DE102009001157A1 - Fluid's i.e. polymer fluid, characteristic testing apparatus, has pipeline passing fluid to be tested, and testing device staying in connection with pipeline, where pipeline and testing device are arranged in inner side of closed housing - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus (1) has a pipeline i.e. closed circular pipeline, for passing fluid, and a testing device staying in fluid-connection with the pipeline, where the fluid is stored in a fluid-container. The device tests the fluid, where the pipeline and the testing device are arranged in an inner side of a closed housing (4). A handle (8) is arranged at the housing, and the container is electrically heated. A sensor e.g. pressure sensor or temperature sensor, is provided for detecting characteristics of the fluid, and a volume or mass flow measuring device determines a flow rate of the fluid. An independent claim is also included for a method for testing characteristics of fluid.

Description

The The present invention relates to a device for testing the behavior of fluids, especially polymeric fluids, with at least one line into which the fluid to be tested is introduced, and one in fluid communication with the line Testing device for testing and / or loading of the fluid.

The The invention further relates to a method for testing the Behavior of fluids, in particular polymeric fluids, wherein a fluid to be tested in a conduit of a device initiated for testing and / or stressing the fluid is checked, the fluid by means of a tester is and / or is claimed and the fluid after the test and / or stress is subjected to an analysis procedure.

In used in industrial practice fluids, especially liquids like paints, have to be considered before their industrial use various properties are tested to to get a high level of security about that the liquid has the desired properties has in industrial processing and in terms of a later use. For example, paints need to to process industrially and to be coated on objects apply and later the desired Have properties such as hardness or durability. Paints are mixtures of components with very different properties. They regularly contain solid particles, solvents and dissolved or dispersed polymers and surfactants Substances. In time-consuming individual tests every single one must Paint system to be checked in advance.

In the industrial coating of automobiles, rail vehicles, Airplanes, machines or the like, the paint supply, d. H. the provision of the paint in Lackkreislaufsystemen, so-called Ring lines. Within these loops, but also in the further processing, are the paints, which are in the Usually involves polymeric fluids, considerable loads, In particular, shear loads, exposed. For these paints (also called paint systems) exists in the face of shear loads for example, the risk of subsequent dispersion or damage of pigments or disperse film formers, a gluing, a Breaking of dispersion droplets, a destruction a polymer matrix or an undesirable change the viscosity. Similar difficulties can also with other fluids such as adhesives, sealants or the like.

Around the load resistance of paints in paint circulation systems To be tested, a special paint in Prüfringleitungen checked for so-called loop resistance. A Prüfringleitung is much smaller than an industrial one Ring line and serves the simulation of certain load situations. The Capacity or volume of such Prüfringleitungen is for example about 100 liters. The economic, temporal and environmentally relevant effort for testing a Lacksystems is very large, It comes to considerable environmental pollution and considerable cost of an exam, especially a variety different paint systems are checked have to. For every test of the loop resistance in the conventional Prüfringleitungen So about 100 liters of paint consumed and a multiple of this amount of organic detergents. The examination of a paint system takes at least two weeks and requires for cleaning a substantial dismantling of the plant.

In view of this, there is a need for testing apparatus and methods that can reduce the above disadvantages. From the DE 199 58 489 For example, a method and apparatus for applying a shear stress to a liquid medium is known. A predetermined volume of the medium is repeatedly supplied to a shearing element. The device is limited in terms of testing options to a shear test. A direct relevance to existing loop lines is limited. For this purpose, a schematic test facility is described.

The Components of the ring lines are in the prior art on walls or special carrying devices mounted.

task It is the object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for testing the behavior of fluids, in particular of polymeric fluids, with which the above described disadvantages can be reduced. Especially the experimental effort should be reduced, one possible low consumption of fluids for testing and the lowest possible environmental impact can be achieved. The tester should simplify and higher Flexibility in paint testing, adhesive testing or the like.

The Invention solves the problem in a device of the beginning mentioned type in that the device is a preferably closed Housing and the line and the test device are arranged inside the housing (claim 1).

The fact that the line and the test device and possibly also other components are arranged within the housing, he give yourself a number of advantages. The test device forms a compact unit that can be placed anywhere, without the need for mounting on walls or Tagstrukturen. In the case of a preferred substantially closed housing, gases would not enter the environment. Several testers can be easily stacked by placing several cases one above the other. Thus, a plurality of test devices can be arranged in a structured manner next to one another and one above the other, so that a large number of tests can be carried out with a small space requirement.

According to one Another aspect of the invention or a development is a Device of the type mentioned proposed as a portable Device is formed.

A portable tester is particularly against the known comparatively large ring lines with Volumes of about 100 liters flexible, small and compact. The exams can according to the invention due to the portability easy to be done in different places. A disassembly of individual components such as the lines and the actual Testing device is not required. especially the Portability in combination with one of the essential components allows the tester receiving housing a beneficial use and easy installation in the Prüfbetrieben. The cost of the purchase are considerably smaller than for the known larger ones Ring lines.

According to one Continuing training will increase the portability of the testing device thereby further simplifies a handle or preferably at least two opposite handles on the housing of the device are attached. The handles can be screwed on or welded on be.

at In a preferred embodiment it is proposed that on the housing at an upper portion recesses and at a lower portion projections for parking the Device are formed, wherein a plurality of devices to each other stackable and thereby the projections of an upper device partially disposed within recesses of a lower device are. Through the recesses and projections, which according to Art a foot can be formed leaves the stackability of several devices on top of each other Simplify without the need for additional fasteners needed for attachment to room walls. By the protrusions partially immersed in the recesses it comes to a location-accurate and secured arrangement stacked Devices. Of course, alternatively the recesses also at a lower portion of the housing and the corresponding protrusions on an upper portion be arranged of the housing, so that alike the effects described above with slightly modified means be achieved.

According to one Particularly preferred embodiment is provided that within the line (s) and testing device for the fluid available volume is not more than 1 liter.

From this results in a particularly advantageous way a miniaturized Tester or test chamber, which is considerably lower inner volumes than the known Prüfringleitungen (with about 100 liters in volume). The expenditure on equipment and the production costs are significantly reduced. Furthermore, there is the advantage that much smaller amounts of fluid, in particular amounts of testing paint systems or adhesive systems are required, so that also the cost of the exam considerably be reduced. At the same time, the environmental impact decreases significantly. For example, a miniaturized, compact device can be specified at which the internal volumes of the lines of the test facility and any measuring devices or shut-off devices less than 1 Liters, preferably not more than 600 milliliters. In addition Projected could be a comparatively small if necessary Volume of a fluid container for holding the test to be tested Liquid. Such a container is expediently also placed inside the case, because a comparatively Small and compact test device has particular advantages on, as already described above.

Especially it is preferred that the line, the multiple line sections may have, is designed as a loop. This allows the Repeatedly tested in the test facility and / or claimed, for example, the shear behavior to investigate. This is how a continuous load test can be done in a simple way be performed. Conveniently, For this purpose, the device has a pump for circulating in particular Feeding within the loop. As already indicated is preferably a container for storing the liquid provided, which is in particular designed to be heated, so the usually temperature-dependent viscosity can be influenced to optimize the test. The Heating can be done electrically.

The test device can be used to stress a liquid, for example by shearing, but according to the invention it is proposed according to a further aspect or according to a development that the test device is designed as a shearing element, heating element, pressure Transfer device, strain application device, means for applying a chemical load, means for contacting with a material or as a piston-cylinder arrangement for applying a pressure or negative pressure.

In Dependence on the desired tests Thus, the device can be equipped with different components be physically and / or physically to a liquid in different ways chemically stress to the behavior under a (duration) load to investigate, or to the liquid metrologically to be investigated by various measurement methods for determination the behavior or specific properties of the fluid. Appropriately, the used in the individual case Components designed so that the inner volumes are smaller than 1 liter, optionally plus one volume for a container. An appropriate further education in With regard to miniaturization also provides that the volume in the range between 0.1 and 0.6 liters and more preferably not more than 0.5 liters.

As mentioned, preferably all components are substantially housed within the proposed housing, which preferably closable.

According to one alternative embodiment is a volume or mass flow meter for determining the flow of fluid through the device suggested that certain flow conditions can be specified.

Conveniently, is at least one sensor for determining properties of the fluid positioned within the device. This is it preferably a pressure sensor, a differential pressure sensor or a temperature sensor or particle size measuring device, optical turbidity meter, PH value measuring device or conductivity meter.

Especially preferred is a variant of the device in which the components the device in the flow direction of the fluid within a loop arranged in the following order: container, pump, Testing device, volume or mass flow meter.

A Further advantageous embodiment is characterized through a central data storage and processing system for recording and / or processing provided by the components of the device Dates.

The Advantages of the invention will be apparent from the Invention further in a method of the type mentioned, characterized by the fact that the review using a device according to at least one of the preceding Claims is carried out (claim 18). Regarding The achievable benefits are referred to the above descriptions taken.

The inventive method is advantageous further developed that the analysis method at least one of the following Analyzes: gloss test, color examination, Liability check, fluidity test, Viscosity testing, elasticity testing, Corrosion test, adhesive properties, coagulation properties, Particle shape and particle size analysis. The through the exam - including one any load on the fluid - data obtained will be subsequently analyzed, analyzing different properties can.

Further Advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of the following Embodiments, with reference to the drawings in detail are explained. Show it:

1 an inventive device for testing in a perspective schematic representation;

2 an embodiment of the arrangement of components of the device 1 ;

3 a further embodiment of the arrangement of components of the device 1 ; and

4 exemplary testing equipment for testing and / or applying a liquid in the form of process symbols.

In the 1 shown device 1 however, it would also be useful in principle for other fluids such as adhesives, sealants or the like to check the behavior of fluids. In the embodiment, a portable device is shown, which is a substantially cuboid housing 4 and a number of inside the case 4 arranged com ponents has, some of which are exemplified by the 2 to 4 being represented.

The housing 4 can be made of thin-walled sheets or sheets of plastic. The plates may be attached to an inner frame, not shown in detail, which is composed of rod-shaped profile elements. The individual components are expediently either on the support structures and / or attached to the housing and arranged. On two opposite vertical side plates 6 is each a handle 8th welded or screwed in such a way that a person can grasp the handle well to transport the portable, portable device can.

At the bottom floor plate 10 of the housing are outside a total of four projections 12 Alternatively, recesses are arranged respectively in the corners, which may have the shape of a bottom flat foot, so that the device 1 is easy to turn off. Alternatively, the projections are full 12 at the bottom of the bottom plate 10 preferably four lockable rollers arranged so that the mobility of the device is further increased. If the rollers are fixed, they are stationary on the rollers. At the bottom plate 10 opposite upper plate 14 are, as shown schematically, in each case recesses in the corners 16 or alternatively positioned protrusions. These are corresponding to the projections arranged below 12 or alternatively recesses arranged so that several devices according to the invention 1 Stackable on each other and thereby projections of an upper device are partially disposed within recesses of a lower device.

A hinged door or flap 18 can be selectively opened for mounting or operating individual lying in the housing components or closed for operation of the device. With the door closed 18 a substantially closed housing is formed. There may be sealing elements along the edge of the door 18 and a closing element may be provided so that a gas-tightness is achieved.

A drip tray 20 above the bottom plate 10 is used to collect liquids that may accumulate, for example during cleaning. By means of connections 22 . 24 can energy, z. As electrical energy, compressed air or the like to the com ponents in the interior of the housing 4 be supplied. The connections 22 . 24 Of course, they could also be positioned in other places. A tempering device 26 serves to temper a liquid and has electrical heating elements. The tempering device can be, for example, an electrically heatable container or a water heater in order to heat the liquid to temperatures of, for example, 40.degree. By means of a control device, not shown, a desired temperature can be set and achieved and also other components of the device can be controlled.

In the 2 schematically illustrated components of the device 1 are inside the case 4 arranged. A line 28 is formed as a ring line and composed of a plurality of individual lines or line sections, which are arranged between the individual components, the individual line sections are formed as a straight or curved metallic pipe. A fluid container for storing a fluid communicates on the outlet side with an electrically drivable pump 32 , In conveying direction (see arrow at 32 ) is a first sensor 34 at. The sensor 34 Downstream is a test facility 36 provided for testing and / or stressing the liquid passing therethrough and which may be formed as a shear element, heating element, pressure application device, strain application device, chemical stress application device, material contact device or piston-cylinder device. Arrangement for applying a pressure or negative pressure. Through the two elements connected in series 38 . 40 are exemplified one or more of the components described above. For example, the elements 38 . 40 be formed as successively connected shear elements. But there are also other elements, in particular those mentioned above, can be used with which a certain load or stress is applied to the liquid during the flow therethrough.

Another sensor 42 is downstream of the test facility. The sensor 42 closes a tempering device 44 with which the liquid can be maintained at a desired temperature, for example in the range between 20 ° C and 60 ° C. This tempering device 44 is another sensor 46 downstream. By one at a lowest point of the line 28 arranged manifold is an outlet 48 connected to remove the liquid of the device can. For this purpose, a valve is not shown in the line 48 arranged. Another line section leads into an inlet opening of the container 30 , so that, in total, by means of a formed loop, there is a circulation of the liquid within the line 28 with the multiple line sections and the individual components is possible. As a result, a multiple stress and / or test of the liquid by means of the test device 36 possible.

At the in 3 shown alternative embodiment, no closed loop is realized for a circulation operation, but a so-called line for the stitch operation. So it is not a return of the liquid in the container 30 given. Otherwise, the individual components are the same as in the previous one 2 shown example. To avoid repetition, the full scope of the above description referred to.

The volume of fluid within the devices of the invention within the conduit 28 and the test facility 36 without the internal volume of the container 30 , is not more than 1 liter, in the embodiment between 400 and 600 milliliters.

The sensors 34 . 42 . 46 serve to detect various properties or state variables of the liquid. The sensors may be, for example, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, a volume or mass flow meter, a conductivity sensor, a particle size sensor, a turbidity measuring sensor, a pH measuring device or the like. Depending on the application, the device may have the sensors required for this purpose and also testing devices for testing and / or applying the liquid.

4 exemplifies possible elements based on circuit diagrams 50 for applying a stress to that through the device 36 flowing liquid. The element 52 For example, in addition to the above descriptions, a back pressure regulator, a valve, a tube section constriction, an expansion flow applying element, or a back pressure regulator may be used. element 54 may be a heating element, which is flowed around by the liquid. element 56 illustrates an element with a narrowing of the flow cross-section. element 58 is a device with which a certain material can be brought into contact with the liquid by the material is introduced into the free flow cross-section of the element. Thus, it can be checked what effect the material has on the liquid. It may be, for example, chemical or catalytic effects. Alternatively, abrasive loads, for example through hoses with rough surfaces or O-ring systems, can be applied. Alternatively, mechanical stresses may also be applied, or such stresses as may be caused by a collision of the fluid with a wall, for example in a labyrinth-tube system. Alternatively, electrochemical stresses can also be applied with a suitable element 50 , for example, electrical currents or electrical voltages or voltage differences (potentials).

The method for checking the behavior of fluids is also explained below with reference to the figures. By means of the device according to the invention for testing and the corresponding method, the flow and load regime of a Prüfringleitung can be readjusted. The liquid is heavily loaded, much as later in operation. Through a circular test facility with a loop ( 2 ), a paint system can be continuously tested or loaded as an example of a liquid. Alternatively, with an embodiment according to 3 be driven in the so-called trick. In this case, a temperature control is possible.

During the test are from the sensors 34 . 42 . 46 and / or the pumps 32 or transmit data provided to other components of the device to a data storage and processing system for receiving and / or processing the data provided by the components of the device. For example, temperature pressure, flow velocity and shear rate can be measured and documented at different locations online. For example, it is also possible to directly measure changes in viscosity as a result of a new paint batch or by over-pumping in a loop. The operation within the pipe 28 can be done in low pressure as well as in high pressure.

The fluid to be tested is removed from the container 30 into the pipe 28 initiated. By means of the device 36 becomes the liquid in the respectively used elements 38 and 40 claimed and / or reviewed. The liquid can be in the loop 28 according to 2 be promoted in the circulation for a desired time.

Subsequently the fluid is subjected to an analysis method in which it a variety of criteria is examined, as above closer is explained.

After an examination, the device can 1 be removed from residues of the liquid by cleaning while introducing rinsing liquids. In view of the low internal volume, only relatively small quantities are required.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 19958489 [0006]

Claims (21)

Device for testing the behavior of fluids, in particular polymeric fluids, with at least one conduit ( 28 ), into which the fluid to be tested can be introduced, and one with the conduit ( 28 ) in fluid connection test device ( 36 ) for testing and / or applying the fluid, characterized in that the device is a preferably closed housing ( 4 ) and the line ( 28 ) and the test facility ( 36 ) within the housing ( 4 ) are arranged. Device according to the preamble of claim 1 or claim 1, characterized in that the device as portable device is formed. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized by at least one on the housing ( 4 ) arranged handle ( 8th ) for carrying the device. Device according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that on the housing ( 4 ) at an upper portion recesses ( 16 ) and at a lower portion projections ( 12 ) are formed for stopping the device, wherein a plurality of devices are stackable on each other and thereby the projections ( 12 ) of an upper device partially within recesses ( 16 ) are arranged a lower device. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that within the conduit (s) ( 28 ) and testing device ( 36 ) for the fluid volume is not more than 1 liter. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the line ( 28 ) is designed as a loop line. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a pump ( 32 ) is provided for conveying the fluid. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fluid container ( 30 ) is provided for storing fluid, from the fluid into the conduit ( 28 ) can be introduced. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the container ( 30 ) Is heated, in particular electrically heated. Device according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the test device ( 36 ) is formed as a shearing element, heating element, pressure application device, strain application device, means for applying a chemical load, means for contacting with a material or as a piston-cylinder arrangement for applying a pressure or negative pressure. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a volume or mass flow meter ( 42 ) for determining the flow of the fluid through the device. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one sensor ( 34 . 42 . 46 ) for determining properties of the fluid within the device. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the sensor ( 34 . 42 . 46 ) a pressure sensor, a differential pressure sensor ( 34 . 42 . 46 ) or a temperature sensor particle size measuring device, optical turbidity meter, pH value measuring device, conductivity meter ( 34 . 42 . 46 ). Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the components of the device are arranged in the direction of flow of the fluid within a loop in the following order: containers ( 30 ), Pump (P) ( 32 ), Testing device ( 36 ), Volume or mass flow meter ( 42 ). Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the volume of the conduit ( 28 ), the test element and the pump (P) ( 32 ) in the range between 0.1 and 0.6 liter and more preferably not more than 0.5 liter. Device according to at least one of the preceding Claims characterized by a central data storage and processing equipment for receiving and / or processing the Data provided to the components of the device. Mobile, miniaturized device according to one of preceding claims. Method for testing the behavior of fluids, in particular polymeric fluids, and in particular in which a fluid to be tested is introduced into a conduit ( 28 ) a device for testing and / or stressing the fluid is introduced, the fluid by means of a test device ( 36 ) is tested and / or claimed and the fluid is subjected to an analysis process after the test and / or stress, characterized in that the test is carried out using a device according to at least one of the preceding claims. Method according to claim 18, characterized that the analysis method at least one of the following analyzes having: Gloss test, color examination, Liability check, fluidity test, Viscosity testing, elasticity testing, Corrosion test, adhesive properties, coagulation properties, particle shape and particle size analysis. A method according to claim 18, characterized by a continuous transmission and processing of the exam and / or stress and / or analysis gained Data during the conduct of the test and / or stress and / or analysis. Method according to claim 18, characterized by a continuous or intermittent introduction of fluid into the conduit ( 28 ) and by the test facility ( 36 ).