EP1334908A1 - Apparatus and method for filling bulk materials - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (23) comprises a filling head (11) having an outlet opening (37), a filling tube (39) opening into the filling head, and fixing units (19) for fixing a bunch of fibers (13) to the filling head. A unit is provided in the filling head for gripping a residue bunch of fibers or residual pocket remaining after filling and removing a bunch of fibers and for removing through the outlet opening. An Independent claim is also included for a process for drawing off dust-like or granular bulk material. Preferred Features: The gripping unit has an additional tube (27) opening into the filling head or into the filling tube or connected to the filling head. The gripping unit is a residual pocket suction tube which can be closed using a valve (31).

Description

The invention relates to a filling device and a method for filling of bulk goods in bags open on one side, drums with inner bags, or so-called big bags.

When filling plastic bags with dusty or granular ones Bulk goods get dust particles attached to the filling head (Product). When the sack is removed after filling, the filling head is open to the outside and the adhering product falls on the one below Libra (disadvantages → cross contamination, clean room pollution, air and Water hazard, increased protection for the filling necessary for the staff, Material corrosion, weighing errors due to contamination, difficult compliance GMP regulations)

A well-known alternative is the endless hose system Advantages compared to filling systems used so far, that here also low dust the container can be changed. The disadvantage of this system lies in the low absorption capacity of the so-called endless bag of approx. 30 m at <100 µm (micrometers), whereby the low material thickness, if a container is filled with> 25 kg net, cause a problem can. However, the sack can easily be lifted out of the drum tear.

The endless bag can be closed by means of clips or welding take place, here also only thin bag material <100 microns Advantage is. Low temperatures can be used for welding or when clinging, the end becomes denser because the thinner material thicker material should be used to compress it better slightly leaky floor closures can be expected.

Another problem with welding is that the inner surface of the bag is relatively clean is required, otherwise the weld seam will not be properly executed and it can open.

A bottling plant essentially consists of a feed hopper, one Dosing device and the so-called filling head. As a dosing device Swivel slide, squeeze hoses or screw conveyors, as a filling head become simple open pipes or tapered, conical, open Cylinder (truncated cone) used. Sealing from the filling head to one side open sack (big bag) is usually made with inflatable cuffs without Ring (advantage: very tight on the outside, material is stretched. Disadvantage: very large filling head, inflexible to different sack diameters, sack material can tear when inflated, high spare parts inventory for different Bag diameter), or inflatable sleeves with ring, ring or Funnel clamping, a bag buckle or vacuum or inflatable sleeve performed internally (advantage: smaller filling head possible, flexible on different bag diameters)

What does it look like if you have a shut-off device e.g. a flap at the end of the filling head install? A normal shut-off device (valve, flap or slide) at the open end of the filling head prevents falling of Product from the filling pipe, since this shut-off device also comes with the product If the container is contaminated, the product also falls from it when the container is changed downward.

All previously known devices (exception: endless bag system during operation; However, the same problems occur when changing the cartridge experience has shown that adequate protection against the Falling product from the filling head (filling pipe).

The object of the present invention is a method and an associated To provide a device to ensure that when changing containers no product is released into the environment.

The invention accordingly relates to a device for low-dust Change of containers of one-sided open sacks and big bags with dusty ones or granular bulk material, which is characterized in that in the filling head Means are provided to one after filling a container Filling head to grasp remaining container hose ("residual container") and to be withdrawn through the outlet opening of the filling head. The inventive The device has the advantage that when changing the container Danger of environmental pollution in comparison with known devices is less. In particular, an empty container can already be under be arranged on both sides of the remaining container before this through the outlet opening of the filling head is pulled upwards. The Gripping means can for example be a movable gripping tool, e.g. a movable gripping pliers or gripping arm, with which the remaining container packed and up through the exit opening, i.e. opposite the direction of the filling stream can be removed. It is conceivable that the filling head via a line with shut-off device in connection with a Vacuum source is. This has the advantage that a suction effect in the Filling head is adjustable when the remaining bag is removed.

The gripping means are advantageously one that ends in the filling head or in the filling tube or additional pipe connected to the filling head, below also called "residual bag suction pipe", which with a vacuum source in Connection is established. The additional suction tube makes it possible for a after closing and separating the filled container at the filling head remaining container hose, hereinafter also referred to as "residual container", sucked in and out through the suction pipe connected to the filling head can be. The remaining container can be sucked off particularly easily, if this closes to form a residual bag when the container is removed becomes. It is conceivable that the suction pipe is connected directly to the filling pipe is and that the residual bag is withdrawn through the filling tube becomes.

In the device according to the invention, after filling, the filling head jammed sack (inliner, big bag) by means of a closing device with clips, cable ties, bag closers or the like twice, i.e. by means of two clamping points provided at a distance from one another, locked. The filling container can then between the closures be separated (cut through). The remaining bag remains on the filling head back. Thanks to the remaining bag, the filling head remains even after removal of the filled container closed to the outside. Even if the clasp of the remaining bag should not be carried out exactly, can be put on no product can get into the environment due to negative pressure on the filling head, because the direction of flow to the exhaust fan (vacuum generator) of a dedusting system acts. The remaining bag suction tube can then be attached to the filling head a slight negative pressure should be applied, the upper one (from full Bundled bag part = residual bag) is sucked in. Instead of two pinch points can also be a single pinch point wide set come. A lock, e.g. Weld, of such a width that allows the container in a closed, filled container and a residual bag with a residual bag opening to separate.

The full container is removed from the weighing table and a fresh container prepared and put on hold. This package is now accurate below the sucked in residual bag. This remaining bag is now over the Residual bag suction pipe preferably suctioned off in a dedusting system. Since the fresh container is prepared under the remaining bag and one Gas flow acts towards the dedusting fan, no dust can (Product) reach the weighing table.

It is advantageous if the residual bag suction pipe by means of a shut-off device is lockable. This has the advantage that no bulk goods are filled in the suction pipe can get. The suction pipe can also be used permanently be subjected to a negative pressure. This expediently extends Residual bag suction tube into the filling head. This allows the remaining bag easily grasped and vacuumed. If the residual bag suction tube is movable and movable a certain distance in the direction of the outlet opening the remaining bag can be particularly easily gripped.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the end of the Residual bag suction tube as a closing flap or valve flap for the outlet opening of the filling head. This has the advantage that none Bulk can fall out of the filling head.

The suction pipe can be rigid and provided with a shut-off device be attached to the filling head. The suction tube is preferably movable in the Filling head continued as a shut-off device with a hollow shaft, which is the outlet opening of the filling head closes to the outside when changing the container.

The present invention also relates to a method for filling of dusty or granular bulk material, which characterizes it is that the remaining container on the filling head through the outlet opening is subtracted. This method has the advantage that the Can change faster and the risk of contamination the environment is less.

According to a particularly preferred process variant, the container is by means of a wide weld seam or two spaced apart and the clamping points running transversely to the bag opening are closed such that after the filled container has been cut off, the filling head closing residual bag remains. The remaining bag can then through the Outlet opening by means of a vacuum and / or movable gripping means subtracted from. This has the advantage that contamination of the Environment with slipping bulk material is excluded because of the outlet opening remains closed by the remaining bag. Consequently there is contamination the scales located under the filling head are practically excluded. If a vacuum is applied to the filling head, it becomes loose Bulk material pulled into the filling head. The procedure offers accordingly the advantages of an endless hose system, but avoids it Disadvantage.

The container is expediently equipped with at least 2 bag closers, Cable ties or clips to form two clamping points. However, it is also conceivable to use one instead of two disconnection points single wide pinch point, e.g. by welding, manufacturing and cut them in about the middle so that a closed, filled container on the filling head and a container that closes the outlet opening The remaining bag remains.

The filling head with a connected, closed container is advantageous a preferably light one even before the filled container is separated Vacuum applied. This has the advantage that no dust particles from the Filling head can escape to the environment, as this due to the negative pressure be sucked towards the vacuum source.

The residual bag is preferably drawn off into a dedusting system. There or in front of the dedusting system, a device for separation can be used of the residual bag may be provided.

Figur 1 einen Füllkopf mit einer bekannten Blähmanschette ohne Ring;

Figur 2 einen Füllkopf mit einer Blähmanschette und einem Ring;

Figur 3 einen Füllkopf mit einer durch Ring- oder Trichterklemmung realisierten Abdichtungvorrichtung;

Figur 4 einen Fülllkkopf mit einer Abdichtungvorrichtung bestehend aus einer Sackschnalle; resp.

Figur 5 einen Füllkopf mit einer Vakuum bzw. Blähmanschette innenwirkend;

Figur 6 ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Abfüllvorrichtung mit verschlossener Austrittsöffnung;

Figur 7 die Vorrichtung von Figur 6 im Abfüllzustand (Gebinde wird befüllt)

Figur 8 die Vorrichtung von Figur 6 nach dem Schließen des Sackes

Figur 9 die Vorrichtung von Figur 6 nach dem Trennen des Sackes zwischen den Sackschließern und mit einem neuen leeren Sack unter der Abfüllstelle plaziert;

Figur 10 die Vorrichtung von Figur 6 während des Absaugens des Restsakkes vom Füllkopf in das Restsack-Absaugrohr;

Figur 11 schematisch ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Abfüllvorrichtung.

The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the figures. It shows:

Figure 1 shows a filling head with a known inflation sleeve without a ring;

Figure 2 shows a filling head with an inflatable sleeve and a ring;

Figure 3 shows a filling head with a sealing device realized by ring or funnel clamping;

FIG. 4 shows a filling head with a sealing device consisting of a bag buckle; respectively.

5 shows a filling head with a vacuum or inflatable sleeve acting internally;

Figure 6 shows a first embodiment of a filling device according to the invention with a closed outlet opening;

FIG. 7 shows the device from FIG. 6 in the filling state (container is filled)

Figure 8 shows the device of Figure 6 after closing the bag

Figure 9 places the device of Figure 6 after separating the bag between the bag closers and with a new empty bag under the filling point;

FIG. 10 shows the device from FIG. 6 during the suction of the residual bag from the filling head into the residual bag suction pipe;

Figure 11 schematically shows a second embodiment of a filling device according to the invention.

Figures 1 to 5 show the prior art mainly used bag clamps 19 for releasably attaching a one-sided open container 13, e.g. of a sack to a filling head 11. Figure 1 shows a filling head 11 with an inflatable sleeve 15, but without a ring. This Embodiment of a sealing device has the advantage that it is very dense to the outside. Disadvantages, however, are that the filling head 11 is very voluminous and tailored to a specific sack diameter is. Another disadvantage is that the sack material tears when inflated can. If sacks with different sack diameters are to be filled, so there must be a large stock of replacement parts.

The known sealing device according to Figure 2 has an inflatable sleeve 15 with a ring 17. In practice, sealing is also used Ring or funnel clamping devices 16 (Figure 3) used. With these Embodiments is the container to be filled (sack) by means of a Ring 18 clamped from the outside to the funnel jacket. One is also known Sealing device with a bag buckle arranged on a belt 22 20 (Figure 4). To attach a container to the filling head 11 the straps 22 around the filling head and the container placed over the filling head placed and closed with the bag buckle 20. Finally, FIG. 5 shows another filling head with a vacuum or inflation sleeve 21. This Embodiment has the advantage that the seal is carried out internally is. In contrast to the inflatable cuff without a ring (Figure 1) Embodiments according to Figures 2 to 5 the advantage that the filling head can be made less voluminous. The filling heads are also for different bag diameters are suitable.

The filling device 23 shown in FIGS. 6 to 10 has a through a hopper 25 formed filling head 11, on which a sack (bundle) 13th is attached. To attach the container 13 is a Bag clamping device 19, e.g. an inflatable gasket pressed in from the outside, provided, which will be described in more detail below. In the funnel 25, an exhaust pipe 27 is provided. The suction pipe 27 is with a pipe 29 connected, which with a vacuum source not shown in the figures, e.g. with a fan with exhaust air filter. A Shut-off device 31, e.g. a valve allows the suction pipe 27 opposite to seal the vacuum source airtight. According to the embodiment shown the suction pipe 27 is axially displaceable relative to the pipe 29 arranged. For this purpose, a sliding tube or bellows 33 provided which connects the suction pipe 27 to the pipe 29. through a motor, hydraulic or pneumatic device, not shown the suction pipe 27 is adjustable in height. In the lowered state (Figure 6) is the end of the suction tube 27 in the area of Outlet opening of the funnel 25.

According to the preferred embodiment shown, the suction pipe is 27 widened to a closure flap 35. The closure flap 35 has one Diameter which corresponds approximately to the outlet opening 37 of the funnel 25 and closes the filling head to the outside.

A filling pipe 39 also opens into the funnel 25. The filling pipe 39 is connected via a Shut-off device with a storage container (neither in the figures shown) for a powdery or granular bulk material in connection. in the Filling tube 39 can be integrated known metering devices to the Dosing the amount of bulk material to be filled.

According to the preferred embodiment shown, a second opens Tube 41 in the funnel 25. The tube 41 serves as a gas suspension line and is connected to a filter system and / or the filling bunker. about the gas suspension line 41 becomes present in the atmosphere of the filling head Product returned to the filling bunker during the filling process. In the Filter system is separated from bulk material contained in the air or gas flow. A vacuum source can be connected to the filter system. In this In this case, the gas suspension line 41 can also be used as a residual bag suction pipe 27 become.

A line 45 is seen in the flow direction in front of the shut-off device 31 connected to the suction pipe 27. By means of a valve 47 can the line 45 are blocked. A bypass line 49 is before and after the valve 47 connected to the line 45. In the bypass line 49 is a valve 51 and a small flow meter 53 are provided. The lines 45 and 49 serve either the suction tube 27 during filling flush with a small gas stream or a new container 13 via line 39 inflate using a stronger gas flow.

The bag clamping device 19 shown only schematically has one or several lifting cylinders 55, which have one end at the suspension points Support 57 on the filling device 23. The other end of the Lift cylinder engages the clamping ring 18. The lifting cylinders are in the axial direction (Arrow 61) adjustable in length.

Figures 7 to 10 show the individual steps in the filling of a Container 13 in detail. In Figure 8 it can be seen that when closing the Container 13 has two clamps arranged a short distance apart 62a, 62b or container closures. The first pinch point 62a closes the container 13, the second clamping point 62b seals the container hose remaining on the filling head to the so-called Residual bag 63.

A residual bag holding device can optionally be attached to the bag clamping device 19 64 may be provided. The remaining bag holding device 64 can be the remaining bag 63 clamp on the filling head 11, even if the clamping ring 18 already is solved.

The second embodiment of a filling device according to the invention. has a filling head 11a, in which a filling pipe 39 and a suction pipe 27 lead. With a movable, preferably provided in the filling head 11a pivotable flap 65, the filling tube 39, respectively. the suction pipe 27 be closed. However, it is also conceivable for each tube 39, 27 separate Use shut-off devices. In the embodiment shown the flap 65 is pivotable about a pivot axis 67. It is in the one end position, the filling pipe 39 (Fig. 11), and in the other end position the suction pipe 27 closed. The seal to the sack that is open on one side 13 and the change of containers can take place as shown in FIG. 6. Corresponding was in Fig. 11 on the representation of the lifting cylinder, flushing lines etc. waived.

The filling of corresponding bulk goods with the device according to the invention proceeds as follows:

First the container is prepared. The sack 13 or also the big bag is connected to the filling head 11 preferably by means of ring or funnel clamping or blah ring (FIG. 6). The container 13 consists of a gas-impermeable, flexible material. The container 13 is first evacuated as best as possible. The atmosphere is sucked off through the residual bag suction pipe 29 (FIG. 6) with the shut-off element 31 open to a filter system (dust removal). Now the shut-off device 31 is closed and then the container 13 is preferably inflated with an inerting gas (nitrogen, CO ₂ , noble gas). The valve 47 remains open until the container 13 is filled with gas. After the container has been inflated, the system is switched to rinsing. The valve 51 is opened and a small amount of air or inert gas flows continuously via the small flow meter 53 via the residual bag suction pipe 27 into the filling head 11. When the valve 51 is opened, the lower part of the residual bag suction pipe 27 is also lifted by means of a lifting cylinder 55. The dosage from the filling bunker into the filling container 13 can, respectively, via the filling chute. Filling tube can be carried out with all known methods (squeeze tube, screw or swivel slide). It is advantageous if a gas oscillation is carried out via pipe 41 between the filling bunker and the filling container. However, this is not absolutely necessary, but prevents product losses in the direction of dedusting and thus reduces maintenance costs. After filling is complete, the container 13 is closed with cable ties, bag closers or clamps at two spaced apart locations 62a, 62b in order to form two clamping locations 62a, 62b. The two pinch points 62a, 62b can also be two narrow weld seams or a single wide weld seam. Now the lower part of the residual bag suction pipe 27 is lowered by means of a lifting cylinder 55 and at the same time the shut-off device 51 (inert gas flushing) is closed. The shut-off device 31 is opened and a slight negative pressure is applied between the filling head 11 and the container 13 via the residual bag suction pipe 27, 29, so that the upper part of the bag 63 (= residual bag) is sucked in. If there is an additional residual bag holder 64, this can be activated, ie the bag is retained with these remaining bag holders before it can be sucked in. The remaining bag 63 is engaged by the remaining bag holder 64 on the filling head 11. Accordingly, the maximum negative pressure generated by a blower can then be applied immediately. The bag 13 is cut (separated) between the closure points 62a, 62b. The full container 13 is now removed from the scales, and a new container 13 is prepared by lowering the clamping ring 18 by means of the lifting cylinder 55 and threading a new sack and brought into a waiting position, that is to say, a residual sack 63 is held immediately below the filling head empty sack 13 positioned. Now the negative pressure is increased via the residual bag suction tube 27, 29 (the vacuum becomes better), and the residual bag 63 is suctioned off and separated out via the residual bag suction tube 27, 29. The blower power is now reduced again, switched to recirculation and the fresh container 13 is connected to the filling head.

The filling of corresponding bulk goods with the device according to the invention According to the second embodiment, the process is as follows:

First the container is prepared and the bag 13 is placed on the filling head (preferably Ring or funnel clamping) connected. The dosage of the Bulk material is now removed from the storage bunker with a not shown known metering device via filling pipe 39 into the filling container 13th

After the filling is complete, the container 13 is fastened with cable ties, Bag closers, clamps twice to form two spaced apart arranged terminal points closed. Alternatively, you could a wide weld seam should be provided. The shut-off device 31 opens to the residual bag suction pipe 27 and at the same time closes the filling pipe 39. Now there is a slight negative pressure (vacuum) between the filling head 11a and the container 13 created so that the upper part of the bag (residual bag 63) is sucked in becomes. Alternatively, an additional residual bag holder 64 (see Figure 6) are activated, which holds the remaining bag on the filling head. Is the Residual bag holder 64 activated, the maximum generated by a blower Vacuum can be applied immediately. Between the closures 62a, 62b, the sack 13 is cut through (separated). The full package 13 is now removed from the scales, a new container 13 is lowered the clamping ring 18 by means of lifting cylinder 55 and threading a new one Sacks prepared and put on hold, that is, immediately is now under the filling head 11a with the remaining bag 63 held an empty sack 13. Now the vacuum is via the residual sack suction tube 27 increased (the vacuum gets better), and the remaining bag 63 is over the Residual bag suction tube 27 e.g. sucked into a filter system or separation chamber. The blower output is now reduced again, to recirculation changed over, and the fresh container 13 finished to the filling head 11a connected.

The device according to the invention thus ensures that when changing containers in a filling system with dusty or granular Bulk goods, such as fine chemicals or active substances that are low in dust he follows. This will contaminate the system, the filling container and pallets avoided, thereby cleaning them eliminated. In addition, contamination of the filling team or prevents possible cross-contamination with other chemicals. At a Interruption of filling (product shortage or end of a batch) the filling head remains closed to the outside, since according to FIG. 6 the closure cap 35 of the residual bag suction tube 27 closes the filling head 11 or additionally as in FIG. 6, the residual bag 62a, 62b remains on the filling head until a new filling is started and the system is rendered inert remains. Adhesive product in the filling head does not have any external environmental influences exposed.

Legend:

11

filling head

13

container

15

inflatable sleeve

16

Ring or funnel clamping device

17

Inflatable cuff ring

18

clamping ring

19

Bag clamp

20

bag buckle

21

vacuum sleeve

22

belts

23

filling device

25

funnel

27

suction tube

29

pipe

31

Shut-off device (valve)

33

Bellows or sliding tube

35

flap

37

Outlet opening of the funnel

39

filling pipe

41

Gas suspension line (second pipe on the filling head), (optional)

43

filter system

45

Gas supply line

47

Valve in the gas supply line

49

Bypass line

51

Bypass line valve

53

Small flow meter

55

lifting cylinder

57

Suspension points of the lifting cylinders

59

suspension points

61

Arrow (direction of movement of the lifting cylinders)

62a, 62b

Terminal points or. container closures

63

rest bag

64

Rest bag holding device

65

Flap of the second embodiment

67

Swing axis of the flap 65

Claims (18)

Filling device (23) for filling dusty or granular bulk material with a filling head (11) having an outlet opening (37), at least one filling pipe (39) opening into the filling head (11), and Means (19) for fastening a container (13) to the filling head (11), characterized in that means are provided in the filling head (11) for gripping a "residual container" or "residual bag" remaining on the filling head (11) after filling and separating a container and pulling it through the outlet opening (37). Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the gripping means is an additional tube (27) opening into the filling head (11) or into the filling tube (39) or connected to the filling head (11), hereinafter also referred to as "residual bag suction tube", which has a Vacuum source is connected. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the residual bag suction pipe (27) can be closed by means of a shut-off element (31). Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the residual bag suction pipe (27) extends into the filling head (11). Device according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the residual bag suction pipe (27) is movable and a certain distance can be moved in the direction of the outlet opening (37). Device according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that a section of the suction pipe (27) is designed as a length-adjustable bellows (33) or sliding tube. Device according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the end of the residual bag suction pipe (27) is formed with a closure flap (35) or valve flap for the outlet opening (37). Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the filling pipe (39) is connected to a feed bunker and that a gas transfer line (41) is provided between the filling head (11) and the feed bunker. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one shut-off device and optionally a metering device is provided between the filling pipe (39) and the feed hopper. Method for filling dusty or granular bulk material, in which method a container (13) which is open on one side is arranged on a filling head (11) which has an outlet opening and bulk material is filled into the container (13) and the container (13) after filling and closing at least one pinch point (62a) is closed and separated from the rest of the container above the pinch point (62a),
characterized in that the remaining container (13) remaining on the filling head (11) is withdrawn through the outlet opening (37). A method according to claim 10, characterized in that the container (13) is closed by means of a wide weld seam or two clamping points (62a, 62b) which are arranged at a distance from one another and run transversely to the bag opening in such a way that a residual bag on the filling head after the filled container has been separated (11) remains, which can be withdrawn through the outlet opening (37). A method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the filled container (13) is closed at two clamping points (62a, 62b) which are arranged at a distance from one another and run transversely to the bag opening, that the container (13) is then between the clamping points (62a, 62b) is severed so that a residual bag closing the outlet opening remains on the filling head (11), that a vacuum is applied to the filling head (11) and the residual bag is pulled off by the filling head (11). Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the container (13) is closed with at least two bag closers, cable ties or clamps, two narrow weld seams or a single wide weld seam to form two pinch points (62a, 62b). Method according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that a preferably slight vacuum is applied to the filling head (11) with a connected, closed container (13) before the filled container (13) is separated. Method according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the filling head (11) is closed with a movable closure cap (35) of the residual bag suction pipe (27) and by opening the shut-off element of the residual bag suction pipe (27, 29) for the dedusting system, the connected, closed container (13) is sucked in by a slight vacuum. Method according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the residual bag (63) is removed in a dedusting system. Method according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the residual bag (63) is excreted in the dedusting system. Method according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that a new container is placed under the outlet opening of the filling head before the remaining container or the residual bag is withdrawn through the outlet opening.

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