DE102011081431A1 - Fermentation- or digestion tank, comprises a container wall and a mounting shaft for accommodating a removable agitator, which passes through container wall, where agitator is introduced into fixed mounting shaft through mounting unit - Google Patents

Abstract

Fermentation- or digestion tank (1), comprises a container wall (12) and a mounting shaft (13) for accommodating a removable agitator (2), which passes through the container wall, where the agitator is introduced into the fixed mounting shaft that is arranged in a flooded container below the filling level, through a mounting unit (3), and the mounting shaft is closed at an insertion opening. Independent claims are also included for: (1) the mounting unit, comprising a mounting tool, which is closable in front side by a removable locking element; (2) mounting the agitator in the mounting shaft of the fermentation- or digestion tank using a multi-part mounting unit having the mounting tool and the locking element, comprising (a) mounting the mounting tool of the mounting unit with the agitator that is arranged in the mounting unit, on the locking element of the mounting unit that is arranged on the mounting shaft, (b) opening the locking element, (c) displacing the agitator from the mounting unit and fixing it into the mounting shaft, (d) removing the mounting unit with the locking element from the mounting shaft, and (e) optionally closing the rear insertion opening of the mounting shaft with a blind flange; and (3) dismounting the agitator from the mounting shaft of the fermentation- or digestion tank using the multi-part mounting unit, comprising (i) removing the optional rear blind flange arranged on the mounting shaft and releasing the insertion opening, (ii) flanging the locking element on the insertion opening, (iii) opening the locking element, if the locking element is closed, (iv) removing the agitator from the mounting shaft in the mounting unit, (v) closing the locking element and sealing the mounting shaft, and (vi) removing the mounting tool with the agitator from the locking element.

Description

The invention relates to a fermentation or digester according to the preamble of claim 1 and a mounting unit according to the preamble of claim 5 and to a method for assembling and disassembling an agitator according to the respective preamble of claims 10 and 11, respectively.

Digester or digester are known from the use in agricultural biogas plants and municipal sewage treatment plants. In these containers, organic wastes linger on average for several days at a temperature which is slightly above the atmospheric temperature at about 35 ° C. In the digester an agitator is provided, which among other things serves to distribute introduced via a filler waste. The agitator is operated at intervals, so that an optimal temperature compensation takes place in the digester and thus the newly introduced waste materials are evenly distributed in the digester. The agitator also serves to provide the bacteria contained in the digester evenly with nutrients, to prevent the formation of layers and to release the gas bubbles, which are bound in deeper layers of mud particles. In many applications, for example, the container contents are mixed every hour for several minutes. On average, the systems have a total stirring time of 3 to 4 hours per day.

In particular, propeller mixers have long been used in a wide variety of applications. Examples of possible areas which may be mentioned here are the mixing of fermentation substrate in a biogas fermenter or the homogenization of manure in secondary fermentation tanks or slurry storage facilities. Agitators can meet a variety of shapes and sizes, designs and positions a variety of requirements in their arrangement and purpose.

Known in the agitator technology is a fixed installation of the agitators. Such is the German patent specification DE 197 56 485 C2 the applicant of the present patent application describes a digester with a round bottom surface, in which a stirrer is housed in a arranged below a filler neck stirring tube. The agitator is located here with its drive axle and a drive unit arranged on the drive unit in the bottom region of the digester. Since the agitator is a mechanically stressed module, regular maintenance work, for example to replace seals or other components, is necessary. For this purpose, it is necessary in the prior art to lower the level of the organic substances in the digester into a region below the agitator to prevent the undesirable leakage of organic substances during the maintenance process. In this case, a maintenance of the agitator causes a standstill of the entire system for several days.

In the aftermath, approaches were developed in which no reduction of the organic substances in the container is required for a stirrer change.

So is out of the DE 10 2007 022 902 A1 to take a further development of an axial agitator. This is a conveyor system of a fermentation or digestion tank, which comprises a conveyor with a drive device, a drive shaft and a conveyor element. The system further comprises a chamber into which the conveying element is retractable into a bellows. After retraction, the chamber is closed fluid-tight at the container end by a slide. Before flanging off, only the fluid residues in the chamber need to be drained to make the conveyor accessible for inspection or repair.

It is an object of the invention to develop a fermentation or digester with an agitator that does not need to be emptied for repair or replacement of the agitator. In addition, a variably usable assembly unit is to be combined with a method for assembling and disassembling an agitator.

According to the invention this object is achieved with respect to a fermentation or digestion tank with the features mentioned in claim 1 and with respect to a mounting unit with the features mentioned in claim 5 and with respect to a method for assembling and disassembling an agitator according to the features of claims 10 and 11 respectively. The other dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention.

The invention includes a fermentation or digester with a container wall and passing through the container wall drive bay for receiving a replaceable agitator, the agitator in a flooded container via a mounting unit in the arranged below the filling level and rigidly executed drive bay introduced and this at the insertion opening is closed. The assembly unit is constructed in several parts from an assembly tool and a shut-off. The shut-off can be separated as an independent part of the mounting tool and mounted on the insertion opening. Its task is to prevent leakage of the container contents when closed.

The invention is based on the idea, for example, to install a propeller agitator in a fermentation or digester without having to empty it. For this purpose, a drive slot is arranged in the lower part of the container, which is passed through the container wall. The drive bay is therefore below the level of a flooded container. This is to be understood in particular the standard filling level at which a fermentation or digestion tank is filled during normal operation.

The bay has the task of receiving and locking a replaceable agitator. An inseparably firm connection does not exist between the drive bay and the agitator. The former is correspondingly stable and has the required stability. Due to the stability of the drive bay can support largely self-supporting all parts required for a stirrer stable. For example, an electric motor with a V-belt transmission is provided as the drive, which is mounted on the rear side of the drive bay. The part of the installation bay facing away from the container is covered by a removable closing mechanism and thus usually closes the introduction opening for the agitator. However, closing is not absolutely necessary if the agitator used already seals the insertion slot against leakage of the container contents.

The particular advantage of the invention is that when replacing or repairing an agitator, the container no longer needs to be emptied. The otherwise required for emptying failure period of several days is reduced to a few hours. This increases the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of such systems. In addition, the drive bay is designed to be sufficiently stable, which further mounts and support devices of the agitator are unnecessary or can be reduced to a minimum. Economic investments by the operator are reduced accordingly. Thus, the economic use and resource utilization can be optimally adapted to the needs of operators of biogas plants or operators of other mixing vessels.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the agitator can seal the bay against liquid leakage. This seal is made by arranged on the agitator guides that are formed like a disk and fill the passage area in the drive bay. Advantageous are two arranged in the drive bay guides, which are connected by means of connecting shafts to a rigid unit. This unit also centers and stabilizes the agitator in the bay.

In an advantageous embodiment, the mounting unit can be designed to be arrangeable and removable on the drive bay. The assembly unit is independent and mobile. Thus, one and the same assembly unit can be used flexibly for a variety of fermentation and digestion tanks.

Advantageously, the introduction opening can be closed by a blind flange. For operation of the system in this way, the access opening of the slot is sealed tight. In any case, so no liquid and in particular no gas in an undesirable manner from the container interior.

Furthermore, the invention includes a mounting unit, which can be arranged and removed on the installation slot of a fermentation or digestion tank, wherein this comprises an assembly tool, which is closed at the front by a removable shut-off.

The term assembly unit of course describes a device which can be used both for mounting and for disassembling a stirrer. An assembly unit is multi-part and consists essentially of two mutually cooperating modules, the assembly tool and the shut-off. The assembly tool serves to receive and transport a stirrer. The shut-off element is either arranged on the mounting tool itself or is treated as a separate assembly.

A particular advantage of the solution according to the invention is that the mounting unit is independent and can be used on a mobile basis. Thus, one and the same assembly unit can be used flexibly for a variety of fermentation and digestion tanks. In the event of damage to an agitator, the mobile assembly or disassembly device is mounted on the installation slot of a container and removed the defective agitator without container emptying. After repairing the agitator is installed again in the same way in reverse order. Both during purchase and during operation, the assembly unit brings enormous economic benefits. The unit is not needed to operate the agitators. If necessary, therefore comparatively few units are sufficient to carry out repairs on a variety of fermentation or digestion tanks. With minor adjustments to the shut-off, the mounting unit can be used universally on any container shape and any type of container.

Advantageously, a linear drive for removing the agitator may be arranged. For this purpose, in principle all linear drives suitable, have the appropriate mechanical stability. For example, threaded rod drives as well as pneumatic or hydraulic drives can be considered for use.

Preferably, a rack can be arranged displaceably with a second drive unit as a linear drive. This is a particularly simple and stable device that is insensitive to the heavy mechanical stresses. In principle, however, a variety of other known linear drive concepts are suitable for use.

In a preferred embodiment, a arranged on the container-side end of the rack adapter can be designed as a gripping device for the agitator. Such adapters are adapted to the stirrers and interchangeable in the linear drive as a unit. This allows a flexible use of different structural designs as a link between the agitator and the mounting unit.

Advantageously, the mounting tool and the removable shut-off can have quick-release. As a result, the time required for assembly or disassembly of the units is significantly shortened. For example, a bayonet fitting with a sealing surface, with which the assembly unit also manages without further screwing by a simple plugging and locking by turning is suitable. Also, quick-release fasteners with spring elements as brackets are particularly suitable.

• – das Montagewerkzeug der Montageeinheit mit dem darin angeordneten Rührwerk an das auf dem Einbauschacht angeordnete Absperrelement der Montageeinheit montiert wird,
• – das Absperrelement geöffnet wird,
• – das Rührwerk aus der Montageeinheit in den Einbauschacht verschoben und dort fixiert wird,
• – die Montageeinheit mit dem Absperrelement vom Einbauschacht entfernt wird, und
• – optional die rückwärtige Einbringöffnung des Einbauschachts mit einem Blindflansch verschlossen wird.

In addition, the invention includes a method for mounting an agitator in a slot of a fermentation or digestion tank using a consisting of a mounting tool and shut-off multi-part mounting unit, wherein

• The assembly tool of the assembly unit with the agitator arranged therein is mounted on the shut-off element of the assembly unit arranged on the installation slot,
• - the shut-off element is opened,
• - The agitator is moved out of the assembly unit into the drive bay and fixed there,
• - The mounting unit with the shut-off element is removed from the drive bay, and
• - Optionally, the rear insertion opening of the drive bay is closed with a blind flange.

The agitator arranged in the bay can already seal the bay against leaking substrate from the container. Consequently, then the rear insertion opening of the drive bay can be left after removing the shut-off without further cover. The agitator can be fixed and secured from the outside by locking.

• – ein optional am Einbauschacht angeordneter rückwärtiger Blindflansch abgenommen und so die Einbringöffnung freigegeben wird,
• – das Absperrelement an die Einbringöffnung angeflanscht wird,
• – das Absperrelement, sofern dies geschlossen ist, geöffnet wird,
• – das Rührwerk aus dem Einbauschacht in die Montageeinheit herausgezogen wird,
• – das Absperrelement geschlossen und damit der Einbauschacht abgedichtet wird, und
• – das Montagewerkzeug mit dem darin angeordneten Rührwerk vom Absperrelement abgetrennt wird.

Also, the invention includes a method for disassembling a stirrer from a slot of a fermentation or digestion tank using a consisting of a mounting tool and shut-off multi-part mounting unit, wherein

• - Removed an optional located on the drive bay rear blind flange and so the insertion hole is released,
• - the shut-off element is flanged to the insertion opening,
• - the shut-off element, if it is closed, is opened,
• - The agitator is pulled out of the slot in the assembly unit,
• - Closed the shut-off and thus the bay is sealed, and
• - The assembly tool is separated with the agitator disposed therein from the shut-off.

With a crane or a similar lifting device, the complete part can be spent for inspection or repair.

Further advantageous developments and refinements of the invention will become apparent from the embodiments described in principle below with reference to the drawings.

It shows:

1 a schematic cross section through the slot of a fermentation or digestion tank with built-in agitator;

2 schematically a perspective side view of the fermentation or digestion tank and the mounting unit with cut container wall;

3 schematically an oblique perspective view of the main components of the fermentation or digester and the mounting unit;

4 schematically a rear view of the fermentation or digestion tank in the direction installation shaft axis with flanged mounting unit;

5 a schematic cross section through the slot and through the mounting unit with retracted agitator;

6 a view of the slot after removing the mounting unit; and

7 a schematic cross section through the bay and through the mounting unit with rebuilt agitator.

1 shows a schematic cross section through the drive bay 13 a fermentation or digestion tank 1 with built-in stirrer 2 , The drive bay 13 is also referred to as a mixing shaft. The stirring shaft 22 with propeller 21 is in the slot 13 with a first guide 25 and a second guide spaced therefrom 26 kept centric. The stirring shaft 22 occurs through both guides 25 . 26 centrally through. The passages on the guides 25 . 26 are through rubber bearings 24 which the agitator shaft 22 sealed against sealed from the container substrate. Through the rubber bearings 24 Stirrer vibrations are also dampened. The guides 25 . 26 are through connection waves 27 connected together and form a unit by position screws 18 is fixed from the outside. In 1 is only one of three connection waves 27 shown. The stirring shaft 22 can be installed and removed after removing the propeller 21 in the rubber stocks 24 be moved. This also installation lengths are saved during assembly.

On the lateral surfaces of the installation bay 13 is a rinse and drain opening 19 present in order to dissipate targeted during assembly or disassembly leaking substrate. For safe sealing during operation, a blind flange 14 screwed, which also as a bearing carrier for the storage unit 28 serves. In 1 is the first drive unit 23 an electric drive with V-belt transmission 29 shown. It can also be any other suitable drive, such as geared motor, hydraulic motor, electric motors with chain or toothed belt ratio are grown. For mounting the drive bay 13 on a container wall 12 made of steel, it is advantageous to perform the structure shown for static reasons from a flange with double outer rows of holes and with the bay 13 to weld. For installation, an in 1 not shown rubber gasket between flange and vessel wall 12 mounted and from the outside with a clamping frame 17 firmly screwed.

2 schematically shows a perspective side view of the fermentation or digestion tank 1 and the hired assembly unit 3 with cut-open container wall 12 , The container wall 12 relies on a sustainable bottom plate shown here as a partial section 11 from. In the storage compartment 13 is a stirrer designed as a propeller agitator 2 arranged. In detail is the stirrer shaft 22 with propeller 21 , a part of the slot machine 13 with built-up electric motor as the first drive unit 23 and the employed assembly unit 3 with the second drive unit 34 , also shown an electric motor. The agitator 2 is so ready to use. The introduction opening 15 is through the arranged assembly unit 3 covered.

3 schematically shows an oblique perspective view of the main components of the fermentation or digester 1 and the mounting unit 3 , The installation in the container wall 12 a steel container must be constructed from the inside to the outside and from the outside with a clamping frame 17 be pressed. Concrete tanks are externally mounted on the wall with appropriate heavy duty anchors or similar fasteners. To the storage bay 13 to support are to the bottom plate 11 struts 16 arranged. The assembly unit 3 is on a support frame 37 positioned. The agitator 2 is prepared for disassembly.

4 schematically shows a rear view of the fermentation or digestion tank 1 in the direction of installation shaft axis with flanged mounting unit 3 , The trained as a slide shut-off 32 is open to remove the agitator. With the help of the electric motor as a second drive unit 34 becomes a rack 35 axially displaced in the direction of the container and in the 4 agitator, not shown, also from the assembly unit 3 pulled out hidden slot. The peripheral clamping frame is clear 17 to recognize as a connection to the container wall.

5 shows a schematic cross section through the drive bay 13 and through the mounting unit 3 with retracted agitator 2 , Previously, the blind flange (not shown here) with the bearing unit was removed and the open slide as a shut-off element 32 Flanged, then the rack 35 with the adapter 36 to the stirrer shaft 22 connected. Subsequently, the position screws 18 unscrewed and the rack 35 complete with stirrer shaft 22 with a worm gear motor as a second drive unit 34 of the linear drive 33 steadily out of the slot 13 in the assembly tool 31 drawn. At the time when the guides 25 . 26 with the stirrer shaft 22 in accordance with 5 shown position, then the slider 32 getting closed. The drive bay 13 is via the drain and flush opening 19 cleaned and then from the slider 32 separated by loosening the screw. The slider 32 remains as a separate module on the bay 13 to seal against leakage of the substrate from the container. The necessary repairs can now be carried out. There has been no emptying of the container nor any other impediment to the operation of the container.

6 shows a view of the installation bay 13 after removing the mounting unit. After removing the agitator, this can happen in the fermentation or digester 1 located substrate to the as a shut-off 32 spread serving slide. The slider 32 seals reliably even with prolonged dwell time.

7 shows a schematic cross section through the drive bay 13 and the mounting unit 3 with rebuilt agitator 2 , The assembly of the agitator 2 is performed as follows. After inspection or repair becomes the assembly tool 31 with the inserted agitator 2 to the slider 32 flanged. The slider 32 is opened, the agitator 2 is powered by the powered rack 35 to its final position in the slot 13 pushed. The guides 25 . 26 be using the radially mounted position screws 18 attached. The slider 32 including assembly tool 31 will be dismantled. The blind flange 14 with storage unit 28 is screwed back on and the first drive unit 23 assembled. The agitator 2 is ready for use again.

The top view of 7 now shows the installation or mixing shaft 13 with built-in stirrer 2 and the still employed assembly unit 3 , Here is the end position of the propeller agitator 2 in the slot 13 to recognize. In order to achieve a rotational movement and thus a thorough mixing of the substrate in the container, the structure of the unit is rotated by 30 ° out of alignment.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 19756485 C2 [0004]
• DE 102007022902 A1 [0006]

Claims (11)

Fermentation or digester ( 1 ) with a container wall ( 12 ) and through the container wall ( 12 ) passing through the drive bay ( 13 ) for receiving a replaceable agitator ( 2 ), characterized in that the agitator ( 2 ) in a flooded container via an assembly unit ( 3 ) in the arranged below the filling level and rigidly executed drive bay ( 13 ) and this at the introduction opening ( 15 ) is closable. Fermenting or digester according to claim 1, characterized in that the agitator ( 2 ) the drive bay ( 13 ) seals against leakage of liquid. Fermenting or digester according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mounting unit ( 3 ) at the drive bay ( 13 ) is arranged and detachable. Fermenting or digester according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the introduction opening ( 15 ) by a blind flange ( 14 ) is closable. Mounting unit ( 3 ), which at the 13 ) of a fermentation or digestion tank ( 1 ) can be arranged and removed, characterized in that this an assembly tool ( 31 ), which frontally by a removable shut-off ( 32 ) is closable. Mounting unit according to claim 5, characterized in that a linear drive ( 33 ) for removing the agitator ( 2 ) is arranged. Mounting unit according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that as a linear drive ( 33 ) a rack ( 35 ) slidably with a second drive unit ( 34 ) is arranged. Mounting unit according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that a at the container-side end of the rack ( 35 ) arranged adapter ( 36 ) as a gripping device for the agitator ( 2 ) is trained. Mounting unit according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the assembly tool ( 31 ) and the removable shut-off element ( 32 ) Have quick fasteners. Method for assembling a stirrer ( 2 ) into a slot ( 13 ) of a fermentation or digestion tank ( 1 ) using one of a mounting tool ( 31 ) and shut-off element ( 32 ) existing multipart assembly unit ( 3 ), characterized in that - the assembly tool ( 31 ) of the mounting unit ( 3 ) with the agitator ( 2 ) to the on the drive bay ( 13 ) arranged shut-off element ( 32 ) of the mounting unit ( 3 ), - the shut-off element ( 32 ) is opened, - the agitator ( 2 ) from the assembly unit ( 3 ) in the slot ( 13 ) and fixed there, - the assembly unit ( 3 ) with the shut-off element ( 32 ) from the drive bay ( 13 ) is removed, and - optionally the rear insertion opening ( 15 ) of the installation bay ( 13 ) with a blind flange ( 14 ) is closed. Method for dismantling an agitator ( 2 ) from a slot ( 13 ) of a fermentation or digestion tank ( 1 ) using one of a mounting tool ( 31 ) and shut-off element ( 32 ) existing multipart assembly unit ( 3 ), characterized in that - an optional on the drive bay ( 13 ) arranged rear blind flange ( 14 ) and so the insertion opening ( 15 ), - the shut-off element ( 32 ) to the introduction opening ( 15 ) is flanged, - the shut-off element ( 32 ), if this is closed, - the agitator ( 2 ) from the slot ( 13 ) in the mounting unit ( 3 ), - the shut-off element ( 32 ) and thus the drive bay ( 13 ), and - the assembly tool ( 31 ) with the agitator ( 2 ) from the shut-off element ( 31 ) is separated.

Images