DK2818234T3 - An apparatus for storage of viscous media - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for the storage of viscous media, in particular of medium to highly viscous media. US 3,166,020 discloses a device according to the preamble of claim 1 that can be produced economically. WO 2008/034784 A1 discloses a method for mixing a liquid disposed in a sealed container and a fine-particle solid. EP 0 209 095 A2 discloses a method for fumigation. DE 26 44 378 A 1 discloses a method for introducing carbon dioxide gas into a beverage flowing through a line.

Polymer-modified bitumen is a dispersion produced from bitumen and polymers. Polymer-modified bitumen is of particular significance in the field of road pavement. Polymer-modified bitumen has only a limited storage stability. When storing polymer-modified bitumen in a tank of an asphalt mixing unit or in a product storage tank at a polymer-modified bitumen production facility for a longer period of time, it is necessary to thoroughly mix the polymer-modified bitumen raw material. A thorough mixing is necessary also when storing bitumen emulsions for a longer period of time. A bitumen emulsion is a colloidal mixture of road pavement bitumen and water. The mixing of polymer-modified bitumen or a bitumen emulsion can be carried out using mechanical stirring units. Mechanical stirring units are suitable for thoroughly mixing media of medium viscosity such as sludge, in particular putrid sludge, and food such as tomato paste. Mechanical stirring units have a complex, elaborate design and are subject to wear. Organizing and performing maintenance and repair works on stirring units of this type is cumbersome. Also, methods are known for mixing the stored polymer-modified bitumen where the stored polymer-modified bitumen is circulated in the storage container by pumping. The mixing performance when pumping the stored polymer-modified bitumen depends on the respective pump capacity. In particular, a homogeneous mixing of the entire storage container contents cannot be guaranteed.

It is the objective of the present invention to provide a device for storing viscous media, in particular polymer-modified bitumen, that guarantees a simple, homogeneous mixing of the stored medium.

This object is achieved by the features of claim 1. The gist of the invention is to provide a jet apparatus in a storage container, said jet apparatus providing a stirring jet for stirring the medium, with the stirring jet to be output from the jet apparatus having an enlarged volume and/or causes a reduced impulse loss in relation to an injection medium jet to be supplied to the jet apparatus. The jet apparatus has a first jet nozzle and a second jet nozzle that are arranged one behind the other along the jet apparatus longitudinal axis. This is achieved in that the stirring jet is widened in relation to the injection medium jet. The stirring jet has a large volume and flows at a comparatively reduced flow speed, in other words the volume flow and the mass flow are in particular increased. It was also recognized according to the invention that a stirring jet produced in this way allows the entire container contents to be mixed homogeneously in a reliable manner. The device according to the invention provides the stirring jet, which has a comparatively large flow cross-sectional surface and a comparatively reduced flow speed. In the presence of laminar flow conditions in the medium to be stirred, the stirring jet may bring about a sufficient mixing of the medium at a low impulse loss. A mixing is improved in particular when compared to a stirring jet having a comparatively small flow cross-sectional surface and high flow speeds. In the presence of medium- to highly-viscous media and a storage container with conventional dimensions, in particular along a prior-art storage container longitudinal axis, it is virtually impossible or extremely difficult to produce turbulent flow conditions. The device according to the invention is capable of reducing, at laminar flow conditions, lossy relative speeds along a short mixing path substantially without losses. As a result, long mixing paths, in particular with high relative speeds, can be avoided in the storage container. Long mixing paths are problematic for a full homogeneous mixing of the medium in particular because of losses occurring due to friction, which is caused by the high viscosity at high speeds of the medium. The volume of the stirring jet is at least five times as high, in particular at least ten times as high, as that of the injection-medium jet. By providing two injection nozzles in the jet apparatus that are arranged one behind the other, the volume of the stirring jet is increased even more as compared to the volume of the injection-medium jet.

The device according to the invention allows a container for storing a medium to be operated advantageously. A container of this type is usually provided with a conveying pump and/or a metering pump. The conveying pump can be used in the manner of a circulation pump for circulating the medium. The metering pump is required for a subsequent mixer in an asphalt mixing unit. By operating the conveying pump as a circulation pump and the metering pump separately from each other, a mixing of varieties in the bitumen lines of the asphalt mixing unit is excluded. It is conceivable as well to use only the conveying pump or only the metering pump so that in this case, the pump used is used both for circulating and for metering. This allows the number of components required for operating the container to be reduced. In particular, it is conceivable to produce the device according to the invention by retrofitting an already existing device with the jet apparatus. A retrofitting of this type is possible in a fast and uncomplicated manner. A retrofitting of an already existing device to produce the device according to the invention for the storage of viscous media is possible in a cost-effective manner. A viscous medium within the scope of this application is a medium- to highly-viscous liquid the dynamic viscosity η of which is more than 100 mPas and less than 10.000 mPas. This is true, for example, for polymer-modified bitumen, bitumen emulsion and cooking oil.

In most cases, it is not possible, for static reasons, to retrofit an existing container with a mechanical stirring unit. In particular, an already existing container unit is usually equipped with at least one filling pump and one metering pump. These pumps can be used as conveying pumps for conveying at least a partial volume of the medium for producing the stirring jet.

The jet apparatus comprises a first jet nozzle and a second jet nozzle that are arranged one behind the other along the jet apparatus longitudinal axis. In other words, the first jet nozzle is arranged upstream of the second jet nozzle in the jet apparatus along the flow direction of the medium. The first jet nozzle comprises a first injection-nozzle portion, a first suction-nozzle portion, a first mixing-nozzle portion and a first diffuser. The second jet nozzle comprises a second injection-nozzle portion, a second suction-nozzle portion, a second mixing-nozzle portion and a second diffuser. A cascaded design of two jet nozzles in one and the same jet apparatus allows a particularly effective stirring jet to be produced. This takes advantage of the fact that the stirring jet of the first jet nozzle can be used as injection-medium jet for the second jet nozzle. It is particularly advantageous if the first diffuser and the second injection-nozzle portion are an integral, in particular one-piece, component. In particular, the first diffuser and the second injection-nozzle portion are one and the same, in other words identical, component. The number of components for the jet apparatus is thus reduced. In particular, a jet apparatus of this type has a particularly compact and rugged design. The size of the jet apparatus is reduced. In particular, the installation length along the jet apparatus longitudinal axis is reduced. By providing two jet nozzles in the jet apparatus one behind the other, the maximum volume increase for the stirring jet multiplies. In particular, the volume of the stirring jet is ten times the volume of the injection-medium jet. It is conceivable to integrate another, in other words a third, jet nozzle into the jet apparatus to bring about another volume increase of the stirring jet.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the jet apparatus has an injection-medium inlet opening connected to the conveying pump for the supply of injection medium as injection-medium jet to the jet apparatus, and a stirring-medium outlet opening for the output of the stirring jet into the container. The injection-medium inlet opening and the stirring medium outlet opening are arranged coaxially to each other and in particular coaxially to a jet apparatus longitudinal axis. The jet apparatus has a compact and rugged design. The jet apparatus in particular has a small size, which makes it possible, in a particularly advantageous embodiment, to integrate it in the container, and, in an advantageous embodiment, to arrange it there. The injection-medium inlet opening has an injection-medium cross-sectional surface oriented perpendicular to the jet apparatus longitudinal axis. The stirring-medium outlet opening has a stirring-medium cross-sectional surface oriented perpendicular to the jet apparatus longitudinal axis. In particular, the injection-medium cross-sectional surface is smaller than the stirring-medium cross-sectional surface. In particular, the stirring-medium cross-sectional surface is at least 1.5 times, in particular at least two times and in particular at least three times the size of the injection-medium cross-sectional surface.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the jet apparatus has at least one suction-medium inlet opening for drawing suction medium into the jet apparatus. This allows one to improve a mixing of the medium in the container in a particularly advantageous manner. The suction-medium inlet opening is in particular directly connected with the medium disposed in the container. This means that the suction-medium inlet opening faces the medium surrounding the jet apparatus. In particular, the suction-medium inlet opening is provided in an outer wall of the jet apparatus. The suction-medium inlet opening in particular extends about the jet apparatus longitudinal axis along a circumference at an outer lateral surface of the jet apparatus. In particular, a plurality of suction-medium inlet openings is provided, for instance along an outer circumference of the jet apparatus to improve the intake of suction medium and therefore the mixing of the medium.

According to another embodiment, the jet apparatus has an injection-nozzle portion for feeding injection medium into the jet apparatus, a suction-nozzle portion for drawing suction medium into the jet apparatus, a mixing-nozzle portion for mixing injection medium and suction medium and a diffuser for the outflow of the stirring jet into the container. Starting from the injection-medium inlet opening, the injection-nozzle portion, the mixing-nozzle portion and the diffuser are arranged one behind the other along a jet apparatus longitudinal axis. In a jet apparatus configuration of this type, the flow conditions and the mixing of the medium in the container are generally improved. The diffuser in particular generates a negative pressure in the suction zone, in particular in the mixing chamber, such that the suction capacity of the mixing chamber is improved even more.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the injection-nozzle portion is provided with an injection plug used to generate an injection-nozzle flow cross-section. The injection-nozzle flow cross-section is in particular annular, with the effect that increased flow speeds are obtained at an outer circumference of the injection-nozzle flow cross-section. This in particular improves a mixing with the suction medium. In particular, the injection plug is arranged coaxially to the jet apparatus longitudinal axis. The injection plug in particular has a rotationally symmetric, in particular a conical or truncated-conical geometry. In particular, the injection plug has a variable cross-sectional surface along the jet apparatus longitudinal axis, the cross-sectional surface ascending from the injection-medium inlet opening towards the stirring medium outlet opening.

It is particularly advantageous if the mixing-nozzle portion comprises a mixing chamber and a mixing path arranged downstream thereof along the jet apparatus longitudinal axis. Wherein a mixing-chamber flow cross-section along the jet-apparatus longitudinal axis diminishes in the direction towards the stirring-medium outlet opening, and wherein a mixing-path flow cross-section is substantially constant along the jet-apparatus longitudinal axis. This ensures that due to the diminishing mixing chamber flow cross-section, a suction force is exerted both on the injection medium and on the suction medium drawn in before via the suction-medium inlet opening. Then the flows of media supplied to the mixing path via the mixing chamber are mixed along the mixing path and transferred to the diffuser.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the ratio of mixing-path flow cross-section to injection-nozzle flow cross-section is in the range from 4 to 15, in particular in the range from 6 to 12, and in particular amounts to 9. A ratio of this type ensures a particularly advantageous widening of the stirring jet with respect to the injection-medium jet.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the diffuser has a widening diffuser flow cross-section. This means that the diffuser flow cross-section increases along the jet apparatus longitudinal axis towards the stirring medium outlet opening. The diffuser flow cross-section is in particular conical or truncated-conical. It is conceivable as well that the diffuser flow cross-section is not a full cross-section but a hollow cross-section, in particular if an injection plug is provided in the region of the diffuser.

It is particularly advantageous if a diffuser length is defined as a function of a radius of a diffuser inlet opening. In particular, the diffuser length oriented along the jet apparatus longitudinal axis is at least 80 % and at most 230 % of the radius, in particular at least 100 % and at most 200 % of the radius, and in particular, the diffuser length is 1.6 times the radius of the diffuser inlet opening.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the jet apparatus has no movable parts. In particular when compared to mechanical stirring apparatus, the device is made simpler as there are no movable and mechanical parts. The wear of the entire device and the effort required for maintenance and/or repair works is reduced. Since the device does not require any maintenance, the risk of accidents is in particular reduced as well. It is in particular not necessary to arrange ladders on the outside of the container that provide access to the container for maintaining stirring units. Since it is not necessary to provide drive shafts that pass through the container, the energy loss when mixing the medium in the container is reduced. In the case of a conventional temperature difference of approximately 150 K between the stored medium and the environment, losses due to heat being dissipated via a lantern flange are inevitable. A heat loss of this type does not occur in the device according to the invention. In particular, the heat lost occurring in stirring units is greater than a drive power of the conveying pump in the device according to the invention, in particular in the case of short stirring intervals and/or long downtimes as they are usual in particular when storing polymer-modified bitumen. This means that despite the additional drive power required for the conveying pump, the device according to the invention has a lower power consumption when compared to a storage container with a mechanical stirring unit. This results in a positive energy balance. In particular when storing media containing solvents, the storage temperature may be higher than the flash point of the respective medium. The risk of a spark formation, which may occur in mechanical stirring units due to bearing friction or material rupture, is excluded in the present device. The mixing of media in the device according to the invention takes place in such a way that irrespective of the fill level in the container, the surface of the medium is substantially smooth. This reduces the contact of the medium with displaced air, with the result that the risk of oxidation is reduced. In particular when compared to mechanical stirring units, which work at the surface of the medium so that waves are produced, the risk of oxidation is reduced. It is in particular not necessary to render inert displaced air and/or to design the container in a shock-proof manner. The device according to the invention, in particular the jet nozzle and the connection lines required for it, may advantageously be arranged in particular in a lower region of the container, which is in particular set up in such way as to be oriented vertically. In particular no additional components are provided in the upper region of the container. Components installed in or on top of the container providing access to the upper region of the container such as an upper manway, inner and outer ladders, a circular platform and/or a lantern flange can be omitted. The design of a container of this type is simple and in particular cost-effective. Furthermore the device according to the invention allows the medium to be stored and mixed in an advantageous, energy-efficient manner. It is conceivable to operate the jet nozzle in such a way that the medium stored in the container is mixed and in particular heated even if not the entire medium volume is liquid. A mixing process may start locally in the region of the jet apparatus and bring about an improved introduction of heat in the region of the jet nozzle due to a heat supply. As such, the heating capacity is used in an advantageous manner. The heat exchange is improved by the mixing process carried out by means of the jet apparatus. In particular, it is not necessary to delay the start of the mixing process until the entire medium stored in the container has liquefied, as it would be necessary in the case of a mechanical stirring unit. The jet apparatus is maintenance-free. In particular the entire device is substantially maintenance-free; only the conveying pump may require maintenance from time to time. The conveying pump, however, is in particular arranged outside the container, and in particular in such a way as to be accessible from outside. In particular if the fluid to be stored is made without any abrasive components, the jet apparatus has a substantially unlimited service life. It turned out that gear pumps and rotary vane pumps are particularly suitable configurations for implementing the conveying pump. They in particular ensure an increased service life of the conveying pump. Gear pumps and rotary vane pumps may have an efficiency of for instance 70% and allow an injection-medium jet to be produced with a volume flow of 40 m3/h at a pressure of 3 bar. As a result, a drive power of approximately 5 kW is sufficient to ensure a reliable and homogeneous mixing of approximately 50 to 100 m3 of the medium in the container.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the jet apparatus longitudinal axis of the jet apparatus is oriented parallel to a container longitudinal axis. This improves the mixing of the medium in the container.

In particular, the container is installed in such a way that the container longitudinal axis is oriented vertically relative to the ground.

It is particularly advantageous if more than one jet apparatus are arranged in the container. This improves the mixing even more. It is conceivable to arrange a plurality of jet apparatuses in a plane perpendicular to the container longitudinal axis, in particular along an inner wall of the container. It is conceivable as well to arrange a plurality of jet apparatuses one behind the other along the container longitudinal axis.

Further advantageous embodiment, additional features and details of the invention will be apparent from the ensuing description of an additional embodiment, taken in conjunction with the drawing in which

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of the device according to the invention, and

Fig. 2 shows an enlarged sectional view of a jet apparatus of the device according to the invention.

The device 1 shown in a schematic view according to Fig. 1 is used for the storing of viscous media, in particular of medium- to highly-viscous media such as polymer-modified bitumen. The device 1 comprises a container 2 in which the medium 3 is stored. Via a fill connection 4, the medium 3 can be supplied to a feed line 5. A conveying pump 6 delivers the medium 3 disposed in the feed line 5 to the container 2. A first actuable lock valve 7 allows the fill connection 4 to be separated from the feed line 5, in particular if it is currently unnecessary to refill the container 2.

Along a conveying direction 8, another, second lock valve 9 is arranged of the fill pump 6. Behind the second lock valve 9, a temperature sensor 10 is provided that is used to measure the temperature of the medium 3 disposed in the feed line 5. Furthermore, a sampling point 11 is provided that allows one to take a sample of the medium 3 in the feed line 5. A sample of this type of this type may be taken for further examination. An examination of this type allows one to analyze the composition of the medium, for example.

The feed line 5 leads, along the conveying direction 8, from the conveying pump 6 to the container 2. In the container 2, a first jet apparatus 12 and a second jet apparatus 13 are arranged and are in each case connected to the feed line 5 independently from each other. To this end, the feed line 5 has a first switch 14 that is in particular arranged outside the container 2. Seen along the conveying direction 8, a third locking valve 15 is arranged in front of the first switch 14. The third locking valve 15 allows one to disconnect the conveying connection from the conveying pump 6 to the two jet apparatuses 12,13. If the third locking valve 15 allows a delivery of the medium 3, at least the first jet apparatus 12 is in a conveying connection with the conveying pump 6. The second jet apparatus 13 can be connected separately by means of a fourth locking valve 16, which is arranged downstream of the first switch 14 when seen in the conveying direction 8. In other words, it is possible that either both jet apparatuses 12, 13, only the first jet apparatus 12 or none of the jet apparatuses 12, 13 are in a conveying connection with the conveying pump 6.

The container 2 has a container longitudinal axis 17. The container is set up in such a way that the container longitudinal axis 17 thereof is oriented vertically. The first jet apparatus 12 has a jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18 that is oriented vertically. The second jet apparatus 13 has a jet apparatus longitudinal axis 19 that is oriented vertically. The container longitudinal axis 17 and the jet apparatus longitudinal axes 18, 19 are oriented parallel to each other. Along the container longitudinal axis 17, the first jet apparatus 12 is arranged in front of the second jet apparatus 13.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the fill level of the medium 3 is such that the first jet apparatus 12 is surrounded by medium 3. The second jet apparatus 13 is arranged in a vertical region of the container 2 that is above the fill level. In this configuration, the second jet apparatus 13 is inactive, i.e. the second jet apparatus 13 is not used to pump the medium 3. The medium 3 is circulated only by means of the first jet apparatus 12.

The container 2 is provided with a fill level sensor 49 for monitoring the current fill level of the medium 3 in the container 2. Depending on the fill level, the fill level sensor 49 is able to transmit a signal to a control unit 50, which then actuates the conveying pump 6 and/or at least one of the locking valves 15, 16, for example, to supply the jet apparatuses 12,13. To this end, the control unit 50 is in a signal connection with the conveying pump 6 and the locking valves 15,16. The control unit 50 is also in a signal connection with the fill level sensor 49.

According to the condition shown in Fig. 1, the fourth locking valve 16 is configured in such a way that the second jet apparatus 13 is disconnected from the feed line 5. The first jet apparatus 12, on the other hand, is in a conveying connection with the conveying pump 6. The control unit 50 may also cause the first locking valve 7 to be opened so that the container 2 is refilled with medium 3 via the fill connection 4 and the feed line 5. In particular, it is conceivable for the fill level monitoring to be controlled in such a way that the fill level in the container 2 never falls below a predefined minimum fill level. This is possible, for example, in such a way that when the fill level reaches and/or falls below a critical minimum fill level, the control unit is actuated to refill the container 2 with medium 3.

The container 2 is furthermore provided with a flow sensor 51. The flow sensor 51 is arranged in the container 2 in such a way as to be stationary and is for instance rigidly connected with, in particular welded to, an inner wall of the container 2. The flow sensor 51 is arranged adjacent to the first jet apparatus 12 when seen along the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18. The flow sensor 51 detects the flow of the medium 3 inside the container 2. The flow sensor 51 may also be arranged at another position in the container 2 to detect the flow conditions in the container 2. The flow sensor 51 is in a signal connection with the control unit 50. The flow sensor 51 transmits a signal to the control unit 50 that is used to control and, in particular, to regulate the speed of the conveying pump 6. To this end, a frequency converter 52 may be provided along the signal connection between the control unit 50 and the conveying pump 6. The driving power of the conveying pump 6 is proportional to the rotational speed of the conveying pump 6 taken to the power of three. When the rotational speed of the conveying pump 6 is reduced, the driving power of the conveying pump 6 is reduced considerably. The flow sensor 51 allows the device 1 to be operated particularly efficiently and economically.

Furthermore a feed connection 20 is provided that is in a conveying connection with the feed line 5 and allows the medium 3 to be pumped directly into the container 2. The feed connection 20 is associated to a fifth locking valve 21. In order to supply the feed connection 20 with medium 3, the feed line 5 is provided with a second switch 22 that is arranged upstream of the third locking valve 15 when seen along the conveying direction 8. In other words, it is in particular conceivable, using the conveying pump 6, to deliver medium 6 into the container 2 directly via the feed connection 20 so that the medium 3 does not have to pass through at least one of the jet apparatuses 12, 13. This allows the container to be filled rapidly, directly and easily.

The container 2 is provided with an extraction opening 23 that is associated to a sixth locking valve 24. The extraction opening 23 allows medium 3 to be pumped back from the container 2 along the conveying direction 8 and to be recirculated by means of the conveying pump 6. In other words, in order to mix the medium 3 in the container 2, it is conceivable to deliver medium 3 disposed in the container 2 via the extraction opening 23 to an extraction line 25. In the region of the conveying pump 6, the extraction line 25 is connected to the feed line 5, thus allowing the extracted medium to be delivered, via the conveying pump, to the feed line 5 along the conveying direction 8 of the first jet apparatus 12 and/or the second jet apparatus 13. Starting from the container 2, the extraction opening 23, the extraction line 25, the conveying pump 6, the feed line 5 and the jet apparatuses 12, 13, a closed-loop cycle is formed for circulating the medium.

The following is a more detailed explanation, based on Fig. 2, of the actual design of the first jet apparatus 12, which is shown in a purely schematic view in Fig. 1. The jet apparatuses 12, 13 are identical.

The first jet apparatus 12 is rotationally symmetric in relation to the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18. Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal section in a plane that contains the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18. The jet apparatus 12 has an injection-medium inlet opening 26 shown on the left in Fig. 2, said opening 26 being used to supply the medium 3 to the jet apparatus 12 as injection medium in the form of an injection-medium jet. At an end of the jet apparatus 12 opposite to the injection medium inlet opening 26, a stirring medium outlet opening 27 is provided to output a stirring jet into the container 2. The stirring jet is used to stir the medium 3.

According to the shown exemplary embodiment, the jet apparatus 12 comprises a first jet nozzle 28 and a second jet nozzle 29 arranged therebehind along the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18. The first jet nozzle 28 comprises a first injection-nozzle portion 30, a first suction-nozzle portion 53, a first mixing-nozzle portion 31 and a first diffuser 32. The second jet nozzle 29 comprises a second injection-nozzle portion 33, a second suction-nozzle portion 54, a second mixing- nozzle portion 34 and a second diffuser 35. The respective injection-nozzle portions 30, 33, suction-nozzle portions 53, 54, mixing-nozzle portions 31, 34, and diffusers 32, 35 of the jet nozzles 28, 29 are substantially equal in function. The essential feature is that along the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18 along a media flow direction 36, the injection-nozzle portion 30, 33 is arranged first, followed by the suction-nozzle portion 53, 54, the mixing-nozzle portion 31, 34 and, finally, the diffuser 32, 35.

The injection-nozzle portion 30, 33 is used to supply injection medium 3 to the respective jet nozzle 28, 29. In the case of the first injection-nozzle portion 30, which faces the injection medium inlet opening 26, the injection medium 3 is supplied to the jet apparatus 12 via the feed line 5. In the case of the second injection-nozzle portion 33, which is identical to the first diffuser 32, the injection-medium jet being discharged from the first diffuser 32 of the first jet nozzle 28 is used as injection medium for the second jet nozzle 29.

In the region of the first injection-nozzle portion 30, 33, an injection plug 37 is arranged coaxially to the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18 in such a way that the inflowing injection medium flows around it. The injection plug 37 serves to generate an annular injection-nozzle flow cross-section. An injection-nozzle flow cross-section generated in this manner has an increased flow speed in particular in a circumferential region of the annular surface oriented perpendicular to the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18, with the result that a mixing with a suction medium drawn in by the jet apparatus 12 is improved. A drawing in of suction medium occurs by means of a plurality of suction medium inlet openings 38 arranged in the outer wall of the jet apparatus 12. In the exemplary embodiment shown, four suction medium inlet openings 38 are provided that are evenly distributed on the outer circumference of the jet apparatus 12. The suction medium inlet openings 38 are in each case separated from each other by separations webs 55 (not shown) in the outer wall of the jet apparatus 12. The suction medium inlet openings 38 extend about the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18 along a circumferential angle of almost 90°. An inflow surface for the suction medium formed by the suction medium inlet openings 38 substantially corresponds to the outer surface of the jet apparatus. The suction medium inlet openings 38 are arranged in the suction-nozzle portion 53. The flow of the suction medium 3 through the suction medium inlet openings 38 into the first mixing nozzle portion 31 is shown by the arrows 39.

The first mixing nozzle portion 31 is used for mixing injection medium and suction medium. It is evident that the injection medium and the suction medium are one and the same medium 3, in particular polymer-modified bitumen. Injection medium is supplied to the first jet nozzle 28 by the injection medium flow 40 via the injection medium inlet opening 26. Suction medium is supplied via the suction medium inlet openings 38 in the form of a suction flow 39.

The first mixing-nozzle portion 31 has a first mixing chamber 41 and a first mixing path 42 arranged downstream thereof along the media flow direction 36. The first mixing chamber 41 has a mixing chamber flow cross-section that diminishes along the media flow direction 36, in other words along the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18 towards the stirring medium outlet opening 27. As a result, the flow speed of the medium is increased, and a mixing of injection medium and suction medium is improved. The mixing of the media flows 39, 40 then occurs in particular in the first mixing path 42 that has a mixing path flow cross-section along the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18 that is substantially constant. A ratio of mixing path flow cross-section to injection nozzle flow cross-section is in the range of 4 to 15. It is advantageous is this ratio is in the range of 6 to 12. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the ratio is approximately 9.

The first diffuser 32 has a widening diffuser flow cross-section that has an outer conical or truncated-conical shape along the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, another injection plug 43 is provided in the region of the first diffuser 32. The injection plug 43 substantially fulfills the same function as the injection plug 37 in the region of the first injection nozzle portion 30. The reason for this is that the first diffuser 32 is realized integrally in one and the same component as the second injection-nozzle portion. As a result, the installation length of the entire jet apparatus 12 can be reduced. Due to the injection plug 43, the diffuser flow cross-section of the first diffuser 32 is an annular jet. The media flow being discharged in the region of the first diffuser 32 is used as injection flow 40 for the second jet nozzle 29.

The second jet nozzle 29 is substantially identical to the first jet nozzle 28. In particular the dimensions, in particular the respective diameter of the cross-sectional surfaces perpendicular to the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18 and the lengths along the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18, are increased in relation to the corresponding dimensions of the first jet nozzle 28. The second suction-nozzle portion 54 has four suction medium inlet openings 44 that are evenly distributed along the outer circumference of the jet apparatus 12. The second mixing-nozzle portion 34 has a second mixing chamber 45 and a second mixing path 46. Two adjacent suction medium inlet openings 44 are in each case separated from each other by a separating web 56. Via the second diffuser, the medium 3 is discharged from the jet apparatus 12 in the form of a stirring jet 48 for stirring the medium 3 in the container 2.

In the region of the second diffuser 35, no injection plug is provided. This means that the flow pattern of the stirring jet 48 discharged from the jet apparatus 12 is provided across the entire cross-sectional area. The diffuser flow cross-section discharged from the second diffuser 35 is provided across the entire cross-sectional area. Due to the widening design of the diffuser 35, which is in particular in the shape of a truncated cone, along the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18, the stirring jet 48 is widened. In particular, the stirring jet 48 discharged from the jet apparatus 12 is wider than the injection medium jet 40 supplied to the jet apparatus 12. This means that the stirring jet 48 has an increased volume and results in an extended impulse loss at the same time due to the reduced flow speed. The stirring jet 48 thus produced is particularly well suited to mix the medium 3 in the container 2 entirely, homogeneously and reliably. The cascaded design of the jet nozzles 28, 29 shown above allows the widened diffuser flow cross-section of the first diffuser 32 to be advantageously used as inlet flow for the second jet nozzle 29. It is in particular sufficient if one single jet apparatus 12 is arranged in a container 2. Since the jet apparatus 12 has no moving parts, a wear is reduced. In particular, the jet apparatus is maintenance-free.

The second diffuser 35 has a diffuser length Ld that is oriented along the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18. The second diffuser 35 furthermore has a radius n of the diffuser inlet opening 47. The following applies: 0.8-n < Ld ^ 2.3-n, especially 1.0-n < Ld ^ 2.On, especially Ld = 1.6-n.

It is conceivable to provide, at the jet apparatus 12, the supply of a cooling medium, in particular of liquid water. In particular, the cooling medium is supplied in the region of the stirring medium outlet opening 27. In particular, a smaller amount is supplied, in particular at most 5 % of the volume of the discharged stirring jet 48, in particular at most 3 % of the volume of the discharged stirring jet 48, and in particular at most 1 % of the volume of the discharged stirring jet 48. The injected water is evaporated because of the higher temperature of the medium, in particular the polymer-modified bitumen. The temperature of the medium 3 reduces due to phase transition enthalpy. The impulse of the stirring jet 48 is increased at the same time. This increases the mixing effect of the stirring jet 48 even more. A stirring jet 48 of this type with water injected therein has an improved efficiency. It is in particular conceivable to supply the liquid water to the jet apparatus 12 via a feed line (not shown) in the region of the second diffuser 35 at an outer lateral surface radially to the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18. It is conceivable as well to integrate the feed line into the jet apparatus 12 in such a way that a feed opening for the water is arranged coaxially to the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18. It is conceivable as well to provide a plurality of feed openings, which are then arranged coaxially to the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18 in a plane perpendicular to the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18 at a distance from the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18, for example.

Claims (13)

An apparatus for storing viscous media, wherein the apparatus (1) comprises a. A container (2) for storing the medium (3), b. A transport pump (6) for transporting at least a partial volume of the medium (3) c. A jet apparatus (12, 13) comprising at least one jet nozzle (28, 29) is disposed in the container (2) and communicates with the transport pump (6) and allows for a tube jet (48 ) for the stirring of the medium (3), whereby the stirring jet (48) emitted by the jet apparatus (12, 13) is expanded relative to a propellant jet which is to be fed into the jet apparatus (12, 13) and thus has an enlarged volume and / or causing a reduced pulse loss on the medium (3) to be stirred for a mixing of the medium under laminar flow conditions, characterized in that the jet apparatus (12, 13) comprises a first jet nozzle (28) comprising a first drive nozzle section (30), a first suction nozzle section (53), a first mixing nozzle off section (31) and a first diffuser (32) as well as a longitudinal axis (18, 19) along the beam apparatus longitudinal axis (29), which comprises a second drive nozzle section (33), a second suction nozzle section (54), a second mixing nozzle section (34) and a second diffuser (35). Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the jet apparatus (12, 13) comprises a drive medium inlet opening (26) connected to the transport pump (6) for the supply of driving medium as a driving medium jet in the jet apparatus (12, 13) and a tube. a remedium outlet opening (27) for dispensing the tube jet (48) into the container (2), whereby the drive medium inlet opening (26) and the stirring medium outlet opening (27) are arranged coaxially relative to each other. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radiator (12, 13) comprises at least one suction medium inlet opening (38, 44) for suction of suction medium in the radiator (12,13). Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a driving nozzle section (30, 33) along a beam apparatus longitudinal axis (18, 19) of a driving nozzle section (30, 33) for supplying the driving medium to the radiator (12,13). ), a suction nozzle section (53, 55) for suction of the suction medium in the jet apparatus (12, 13), a mixing nozzle section (31, 34) for the mixture of propellant and suction medium and a diffuser (32, 35) for the pipe jet (48). ) outflow into the container (2). Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the drive nozzle section (30, 33) comprises a gap wedge (37, 43) arranged, in particular coaxially with the radiator longitudinal axis (18, 19), to provide a particularly annular drive nozzle flow cross-section. Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the mixing nozzle section (31, 34) comprises a mixing chamber (41, 45) and a longitudinal axis (42, 46) of a radiator longitudinal axis (18, 19), mixing chamber flow cross-section decreases along the radiator longitudinal axis (18, 19) in the direction of the tube medium outlet opening (27), whereby a mixed flow flow cross-section is substantially constant along the radiator longitudinal axis (18, 19). Apparatus according to claims 5 and 6, characterized by a ratio between the mixing draw flow cross-section and the driving nozzle flow cross-section, which is in the range of 4 to 15, in particular from 6 to 12 and especially of approx. 9th Apparatus according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the diffuser (32, 35) comprises a diffuser flow cross-section which extends along the radiator longitudinal axis (18, 19), in particular in conical or cone-shaped fashion. Apparatus according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the diffuser (32, 35) comprises a diffuser length (Ld), whereby 0.8 ri <Ld ^ 2.3 ri, in particular 1, is applied. 0-n <Ld ^ 2.0 µi, especially Ld = 1.6 µi, where n is the radius of a diffuser inlet (47). Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the beam apparatus (12, 13) comprises no moving parts. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first diffuser (32) and the second drive nozzle section (33) are an integrated component. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the beam apparatus (12, 13) is oriented with the beam apparatus longitudinal axis (18, 19) parallel to a, particularly vertically oriented, container longitudinal axis (17). Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a plurality of radiators (12, 13).