DE102013004563B3 - Device for treatment of powdery substances or mixtures in reactor during washing process of textiles, has ultrasound device with sonotrode arranged for coupling ultrasound signals into opening of hollow cylinder - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a supporting element e.g. base plate (32), counter plate (38) and connection plate (42), for holding a hollow cylinder such that longitudinal axis (11) of the cylinder is aligned at a predetermined angle in the range of about 45-80 degrees to the vertical. The mixing devices for mixing received substances in the cylinder are arranged along a direction substantially toward the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. An ultrasound device i.e. transducer (22), with a sonotrode (24) is arranged for coupling ultrasound signals into an opening (14) of the cylinder. An independent claim is also included for a method for the treatment of powdery substances or mixtures with ultrasound.

Description

The invention relates to a device for treating powdery substances or mixtures of substances with ultrasound and a method for treating powdered substances or mixtures with ultrasound.

It is known to treat or modify liquid substances or substance mixtures with ultrasound, ie to change their properties. When liquids are sonicated, the sound waves in the liquid medium alternately produce high-pressure and low-pressure cycles, the oscillation rate of which depends on the frequency. During a low pressure cycle, small vacuum bubbles are created in the liquid. When the bubbles reach a certain size, they burst during a high pressure cycle (cavitation). During this implosion locally very high pressures and temperatures as well as liquid jets of very high speed arise. A method and apparatus for introducing ultrasound into a liquid medium are described, for example, in US Pat DE 10 2004 025 836 B3 described.

For crystalline substances, however, when treated with ultrasound, disintegration, i. E. H. to break down the crystal structure into smaller structures. This effect is generated by the resulting shear forces, which also cause the cavitation effect in liquids. For certain mixtures, ultrasound can also be used for emulsification. This results in a mixture of different substances, which are difficult or impossible to mix under normal conditions.

The JP 61-025629 A discloses a device for treating powdery substances with a hollow cylinder made of a metal of high electrical conductivity, in which copper balls of high electrical conductivity are and in which a powder to be treated (eg SiO, Fe ₂ O ₃ , etc.) are filled can. The powder can be filled through openings in the cylinder jacket. The hollow cylinder is rotated about a horizontal axis of rotation and ultrasonic waves are coupled into the hollow cylinder in order to mix the powder.

It is the object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for treating powdered substances or mixtures with ultrasound.

This object is achieved by a device for treating powdery substances or mixtures with ultrasound having the features of claim 1 and a method for treating powdery substances or mixtures with ultrasound having the features of claim 9. Particularly preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention are in the specified dependent claims.

The device according to the invention for treating pulverulent substances or substance mixtures with ultrasound comprises: a hollow cylinder for receiving a substance or mixture to be treated, which has a bottom at one end region in the longitudinal direction and an opening in the longitudinal direction at another end region; a support device for holding the hollow cylinder so that its longitudinal axis is oriented at a predetermined angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees to the vertical; a mixing device for mixing the substance or mixture of substances received in the hollow cylinder in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder; and an ultrasonic device with a sonotrode for coupling ultrasound into the opening of the hollow cylinder.

Conventional ultrasonic reactors are usually suitable only for liquid media. The oblique arrangement of the hollow cylinder in combination with the mixing of the substance or mixture substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder allow in the inventive device, however, also a homogeneous treatment of powdery substances or mixtures. With the device according to the invention it can be ensured that the substance or mixture of substances in the hollow cylinder is uniformly treated with ultrasound, although the ultrasound (in particular due to the gas components in the powdery or porous medium) can not penetrate far into the substance or substance mixture.

The term "powdery" in this context refers to an air-dry mixture of solid particles. Powders may in particular be crystals, amorphous substances, aggregates or agglomerates. The powder particles can be differentiated by size, shape, mass and surface. The particle size is preferably in the range of 1 nm to 10 mm. The powdery substances and mixtures of substances in this context also include, in particular, porous substances and mixtures of substances, d. H. those with air pockets.

In this context, a "hollow cylinder" is to be understood as meaning a substantially cylindrical body. The cross-sectional shape of the hollow cylinder transverse to its longitudinal axis is preferably circular. The hollow cylinder is preferably made of stainless steel, which has the advantage that it is easy to clean. In addition, arises when using this material of Advantage that the ultrasonic waves are reflected at the inner circumferential surface of the hollow cylinder.

The "mixing in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder" in this context means that the mixing device causes a mixing of the substance or mixture of substances at least in this direction. In addition, in the hollow cylinder preferably also a mixing of the substance or mixture in one direction with directional components transverse or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder.

In this context, the term "carrying device" should be understood to mean any type of device or construction which is suitable for carrying or holding the hollow cylinder. The support device keeps the hollow cylinder rotatable or fixed depending on its construction. In addition, the support device holds the hollow cylinder depending on their construction at a fixed or a variable angle to the vertical. The support device is preferably composed of several components. The support device or its components are preferably made of stainless steel, which has the advantage that it is easy to clean.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mixing device has at least one guide blade in the interior of the hollow cylinder. The at least one vane serves the most homogeneous possible mixing of the substance or mixture in the hollow cylinder. The term "at least one vane" preferably comprises one, two, three, four or five vanes. In the case of two or more vanes, these are preferably arranged distributed substantially uniformly in the circumferential direction of the hollow cylinder. That is, in the case of two vanes, these are preferably arranged at an angular distance of about 180 degrees to each other and in the case of three vanes, they are preferably arranged at an angular distance of about 120 degrees to each other.

The at least one vane is preferably made of stainless steel. The use of this material has the advantage that it is easy to clean. Moreover, the advantage of using this material is that the ultrasonic waves are reflected at the at least one vane inside the hollow cylinder.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one guide vane is non-rotatably arranged in the hollow cylinder and the mixing device has a rotating device for rotating the hollow cylinder about its longitudinal axis. That is, the at least one vane is rotated together with the hollow cylinder about its longitudinal axis. This embodiment has the advantages that the rotating device can be arranged outside the hollow cylinder, no rotating parts must be arranged in the interior of the hollow cylinder and the rotating device is not the sonotrode of the ultrasonic device in the way.

The rotation of the hollow cylinder causes - in conjunction with its inclination and the at least one vane - a transport of the substance or mixture in the hollow cylinder from the edge to the center and in the direction of its opening and thus in the vicinity of the sonotrode of the ultrasonic device and also back in the direction to the bottom of the hollow cylinder.

In this embodiment, the rotating device preferably has at least one drive shaft, which runs essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder and is in contact with an outer lateral surface of the hollow cylinder, and the at least one drive shaft can be driven to rotate about its longitudinal axis by a drive device in order to move the hollow cylinder around its To rotate longitudinal axis. Particularly preferably, the rotating device has two or three such drive shafts. In the case of two drive shafts, these are preferably spaced apart by a distance which is smaller than the outer diameter of the hollow cylinder, more preferably about 2/3 of the outer diameter of the hollow cylinder.

In this embodiment, a torque transmission device for transmitting the torque from the at least one drive shaft to the hollow cylinder is preferably at least partially provided in the contacting region between the at least one drive shaft and the outer circumferential surface of the hollow cylinder. This torque transmission device preferably has a rubber coating or the like on the outer circumferential surface of the drive shaft (s) and / or the outer circumferential surface of the hollow cylinder.

Alternatively or additionally, the rotary device in this embodiment may also have a belt drive, with at least one belt which engages around the hollow cylinder at least partially in its circumferential direction.

In another embodiment of the invention, the mixing device has a rotating device for rotating the at least one vane about the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder. That is, the at least one vane rotates relative to the hollow cylinder in its interior about its longitudinal axis. This embodiment has the advantage that the support device for the hollow cylinder can be made simpler.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one guide vane extends in cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder from the lateral surface of the hollow cylinder substantially radially inwardly and runs in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder to the longitudinal axis in a spiral. The extension of the guide vane (s) radially inward is preferably configured substantially linearly or slightly curved.

In this embodiment, preferably at least two guide vanes are provided, which are each spaced in cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder from the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder. The free space created by this spacing of the guide vanes from the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder has the advantage that the sonotrode of the ultrasound device can protrude far into the interior of the hollow cylinder. The free space thus created also has the advantage that the / the substance or mixture to be treated can be mixed as homogeneously as possible in the hollow cylinder.

In this embodiment, preferably at least two guide vanes are provided, which in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder in each case rotate through more than 360 ° / n about the longitudinal axis, where n is the number of guide vanes. Particularly preferably, three guide vanes are provided which each revolve around about 130 to 160 degrees, more preferably about 145 degrees about the longitudinal axis.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a mandrel is provided at the bottom of the hollow cylinder, which extends from the bottom substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder into the interior of the hollow cylinder. With this mandrel can be prevented that a part of the substance to be treated or substance mixture remains in a dead space at the bottom of the hollow cylinder and is not mixed with the rest of the mixture).

In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a further mandrel is provided at the bottom of the hollow cylinder, which projects from the bottom substantially coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder to the outside to space the hollow cylinder of the support device. In particular, this mandrel can facilitate a rotation of the hollow cylinder in the support device by reducing or minimizing the contact surface between the hollow cylinder and the support device.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the predetermined angle of the hollow cylinder longitudinal axis to the vertical is greater than or equal to (≥) about 45 degrees, more preferably greater than (≥) about 60 degrees, and less than (≤) about 80 degrees, more preferably less than (≤) about 75 degrees. More preferably, this predetermined angle is about 60 degrees, 65 degrees, 70 degrees, or 75 degrees.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sonotrode of the ultrasound device projects through the opening of the hollow cylinder into the substance or substance mixture to be treated.

The invention also provides a reactor for treating pulverulent substances or compositions with ultrasound, comprising a hollow cylinder for receiving a substance or mixture to be treated, which has a bottom at one end region in the longitudinal direction and an opening at another end region in the longitudinal direction; and a mixing device for mixing the substance or mixture of substances received in the hollow cylinder in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder. This reactor is preferably a part of an apparatus for treating powdered substances or mixtures of substances according to the invention described above.

The method according to the invention for treating pulverulent substances or substance mixtures comprises the steps of filling a substance or mixture of substances to be treated into a hollow cylinder; arranging the hollow cylinder so that its longitudinal axis is oriented at a predetermined angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees to the vertical; mixing the substance or mixture of substances received in the hollow cylinder in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder; and the coupling of ultrasound into the hollow cylinder. To carry out this method, it is preferable to use an apparatus for treating powdery substances or mixtures of substances according to the invention described above.

The advantages, terminology and particularly preferred embodiments achievable with this method are substantially the same as those discussed above in connection with the inventive apparatus for treating powdered materials or mixtures of materials with ultrasound.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hollow cylinder and / or at least one vane inside the hollow cylinder at a speed in the range of about 5 to about 20 U / min, more preferably from about 8 to about are used for mixing the substance or mixture received in the hollow cylinder 15 U / min rotated about the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder. The Speed ranges mentioned have proved to be particularly advantageous for homogeneous mixing of powdery substances or mixtures of substances. If the speed is too high, at least part of the substance or substance mixture in the hollow cylinder is not sufficiently transported in the direction of the opening of the hollow cylinder and thus in the vicinity of the sonotrode of the ultrasonic device due to the centrifugal forces. If the speed is too low, the substance or the substance mixture stays too long in the vicinity of the sonotrode, which is inefficient in terms of energy and time.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the / the mixture to be treated) is filled in the hollow cylinder in such an amount that in the oblique arrangement of the hollow cylinder, a bottom of the hollow cylinder is not completely covered with the substance or mixture. This ensures the most homogeneous possible mixing of the substance or mixture in the hollow cylinder through the at least one vane.

In a still further preferred embodiment of the invention, a (optimal) treatment time of the substance or mixture is determined by means of at least one test run, in which a first predetermined amount of a substance or mixture and a second predetermined amount of a labeled substance or mixture are mixed in the hollow cylinder , The marked substance mixture) is preferably a dyed substance or a dyed substance mixture.

The apparatus of the invention described above and the method of the invention described above may preferably be used for modifying powdery substances or mixtures of substances selected from the group consisting of glucose monohydrate and surfactants.

The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of a preferred, non-limiting embodiment thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings. In it show, mostly schematically:

1 a longitudinal sectional view of an apparatus for treating a powdered substance or substance mixture with ultrasound according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

2 a cross-sectional view of the hollow cylinder of the device of 1 ;

3 a perspective view of a base plate of the support device of the device of 1 ;

4 a perspective view of a counter-plate of the support device of the device of 1 ;

5 a perspective view of a connecting plate of the support device of the device of 1 ;

6 a perspective view of a drive shaft of the rotating device of the device of 1 ; and

7 a perspective view of an angle plate of the support device of the device of 1 ,

Referring to 1 to 7 Now, the structure and operation of an embodiment of a device according to the invention for treating a powdered substance or mixture of substances are described in more detail. It is in 1 the overall structure of the device shown (not to scale), and in 2 to 7 Various components of this device are shown.

The main component of the device is a hollow cylinder 10 for example, made of stainless steel. The hollow cylinder has a longitudinal axis 11 and a substantially circular cross-section transverse to this longitudinal axis 11 (see. 2 ). Furthermore, the hollow cylinder 10 at one end or end portion (left in 1 ) a closed floor 12 and at the other end or end (right in 1 ) an opening 14 , with the opening 14 in this embodiment over the entire cross section of the hollow cylinder 10 extends.

As in 1 indicated, is the hollow cylinder 10 positioned so that its longitudinal axis 11 at a predetermined angle 15 is aligned to the vertical, the ground 12 correspondingly deeper than the opening 14 is positioned. This predetermined angle 15 is greater than (>) 0 degrees (vertically upright hollow cylinder) and smaller than (<) 90 degrees (horizontal hollow cylinder). Preferably, this predetermined angle 15 chosen to be about 60 degrees, about 65 degrees, about 70 degrees, or about 75 degrees. This inclination of the hollow cylinder 10 is through the angle plate described later 46 reaches the support device.

In the hollow cylinder 10 can about his opening 14 a powder to be treated with ultrasound 16 (Powdered substance or powder mixture) are filled. This is the powder 16 up to such a level 17 filled that floor 12 of the hollow cylinder 10 is not completely covered with the powder at its chosen inclination. The filling height 17 is on the ground 12 (measured transversely to the longitudinal axis 11 of the hollow cylinder 10 ) For example, at most about 90% or at most about 80% of the inside diameter of the hollow cylinder 10 ,

In one embodiment, the hollow cylinder 10 For example, designed to contain about 1 kg of glucose monohydrate. The hollow cylinder 10 has a length (dimension in the direction of the longitudinal axis 11 ) of about 24 to 25 cm, an inner diameter (dimension transverse to the longitudinal axis 11 ) of about 10 cm and a wall thickness of about 1 to 2 mm.

As in 1 and 2 is shown on the ground 12 of the hollow cylinder 10 a central, inwardly projecting thorn 18 intended. The thorn 18 is substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis 11 of the hollow cylinder. This thorn 18 should prevent a part of the powder 16 remains in the so-called dead space and not (anymore) with the remaining powder 16 in the hollow cylinder 10 is mixed.

In one embodiment, the mandrel has 18 a diameter of about 10 mm and a length of about 40 mm. It is also made of stainless steel and prefers firmly to the ground 12 of the hollow cylinder 10 connected, for example, welded or screwed.

As in 1 and 2 illustrated are inside the hollow cylinder 10 a total of three vanes 20a . 20b . 20c arranged, of which in 1 for better clarity, only one vane 20a is shown. The vanes 20a ..c are fixed to the wall of the hollow cylinder 10 connected, in particular rotationally fixed.

The three vanes 20a ..c are in the circumferential direction of the hollow cylinder 10 arranged evenly distributed. In other words, the three vanes have 20a ..c an angular distance of about 120 degrees to each other (see. 2 ). In the case of fewer or more than three vanes this angular distance is changed accordingly.

In order to homogenize the powder as homogeneously as possible 16 to ensure in the hollow cylinder, the three vanes extend 20a ..c each substantially rectilinearly from the inner circumferential surface of the hollow cylinder 10 radially inward toward the longitudinal axis 11 of the hollow cylinder 10 , Here are the vanes 20a ..c each of the longitudinal axis 11 of the hollow cylinder 10 spaced so that around the longitudinal axis 11 A central open space is created around it.

In addition, the vanes extend 20a ..c respectively - starting from the ground 12 of the hollow cylinder 10 - Over much of the length of the hollow cylinder 10 , As in 1 indicated, run the vanes 20a ..c also spiral around the longitudinal axis 11 of the hollow cylinder 10 around. With three vanes 20a ..c and a corresponding angular distance of about 120 degrees run the vanes 20a ..c each case about 145 degrees about the longitudinal axis 11 of the hollow cylinder 10 around, so some overlap between the adjacent vanes 20a ..c arises.

The vanes 20a ..c are like the hollow cylinder 10 preferably made of stainless steel. In addition to a simpler cleaning, this material also has the advantage that the ultrasonic waves in the hollow cylinder 10 be reflected.

In one embodiment, the vanes 20a ..c each have a wall thickness (dimension in the circumferential direction of the hollow cylinder) of about 2 mm and a width (dimension in the radial direction of the hollow cylinder) of about 20 mm. The vanes 20a ..c are thus each about 30 mm from the longitudinal axis 11 of the hollow cylinder 10 spaced. Furthermore, the guide vanes extend 20a ..c each about 20 to 23 cm in the longitudinal direction of the hollow cylinder 10 ,

For treating the powder 16 inside the hollow cylinder 10 an ultrasound device is provided. The ultrasound device has in particular a transducer 22 for generating ultrasound and a sonotrode 24 for coupling the generated ultrasound into the hollow cylinder 10 on. In addition, the ultrasound device also has a ballast and a tripod for mounting (not shown). With the help of the tripod, the ultrasound device can be independent of the hollow cylinder 10 to be assembled; Alternatively, it is also possible, the ultrasound device on the later described support device for the hollow cylinder 10 to fix.

The sonotrode 24 The ultrasound machine is sized and arranged to pass through the opening 14 in the hollow cylinder 10 protrudes into and into the ultrasonically treated powder 16 dips in (even if this for the sake of clarity in 1 not shown).

As an additional aspect, with a small distance between the sonotrode 24 and the thorn 18 enter a resonance effect. This is the indexed sound at the thorn 18 then reflects and amplifies the emitted ultrasound.

In a preferred embodiment, the ultrasound device becomes a transducer 22 used, which converts the provided by the ballast electric current by means of piezoelectric crystals in ultrasound. Alternatively, magnetostrictive or other effects can be used to generate the ultrasound. The ultrasound generated by the ultrasound machine is located in the Range from about 20 kHz to 10 MHz. In the performance of the ultrasonic device, a lower power range is sufficient for the treatment of powdery or porous substances or mixtures.

For the most homogeneous possible mixing of the powder 16 in the hollow cylinder 10 it is in addition to arranging the at least one vane 20a ..c inside the hollow cylinder 10 also required, the hollow cylinder around its longitudinal axis 11 to turn. For this purpose, a rotating device is provided, which will now be described in more detail.

The rotating device has two drive shafts 26a . 26 which are substantially parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 11 of the hollow cylinder 10 run. In the side sectional view of 1 is the second drive shaft 26b from the first drive shaft 26a hidden and therefore not recognizable.

In this embodiment, the two drive shafts 26a . 26b by about 2/3 of the outside diameter of the hollow cylinder 10 spaced apart, so that the hollow cylinder 10 on the two drive shafts 26a . 26b can rest. In this way, the peripheral surfaces of the drive shafts 26a . 26b with the outer circumferential surface of the hollow cylinder 10 in contact, so that the torque from the drive shafts 26a . 26b on the hollow cylinder 10 can be transmitted.

For better transmission of this torque from the drive shafts 26a . 26b on the hollow cylinder 10 are the peripheral surfaces of the drive shafts 26a . 26b in the contact area with the hollow cylinder 10 at least partially rubberized (torque transmission device). Alternatively or additionally, the outer circumferential surface of the hollow cylinder 10 be designed at least partially rubberized.

The two drive shafts 26a ..b are rotated in the same direction to the hollow cylinder 10 to turn. For this purpose, a toothed gear 28 intended. The toothed gear 28 has two gears, each with a positive fit on one of the two drive shafts 26a . 26b set and fixed by a nut. The two drive shafts 26a . 26b each have a threaded portion for this purpose 266 on (cf. 6 ). These two gears are in engagement with a central third gear, which via a worm gear from a preferably encapsulated electric motor 30 is driven.

The three gears of the gearbox 28 have a substantially identical diameter in this embodiment. In addition, the three gears are preferably made of a glass fiber reinforced material that is resistant to contaminants and chemical cleaners. As a positive side effect such gears also need no lubricant and have a high resistance to shearing.

The advantage of the worm gear is that the speed of the electric motor 30 is translated as far as possible at the start to as much torque on the drive shafts 26a . 26b to be able to give. The electric motor 30 can be controlled for example by an upstream controller in speed and direction.

The speed of the drive shafts 26a . 26b and thus the hollow cylinder 10 is chosen to be relatively low in order to mix the powder as homogeneously as possible 16 in the hollow cylinder 10 to reach. This speed is preferably in the range of about 5 to about 20 rpm, more preferably about 8 to about 15 rpm. If the speed is too high, at least part of the substance or substance mixture 16 in the hollow cylinder 10 due to the centrifugal forces insufficient towards the opening 14 of the hollow cylinder 10 and thus near the sonotrode 24 transported the ultrasound device. If the speed is too low, the substance or the substance mixture stays too long in the vicinity of the sonotrode 24 , which is inefficient in terms of energy and time.

To hold the hollow cylinder 10 in the desired inclination, a support device is provided which the two drive shafts 26a . 26b carries, on which the hollow cylinder 10 rests.

As in 1 In particular, this support device has a base plate 32 , a counter-plate 38 , a connection plate 42 and an angle plate 46 on. These components of the support device are preferably each made of stainless steel and have, for example, plate thicknesses in the range of about 10 to 20 mm.

As in 3 illustrates, the base plate 32 two holes 324 on. In these holes 324 each becomes a recording section 264 a drive shaft 26a ..b (cf. 6 ) by means of a ball bearing 36 rotatably mounted. The threaded sections 266 the drive shafts 26a ..b protrude through these holes 324 in the base plate 32 through to the gears of the toothed gear 28 to be able to record.

The base plate 32 is also with various threaded holes 326 provided with which a motor carrier 34 at the base plate 32 can be attached, the electric motor 30 carries (cf. 1 ).

In one embodiment, the receiving sections 264 the drive shafts 26a ..b an outer diameter of about 16 mm and the threaded sections 266 the drive shafts 26a ..b an outer diameter of about 10 mm. The holes 324 the base plate 32 Accordingly, for example, have a diameter of about 17 mm. Optionally, the holes 324 in the base plate 32 also be stepped and on the hollow cylinder 10 facing side of the base plate have a bore portion with a larger diameter of, for example, about 20 mm.

The counter plate 38 the support device has analogous to the base plate 32 also two holes 384 on (cf. 4 ), in each of which a receiving section 268 a drive shaft 26a ..b (cf. 6 ) by means of a ball bearing 40 is rotatably mounted. The recording sections 268 the drive shafts 26a ..b protrude either through these holes 384 in the counter-plate 38 something through.

The holes 384 in the counter-plate 38 are preferably mirrored to the holes 324 in the base plate 32 selected. This should be too big axial play of the drive shafts 26a . 26b prevent.

For the ball bearings 36 and 40 in the base plate 32 and the counter-plate 38 For example, encapsulated bearings are preferably used to prevent ingress of contaminants to increase service life.

The counter plate 38 is also with multiple tapped holes 386 provided with which the angle plate 46 on the counter plate 38 can be attached (see. 1 ).

As in 4 illustrated is the counter-plate 38 designed in the shape of a U. The recess 388 in the counter-plate 38 is positioned substantially centrally, so that the sonotrode 24 of the ultrasound machine through this recess 388 the counter plate 38 through the opening 14 of the hollow cylinder 10 can be guided into when the transducer 22 of the ultrasonic device on the hollow cylinder 10 opposite side of the counter-plate 38 is arranged. As stated above, the ultrasound device is preferably mounted separately on a stand, but can alternatively also on this counter-plate 38 the carrying device are attached.

In one embodiment, the receiving sections 268 the drive shafts 26a ..b an outer diameter of about 16 mm and a length of about 30 mm. The holes 384 the counter plate 38 Accordingly, for example, have a diameter of about 17 mm. Optionally, the holes 384 in the counter-plate 38 also be stepped and on the hollow cylinder 10 facing side of the counter-plate having a bore portion with a larger diameter of, for example, about 20 mm. The threaded holes 386 for mounting the angle plate 46 For example, they are designed as M10 threads.

The base plate 32 and the counter-plate 38 are about a connection plate 42 connected with each other. As in 1 shown are the base plate 32 and the counter-plate 38 while substantially parallel to each other and each substantially perpendicular to the connecting plate 42 aligned.

As in 5 illustrates, the connection plate 42 at its two end faces, which the base plate 32 or the counter-plate 38 facing, in each case three threaded holes 422 on. Accordingly, in the base plate 32 three holes 322 provided (cf. 3 ) and are in the counter-plate 38 three holes 382 provided (cf. 4 ) to screw the three plates together (eg with countersunk screws). Optionally, the connection plate 42 also firmly with the base plate 32 or the counter-plate 38 connected or integrally formed with this and only with the other plate of the base plate 32 or counter plate 38 be detachably connected.

In one embodiment, the holes 322 and 382 in the base plate 32 or in the counter-plate 38 each have a diameter of about 10 mm and are the threaded holes 422 in the connection plate 42 designed as M10 thread.

To prevent the floor 12 of the hollow cylinder 10 due to the inclination over the entire surface of the base plate 32 is applied and thus the rotation would oppose a great resistance, is on the ground 12 of the hollow cylinder 10 another thorn 44 intended. This further thorn 44 is substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis 11 of the hollow cylinder 10 arranged and protrudes from the ground towards the base plate 32 , The other thorn 44 is formed, for example, hemispherical or spherical shell-shaped. With the help of this other thorn 44 becomes the ground 12 of the hollow cylinder 10 at a distance to the base plate 32 held and formed only a nearly punctiform contact surface with a correspondingly low frictional resistance.

In one embodiment, the further mandrel 44 at its base a diameter of about 10 mm. The further mandrel is made of stainless steel, for example, and fixed to the hollow cylinder 10 connected, for example, welded or screwed.

The angle plate 46 is at the hollow cylinder 10 opposite side on the counter plate 38 attached. For this purpose has the angle plate 46 a plate-shaped attachment portion 462 , in the several holes 466 are provided. These holes 466 in the angle plate 46 are corresponding to the threaded holes 386 in the counter-plate 38 arranged and serve the screwing of these two plates 38 . 46 together.

Optionally, the angle plate 46 also firmly with the counter plate 38 be connected or integrally formed with her. A detachable connection between the two plates 38 . 46 However, it is advantageous because then the angle plate 46 can be easily exchanged to the angle of inclination 15 of the hollow cylinder 10 to change the vertical.

As in 1 and 7 shown, the angle plate 46 also a plate-shaped support section 464 on. With this support section 464 can this angle plate 46 and with it the entire support device are held or mounted. The supporting section 464 is opposite the mounting section 462 the angle plate 46 at a predetermined angle 468 hired. With this angle 468 the angle plate 46 becomes the predetermined angle 15 of the hollow cylinder 10 determined to the vertical. In particular, the angle 468 the opposite angle to the predetermined angle 15 ie the sum of these two angles 468 and 15 gives exactly 90 degrees.

In one embodiment, the holes 466 in the attachment section 462 the angle plate 46 each have a diameter of about 10 mm and are the threaded holes 386 in the counter-plate 38 each executed as M10 thread. The angle 468 between attachment section 462 and support section 464 the angle plate 46 For example, is about 20 degrees or about 30 degrees, so that the predetermined angle 15 the hollow cylinder longitudinal axis 11 to the vertical about 70 degrees or about 60 degrees.

The device described above is particularly suitable for treating porous substances or substance mixtures with ultrasound. Conventional ultrasonic reactors, however, are usually only suitable for treating liquids, due to the air pockets in porous media but not for powders and the like. This would mean, for example, that sugar first had to be liquefied with water and then dehydrated again, which would result in undesired, uncontrolled crystal formation. The device according to the invention can be used in particular for modifying crystalline glucose monohydrate without dissolving it in water and subsequently dehydrating it. With the device according to the invention, in particular crystalline glucose monohydrate can be disintegrated by ultrasound. By decomposing the crystal structure, fine crystalline glucose monohydrate can be prepared from glucose monohydrate lumps and coarsely crystalline glucose monohydrate, avoiding the uncontrolled crystal formation of the fine crystalline product in the course of dehydrogenation. Disintegration with the aid of the device according to the invention makes it possible to increase the surface area of the crystalline glucose monohydrate. As a result, in particular, the solubility of the crystalline glucose monohydrate can be increased.

Furthermore, it can be achieved with the device according to the invention that, for example, glucose monohydrate (sugar) is modified homogeneously and in the desired form. This substance has in the past had the problem of being porous with the physical structure. As a result, ultrasound can not penetrate far into the material because the trapped gas dampens the sound. It is therefore necessary to ensure that the sugar is treated as much as possible with the same ultrasonic intensity. The inventive device causes for this purpose a very effective mixing of the substance in the hollow cylinder.

In this case, the result of the modification can be influenced by influencing in particular four variables. The first size is the duration of the mixing of the sugar. The second size is the strength of the ultrasound. The ultrasound can be adjusted in this context so that only a slight to strong modification of the substance can take place. It is recommended to use the ultrasound in the lower strength range and at the same time to increase the mixing time. The third size is the design of the mixing cylinder (hollow cylinder including the vanes). The design can influence the quality of the mixing. The fourth size is the speed of the mixing cylinder. If the speed is too low, the material will stay too long at the sonotrode of the ultrasound machine, which would be a waste of time and energy. If the speed is too high, part of the sugar will not be able to reach the sonotrode due to centrifugal forces.

Modification of glucose monohydrate

When the device is first put into operation, the hollow cylinder becomes 10 filled with 900 g of glucose monohydrate. Then 100 g of food-colored glucose monohydrate are added and the hollow cylinder 10 then on the two drive shafts 26a ..b laid.

The next step is the ultrasonic sonotrode 24 inserted so that it is about 2 cm immersed in the glucose monohydrate. Then the electric motor 30 turned on and the hollow cylinder 10 rotated at about 10 rpm. To 20 Minutes you put the electric motor 30 and pour out the glucose Monohydrate in a glass jar to check for mixing. If mixing is insufficient, you increase the time and repeat this process.

As a precautionary measure, it should be noted that this test run is only necessary to determine the guideline values and it is not necessary to switch on the ultrasound machine.

To modify the glucose monohydrate, the hollow cylinder is then filled and rotated with 1 kg of the powdered glucose monohydrate after this determination of the required time, and the ultrasonic device is additionally switched on. It is recommended to randomly check the modified substance for by-products for quality assurance.

Modification of surfactants

Another area of use for the device according to the invention is the modification of surfactants, chemical compounds, which are used in detergents. Since a small amount of detergent remains in the textiles during a washing process of textiles (eg garments, etc.), this aspect can be used to ultrasonicate textiles.

With the device according to the invention can be achieved that polymeric Tensidaggregate are comminuted by ultrasound. By the ultrasonic treatment in the device according to the invention, in particular the surface of the surfactants can be increased. As a result, in particular the solubility of the surfactants can be increased. With the device according to the invention can be achieved in particular that the micelle formation is enhanced when using the surfactants as washing-active substances and thus the detergency of the surfactants is increased.

The preparation of the modified surfactants is substantially consistent with the above described procedure in glucose monohydrate. In the case of surfactants, however, additional pretreatment is necessary. The pretreatment ensures that the surfactants are additionally dehydrated by a process, since surfactants have the property of storing water from the surrounding air. This step is necessary to prevent clumping of the substance in the mixing cylinder. In the pretreatment of the surfactants, for example, they are exposed to a temperature of about 75 ° C and constantly mixed, resulting in dehydration. Furthermore, the surfactants may need to be screened again to screen out any remaining lumps. Sifting also ensures that the fabric does not exceed a suitable size.

Subsequently, the surfactants are modified analogously to glucose monohydrate in the device of the invention. In general, certain parameters must be changed. For example, the mixing cylinder must have a larger volume or reduce the amount to be treated because the specific gravity of surfactants is lower than that of sugar. Furthermore, as a rule, the operating time must be increased in order to obtain a homogeneous modification. Also, the strength of the transducer must be slightly increased, since the greater inclusion of air in the surfactants compared to sugar, the ultrasound is absorbed more.

Finally, the modified surfactants can then be mixed with commercial detergents since pure modified surfactants are not required.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

hollow cylinder

11

Longitudinal axis of 10

12

ground

14

opening

15

Angle to the vertical

16

Fabric or mixture of substances

17

Filling level of 16

18

mandrel

20a..c

vanes

22

transducer

24

sonotrode

26a..b

drive shafts

262

Drive section, rubberized

264

receiving portion

266

threaded portion

268

receiving portion

28

toothed gear

30

electric motor

32

baseplate

322

drilling

324

Holes for 26a ..b

326

threaded holes

34

engine support

36

ball-bearing

38

counterplate

382

drilling

384

Holes for 26a ..b

386

Tapped holes for 46

388

recess

40

ball-bearing

42

connecting plate

422

threaded holes

44

mandrel

46

angle plate

462

attachment section

464

supporting section

466

drilling

468

Angle between 462 and 464

Claims (13)

Device for treating pulverulent substances or substance mixtures with ultrasound, with a hollow cylinder ( 10 ) for receiving a substance or mixture to be treated ( 16 ), which at one end region in the longitudinal direction of a floor ( 12 ) and at another end region in the longitudinal direction of an opening ( 14 ) having; a carrying device ( 32 . 38 . 42 . 46 ) for holding the hollow cylinder ( 10 ) such that its longitudinal axis ( 11 ) at a predetermined angle ( 15 ) is oriented greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees to the vertical; a mixing device ( 20a ..c, 26a ..b) for mixing in the hollow cylinder ( 10 ) or substance mixture ( 16 ) in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis ( 11 ) of the hollow cylinder; and an ultrasound device ( 22 . 24 ) with a sonotrode ( 24 ) for coupling ultrasound into the opening ( 14 ) of the hollow cylinder ( 10 ). Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the mixing device ( 20a ..c, 26a ..b) at least one vane ( 20a ..c) inside the hollow cylinder ( 10 ) having. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one vane ( 20a ..c) rotatably in the hollow cylinder ( 10 ) is arranged; and the mixing device ( 20a ..c, 26a ..b) a rotating device ( 26a ..b) for rotating the hollow cylinder ( 10 ) about its longitudinal axis ( 11 ) having. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the mixing device ( 20a ..c, 26a ..b) a rotating device for rotating the at least one vane ( 20a ..c) about the longitudinal axis ( 11 ) of the hollow cylinder ( 10 ) having. Device according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the at least one vane ( 20a ..c) in cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder of the lateral surface of the hollow cylinder ( 10 ) extends substantially radially inwardly and spirally rotates in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder about the longitudinal axis. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that at least two guide vanes ( 20a ..c) are provided and the at least two guide vanes in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder in each case by more than 360 ° / n about the longitudinal axis ( 11 ), where n is the number of vanes ( 20a ..c) is. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the ground ( 12 ) of the hollow cylinder ( 10 ) a thorn ( 18 ), which extends from the ground ( 12 ) substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis ( 11 ) of the hollow cylinder ( 10 ) into the interior of the hollow cylinder ( 10 ). Reactor for treating pulverulent substances or substance mixtures with ultrasound, in particular for an apparatus for treating pulverulent substances or mixtures of substances with ultrasound according to one of claims 1 to 7, with a hollow cylinder ( 10 ) for receiving a substance or mixture to be treated ( 16 ), which at one end region in the longitudinal direction of a floor ( 12 ) and at another end region in the longitudinal direction of an opening ( 14 ) having; and a mixing device ( 20a ..c, 26a ..b) for mixing in the hollow cylinder ( 10 ) or substance mixture ( 16 ) in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis ( 11 ) of the hollow cylinder. Method for treating pulverulent substances or substance mixtures with ultrasound, in particular using a device according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the steps of: filling a substance or mixture of substances to be treated ( 16 ) in a hollow cylinder ( 10 ); Arranging the hollow cylinder ( 10 ) such that its longitudinal axis ( 11 ) at a predetermined angle ( 15 ) is oriented greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees to the vertical; Mixing in the hollow cylinder ( 10 ) or substance mixture ( 16 ) in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis ( 11 ) of the hollow cylinder; and coupling ultrasound into the hollow cylinder ( 10 ). A method according to claim 9, characterized in that for mixing the in the hollow cylinder ( 10 ) or substance mixture ( 16 ) the hollow cylinder ( 10 ) and / or at least one vane ( 20a ..c) inside the hollow cylinder ( 10 ) at a speed in the range of about 5 to about 20 rpm, more preferably about 8 to about 15 rpm about the longitudinal axis ( 11 ) of the hollow cylinder ( 10 ) to be turned around. A method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the / the substance or mixture to be treated ( 16 ) in such an amount in the hollow cylinder ( 10 ) is filled, that in the oblique arrangement of the hollow cylinder ( 10 ) one Ground ( 12 ) of the hollow cylinder ( 10 ) not completely with the substance or substance mixture ( 16 ) is covered. Method according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that a treatment time of the substance or mixture of substances ( 16 ) is determined by means of at least one test run, in which a first predetermined amount of a substance or substance mixture and a second predetermined amount of a marked substance or substance mixture in the hollow cylinder ( 10 ) are mixed. Use of a device according to one of claims 1 to 7 or a method according to any one of claims 9 to 12 for modifying powdery substances or substance mixtures which are selected from the group consisting of glucose monohydrate and surfactants.

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