiliary heater or heating device, e.g., a heat pump or the like, is arranged / provided on the heating stage circuit, with which a heating fluid is heated and this heats the bulk material of the heating stage, in particular to the process operating temperature for the process unit. A (separate) external auxiliary heater can also be provided on the thermal circuit according to the invention in a comparable manner, e.g.,A heat pump or similar device can be provided. This can, in principle, be implemented in each separate thermal circuit as well as in / for each heat exchanger stage / unit. This will be most effective in the warmest thermal circuit or in / for the heat exchanger stage with the highest operating temperature.

[0024] In principle, the pre-bulk material heat exchanger and the post-bulk material heat exchanger can be operated in counterflow, coflow, or crossflow. The operating temperatures of the bulk material in each stage depend on the specific operating mode, especially the operating temperatures of the heat exchanger fluid. It is always essential that heat energy is transferred from the hotter part of the system. Patent application applicant: Coperion GmbH, Date: October 23, 2025, Our reference: C 4203-PC / RA - 7 -

[0025] The medium flows or is transferred to the colder medium. When heating one of the heat exchanger units or heat exchanger stages, there must always be a temperature difference between the fluid and the bulk material at the bulk material inlet of the respective heat exchanger stage / unit, with the fluid at the fluid inlet having a higher temperature than the bulk material at the bulk material inlet. Similarly, when cooling one of the heat exchanger units or heat exchanger stages, there must always be a temperature difference between the fluid and the bulk material at the bulk material inlet of the respective heat exchanger stage / unit, with the fluid at the fluid inlet having a lower temperature than the bulk material at the bulk material inlet.

[0026] In one embodiment of the invention, at least one heating unit or heat treatment unit is provided for heating the first or second pre-heat exchanger stage or for heating the first or second post-heat exchanger stage. This allows for additional heating, i.e., heating in addition to the heat exchange according to the invention, particularly to ensure that the process operating temperature is reliably reached. For example, the heating unit or heat treatment unit is integrated into / provided in the thermal circuit and / or designed to heat the heat exchanger fluid and / or the bulk material (directly or indirectly). This improves the operation of the temperature control system according to the invention.

[0027] For example, the heating unit or heat treatment unit is designed to heat the last, e.g., third, pre-heat exchanger stage. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned (special) heating stage comprises, for example, this heating unit or heat treatment unit for heating the last, e.g., third, pre-heat exchanger stage. This allows the additional heating, i.e., heating in addition to the heat exchange according to the invention, to be implemented as the final heating step before the process and thus advantageously ensures that the process unit's operating temperature is reliably reached.

[0028] For example, at least one initial, closed thermal circuit is designed for heat exchange between the first pre-heat exchanger stage and the first post-heat exchanger stage. This allows for a direct connection between the two corresponding heat exchanger stages. This improves heat transfer and reduces the design and therefore the economic costs. Patent application. Applicant: Coperion GmbH. Date: October 23, 2025. Our reference: C 4203-PC / RA - 8 -

[0029] For example, at least one second, closed thermal circuit is designed for heat exchange between the second pre-heat exchanger stage and the second post-heat exchanger stage. This also allows for a direct connection between the two corresponding heat exchanger stages. Furthermore, the two or more thermal circuits can be used to create a gradation of temperature levels. This allows, for example, the first thermal circuit to have a lower, and especially (on average) lower, temperature level than the second thermal circuit.

[0030] For example, the first pre-heat exchanger stage and the last post-heat exchanger stage form a common, closed thermal circuit, or thermal circuit, as defined in the invention. This first thermal circuit, for example, has a lower average temperature level than a second thermal circuit, or thermal circuit, as defined in the invention, which comprises the second pre-heat exchanger stage and the second-to-last post-heat exchanger stage. A third thermal circuit, or thermal circuit, as defined in the invention, has an even higher average temperature level than the second thermal circuit, and this third thermal circuit comprises the third pre-heat exchanger stage and the third-to-last post-heat exchanger stage. In this exemplary case, the system thus consists of a pre-heat exchanger unit that heats the bulk material in stages and a post-heat exchanger unit that cools the bulk material in stages.

[0031] For example, the pre-heat exchanger unit, the first pre-heat exchanger stage, or the second pre-heat exchanger stage is / are designed as a heating unit for heating the untreated bulk material, and the post-heat exchanger unit, the first post-heat exchanger stage, or the second post-heat exchanger stage is / are designed as a cooling unit for cooling the treated bulk material. Alternatively, the pre-heat exchanger unit, the first pre-heat exchanger stage, or the second pre-heat exchanger stage can also be designed as a cooling unit for cooling the untreated bulk material, and the post-heat exchanger unit, the first post-heat exchanger stage, or the second post-heat exchanger stage can be designed as a heating unit for heating the treated bulk material.

[0032] It has been shown that if the pre-heat exchanger unit or the first pre-heat exchanger stage or the second pre-heat exchanger stage is used as a pre-counterflow heat exchanger and / or as a pre-tube bundle heat exchanger and / or as a plate heat exchanger, the following applies: Patent application Applicant: Coperion GmbH Status: 23.10.2025 Our reference: C 4203-PC / RA - 9 -

[0033] The operating mode is further improved if the heat exchanger is / are designed and / or the post-heat exchanger unit, or the first post-heat exchanger stage, or the second post-heat exchanger stage is / are designed as a post-counterflow heat exchanger, or as a post-tube bundle heat exchanger, or as a plate heat exchanger. For example, this allows for the implementation of an indirect heat exchanger. In this case, the fluid or bulk material is arranged, e.g., in pipes or similar structures, and / or the fluid and bulk material do not come into contact. Separation of the fluid and bulk material is therefore unnecessary, which significantly reduces the design and thus the economic effort. However, in certain cases, direct heat exchange or direct contact between the heat exchanger fluid and the bulk material can also be implemented.

[0034] For example, an arrangement is implemented in which the pre-heat exchanger unit, or the first pre-heat exchanger stage, or the second pre-heat exchanger stage is / are located upstream of the process unit when viewed in the conveying direction of the bulk material, and / or the post-heat exchanger unit, or the first post-heat exchanger stage, or the second post-heat exchanger stage is / are located downstream of the process unit when viewed in the conveying direction of the bulk material. Thus, the upstream side of the process unit is (directly) connected to the downstream side of the process unit via the thermal circuit according to the invention. This has proven to be particularly efficient and cost-effective in initial trials.

[0035] A bulk solids temperature control system is also conceivable, wherein the pre-heat exchanger unit, or the first pre-heat exchanger stage, or the second pre-heat exchanger stage is / are arranged upstream of a second physical and / or chemical process device of the process unit in the conveying direction of the bulk solids, and the post-bulk solids heat exchanger unit, or the first post-heat exchanger stage, or the second post-heat exchanger stage is / are arranged downstream of the first physical and / or chemical process device of the process unit in the conveying direction of the bulk solids. In this case, two separate or adjacent process devices of the process unit are coupled together, specifically their pre-sides and their post-sides.

[0036] For example, a bulk material temperature control system can be implemented with a bulk material temperature control plant, wherein at least one first process unit is arranged between a first pre-heat exchange unit and a first post-heat exchange unit, and at least one second process unit is arranged between a second pre-heat exchange unit and a second post-heat exchange unit. Patent application: Applicant: Coperion GmbH, Date: October 23, 2025, Our reference: C 4203-PC / RA - 10 -

[0037] A heat exchanger unit and a second post-heat exchanger unit are arranged, wherein the first post-heat exchanger unit and the second pre-heat exchanger unit have a system thermal circuit, in particular a closed thermal circuit or common heat or thermal circuit, wherein the system thermal circuit comprises a system heat exchanger fluid. For example, the first post-heat exchanger unit and the second pre-heat exchanger unit have a closed system thermal circuit.

[0038] For example, an arrangement can be implemented in which at least the pre-heat exchange unit or the first pre-heat exchanger stage or the second pre-heat exchanger stage and the process unit or the first or second process device and the post-heat exchange unit or the first post-heat exchanger stage or the second post-heat exchanger stage are arranged vertically one above the other. In this way, a particularly compact bulk material temperature control system according to the invention can be implemented.

[0039] For example, the process unit or the first or second process device is / are designed as a separation unit for separating and / or desorbing gas and / or volatile substances from the bulk material. This design can be used in a variety of useful ways.

[0040] In principle, a bulk material temperature control system according to the invention can be operated such that, at least temporarily, continuous conveyance of the bulk material by gravity takes place at least during a pre-heat exchanger operating phase in the pre-bulk material heat exchange unit and / or at least during a post-heat exchanger operating phase in the post-bulk material heat exchange unit. In this way, continuous and / or gravimetric conveyance can be realized in the pre-bulk material heat exchange unit and / or the post-bulk material heat exchange unit and / or in the heat exchanger stages.

[0041] In general, a cascade of various pre- and / or post-heat exchangers or pre- and / or post-stages can be implemented. For example, at least two heat exchangers can be used for heating and two for cooling. In this configuration, the heat medium or fluid of the corresponding first pre-heat exchanger (e.g., for heating) can be connected to the corresponding last post-heat exchanger (e.g., for cooling) in the flow or conveying direction of the bulk material. This allows the heat between these two heat exchangers to be exchanged without the need for external supply or removal. Patent application. Applicant: Coperion GmbH. Date: October 23, 2025. Our reference: C 4203-PC / RA - 1 1 -

[0042] This can, for example, reduce energy consumption by approximately 50%. The more intricate this cascade system is, the greater the energy savings. For example, with 10 heat exchangers each, i.e., on the upstream and downstream sides of the

[0043] In this process unit, the energy requirement could theoretically be reduced to approximately 10%, i.e., a saving of approximately 90%.

[0044] Patent application Applicant: Coperion GmbH Status: 23.10.2025 Our reference: C 4203-PC / RA - 12 -

[0045] Example of implementation

[0046] An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings and is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0047] Figure 1 shows a schematic, perspective view of a first bulk material temperature control system according to the invention and

[0048] Figure 2 shows different variants of further bulk material temperature control systems according to the invention.

[0049] Figure 1 schematically depicts a tower-like bulk material temperature control system 1 with a process unit 2. This process unit 2 is located between a pre-bulk material heat exchange unit 3 at the top and a post-bulk material heat exchange unit 4 at the bottom. An untreated bulk material 5 is not shown in detail, but only symbolically as arrow 5, and is conveyed gravimetrically, i.e., by weight, from top to bottom. A treated bulk material 6 is also not shown in detail, but only symbolically as arrow 6, and exits the bulk material temperature control system 1. Connecting arrows symbolize the conveying direction of the bulk materials 5 and 6.

[0050] To control the flow rate or transport of the bulk material 5, 6, a rotary valve 7 is provided at one outlet of the pre-bulk material heat exchange unit 3 and a rotary valve 8 is provided at one outlet of the post-bulk material heat exchange unit 4. These rotary valves 7, 8 regulate the bulk material flow.

[0051] Generally, the operation of the bulk material temperature control system 1 or the process unit 2 and / or the pre-bulk material heat exchange unit 3, a rotary valve 7, and / or the post-bulk material heat exchange unit 4 can be continuous. Alternatively, the operation of the bulk material temperature control system 1 or the process unit 2 and / or the pre-bulk material heat exchange unit 3 and / or the post-bulk material heat exchange unit 4 can also be batch operation or discontinuous operation. However, hybrid forms are also conceivable, whereby, for example, process unit 2 operates discontinuously or in batch mode, and the pre-bulk material heat exchange unit 3 and / or the post-bulk material heat exchange unit 4 are operated almost continuously. Patent application applicant: Coperion GmbH, Status: 23.10.2025, Our reference: C 4203-PC / RA - 13 - . In the latter variant, this can be adjusted as needed.A further, not shown, rotary valve or the like may be provided for controlling or regulating the discharge of the treated bulk material 6 from the process unit 2.

[0052] In the present, schematically illustrated embodiment according to Figure 1, the pre-bulk material heat exchange unit 3 comprises a total of three pre-heat exchangers or preheating stages 11, 12, 13, and the post-bulk material heat exchange unit 4 comprises two post-heat exchangers or cooling stages 21, 22. These are each designed as heat exchanger stages 11, 12, 21, 22, exchanging heat between the bulk material 5, 6 and a heat exchanger fluid (not shown in detail), in particular a heat exchanger oil. Two of the three preheating stages 11, 12 supply heat to the untreated bulk material 5 via the heat exchanger fluid, and the two cooling stages 21, 22 extract heat from the treated bulk material 6, so that the bulk material 6 leaves the system 1 at a correspondingly lower temperature. This saves energy and prevents heat energy loss to the atmosphere.

[0053] For example, the pre-bulk material heat exchanger unit 3 and the three preheating stages 11, 12, 13, as well as the post-bulk material heat exchanger unit 4 and the two cooling stages 21, 22, are shell-and-tube heat exchangers, meaning that there is no direct contact between the bulk material 5, 6 and the fluid, but rather a tube wall, in particular a metal tube or the like, separates them materially, although a heat exchange is physically achieved. The aforementioned heat exchangers are also, for example, counterflow heat exchangers.

[0054] According to the invention, the pre-bulk material heat exchanger unit 3, or two of the three preheating stages 11, 12, are physically and thermally connected to the two cooling stages 21, 22 via at least one thermal circuit 9, 10, or, in this case, by means of two heating circuits 9, 10. These are, for example, two separate heating circuits 9, 10, wherein the thermal circuit 9, as a closed thermal circuit, comprises a first pump 15 and a first heat exchanger fluid, e.g., oil. Furthermore, this circuit connects the preheating stage 11 and the cooling stage 21. The thermal circuit 10 is also designed as a closed thermal circuit 9 with a second pump 16 and a second heat exchanger fluid, e.g., oil, and connects the preheating stage 12 with the cooling stage 22. Patent application. Applicant: Coperion GmbH. Date: October 23, 2025. Our reference: C 4203-PC / RA - 14 -

[0055] Furthermore, the third preheating stage 13 comprises another closed thermal circuit 18, which includes a third pump 17 and an additional heating device 19. The heating device 19 heats the untreated bulk material 5, e.g., indirectly via the heat exchanger fluid or oil, to the desired process temperature for the process unit 2. Without further detail, the heating circuits 9 and 10 can each also have an additional heater or heating device as needed. These heating devices can be designed, for example, as a heat pump or the like, and / or be connected indirectly or by means of heat exchange to the respective thermal circuit 9, 10, or 18. The flow directions of the fluid or oil are schematically represented by arrows in the heating circuits 9, 10, and 18.

[0056] It becomes apparent that the three preheating stages 11, 12, 13, viewed from top to bottom, each exhibit an increasing temperature gradient, or a rise in their respective operating temperature. Similarly, the two cooling stages 21, 22, viewed from top to bottom, each exhibit a decreasing temperature gradient, or a drop in their respective operating temperature. Here, the operating temperature of each stage 11, 12, 13, 21, 22 is understood to be the mean or average operating temperature, which lies between the inlet operating temperature and the outlet operating temperature of the respective stage 11, 12, 13, 21, 22.

[0057] Figure 2 schematically illustrates various possible arrangements of the pre-bulk material heat exchange unit 3 and the three preheating stages 11, 12, 13, as well as the post-bulk material heat exchange unit 4 and the two cooling stages 21, 22. Details such as rotary valves, etc., have been omitted for illustrative purposes. Additional transport devices are also incorporated or used, without further detail, to move the bulk material 5, 6 between the individual units 2, 3, 4 and / or stages 11, 12, 13, 21, 22. In the examples shown, however, the bulk material 5, 6 is moved within the stages 11, 12, 13, 21, 22 by gravity or gravimetrically. In Figure 2 c), the stages 11, 12, 13, 21, 22 are each designed as separate stages 11, 12, 13, 21, 22.

[0058] In accordance with the exemplary embodiments shown schematically in Figures 1 and 2, variants can also be implemented which, for example, comprise ten preheating stages and nine cooling stages and which are physically connected to each other with correspondingly separate, nine heating circuits, each with a different temperature level, as illustrated above. Patent application Applicant: Coperion GmbH Status: 23.10.2025 Our reference: C 4203-PC / RA - 1 5 -

Claims

Patent application Applicant: Coperion GmbH Status: 23.10.2025 Our reference: C 4203-PC / MA - 1 - Claims 1. Bulk material temperature control system (1) for temperature control of bulk material with at least one process unit (2) for treating the bulk material, wherein, in a conveying direction of the bulk material, an untreated state of the bulk material (5) is provided before a treated state of the bulk material (6), wherein at least the untreated state of the bulk material (5) is designed as a pre-state of the bulk material (5) and at least the treated state of the bulk material (6) is designed as a post-state of the bulk material (6), wherein at least one pre-bulk material heat exchange unit (3) is provided for a first heat exchange between heat exchanger fluid, in particular gas or liquid, and bulk material (5) in the pre-state, wherein at least one post-bulk material heat exchange unit (4) is provided for a second heat exchange between heat exchanger fluid, in particular gas or liquid, and bulk material (5) in the pre-state.gas or liquid, and bulk material (6) is provided in the post-state, wherein the pre-bulk heat exchange unit (3) and the post-bulk heat exchange unit (4) have at least one thermocirculation (9, 10), wherein the pre-bulk heat exchange unit (3) and / or the post-bulk heat exchange unit (4) is designed as an indirect heat exchanger, so that an indirect heat exchange takes place between the heat exchange fluid and the bulk material.

2. Bulk material temperature control system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least during a pre-heat exchange phase in the pre-bulk material heat exchange unit (3) a first conveying speed of the bulk material (5) is provided and / or that at least during a post-heat exchange phase in the post-bulk material heat exchange unit (4) a second conveying speed of the bulk material (6) is provided.

3. Bulk material temperature control system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one gravimetric conveying device is provided for gravimetric conveying of the bulk material (5, 6) by means of gravity within / between the pre-bulk material heat exchange unit (3) and / or the post-bulk material heat exchange unit (4).

4. Bulk material temperature control system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the pre-bulk material heat exchange unit (3) has at least one Patent application Applicant: Coperion GmbH Status: 23.10.2025 Our reference: C 4203-PC / MA - 2 - first pre-heat exchanger stage (11 , 12) with a first pre-operating temperature and a second pre-heat exchanger stage (11 , 12) with a second pre-operating temperature, wherein the first pre-operating temperature is lower than the second pre-operating temperature, and / or that at least the post-bulk heat exchanger unit (4) has at least a first post-heat exchanger stage (21 , 22) with a first post-operating temperature and a second post-heat exchanger stage (21 , 22) with a second post-operating temperature, wherein the first post-operating temperature is lower than the second post-operating temperature.

5. Bulk material temperature control system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one heating unit / heat treatment unit (19) is provided for heating the first or second pre-heat exchanger stage (11, 12, 13) or for heating the first or second post-heat exchanger stage (21, 22).

6. Bulk material temperature control system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one first, closed thermocirculation (9, 10) is designed for heat exchange between the first pre-heat exchanger stage (11, 12) and the first post-heat exchanger stage (21, 22).

7. Bulk material temperature control system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a second, closed thermal circuit (9, 10) is designed for heat exchange between the second pre-heat exchanger stage (1 1 , 12) and the second post-heat exchanger stage (21 , 22).

8. Bulk material temperature control system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pre-bulk material heat exchange unit (3) or the first pre-heat exchanger stage (1 1 , 12) or the second pre-heat exchanger stage (1 1 , 12) is / are designed as a heating unit (3, 11 , 12, 13) for heating the untreated bulk material (5).

9. Bulk material temperature control system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the post-bulk material heat exchanger unit (4) or the first post-heat exchanger stage (21, 22) or the second post-heat exchanger stage (21, 22) is / are designed as a cooling unit (4, 21, 22) for cooling the treated bulk material (6). Patent application Applicant: Coperion GmbH Status: 23.10.2025 Our reference: C 4203-PC / MA - 3 - 10. Bulk material temperature control system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pre-bulk material heat exchanger unit (3) or the first pre-heat exchanger stage (11, 12) or the second pre-heat exchanger stage (11, 12) is / are designed as a pre-counterflow heat exchanger (3, 11, 12) and / or as a pre-tube bundle heat exchanger (3, 11, 12) and / or that the post-bulk material heat exchanger unit (4) or the first post-heat exchanger stage (21, 22) or the second post-heat exchanger stage (21, 22) is designed as a post-counterflow heat exchanger (4, 21, 22) and / or as a post-tube bundle heat exchanger (4, 21, 22). 22) is / are trained.

11. Bulk solids temperature control system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pre-bulk solids heat exchanger unit (3) or the first pre-heat exchanger stage (11, 12) or the second pre-heat exchanger stage (11, 12) is / are arranged upstream of a first process device of the process unit (2) when viewed in the conveying direction of the bulk solids (5) and / or that the post-bulk solids heat exchanger unit (4) or the first post-heat exchanger stage (21, 22) or the second post-heat exchanger stage (21, 22) is / are arranged downstream of the first process device of the process unit (2) when viewed in the conveying direction of the bulk solids (6).

12. Bulk material temperature control system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the pre-bulk material heat exchanger unit (3) or the first pre-heat exchanger stage (11, 12) or the second pre-heat exchanger stage (11, 12) and the process unit (2) or the first or second process device and the post-bulk material heat exchanger unit (4) or the first post-heat exchanger stage (21, 22) or the second post-heat exchanger stage (21, 22) are arranged vertically one above the other.

13. Bulk material temperature control system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the process unit (2) or the first or second process device is / are designed as a separation unit (2) for separating and / or desorbing gas and / or volatile substances from the bulk material (5).

14. Method for operating a bulk material temperature control system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least temporarily a continuous conveyance of the bulk material (5, 6) by means of gravity takes place at least during a pre-heat exchanger operating phase in the pre-bulk material heat exchange unit (3) and / or at least during a post-heat exchanger operating phase in the post-bulk material heat exchange unit (4).

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