DE102011103371A1 - Method for operating a valve of a process-technical product-carrying system, valve device with such a valve and use of such a valve - Google Patents

Abstract

In a method for operating a valve (12) of a process-technical product-carrying system, the valve having a first closing element (24) and a second closing element (30), a leakage space between the first closing element (24) and the second closing element (30) (38) is present, and wherein the valve (12) has at least three connections (16, 18, 42), the first closing element (24) and the second closing element (30) being closed in a first operating mode by a first connection (16) to shut off the valve (12) against a second connection (18) and against the leakage space (38), the first closing element (24) and the second closing element (30) being opened in a second operating mode in order to open the first connection ( 16) with the second connection (18) along a first product path (50) in a product-conducting manner and to shut off against the leakage space (38), and in a third operating mode the first closing element (24) or the second e closing element (30) is opened while the second closing element (30) or the first closing element (24) remains closed, so that the first connection (16) or the second connection (18) is connected to a third connection (42; 60, 62), into which the leakage space (38) opens, is connected and is blocked off against the second connection (18) or the first connection (16), the first connection (16) or the second connection becomes in the third operating mode (18) via the leakage space (38) as a second product path (52; 52 '; 52' ') to the third connection (42; 60, 62) for guiding product through the leakage space (38).

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a valve of a procedural product-carrying system, wherein the valve has a first closing member and a second closing member, wherein between the first closing member and the second closing member, a leakage space is present, and wherein the valve has at least three terminals, wherein in a first mode of operation, the first closing member and the second closing member are closed to shut off a first port of the valve against a second port and against the leakage space, and in a second operating mode the first closing member and the second closing member are opened to the first port be product-conductively connected to the second port along a first product path and shut off against the leakage space, and wherein in a third mode, the first closing member or the second closing member is opened, while the second closing member and the first Schließgli ed remains closed so that the first connection or the second connection is connected to a third connection, into which the leakage chamber opens, and is shut off against the second connection or the first connection.

The invention further relates to a valve device of a process-technical product-carrying system, comprising a valve having a first closing member, a second closing member and at least three terminals, wherein between the first closing member and the second closing member, a leakage space is present, which opens into one of the terminals.

The invention also relates to a use of a valve of the aforementioned type.

For the purposes of the present invention, a "process-technical product-carrying plant" is understood to mean a food-technical, chemical-technical or pharmaceutical-technical plant.

For the purposes of the present invention, a "closing member" is understood to mean a closing body, for example a valve disk or a closing sleeve with associated gasket or seals, or else just a closing body part, for example the gasket itself. In the latter case, the first closing member and the second Closing member may each be a seal, wherein the two seals axially spaced from each other are arranged on a common base body.

A method for operating a valve, a valve device and a use of such a valve of the aforementioned types are, for example, from WO 93/16306 A1 or WO 93/16307 A1 known.

From the two aforementioned documents, a valve with two serially arranged, relatively movable closing members is disclosed, which, since it has two relatively movable closing members, is also referred to as a double-seat valve.

The first closing member of the known valves is designed in the form of a valve disk, while the second closing member is designed in the form of a closing sleeve. Between the two closing elements is a so-called leakage space.

The first closing member of the known valves is associated with a first closing member seat, while the second closing member is associated with a second closing member seat. In its mutual closing state, the first closing member is sealingly seated on the first closing member seat and the second closing member is sealingly seated on the second closing member seat. In the mutual closing state of the two closing members, the two closing members lock off a first connection of the valve against a second connection of the valve.

If the term "closing member seat" is used here for the purposes of the description of the present invention, this is to be understood as meaning either a specific position or a position range in or in which the first closing member or the second closing member assume their closed state.

Depending on the installation situation of the valve, the first connection is connected to a first pipeline and the second connection is connected to a second pipeline, so that in the mutual closing state of the two closing elements, a transfer of medium, for example of product flowing in the first pipeline, into the second pipeline is prevented.

In other installation situations, the valve can also be used as a bottom-seat valve, wherein the first connection of the valve can then be connected, for example, to a tank outlet, while the second connection is connected to a pipeline which serves as supply and / or discharge line for product away from the tank.

In the mutual open position of the closing members, the first connection is product-conductively connected to the second connection, so that product can be transferred from the first connection to the second connection. The product path formed in the mutual open position of the two closing members extends on the closing members on the outside passing through the valve housing.

The two closing members of the known valves are moved in their mutual open position against each other so that the located between the closing elements leakage chamber is sealed against the aforementioned product path, so that product can not get into the leakage chamber, provided that the closing members properly complete against each other ,

The leakage chamber of the valve has in the known double-seat valves the function of the derivation of the resulting switching leakage and / or other leaks in the environment of the valve, d. H. the function of drainage. In the closing member and seat cleaning, in which, for example, the first closing member with its closing member seat is disengaged, which is also referred to as lifting or strokes of the first closing member, the leakage space also serves to discharge the cleaning liquid through the third port into the environment of the valve. In this case, the first terminal is connected to the third terminal, into which the leakage chamber opens, while the first terminal is shut off from the second terminal, because the second closing member with its second closing member seat in this mode continues to be in sealing contact. When clocking the second closing member, conversely, the second connection is connected to the third connection via the leakage chamber.

Also known are so-called double-seal valves, in which the first closing member is a first seal and the second closing member is a second seal axially spaced from the first seal, the two seals being arranged on a common body, for example a valve disk. In contrast to the double-seat valves described above, the two closing members of the double-sealing valve are not movable relative to each other. Nevertheless, located between the two closure members in the form of the two seals a leakage space, which also serves in the known double-seal valves to dissipate the resulting sound leakage and / or other leakage into the environment of the valve. In the case of the double-sealing valves, it is likewise possible to disengage one closing element in the form of one seal with the associated closing element seat, while the other closing element in the form of the other seal continues to be in sealing contact with its closing element seat, and vice versa. In this context, the respective closing member seat is to be understood as a position range within which the respective closing member remains in sealing contact with its closed state even in the case of a common axial movement of the two closing members, which converts a closing member into its open condition.

A disadvantage of the known valves of the types described above is their limited functionality with regard to product guidance.

For the purposes of the present invention, "product" is to be understood as meaning a medium which is produced and / or processed in the process-technological product-carrying plant. Such a product may be a foodstuff, for example in the case where the process-technological product-carrying plant is used in a brewery, for beer, or in the case that the plant-technical product-carrying plant is operated in a dairy, is a milk product. However, a "product" within the meaning of the present invention may also be a pharmaceutical product or a chemical product.

For the purposes of the present invention, however, "product" is understood to mean not only the finished product to be produced, but also a precursor of such a product and an ingredient or product component used in the production of the finished product, such as raw materials, auxiliary materials and / or supplies. but also in the production of a product resulting product component to be separated from the finished product.

However, the term "product" in the sense of the present invention does not mean, for example, the leakage of such a product in the event of a leakage of the closing elements or switching leakage and also not cleaning liquid used for cleaning the pipelines and the valve interior.

The invention has the object of developing a method for operating a valve of the type mentioned in such a way that the functionality and possible applications of the valve can be increased.

The invention is further the object of developing a valve device of the type mentioned in that the functionality and potential applications of the valve device can be increased.

The invention is also based on the object of specifying a use of a valve of a process engineering product-carrying system with which the functionality and possible applications of the valve are increased.

According to the invention, the object with regard to the aforementioned method for operating a valve of a process-technical product-carrying system is achieved in that in the third mode of operation of the first port or the second port via the leakage chamber as the second product path to the third port for conducting Product or a product component is connected through the leakage space.

With regard to the above-mentioned valve device, the object is achieved in that the third connection is connected to at least one product-carrying line.

According to the invention is also a valve of a procedural product-carrying system comprising a first closing member, a second closing member and at least three ports, wherein between the first closing member and the second closing member, a leakage space is present, which opens into one of the terminals, for conducting product or a product component between at least one first port and the port into which opens the leakage chamber, through the leakage space used as a product path.

The invention is characterized in that in a valve, in particular a double-seat valve or double-sealing valve, not only a product path are realized, but two, in which the leakage space is used as a product path. In this way, the functionality and possible applications of such a valve are increased.

Thus, for example, when the valve is connected to a tank or other container in which a product is manufactured or stored, in the third mode of operation, a product component enters the tank or container via the leakage space as a second product path fed, or a product component from the tank or the container are discharged through the leakage chamber. For this purpose, in the valve device according to the invention, the third connection, into which the leakage chamber opens, is connected to at least one product-carrying line. In the second mode, in which the two closing members are transferred to their mutual open position, the first port is then connected to the second port as a product path to, for example, when the valve is connected to a tank to empty the tank or with product to fill.

The increased functionality and capabilities of the valve provided by the present invention can be realized by the same drive as is already present in a conventional valve. That is, with the conventional switching states of the valve, namely mutual closing state of the closing members, mutual open state of the closing members, open state of only the first closing member and possibly open state of only the second closing member, which may already be realized in a conventional valve, the leakage space according to the invention as a further Product path between the first terminal and the second terminal and the third terminal used as an alternative to the first product path between the first terminal and the second terminal. Optionally, the stroke of the closure members in the third mode is to be adjusted so that product can flow past the corresponding closure member into or out of the leakage space with sufficient throughput.

It is understood that the number of ports that the valve has is not limited to three ports. It can, for. B. if the valve is designed as a through valve, a plurality of first and a plurality of second ports may be present. Likewise, several third connections can be provided.

In a preferred embodiment of the method and the valve device, the third port, into which the leakage chamber opens, is connected to only one line via which product or a product component is removed or supplied in the third operating mode.

This embodiment has the advantage of a structurally simple construction of the valve device and is suitable, for example, for the simple case that only product or a product component is removed via the leakage space. In the simplest case, the line connected to the connection into which the leakage chamber opens can lead into the gully, as is already the case with conventional valve devices, in which the leakage space is drained into the environment (gully).

Accordingly, it is preferred if the one line to which the connection is connected, which opens into the leakage space, is used as the leakage line in the first or second operating mode.

As a result, an additional expense of piping is advantageously avoided despite increased functionality of the valve device.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method, the third connection is selectively connected to one of at least two lines, of which at least one is a product-carrying line.

In the case of the valve device, the third connection is connected to at least two lines, of which at least one is a product-carrying line.

In order to selectively connect the third connection to one of the at least two lines, a switching valve, a valve arrangement or a valve node can be provided in the region of the branch between the at least two lines.

The at least two lines can preferably all be product lines, so that, for example, various product components, for example raw materials, auxiliaries and / or operating materials or generally ingredients of a product to be produced, are supplied via the third connection and the leakage space to the first connection or the second connection or can be dissipated in the reverse direction.

Preferably, in the method, the third connection in the third mode is switched to a first line for discharging product or for supplying product.

Furthermore, it is preferable if the third port is connected in the first operating mode to a second line for discharging leakage from the leakage chamber.

In the case of the valve device, this is preferably provided when at least one line of the at least two lines is a leakage line.

It is advantageous that the leakage space can be used in addition to its function as a further product path in the mutual closing state of the two closing members in a conventional manner as a leakage chamber for leakage monitoring, and also the leakage space in the lifting position of the first or second closing member for the removal of cleaning liquid be used. In this embodiment, the leakage chamber advantageously retains its conventional function for drainage of leakage and cleaning fluid, wherein the leakage space according to the invention can additionally be used as a product path in the third operating mode.

In the method, it is accordingly preferably provided that the leakage space in the first operating mode, ie. H. is monitored for leakage in the mutual closed position of the two closing members.

In a preferred embodiment of the valve device, the valve is connected via the first connection to a tank.

In the method, in this case, preferably in the third operating mode, product is discharged from the tank via the leakage space or product is fed into the tank via the leakage space.

The integration of two product paths into a valve with two closing members is particularly advantageous in the above-mentioned embodiment. Thus, for example, when a product is produced in the tank, via the second connection in the mutual open state of the two closure members, a product main component, for example in the case of beer production wort, or in the production of a dairy product, for example. Milk, in the Tank are fed while other product components, such as yeast in beer production or a fruit preparation in the case of the production of yoghurt in the third mode via the third port into the tank. Furthermore, in the third operating mode, ingredients such as aromas, concentrates and the like can advantageously be supplied to the tank via the leakage space.

The sequential supply and removal of product or product components can be realized with the method according to the invention and the valve device according to the invention via a valve with integrated function "supply / discharge". This results in not only the advantage of a smaller footprint of the valve device according to the invention in realization of increased functionality, but on the two product paths, which are realized according to the invention in a valve, creates a separation of functions, for example. When feeding various product components and product and an integration of various functions in just one valve. Due to the possibility of separately supplying product or product components via two product paths, for example, into a tank or removing it from the tank, it is also advantageous to use product mixtures, ie. H. Cross-contamination, avoided, which is only possible with a valve, which has only one product path, if an intermediate cleaning takes place.

In the event that a product component is discharged from the tank via the leakage chamber in the third operating mode, it is further preferred if the valve is switched over to the second mode after the discharge of a product component in the third operating mode to the tank via the second connection to empty.

The removal of a product component via the leakage space from the tank may, for example, be a product component which arises in the production process of the product in the tank, but is to be separated from the product to be produced. The advantage of integrating two product paths into a valve having two closing members is that first the product component to be removed, which has settled, for example, at the bottom of the tank, can be quickly removed via the leakage space without being guided along the first product path and this thereby "contaminate", and by switching the valve in the second mode, the product along the first product path from the tank can be emptied via the first product path free of the product component to be separated.

In one embodiment of the method, the tank is a fermentation and / or storage tank or sedimentation tank, and the product component discharged in the third mode is product sediment deposited on the tank bottom.

Under "tank bottom" is here, for example, to understand the cone of a cylindroconical tank.

"Product sediment" can be any product-specific sediment.

Sedimentation tanks are used in various areas of food production, for example for beer.

In a more specific exemplary embodiment of the method, the tank is a fermentation and / or storage tank or sedimentation tank for beer, wherein the product sediment discharged in the third mode is trash, oily and / or yeast that settles on the tank bottom Has.

The lees, the lees and / or the yeast can thus be advantageously discharged in the third mode of the valve via the leakage space to the third port and from there to a destination from the tank, and then immediately then released from the product sediment beer by switching the valve in the second mode from the tank via the first product path and the second port to be emptied. A back mixing of the product sediment into the beer is advantageously avoided in this way.

Conversely, in the third mode of operation, an ingredient used in product production can generally also be supplied to the tank via the leakage space.

Such an ingredient or auxiliary or operating substance may be, for example, flavor, concentrate, CO ₂ or the like, which is supplied via the leakage space in the tank. In beer production, the ingredient may, for example, be wort, in the fruit juice beverage production, for example, fruit juice concentrate, etc.

In yet another preferred embodiment, in the third mode of operation, a product sample is withdrawn via the leakage space.

The method according to the invention and the valve device according to the invention are thus advantageously also used for sampling, the sampling taking place according to the invention via the leakage space. In the case of sampling, the valve is, for example, connected to a flow line, or, if it is connected to a tank or container, the valve is preferably located on one side of the tank or container.

Preferably, the valve is a double seat valve, but also a multiple sealing valve, in particular a double sealing valve. Both with a double-seat valve and a multi-sealing valve, in particular a double-sealing valve, the method according to the invention can be carried out.

Further advantages and features will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained can be used not only in the particular combination given, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

1 a valve device in longitudinal section in two partial images showing different modes of operation of the valve device;

2 a section along the line II-II in 1 ;

3 an enlarged section of the valve device in 1 with further optional details in two partial images showing two further modes of operation of the valve device.

In 1 is one with the general reference numeral 10 provided valve device of a process engineering product leading system shown. The valve device 10 has a valve designed as a double seat valve 12 on that in 3 partial and enlarged and shown with another optional detail. 2 shows a further detail of the valve 12 ,

The valve device 10 and the valve 12 will be referred to below with reference to 1 to 3 described.

The valve 12 has a housing 14 on, on which a first connection 16 and a second connection 18 are arranged. For the sake of graphic representation is the second port 18 shown twice, on the left half of the drawing as well as on the right half of the drawing. It is understood that the valve 12 may also have a plurality of first and a plurality of second ports, in particular when the valve 12 as a passage valve is trained. In the latter case, the connection can 18 another connection opposite.

The second connection 18 is connected to a non-illustrated product leading line. The first connection 16 is in the embodiment shown, the installation situation of the valve 12 to a schematically and only partially illustrated tank 20 connected, preferably to a floor 22 of the tank 20 , In this case, the valve 12 a bottom seat valve. The first connection 16 However, it can also be connected to another product-carrying pipeline in other installation situations.

The valve 12 has a first closing member 24 on, which is formed in the embodiment shown as a valve plate VT. In its closed state, in the right half of the drawing in 1 and in the left half of the drawing in 3 is shown acts the first closure member 24 with a first closing member seat 26 together. For this purpose, the first closing member 24 a seal 28 on, which may be formed as here as a radial seal.

The valve 12 also has a second closing member 30 on, which is formed in the embodiment shown as a closing sleeve SH and according to a tubular extension 32 having.

In its closed state, the second closing member acts 30 with a second closing member seat 34 together, wherein the closed position of the second closing member 30 in the right half of the drawing in 1 and the right half of the drawing in 3 is shown. The second closing element 30 has a seal accordingly 36 on, which can be designed as here as a radial-axial seal.

Between the first closing member 24 and the second closing member 30 is a leakage room 38 present, extending between the first closing member 24 , a drive shaft 40 , the second closing member 30 and the tubular extension 32 extends and into a third port 42 empties. The connection 42 is with the second closing member 30 firmly connected and therefore moves when opening and closing the second closing member 30 with this with, as in 1 is shown with broken lines.

The leakage room 38 is extended in cross-section so that it is able to provide sufficient cross-section for the conduction of product.

Between the drive shaft 40 and the tubular extension 32 of the second closing member 30 is a guide element 44 arranged with the first closing member 24 is firmly connected, and that serves to the first closing member 24 without radial play relative to the second closing member 30 respectively. In 2 is in a cross section along the line II-II in FIG 1 the tubular extension 32 and the guide element 44 shown. How out 2 shows, is the guide element 44 provided with an outer contour, here with a substantially triangular outer contour, which the passage of product through the leakage space 38 not impeded with sufficient throughput. Through the 3-point system of the guide element 44 on the tubular extension 32 becomes the guiding function of the guide element 44 despite sufficient remaining cross-section for the leakage space 38 guaranteed.

The valve 12 also has a control drive 46 on, for example, as in conventional valves works pneumatically. About the control drive 46 can be the first closing element 24 , and the second closing member 30 together and independently according to different operating modes of the valve device 10 or of the valve 12 be actuated, as described in more detail below.

The following description refers to an installation situation of the valve 12 in which the valve 12 as bottom seat valve to the tank 20 connected, ie the first connection 16 flows into a tank outlet on the ground 22 of the tank 20 ,

The second connection 18 in this case, for example, to a pipeline for filling or emptying the tank 20 connected.

The right half of the drawing in 1 shows a first mode of operation of the valve device 10 in which the first closing element 24 and the second closing member 30 with their respective closing member seat 26 respectively. 34 sealingly in contact. The two closing links 24 and 30 are thus in their mutual closed state. In this mode, the first port is 16 against the second connection 18 shut off. The first connection 16 and the second connection 18 are also against the leakage space 38 shut off.

The leakage room 38 can be used in the first mode in a conventional manner for the drainage of leakage, for example, in the switching operations for actuating the closing members 24 . 30 accrues. The leakage room 38 Can also be used in this mode for leakage monitoring, ie in the event of failure of the seal 28 and / or the seal 36 leakage occurs in the leakage space 38 which is then detected by appropriate control devices to the malfunction of the valve 12 display. For this purpose, the third port is 42 into the leakage room 38 opens, with a leakage line 48 connected and in the first Operating mode switched to this, via which the leakage is discharged to the outside.

The left half of the drawing in 1 shows a second mode of operation of the valve device 10 or of the valve 12 in which both the first closing member 24 as well as the second closing member 30 are open. In this mode, the first port is 16 with the second connection 18 connected to the product. Between the first connection 16 and the second port 18 This results in a first product path in this operating mode 50 , In the mutual open position of the closing members 24 and 30 can, for example, the tank 20 along the first product path 50 filled with product or product may be from the tank 20 be emptied.

The first product path 50 is meanwhile against the leakage space 38 locked off, in which the two closing members 24 and 30 axially so that they are in contact with each other, and the seal 36 of the second closing member 30 axially against the first closing member 24 seals.

The leakage room 38 In this mode, in turn, if necessary, for drainage of leakage or to monitor the valve 12 to be used on leakage.

The right half of the drawing in 3 shows a third mode of operation of the valve device 10 or of the valve 12 in which the first closing element 24 with the first closing member seat 26 has been dislocated while the second closure member 30 with the second closing member seat 34 continues to be in sealing contact with the system. This mode is also called clocking or Anläüften the first closing member 24 designated.

In this operating mode is now the first port 16 (see. 1 ) with the third connection 42 connected while the first connection 16 against the second connection 18 over the second closing member 30 is locked.

In this mode, the leakage chamber 38 now as a second product path 52 (see. 3 ) used. The third connection 42 (see. 1 ) is in this mode on a product leading line 54 (see. 1 ). There may also be several product-carrying lines 54 be provided, for example, two or three such lines 54 ,

Switching between the leakage line 48 and the one or more product-carrying lines can be realized by switching valves.

But it can also be provided in the simplest case, that only one of the lines 48 or 54 which is used as a leakage and / or product-carrying line.

It can now be in the third operating mode, product or product component through the product leading line 54 and the leakage room 38 in the tank 20 be supplied. Conversely, in the third operating mode, product or a product component from the tank 20 (in 3 not shown, cf. 1 ) over the leakage space 38 into the product-leading line 54 or another product-leading line.

If the tank 20 is a fermentation and / or storage tank or sedimentation tank, can in the third mode according to the right half of the drawing in 3 Product sediment located on the tank bottom 22 (see. 1 ) has dropped over the leakage space 38 into the pipe 54 (see. 1 ) are discharged. Once the product sediment from the tank 20 is deducted, the valve can 12 then from the third mode to the second mode according to the left half of the drawing in FIG 1 be switched to the tank 20 along the first product path 50 in the to the second connection 18 to empty the connected emptying line.

In a special case of application is the tank 20 a fermentation and / or storage tank or sedimentation tank for beer, wherein in the third mode Trub, which has settled on the tank bottom, yeast and / or Geläger on the leakage space 38 into the pipe 48 or 54 (see. 1 ) is deducted.

Another application of the third mode according to the right half of the drawing in 3 may consist of a raw, auxiliary and / or fuel, ie generally an ingredient in beer production, for example. Yeast, on the product leading line 54 and the leakage room 38 in the tank 20 to feed after the tank 20 in the second mode according to the left half of the drawing in 1 with the main component or components (wort) via the to the second connection 18 connected filling line has been filled.

In other applications of the valve device 10 can the tank 20 also be a tank in a dairy where a dairy product is made. Also in this case, in the third mode, the leakage space 38 for feeding (eg flavors, concentrates, fruit preparations) or discharging product components into the tank 20 or from the tank 20 be used.

Still other applications of the valve device 10 arise, for example, in a process engineering product-leading plant for the production of fruit juices, in which, for example. Fruit concentrates over the leakage space 38 in the tank 20 can be supplied.

In still other applications of the valve device 10 in chemical engineering or pharmaceutical-technical facilities can over the leakage space 38 For example, product sediments discharged or raw materials and / or supplies via the leakage chamber 38 be supplied.

The valve device 10 However, it can also be used for sampling via the leakage chamber 38 be used. By sampling, an amount of product can be tested for their condition after collection. In the case of using the valve device 10 for sampling is the valve 12 preferably connected to a flow line, or in case of connection to a tank on one side of the tank.

In the left half of the drawing in 3 is another third mode of operation of the valve device 10 or of the valve 12 shown in the reverse, the second closing member 30 with its closing member seat 34 has been dislocated while the first closure member 24 with the first closing member seat 26 continues to be in sealing contact with the system. In this case, therefore, the second closing member 30 clocked or ventilated.

In this third mode is now the second port 18 over the leakage room 38 with the third connection 42 connected, and also in this case, the leakage space 38 as a second product path 52 ' be used to product through the leakage space 38 to lead.

In 3 is yet another optional detail of the valve device 10 shown. This optional detail is that the valve 12 one or two connections 60 . 62 in which the leakage chamber 38 directly in the area between the closing links 24 and 30 empties. Both connections 60 and 62 are each with a shut-off valve 64 respectively. 66 fitted. About the connections 60 and 62 can the leakage space 38 be cleaned even if both closing members 24 and 30 in their closed state (see right half of drawing in 1 ) are located.

The connections 60 and 62 However, you can also use the product line instead of the connection 42 be used. In this case, the connection forms 60 and / or the connection 62 the third connection according to the invention.

The provision of the third connection, like the connection 60 and / or the connection 62 , in the area of the leakage space 38 directly between the two closing links 24 and 30 is particularly suitable for the design of the valve as a multi-sealing valve, for example. As a double-sealing valve. In this case, the two seals would 28 and 36 form the closing members, which are then arranged at a fixed axial distance from one another to a common base body. In this case, the two seals 28 and 36 only be moved together with each other axially. But even then, at least one of the two seals, such as the seal 36 by common procedure of the seals 36 and 28 , for example in 3 down according to the left half of the drawing in 3 while the other seal, here the seal 28 , remains in its closed state. About the product path 52 '' would be the second port 18 with the connection 62 respectively. 60 if the corresponding valve 64 and or 66 is open, connected to the product.

While the valve device 10 above on the basis of a mounting situation as a bottom seat valve at the bottom of the tank 20 It is understood that the valve device 10 also in other installation situations can be used so that the first connection 16 is connected to another pipeline, which then in the second mode of the valve device 10 with the to the second connection 18 connected pipeline is connected. In the third operating mode, it can then be connected to the first port 16 connected pipe over the leakage chamber 38 Product-related as the product path to the third connection 42 connected product line 54 be product-conductively connected when the first closing member 24 is clocked, or to the second port 18 connected pipe can be connected to the third connection in the third mode 42 connected product-managing line 54 be product-conductively connected when the second closing member 30 is clocked. In any case, the leakage space 38 as another product path of the valve 12 used.

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

• WO 93/16306 A1 [0006]
• WO 93/16307 A1 [0006]

Claims (26)

Method for operating a valve ( 12 ) of a process-technical product-carrying system, wherein the valve ( 12 ) a first closing member ( 24 ) and a second closing member ( 30 ), wherein between the first closing member ( 24 ) and the second closing member ( 30 ) a leakage space ( 38 ) is present, and wherein the valve ( 12 ) at least three ports ( 16 . 18 . 42 ), wherein in a first mode of operation the first closing member ( 24 ) and the second closing member ( 30 ) are closed to a first connection ( 16 ) of the valve ( 12 ) against a second connection ( 18 ) and against the leakage space ( 38 ), and wherein in a second mode of operation the first closing member ( 24 ) and the second closing member ( 30 ) to open the first port ( 16 ) with the second connection ( 18 ) along a first product path ( 50 ) to be connected in a product-conducting manner and against the leakage space ( 38 ), and wherein in a third mode of operation the first closing member ( 24 ) or the second closing member ( 30 ) is opened, while the second closing member ( 30 ) or the first closing member ( 24 ) remains closed so that the first port ( 16 ) or the second connection ( 18 ) with a third connection ( 42 ; 60 . 62 ) into which the leakage space ( 38 ), connected and against the second port ( 18 ) or the first connection ( 16 ), characterized in that in the third mode of operation the first terminal ( 16 ) or the second connection ( 18 ) over the leakage space ( 38 ) as a second product path ( 52 ; 52 '; 52 '' ) with the third connection ( 42 ; 60 . 62 ) for passing product or a product component through the leakage space ( 38 ) is connected. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the third connection ( 42 ; 60 . 62 ) with only one line ( 48 ), via which in the third operating mode product or a product component is discharged or supplied. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the one line ( 48 ) is used in the first or second mode as a leakage line. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the third connection ( 42 ; 60 . 62 ) optionally on one of at least two lines ( 48 . 54 ), at least one of which is a product-leading ( 54 ) Line is. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the third connection ( 42 ; 60 . 62 ) in the third mode on a first line ( 54 ) is switched to remove product or a product component or for supplying product or a product component. Method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the third connection ( 42 ; 60 . 62 ) in the first mode on a second line ( 48 ) for removing leakage from the leakage space ( 38 ) is switched on. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the leakage space ( 38 ) is monitored for leakage in the first mode. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the valve ( 12 ) over the first port ( 16 ) to a tank ( 20 ) and that in the third mode of operation product or a product component via the leakage space ( 38 ) from the tank ( 20 ) or product or a product component via the leakage space ( 38 ) in the tank ( 20 ) is supplied. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the valve ( 12 ) is switched to the second mode after discharging the product component in the third mode to the tank ( 20 ) via the second port ( 18 ) to empty. Method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the tank ( 20 ) is a fermentation and / or storage tank or sedimentation tank, and that the product component discharged in the third operating mode is product sediment which is located at the bottom of the tank ( 22 ) has discontinued. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the tank ( 20 ) is a fermentation and / or storage tank or sedimentation tank for beer, and that the product sediment discharged in the third mode is trub, oily and / or yeast. A method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the product component supplied in the third operating mode is an ingredient used in the production of the product. Method according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that in the third operating mode, a product sample is removed via the leakage space. Valve device of a process-technical product-carrying system, with a valve ( 12 ), which is a first closing member ( 24 ), a second closing member ( 30 ) and at least three ports ( 16 . 18 . 42 ; 60 . 62 ), wherein between the first closing member ( 24 ) and the second closing member ( 30 ) a leakage space ( 38 ) present in one ( 42 ; 60 . 62 ) of the connections ( 16 . 18 . 42 ; 60 . 62 ), characterized in that the connection ( 42 ; 60 . 62 ) into which the leakage chamber opens, with at least one product-carrying line ( 48 . 54 ) connected is. Valve device according to claim 14, characterized in that the connection ( 42 ; 60 . 62 ) into which the leakage space ( 38 ), with only one line ( 48 ), which is at least a product-carrying line. Valve device according to claim 14, characterized in that the third connection ( 42 ; 60 . 62 ) with at least two lines ( 48 . 54 ), at least one of which is a product-carrying 54 ). Valve device according to claim 14, characterized in that at least one line ( 48 ) of the at least two lines ( 48 . 54 ) a leakage line ( 48 ). Valve device according to one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that the valve ( 12 ) over the first port ( 16 ) to a tank ( 20 ) connected. Valve device according to one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that the valve ( 12 ) is a double seat valve. Valve device according to one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that the valve is a multi-sealing valve, in particular a double-sealing valve. Use of a valve ( 12 ) of a process-technical product-carrying system, which has a first closing element ( 24 ), a second closing member ( 30 ) and at least three ports ( 16 . 18 . 42 ; 60 . 62 ), wherein between the first closing member ( 24 ) and the second closing member ( 30 ) a leakage space ( 38 ) which is in one of the connections ( 16 . 18 . 42 ; 60 . 62 ) for conducting product or a product component between at least one first port ( 16 ) and the connection ( 42 ; 60 . 62 ) into which the leakage space ( 38 ), through the leakage chamber ( 38 ) as a product path ( 52 ; 52 '; 52 '' ) through. Use according to claim 21, wherein the valve is connected to a tank ( 20 ), wherein a product component via the leakage space ( 38 ) from the tank ( 20 ) or a product component via the leakage space ( 38 ) in the tank ( 20 ) is supplied. Use according to claim 22, wherein the from the tank ( 20 ) or the discharged product component Produktediment, which has settled on the tank bottom. Use according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the tank ( 20 ) is a fermentation and / or storage tank for beer, and that the over the leakage space ( 38 ) product component is lees, lees and / or yeast, which, which at the tank bottom ( 22 ) has discontinued. Use according to claim 22, wherein the in the tank ( 20 ) is an ingredient used in product manufacture. Use according to any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein over the leakage space ( 38 ) a product sample is taken.

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