EP0605693B1 - Process and device for the continuous moistening of grain and use of the moistening device - Google Patents

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/CH93/00189 Sec. 371 Date Jun. 22, 1994 Sec. 102(e) Date Jun. 22, 1994 PCT Filed Jul. 27, 1993 PCT Pub. No. WO94/03274 PCT Pub. Date Feb. 17, 1994The invention proposes the damping of grain, for example, by creating a rotating layer (20) in a damping chamber (2) with the help of acceleration rotors (3). For this, the cross-section of the rotation chamber is designed to form an outer boundary around two or, preferably, three acceleration rotors (3, 3', 3''). In this way, the rotating layer is forced into an eccentric and spiralling motion within the damping chamber (2). Damping is carried out in a very gentle manner, so that there occurs hardly any abrasion and no grain damage. Additional advantages include a longer and controllable reaction period during damping, optimized preparation for milling and a shorter, controllable tempering period.

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a method and a device for continuous wetting or hydrating of bulk food and feed such as Grain and grain regrind, also a use a network device.

State of the art

The networking of pourable food and feed is subject to at least two special requirements. To the First it is important to have a rather small amount Wetting agent, usually water or steam evenly is mixed with a large amount of the dry material. The second requirement is that Wetting agent on every particle, on every grain, or distributed over its entire surface. In some applications, water is added just around that Increase water content. As a rule, however, one tries a favorable physical or biochemical To influence the subsequent processing or only to trigger in order to be more technologically advantageous To create conditions. It is very interesting Development of the humidification of grain before Grinding over the past 100 years. How to Example described in German Patent 77 903 played in the early days of industrial grinding Dosing of water at a given grain throughput the main role. Since then, the so-called network snail - with a screw conveyor rotating slowly in a trough and a water metering device located in the inlet area - enforced and isolated until recently can. Such snails are still found in many older mills. According to the DE-PS 1 094 078 tries with the action of steam, at the same time to carry out a thermal treatment. Numerous Experiments have shown that the effects of moisture and Heat has a positive effect on some types of wheat has the following processing. With the strong increase in mill performance and energy costs were the necessary warming and the subsequent cooling of the correspondingly larger ones Masses but no longer portable due to energy consumption. The miller's practice surprisingly confirmed over many decades that the uniformity of water distribution not a priority on the individual grain at the time of adding water is, because experience has shown that it is also poorly distributed Network water for 1 to 2 days - exposure time in the so-called Staying cell completely compensates for the differences. The Water penetrates the inside of each through the outer layers Grain and gives an optimal texture for the subsequent Marriage.

A device for wetting seeds is also known according to European patent application EP-A-346 278, at the seed first in a feed and metering device, which contains several screw conveyors, is introduced. From this feed and metering device gets the seeds into a Spray chamber in which an atomizer has a fine spray generated and wetted the falling seeds. The wet Grains fall into an underlying mix and Delivery room and are mixed by means of mixing and stirring shafts. The wetted and mixed is conveyed by means of a screw conveyor Seed slowly as it mixes up to an exit opening promoted. A disadvantage of this is the complicated Structure of the network device, especially the uncontrollable Retention time of the wetted grains in the mixing and Funding area, which does not expect a homogeneous network.

Until 20 years ago, it was common for high purity of the Grain goods this in an actual washing process wash, the washing process being the stone selection served. The large water consumption from 1 to 2 Liters / kg of grain resulted in enormous sewage problems what ultimately to the development of dry stone readers led. A heat treatment failed due to the energetic Question, a wash at the cost of the wash water. Complete dry cleaning and wetting according to German Patent No. 25 03 383 of Applicant has been the most widespread for about 10 years found. The network water can be all the more homogeneous on the Mixed material can be distributed, the more intensely when wetting the grain is mixed with the water and processed. At the same time, however, there are more disadvantages as disadvantages Grains and more abrasion. A network facility the grain should wet but not produce any abrasion. The Network equipment must be designed so that the water in the grain acts and this on the subsequent Grinding is optimally prepared. For wetting is this resulted in a conflict of goals.

Presentation of the invention

The invention is now concerned with the task pourable food and feed, in particular Whole grains without damage to the grain and without Wetting abrasion optimally and homogeneously.

The invention solves this problem with the method according to Claim 1, which is characterized in that one Gutstrom metered a liquid component and that mix obtained in this way by means of at least two parallel acceleration rotors as a fluidized bed a runout due to one of the acceleration rotors similarly enclosing net chamber is driven.

• Beschleunigungskräfte von den Beschleunigungsrotoren
• Reibkräfte von der Wandung der Netzkammer
• Zentrifugalkräfte durch die ständige Umlenkung in den Eckpartien
• Die Schwerkraft
• Die Luftkräfte
• sowie Kräfte zwischen den Partikeln und Kräfte aus Rotationsbewegungen der Partikel.

Auf diese Weise ist es aber gelungen, in einer lockeren Wirbelschicht mit einem Minimum an mechanischer Schlageinwirkung ein Maximum an Effekten für eine homogene Netzung, Netzwasserverteilung und Einwirkung bei kleinstmöglichem Abrieb und ohne Bruch der Körner zu erreichen.The invention has brought the surprising finding that even with only a minimal increase in the throughput time of the mixed material through the net chamber, positive effects arise in several respects. The idea of using a fluidized bed in a network chamber makes it possible, by choosing the dimensions in a relatively large area, to provide an action time which was not possible until then. The use of at least two acceleration rotors and a net chamber enclosing them in a shape-like manner results in a treatment which is significantly more gentle on the product, so that both damage to the grain and abrasion are noticeably reduced. The distribution of the network water over the whole grain is optimal. Due to the lower impact intensity, the power requirement per ton is not greater and the wear on the machine parts coming into contact with the product is less with a considerably longer dwell time. It is very important to observe that in the known network devices of the prior art with a circular network chamber cross-section, there is only a relatively small exchange between a layer near the wall and a part of the fluidized bed lying more towards the center, if this is not forced by appropriate impact effects. In contrast, however, it was found that in the event of an out-of-round rotation, which results according to the teaching according to the invention, there is in particular a maximum exchange between inside and outside, without the need for large impact effects from the acceleration rotors. Since not only does a preferential flow of material occur in the fluidized bed, but also a corresponding air flow, the network effect is supported by a surprising number of forces. For example:

• Acceleration forces from the acceleration rotors
• Frictional forces from the wall of the net chamber
• Centrifugal forces due to the constant deflection in the corner parts
• Gravity
• The air forces
• and forces between the particles and forces from the rotational movements of the particles.

In this way, however, it was possible to achieve a maximum of effects for a homogeneous wetting, distribution of network water and exposure with the least possible abrasion and without breaking the grains in a loose fluidized bed with a minimum of mechanical impact.

The invention further particularly allows a number advantageous embodiments. The net chamber is with rounded corners formed in which the acceleration rotors drive the fluidized bed, respectively the material flow as a mixed material is preferably forced into the Netzkammer is promoted. A very gentle wetting is made possible by the acceleration rotors the fluidized bed in the same direction and with approximately the same Accelerate orbital speed. Advantageously the acceleration rotors are spaced one above the other, arranged without interlocking. The mix is driven by the acceleration rotors within the Vortex chamber driven to a spiral orbital movement. The grain as a whole thus becomes definable Continuous movement imprinted so that each one Grain lingers in the chamber for about the same length. The Accelerator rotors work hand in hand, because together they maintain the orbital movement. Nevertheless occurs due to the gentle spatial Leadership, an unexpectedly high lateral movement of the individual Grains. Because every grain alternately faster and performing delayed movements, one is hardly going to Outperforming homogeneous network water distribution achieved, at simultaneous strong impact in the grain bowl, because The rotors and swirl chamber fit together.

In a very particularly advantageous embodiment suggested that in the vortex chamber 3 acceleration rotors, at least one of the acceleration rotors, offset in height, accelerate the mix, the vortex chamber having a triangular basic shape, such that the mix from the acceleration rotors in a corresponding triangular orbit is driven. The vortex chamber includes the Acceleration rotors in the corner areas due to curved Wall surfaces. These close an angle between about 90 - 180 ° and surround the rotors. The good becomes thereby in the area of the curved wall surfaces in the direction of rotation accelerated and in the area of the flat surfaces again slowed down. It has been shown that this measure is complete particularly strong the transverse movement of the grains and thereby the mixing favors because in the area of the flat and in the areas of the curved vortex chamber surfaces different forces act on the grain. In the area of the flat wall parts cause friction on the grains that touch the wall and on it slide, a slowdown in grain movement. It is possible, the rotors with inclined or vertical axis to arrange. For wetting cereals before Grinding, however, the rotors are preferably lying arranged such that the goods from an inlet too an outlet of the vortex chamber spiraling horizontally moved forward. This is what gravity does an additional mixing effect. Preferably the one below is Accelerator rotor in relation to the swirl chamber before and forms for the good and the liquid component an enema, such that in front of the vortex chamber the good mixed and the good mixture into the vortex chamber is forcibly promoted. It is also proposed in Area of the outlet with a fill level slide the residence time of the goods in the swirl chamber. In order to can in the vortex chamber the thickness of the fluidized bed resp. the amount of mass moved and accordingly the Exposure time can be selected or controlled. Fewer resistant types of grain can be found this way, extremely gently wetting and requiring at most a slightly longer waiting time. Of the Gutstrom can be used in applications where a high percentage of water must be added by two or more network chambers connected in series be wetted.

According to another very particularly advantageous Design ideas will be used to prepare the meal for the Manufacture of ground products such as wholemeal, light-colored Flour, haze and semolina the grain through a dosed Water addition of, for example, 2 to over 7% on the Brought grinding moisture, a stand-off cell and the Grinding fed. The grain is preferred before Stand out in a first dry and a second damp or wet stage cleaned, being in front of or during the second stage the main water volume of 2 - 7% or more added and preferably the grain for the moist or wet cleaning temporarily stored for 1 to 120 minutes becomes. The grain is advantageously in the damp or wet cleaning of a surface treatment subjected and part of the outer grain shell chafed away and the abrasion is immediately separated from the grain, preferably 0.2 to 2% of the grain is rubbed off and the grain is particularly preferred in dry cleaning is subjected to abrasion avoiding Scrubbing away the grain shell. It is also proposed the grain moisture after wetting or after to measure damp or wet cleaning Calculator means with a predetermined humidity compare and use the appropriate tax funds Correct water addition. Very special advantages are created for the new process for grinding preparation of Grain in a mill, taking the grain during at least 10 seconds to 3 minutes in the net chamber treated and then in a standing container 10 up to 120 minutes of exposure time. It results a positive combinatorial effect. With reduction of abrasion during humidification inhibited the proliferation of harmful microbes. The Downtime can be due to the improved mesh effect less than half an hour, or only a few hours. The grain is pre-processed subject to intensive scrubbing and cleaned again after the exposure time.

The invention also achieves the object mentioned at the outset with the subject of claim 10, that is, with a Network device for food and feed, especially cereals and their ground products which has at least two parallel centrifugal rotors and is characterized by the rotors as acceleration rotors are trained and a net chamber encloses the acceleration rotors in a shape-like manner. The Netzkammer can be an elliptical respectively have an elliptical shape, each with an acceleration rotor is located in the area of the focal points, if 2 acceleration rotors are used. At a very particularly advantageous embodiment of the new Invention, the circulation network chamber has a triangular shape on, with one acceleration rotor in each Corner area that is similar to every acceleration rotor is trained. With rather small throughputs the use of two acceleration rotors is sufficient. In contrast, there is an unexpectedly large area of application when using three centrifugal rotors, because both the dwell time and the throughput as well as the addition of wetting agents in one enormous range can be varied. Acceleration rotors are preferred horizontal or horizontal arranged lower with a centrifugal rotor. It has also proven to be very advantageous if a centrifugal rotor extended as an entry conveyor is, and protrudes from the circulation network chamber and an inlet for the goods and the liquid component having. The entry conveyor can be as Be pre-mixer and conveying elements for Have forced entry into the circulation network chamber. It is still possible, another entry element in the central Area parallel to the acceleration rotors to arrange for the introduction of at least one other Dry or liquid component. In the area of the outlet an adjustable fill level slide is arranged to to control throughput and dwell time. A drive is assigned to a first centrifugal rotor. The other accelerating rotors can by a Exaggeration of the first, preferably with the same Rotational speed, to be driven. The invention further includes the subject of claim 18, that is Use of the network device for mixing in Sugar, starch, glue, vitamins, oils, fats etc. in a grain or ground product.

The following is now based on several exemplary embodiments the invention is explained in more detail:

Brief description of the invention

die Figur 1

schematisch einen Längsschnitt durch eine Netzvorrichtung;

die Figur 2

einen Schnitt

- der Figur 1 mit drei Schleuderrotoren;

die Figuren 3a, 3b und 3c

verschiedene Varianten zu Figur 2 entsprechend einen Schnitt

- der Figur 1 mit je zwei Schleuderrotoren;

die Figur 4

zeigt einen Längsschnitt der Netzvorrichtung mit einer spiralförmigen Produktbewegung;

die Figuren 4a, 4b und 4c

einen Schnitt

- der Figur 4 mit je verschieden grossem Füllgrad;

die Figuren 5a, 5b und 5c

zeigen verschiedene Ausgestaltungen im Querschnitt der Vorrichtung;

die Figur 6

zeigt schematisch eine Netzung von Getreide mit anschliessender Messung des Wassergehaltes sowie der Regelung der Netzwasserzugabe;

die Figur 7

eine gesteuerte Netzung von Getreide mit anschliessender Zwischenlagerung;

die Figur 8

eine vollständige Reinigung und Netzung von Getreide für die Mahlvorbereitung.

Show it:

the figure 1

schematically shows a longitudinal section through a network device;

the figure 2

a cut

- 1 with three centrifugal rotors;

Figures 3a, 3b and 3c

different variants of Figure 2 corresponding to a section

- 1 with two centrifugal rotors;

the figure 4

shows a longitudinal section of the network device with a spiral product movement;

Figures 4a, 4b and 4c

a cut

- 4 with different degrees of filling;

Figures 5a, 5b and 5c

show different configurations in cross section of the device;

the figure 6

shows schematically a wetting of grain with subsequent measurement of the water content and the regulation of the addition of network water;

the figure 7

a controlled wetting of grain with subsequent intermediate storage;

the figure 8

a complete cleaning and wetting of grain for the preparation of the meal.

Ways of Carrying Out the Invention

In the following, reference is now made to FIGS. 1 and 2. A network device 1 has a network chamber 2, in which acceleration rotors 3, 3 ', 3' 'arranged in parallel and on a front 4 or one End side 5 are mounted in pivot bearings 6. Two acceleration rotors 3 'and 3' 'are in the upper part, and one Acceleration rotor 3 in the lower part of the net chamber 2 arranged (Figure 2). The lower acceleration rotor 3 is protruding and extended in the area of the front 4 educated. Form screw-like conveying elements 7 a compulsory entry or an entry sponsor 8. The material to be wetted is fed through an inlet 9 continuous product flow, and the wetting liquid supplied via a nozzle 10. Depending on the specific The two goods flows (product + Wetting liquid) with the corresponding accuracy be coordinated and dosed. An electric motor 11 drives the lower acceleration rotor via a belt drive 12 3, which in turn is the top two Acceleration rotors 3 'and 3' 'by means of an overdrive 13 drives. The acceleration rotors 3, 3 'and 3' 'point depending on the application different or differently set, known per se Slingshot pallets 14 roughly according to the German one Patent Specification No. 25 03 383. According to the three Acceleration rotors 3, 3 ', 3' 'have the net chamber 2 in Cross-section of a triangular basic shape, which is 3-fold one curved wall section B and one straight wall section G is formed. Two straight wall sections each close one Angle of 120 °. Depending on the task, however completely different triangular shapes, even uneven ones Triangular or quadrangular shapes can be used. In the However, four acceleration rotors each will be quadrangular in shape one applied in a corner. The curved wall part B is opposite with a distance or play (x) the outer ends of the centrifugal pallets 14 arranged. The corresponding radius R is therefore larger by the dimension X. than half the diameter D of the centrifugal rotor, and there thus the shape of the housing resembles a wrapping line of the acceleration rotors 3, 3 'and 3' '.

As can be seen from FIGS. 3a to 3c, using only 2 rotors an oval, elliptical or elliptical cross-sectional shape for the mesh chamber 2nd

In FIG. 4 the spiral product flow 19 is in shown a network device. Are in the area of the entry conveyor 8 conveyor elements 15 as screw-like Buckets, designed with a mixing function. The product leaves the network device 1 via a Sequence 16, with the setting of the outlet cross section from the net chamber 2, one, by a slide 17 adjustable outlet 18 is provided. With the slider 17 the degree of filling is set in the net chamber. Figure 4a shows the flow pattern at a very deep Degree of filling, the figure 4b a medium and the figure 4c at a maximum fill level. The flow pattern shown assumes that all 3 accelerator rotors with the revolve in the same direction, according to Figures 4a to 4c clockwise. It is interesting that in any case correspondingly thicker or thinner fluidized bed 20a, 20b resp. 20c occurs. As from the arrangement of the Figure 4a or 4b and 4c emerges, the Netzkammer 2 can be used in different positions, because it is in contrast to the very old gravity mixing drums emphasized in the new invention Accelerator mixer acts. From this knowledge it was now possible to add further specific configurations to find, as can be seen from Figures 5a to 5c. Trials have shown that when choosing suitable Dimensions of the network chamber 2, and the speed of the Acceleration rotors 3 also one or more Steering nose (s) 30 or more for a special steering of the Fluid bed 20 can be installed. About that in addition, even one of the 3 rotors can do one perform the opposite movement, as shown in the figure 5a. The steering nose (s) 30 has / have especially in the cases a special meaning in which mixing problems in For example, the foreground is when mixing flours liquid and / or greasy components. This can 4 in addition to the inlet 9 and the Stub 10, a feed pipe 21 can be arranged preferably via a distribution pipe 22 approximately in the central one Area of the net chamber 2 opens. For example it is possible, 22 sugar, starch, Glue, vitamins, baking aids, mordants, oils, Fats, molasses, acids etc. added. The advantage here lies that these often particularly sticky masses on the Fluidized bed are sprayed and therefore not directly in Come into contact with wall parts. In such cases, the whole network apparatus also surrounded by a heating jacket 24 and can be cooled or heated.

In the following, reference is now made to FIG. A Network unit 1 is directly connected to a via its outlet 18 Product main channel 31 connected. A microwave measuring device 32 is to determine the Bulk weight suspended on bending beam 27 like scales and measures the product moisture in a bypass 25. The Good is continuous via a discharge screw 26 promoted back to the main product channel 31. The Microwave measuring device 32 is on a control device 33 connected so that the corresponding measurement signal a control unit 34 via a target-actual comparison evaluated and as a control signal of a water metering unit 35 are supplied. This regulates the required amount of water, which via a water pipe 36 and a water injection pipe 37 the bulk material is metered. The water dosage according to Figure 6 is according to the method of classic regulation of the so-called "feed-backward" executed. This type of regulation is then particularly advantageous if the water content of the Raw grain is known and if not large Fluctuations neither for the moisture of the grain still for throughput through the network facility too are expected. The dwell time in the network device 1 can by adjusting the outlet cross section 23 the network chamber 2 can be controlled.

Another particularly advantageous application of the wetting for the preparation of the grinding is shown in FIG. A network device 1 according to FIGS. 1 or 2 is preferably used. A scrubbing machine 40 is arranged upstream of the wetting and removes all loose dirt and shell parts adhering to the grain. The dry grain is conveyed into the net chamber 2 via the inlet 9. The amount of mains water is metered in by a water metering unit 35. On-site electronics 41 receive the corresponding setpoint values "V" from a moisture meter 42 and from a computer 43. The moisture meter can be designed according to EP-PS No. 43 137. The freshly wetted wheat is evenly distributed into an intermediate depot 45 via a rotary distributor 44. A vibration discharge device 46, which is activated by a drive motor 47 and transfers the product to a second scrubbing machine 40 'in a metered manner, ensures a uniform lowering. FIG. 7 thus represents a grinding preparation station, which now optimizes the wetting and the influence of the mains water completely under recipe control under the best possible control. For the first time, complete control or control of the grinding preparation is now possible. It is possible to set the network time in the network chamber 2 using a corresponding recipe from the computer 43 via motorized setting means which act on the slide 17 and to set the dwell time in the intermediate depot 45. Another interesting design idea is that in the intermediate depot 45 with conditioned air 47 via an air treatment 48 with a controlled temperature or. Heating "H" and air humidity resp. Water addition "W", preferably an additional treatment can be carried out in recirculation mode. Furthermore, it is also possible, in the intermediate depot 45, a special gas atmosphere, for example with CO ₂ , via a gassing device "G" or. 49 manufacture. A shifting device could also be assigned to the intermediate depot 45, but work is preferably carried out continuously. The grain temperature is determined using a probe 50. Likewise, the effective grain moisture after wet cleaning can be measured again, for example using a microwave measuring unit 32. Both values are fed to the computer 43 via a data bus system 51, which also coordinates all operations on the basis of higher-level specifications “V”. In the intermediate depot 45, the grain can be heated to a constant temperature of, for example, 20 ° C. or cooled if necessary. With the entire device, a corresponding correction can be carried out even with a change in the moisture content of the grinding grain after the wet or wet cleaning via the air treatment 48 or via the network device 1. The grinding cereal, which has now been cleaned and wetted to the highest standards, is subsequently stored by an elevator 52, a distribution conveyor 53 in a hollow stand-up cell 54, in which the grain is now left to stand, for example, for 6 to 12 or, if necessary, up to 24 hours.

Reference is now made to FIG. 8. The so-called raw fruit 61 is made available for processing via a distribution conveyor 62 into the respective raw fruit cells 63, 63 'to 63 ^IV etc. The raw fruit 61 is only partially or not cleaned grain. The grain is usually freed of the coarsest contaminants by sieves and aspirations without having to clean the individual grains. The raw fruit cells 63 are also used to provide various types of grain, which are subsequently mixed together via quantity regulators 64 according to the preselected quantity and percentages via a collecting screw 65. The raw fruit mixture is then lifted over an elevator 66 and fed via a balance 67 into the first pre-cleaning stage 68 of dry cleaning, which is a combination of a size classification in the upper part and a weight classification in the lower part, as described, for example, in EP-PS No. 293 426. The raw fruit is introduced via an inlet 69 of the pre-cleaning stage 68, with larger foreign components being removed via an outlet 70, so-called scrolling, via a 71 outlet of fine sand, 72 stones via the outlet and 73 fine dust via an exhaust air line and being removed. The grain is subsequently via a connecting line 74 or. 74 'fed into an interior 75. Most foreign seeds such as round grains and long grains, oats, barley, sweet peas etc. can also be used to read raden and grain breakage via the Trieuer 75. The main grain is fed as the main fraction to a dry scrubbing machine 76 via an inlet 77, where an intensive surface cleaning of each individual grain takes place for the first time.

The dry abrasion is carried away via a collecting funnel 78 and a discharge line 79. The grain is then freed of loose shells and all scouring abrasion in a tarar 80, and continuously fed into the network device 1 via a conveyor 81 as dry cleaned goods. The network device 1 can be any of the above-described embodiments, it is important that a regulating device 35 be used to add a quantity of network water that can be precisely determined via a computer 43 via a corresponding network water line 10. In addition to or instead of the water, steam can also be used via a steam feed line 82 for wetting the grain. The freshly wetted grain is stored in the intermediate depot 45 for at least 3 to 10, at most up to 120 minutes. After a preselectable time, the grain is transferred to a wet or wet scrubbing machine 40 'via a discharge metering device, with 0.2 to 2% being scrubbed away from the grain, depending on the task, and the scouring dust also being removed here directly above the collecting funnel 78. After standing in the stand-off cells 54, the grinding grain is fed via flow control devices 60, a horizontal conveyor 61 and an elevator 62 to a further network device 73. 0.1 to 0.5% water is then added as B ₁ network to moisten the surface of the Kornes. After a short rest in a B ₁ depot 64, the mill input power is recorded using the so-called B ₁ balance 65. The grinding grain is then transferred to the first grinding stage or the first grinding roller mill 67 via a safety magnetic separator 66. With the system of high-level milling, the ground products are subsequently obtained in a manner known per se.

Claims (18)

1. Process for the continuous moistening of pourable foodstuffs and feeds such as grain and ground products of grain, characterised in that a liquid component is added to a stream of product and the mix thus obtained is driven by at least two parallel accelerating rotors (3, 3', 3'') as a fluidised bed (20) into a non-circular cycle through a moistening chamber (2) surrounding the accelerating rotors (3, 3', 3'') with a similar shape.
2. Process according to claim 1, characterised in that the moistening chamber is designed with rounded corners (B) in which the accelerating rotors (3, 3', 3'') accelerate the fluidised bed (20, 20a, 20b, 20c) and the stream of product is preferably forcibly conveyed into the moistening chamber (2) as a mix, the accelerating rotors (3, 3', 3'') particularly preferably accelerating the fluidised bed (20) in the same direction and at substantially the same circumferential velocity.
3. Process according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the accelerating rotors (3, 3', 3'') are superimposed with spacing and the mix is driven by the accelerating rotors (3, 3', 3'') within the whirl chamber (2) round a horizontal axis into a spiral circumferential movement (19) close to the wall.
4. Process according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that, in the whirl chamber (2), three accelerating rotors (3, 3', 3'') are arranged in a triangle, at least one of the accelerating rotors (3) being vertically offset, and accelerate the mix, the whirl chamber (2) having a basic triangular shape such that the mix is driven by the accelerating rotors (3, 3', 3'') in a corresponding triangular orbit.
5. Process according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that, in preparation for grinding for the production of ground products such as wholemeal flour, white flour, granules and semolina, the grain is brought to grinding moisture by a metered addition of water and is supplied to a conditioning cell and then to the grinding operation.
6. Process according to claim 5, characterised in that the grain is cleaned before conditioning in a first dry and a second moist or wet stage, the majority of water of, for example, 2 to 7% being added before or during the second stage and the corn preferably being stored for 1 to 120 minutes for moist or wet cleaning.
7. Process according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that, before the outlet (18), the fluidised bed (20) is retained in the moistening chamber (2) and the residence time of the mix in the moistening chamber (2) is accordingly adjusted, the grain preferably being treated in the moistening chamber (2) for at least 10 seconds to 3 minutes and then being subjected to a reaction time of 10 to 120 minutes in an intermediate repository (45).
8. Process according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterised in that the corn is subjected to a surface treatment in the moist or wet cleaning operation and a proportion of the outermost corn husks is spun away and the rubbed-off parts immediately separated from the corn, 0.2 to 2% of the corn preferably being spun away from the corn and the corn particularly preferably being subjected to scouring during the dry cleaning operation without scouring the corn husk away.
9. Process according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterised in that the moisture of the corn is measured after moistening or after the moist or wet cleaning operation, is compared with a predetermined moisture by computers and the addition of water corrected by appropriate control means.
10. Moistening device for foodstuffs and feeds, in particular grain and ground products thereof, with at least two parallel rotors, characterised in that the rotors (3, 3', 3'') are designed as accelerating rotors and a moistening chamber (2) surrounds the accelerating rotors (3, 3', 3'') with a similar shape.
11. Moistening device (1) according to claim 10, characterised in that the peripheral moistening chamber (2) has an elliptical or ellipse-like shape and a respective accelerating rotor (3, 3') is arranged in the focal-region.
12. Moistening device (1) according to claim 10, characterised in that the peripheral moistening chamber (2) has a basic triangular shape, a respective accelerating rotor (3, 3', 3'') is arranged in each corner region and the wall (B) of each corner region is designed with a similar shape to the envelope curve of the accelerating rotors (3, 3', 3'') allocated to it.
13. Moistening device (1) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterised in that the accelerating rotors (3, 3', 3'') are arranged horizontally and one rotor (3) is preferably arranged lower.
14. Moistening device (1) according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterised in that one accelerating rotor (3) is lengthened and designed as an entry conveyor (8), projects relative to the peripheral moistening chamber (2) and has an inlet (9) for the product and a feed nozzle (10) for the liquid component, the entry conveyor (8) preferably being designed as a premixer or as part of a premixer and having conveying elements (7, 15) for forced introduction into the peripheral moistening chamber (2).
15. Moistening device (1) according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterised in that, for introducing at least one further dry or liquid component, a further entry element (22) is arranged parallel to the accelerating rotors (3, 3', 3'') in the central region.
16. Moistening device (1) according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterised in that an adjustable filling slide valve (17) which can preferably be adjusted remotely by a computer (54) is arranged at the end of the moistening chamber (2) for varying the outlet cross section.
17. Moistening device (1) according to one of claims 10 to 16, characterised in that a drive (11, 12) is connected to a first accelerating rotor (3) and the further accelerating rotors (3', 3'') can be driven by a carry over (13) from the first accelerating rotor (3), preferably at the same circumferential velocity.
18. Use of the moistening device (1) according to claim 15 for mixing sugar, starch, vitamins, oils and/or fats etc. into a corn or ground product.

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