EP2475503A2

EP2475503A2 - Production device and production method

Info

Publication number: EP2475503A2
Application number: EP10760284A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Clemens Pfeifer
Original assignee: Anton Heggenstaller GmbH
Current assignee: PFEIFER HOLZ GMBH
Priority date: 2009-09-11
Filing date: 2010-09-13
Publication date: 2012-07-18
Anticipated expiration: 2030-09-13
Also published as: ES2496744T3; PT2475503E; WO2011029922A3; DE202009012239U1; WO2011029922A2; EP2475503B1; PL2475503T3

Abstract

The invention relates to a production device (1) for blocks (4). It consists of an extrusion device (2), comprising a hydraulically driven strand generator (5) for producing a strand-shaped, intermittently moved strand (3) made of fine vegetable particles mixed with binding agent and a cutting device (7) for severing blocks (4) from the strand (3). The production device (1) comprises a detection device (8) disposed downstream of the cutting device (7) in the production direction (15) for the weight of the blocks (4), and a controller (9) for influencing the extrusion device (2) and for controlling the strand density. The detection device (8) can be designed as a weighing device (8'), in particular as a belt weigher. The invention further relates to a production method for blocks (4) that are severed from a strand (3). The bar-shaped strand (3) made of fine vegetable particles mixed with binding agent is produced by extrusion and is intermittently advanced. After cutting, the weight of the blocks (4) is detected and the strand density is controlled depending on the detection result. The blocks (4) can be bent individually or in groups.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Production facility and production process

The invention relates to a production device and a production method having the features in the preamble of the main claim.

Such an extrusion line production device is known from EP 1 925 413 A2. The

Production facility consists of a

Extruder and a downstream

Separator. The strand consists of vegetable small parts, which may be mixed with a binder. The separator divides the supplied strand into several blocks. The blocks can serve different purposes, e.g. for the production of pallet feet. From the blocks, the observance of certain

Quality criteria, e.g. a minimum density required. The extrusion press is adjusted accordingly to provide at least a safety reserve

to provide the required strand and block density. Machine-related density variations can be minimized.

EP 1 752 268 A2 shows another

Production facility in which by vapor deposition the

Strand density should be kept constant. In practice, however, density fluctuations are manifested by external and internal influences and changes in the environment

Production process are conditional.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a better production facility. The invention solves this problem with the features in the main claim.

The claimed production technology, in particular the detection device and the control of the strand density, have the advantage that the required

Block quality in production can be better and more consistently maintained. By a suitably made density determination at the end of

Manufacturing process and e.g. After the separator can on any quality or density variations

regardless of their cause, they respond quickly and effectively. During the process unforeseen occurring and density-changing influences can be detected and corrected in a timely manner. The tolerances can be kept narrower.

The extrusion press can be adapted and adjusted more closely and more precisely to the quality specifications, in particular to the strand and block density. The

Security preset can be reduced. In particular, excessive densities and associated

Material surpluses and economic disadvantages are minimized or avoided. Furthermore, a

Logging of the measurement and investigation data for purposes of quality and quality assurance and possibly for other monitoring purposes possible. For this it is convenient to capture the individual logs.

For the control or regulation of the strand density, a short treatment section for the strand is advantageous. The use of a vapor deposition device is favorable for this purpose. This is especially true if so much or all of the heat energy required for curing of the image medium introduced into the strand and through

Condensation is released. A hydraulic drive of the extrusion press, in particular a

Hydraulic cylinder for an extrusion piston is for the Process control or process control also

advantageous. He offers different adjustment and

Influencing possibilities for strand formation. The density and / or the weight of the strand and / or the

Clogs can be determined in several ways. This can be done, in particular, in transit and e.g. happen on the moving part, whereby the density determination can be incorporated trouble-free in the production process. Favorable for this purpose is a density determination by weighing the blocks or by a non-contact sensor, the e.g. With

Radiation measurement works. The latter can work without contact and continuously and can be carried out on the strand and / or on the blocks.

By averaging several detected

Density values may be short-term or random

Influences are filtered out and a better one

Regular constancy or damping can be achieved.

A separation and possibly change in position of blocks facilitate the separation of the blocks and the

Density determination or weighing of the blocks and avoid detection errors.

An influence and regulation of the strand density can be achieved in various ways, in particular over the

Extruded counter pressure, done. For this purpose can

Contact forces and frictional resistance parts of a

Treatment course to be regulated. The contact pressure can be constant or breathing.

Furthermore, one or more measures may be used for

Quality assurance, e.g. alternatively or in addition to the density test, a test of

Log dimensions, a marking of blocks depending on the test result and a rejection of defective blocks. In the subclaims advantageous technical embodiments of the invention are given.

The invention is illustrated by way of example and schematically in the drawing. In detail show:

Figure 1: a schematic side view of a

Production facility with a

Extruder, separator and density detection and control device,

Figure 2: a broken and enlarged side view of the separator and a weighing device and

Figure 3: a schematic side view of a

Production device with a variant of the device for density detection and control.

The invention relates to a production device (1) for extruded blocks (4) and a production and

Regulatory procedure.

The production device (1) shown in FIG. 1 consists of an extrusion device (2), with which a strand (3) of vegetal material mixed with binder

Small parts, e.g. Wood chips, is produced. The

Production device (1) further comprises one of

Extruder (2) in the direction of production (15) downstream separating device (7) with which from the strand (3) blocks (4) are separated. The blocks (4) can then in a manner not shown

be transported and further processed.

The strand (3) is rod-shaped and may have any cross-sectional shape, which is formed, for example, circular or prismatic with chamfered corners. Of the Strand (3) may be solid or in places hollow, for example, having a central spike hole.

The extruder (2) may be designed constructively in any suitable manner, e.g. according to the

EP 1 925 413 A2. It consists e.g. from a strand generator (5), which is formed in the illustrated embodiment as an extruder with an oscillating plunger (14) which is filled as bulk loose

Small parts material, if necessary previously in one

Spanaufbereitung was mixed with a binder, compressed in a recipient with a filling and pressing chamber and a subsequent mold channel and to a

Extruded strand section. The extrusion piston (14) also intermittently pushes the strand (3) through the extrusion press (2). The extrusion piston (14) can be moved forwards and backwards by a hydraulic cylinder, a crank or another drive. The extrusion press (2) has a the

Strand generator (5) in production direction (15)

downstream treatment path (6), in the e.g. the pressed and molded strand (3) is subjected to a thermal treatment. This can be a heating and subsequent curing of the strand (3) with a

appropriate track subdivision. Here, the strand (3) is passed through a tubular channel (12) with e.g. circular or prismatic cross section

transported. At the end of the channel, the separating device (7) is arranged.

The treatment section (6) can have a heating device (10) in which strand heating can take place in any desired manner. This is possible, for example, by supplying steam from inside and / or outside. Alternatively or additionally, contact heat can be supplied from inside and / or outside. In a vaporization, the amount and inner Energy of the preferably superheated steam to be adjusted so that the amount of steam substantially completely condensed in the strand (3), wherein the supplied via the phase transformation heat energy for a

Curing the strand (3) is sufficient. The strand (3) may be formed hollow or hollow by means of a press mandrel. The heating or vapor deposition device may e.g.

be designed according to EP 1 925 413 A2 or in another way. It can also be one

Degassing device in the treatment section (6) downstream. Further, the treatment section (6) may include other or other components.

A curing device (11) may be present for the curing of the strand (3) heated to setting temperature and its subsequent cooling. Here, e.g. Heat to compensate for heat losses of the strand (3) are supplied to the completion of curing of the binder contained in the strand (3) by heated channel walls first. Subsequently, strand cooling can take place through appropriately cooled channel walls.

The channel (12) may e.g. in the region of the curing line or curing device (11) have radially or transversely movable channel walls, which with a pressing device

(13) are connected. The heating device (10) may have rigid channel walls or, alternatively, likewise movable channel walls with a pressure device (not shown). By pressing the movable channel walls can act against the advancing pressing piston (14)

Frictional force are applied to the strand jacket. This braking effect also provides a resistance for compacting the small parts material in the extruder (5) and for pressing and molding new strand sections. The pressing device (13) can apply a constant or a variable pressing force to the strand (3). A varying and eg breathing contact pressure can be reduced during the return stroke of the plunger (14) and during

subsequent advance be increased again. It is also possible in the extrusion pre-stroke initially the

To raise contact pressure and thereby a

To provide extruded back pressure and towards the end of this forward stroke to lower the contact force and thus the frictional resistance, so that the strand (3) can be advanced by the extrusion piston (4). During the return stroke, the

Pressing force can be increased again to hold the strand (3). The separating device (7) can be designed in any suitable manner. For example, it is a saw with which the strand (3) is cut transversely to form one or more blocks (4). In this case, several separating tools, in particular saw blades,

are used, which may be variable in their distance. With the separating device (7) different block dimensions can be produced.

The production facility (1) has a

Detection device (8) for the density in the strand (3) and / or in the block (4). The density can be determined in any way.

In the embodiment of Figure 1 and 2 is the

Detection device (8) as a weighing device (8 '), in particular designed as a continuous or belt scale, wherein optionally the density of the measured weight in

Connection with the predetermined or also measured block dimensions is determined. FIG. 3 shows a variant in which the detection device (8) has one or more

Sensors (8 ") for non-contact density measurement In both variants, the density can be continuous or be measured interrupted. The density measurement can be made on the strand (3) and / or on the block (4) and can cover the entire strand (3) or all blocks (4) or parts thereof. At an intermittent

advanced strand (3), the density measurement may e.g. during the movement or in the breaks. Apart from the exemplary embodiments shown, any other embodiments of the detection device (8) for direct or indirect density detection are possible.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with a weighing device (8 '), the blocks (4) are weighed individually or in groups. All or part of the blocks (4) can be weighed. From the given or possibly also measured block volume, the weight measurement can be used to calculate back to the block density.

For the blocks (4) quality requirements may apply. For example, should they have a minimum density or a certain

Have nail pull-out resistance. The blocks are paid according to the minimum density, with larger densities and

corresponding chip surpluses are not remunerated to the producer.

The detection device (8) is connected to a controller (9), with which the material density in the strand (3) or in the block (4) can be regulated to a default value. The controller (9) is equipped, for example, with a programmable arithmetic unit and with at least one memory for the measured values or the determined values and for one or more preset values and for programs. Furthermore, there may be interfaces for inputting and outputting data. In the controller (9), the determined densities can be compared with a default value. In addition, averaging of the density determination or

Weight measurement can be made over several blocks (4), with the mean value with the default value

is compared. From the comparison, the control (9) generates, if necessary, a signal for changing the manipulated variable influencing the density, using threshold limits. The controller (9) can store and record the measurement or determination values for documentation and quality assurance purposes. You can also use a monitor of other machine parameters

Extruder are correlated to e.g. in case of malfunction or the like. better understand the effects and conduct cause research.

The controller (9) can be used as an independent controller

be educated. It may alternatively be connected to or integrated with another controller, e.g. in a control of the extrusion press (2).

The controller (9) can be used to control the strand density. The regulation and density influence can be done in different ways. For example, the controller (9) is connected to one or more pressing devices (13) and controls their contact pressure or the

developed contact pressure. About the contact pressure and the resulting braking force, the strand density can be influenced. If the braking force and the resistance to the strand (3) located in the treatment section (6) are greater, the density of the not yet cured pressing section or strand section located in the filling and pressing chamber and in the molding channel increases.

Conversely, the density decreases when the pressing force or braking force is reduced. Alternatively or additionally, the controller (9) also on the extruder (5) and the compression process

act. This is e.g. on the filling of the pressing space and a control of a filling slide (not shown) possible. On the other hand, the plunger (14) and in particular its drive can be influenced, e.g. the feed length or possibly also the pressing force of the

Pressing piston (14) controlled, in particular limited. As a result, the achieved density may possibly be influenced in connection with the braking force in the treatment section (6).

The default value for the density may be above the predetermined minimum density, the oversize and the

Thresholds for density control are narrowly limited. The strand and block density can vary for different reasons. This can be supplied on the one hand

Small material, e.g. may vary in the homogeneity and size distribution of small plant parts or chips. Also, the internal moisture or

Residual moisture of the hardware can vary.

Influence may have property fluctuations of the binder or the air pressure and the humidity in the environment of the production facility (1). Furthermore it can

give machine-related influences. By the

Density control, the resulting from the various influences density fluctuations are promptly detected and reduced by the scheme. The detection device (8) or weighing device (8 ') is e.g. within the separating device (7) and arranged a short distance behind the separation point. You can also in a subsequent conveyor line (16)

be integrated. The weighing takes place at a location where the past the detection device (8)

transported blocks (4) nor a mutual

Have distance and individually or in groups of two, three or more blocks can be detected.

The detection device (8) or weighing device (8 ') can output the measured block weight as a value to the controller (9), which therefrom on the basis of the predetermined or otherwise measured block size or the

Log volume calculated the density and used as a controlled variable. The detection device (8) or

Weighing device (8 ') may alternatively have a computing module and even determine the density and report to the controller (9).

In a further modification can be dispensed with a density calculation and assuming a constant

Block volume with the measured weight value as a control and reference variable for density control of the strand (3) are worked.

Between the detection device (8) and the

Separating device (7) can be a separating device

(17) for the blocks (4) may be arranged, which is optionally integrated into a conveyor line (16). In the

Klotzunterzelung can also be changed the location of the individual blocks. In particular, they can be on their

be tilted cut face. For this purpose, the separating device (16) according to Figure 2 two

have differently high arranged conveying means (18,19), which also with different and in

Production direction (15) of increasing speed to move. The conveying means (18, 19) may e.g. be circulating conveyor belts. Due to the difference in height, the block (4) running on the upper conveyor belt (18) tilts onto the lower, lower conveyor belt (19) and is there

accelerated transported away, whereby the gap between the on the upper conveyor belt (18) with bare separation distance supplied blocks (4) is increased. The isolated blocks (4) can be fed to the detection device (8) according to FIG

Density or weight detection in the pass on the past moving blocks (4) can perform. For this purpose, the detection device (8) can be used e.g. be designed as a continuous scale (8 ') or as a belt scale. For this purpose, it has, for example, three conveying means (20, 21, 22) arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction (15), which possibly are separately controllable and can run at different speeds. The conveying means (20, 21, 22) can likewise be designed as circulating conveyor belts. At the central conveyor (21), a measuring element (23) for

Weight detection, e.g. a load cell for measuring the block weight of a single block (4) or a group of blocks (4) may be arranged. An evaluation and

Density calculation can optionally take place in an evaluation device (not shown) associated with the measuring element (23). The upstream conveyor (20) can act as a brake and for the safe supply of a new block (4) or a block group after completion of the detection or

Weighing process. The downstream conveying means (22) can ensure rapid removal of the weighed block (s) (4) and for transfer to a downstream conveying section (16).

The measuring element (23) is connected to the controller (9), which detects the measuring or evaluation signals and possibly coupled with a machine time or another

Assignment criterion for the manufacturing process or the extrusion press (2) stores. When converting to other strand and block dimensions, in particular other cross-sectional shapes with or without perforation, other block thicknesses or the like. can also be the control (9) or the evaluation changed over or possibly reprogrammed. In an embodiment shown schematically in FIG. 2, a measuring device (24) for the block shape and / or the block size or for a characteristic block dimension, eg for the cutting widths or the resulting block thicknesses, can be arranged on or after the separating device (7). The cross-sectional shape and the cross-sectional dimensions of the strand (3) are characterized by the

Extruder (2) specified or calibrated and do not fluctuate or only slightly. The pad thickness can e.g. by tolerances of the separator (7) vary.

The measuring device (24) detects the measured values or any deviations from a predefined variable and reports the measured values or deviations to the controller (9) and / or the detection device (8) for possibly more accurate measurements

Determination of the size and density of the possibly isolated block (4). The controller (9) can be fixed

Specify default values for the block dimensions or with the above-mentioned measurement results for the individual blocks (4) and calculate the block volume and from this the block density.

The controller (9) may also be deviations from predetermined minimum values in the dimensions of the individual block (4) for purposes of quality assurance or the like. determine. The detected and / or determined

Block dimensions as well as the density values can be compared with the individual block (4) in an accompanying block

Record stored and possibly documented. Depending on the test result, the tested block (4) can then be marked as good or defective by a marking device (25), eg a paint spray nozzle. If necessary, it can also be isolated from the block row at a downstream device (26) in the case of inferior quality. Both devices are for this purpose connected to the controller (9). The measuring device (24) can at a suitable point on or above the overturned block (4) and at or above the

Be arranged conveyor, where e.g. the block occupies a defined position, in particular altitude. A suitable location is e.g. above the weighing device (8 '), in particular above the measuring element (23). The

Measuring device (24) may have a suitable design, e.g. as tactile or non-contact measuring

Distance sensor at a defined position above the block (4). The block height or thickness can also be measured in other ways, e.g. with a lateral edge-sensing sensor that detects the position of the upper and lower block edges.

Figure 3 shows an alternative or additional variant of the detection device (8), the one or more sensors (8 ") for preferably non-contact

Has a density measurement. The sensor (8 ") can eg work with a radiation which penetrates or is reflected by the strand (3) and / or the blocks (4) .The radiation can be for example a beta or gamma radiation X-rays or microwaves are possible

Gamma-ray backscatter measurement method. In a beam passage through the pressed strand material, the radiation density or scattering can be measured on the opposite side of a radiation emitter with a corresponding detector. When using microwaves, for example, a microwave resonator can be used. In addition, other measurement methods are possible. When density measurement can also have a

Moisture measurement take place. Depending on the measuring method, the density measurement result may depend on the moisture content of the strand material, which may then be recorded for correction purposes. This preferably non-contact density measurement can before the separator (7) in a free space for

Extruder (2) and possibly open lying strand (3) are performed. The measurement can during the advancing movement of the strand (3) and / or in the

Standstill takes place. Furthermore, with the density measurement, the entire strand cross section or only a part thereof can be detected as a representative variable. It is also possible, via the density measurement, possibly foreign objects in the

Strand (3), e.g. Metal parts or other for the

Separator (7) harmful ingredients, too

detect and output a corresponding warning signal or to control the separating device (7) accordingly, in order to avoid a separating cut at the critical strand point.

Alternatively or additionally, a sensor system 8 "can also be arranged inside or behind the separating device 7. It can in particular detect the possibly isolated blocks 4. In this case, a density measurement can take place during the pad movement and the passage.

The one or more sensors (8 ") are connected to the controller (9) and report the measured

Density values. Based on the known sensor position and

Measuring point in the strand conveying direction (15), the controller (9) problem points in the strand (3) and / or in the blocks (4) detect and initiate appropriate action. This can be, for example, the control of an ejection device with which a defective block (4) is rejected. Furthermore, the separating device (7) can be controlled in order not to separate critical strand areas and, if necessary, deliberately to produce rejects, which are subsequently selectively rejected. The moisture measurement which may be carried out in conjunction with the density measurement may also be used to initiate further measures. On the basis of the measured values, for example, a downstream drying device (not shown) for the blocks (4) can be controlled. The

Moisture readings may possibly match the density values

be saved and logged. For quality assurance purposes, the values can also be assigned specifically to the individual blocks, possibly with a corresponding identification.

In the preferred and claimed embodiment, the pad weight is measured behind the separator (7). In another embodiment, the

Detection device (8) at least one sensor (8 ") for non-contact density measurement on the strand (3) and / or on a single or multiple blocks (4), which may alternatively or additionally to the weighing device (8 ') may be present Sensor (8 ") can be used in

Production direction (15) before and / or behind the

Separating device (7) may be arranged. The or the

Sensor (s) (8 ") can / can be connected to the controller (9)

be connected. The control or regulation of

Strand density as a function of the sensor signal or the signal evaluation can be the same as in the example described above with the weighing device (8 ').

Further modifications of the shown and described

Embodiment are possible in various ways. For one, the indirect or immediate

Density determination be made in other ways. In a further modification, the weighing on the strand (3) can take place before the block separation. The extrusion press (2) and its components can be structurally designed and arranged in a different manner. The separating device (7) can be varied in their construction and arrangement. The above-described components of Production device (1) can be present several times in a modification of the embodiment shown. With the extrusion press (2), for example, several

parallel strands (3) are formed.

REFERENCE LIST Production facility

Extrusion facility

strand

block

Strand generator, extruder

treatment section

Separator, saw

detection device

'Weighing device, belt scale, continuous scale' Sensor

control

0 heating device, steaming

1 curing device

2 channel

3 pressing device

4 plunger

5 Production direction, strand conveying direction6 conveying line, conveyor

7 separating device

8 Conveying equipment, Conveyor belt for singling9 Conveying equipment, Conveyor belt for singling0 Conveying equipment, Conveyor belt for density detection1 Conveying equipment, Conveyor belt for density detection2 Conveying equipment, Conveyor belt for density detection3 Measuring element, Load cell

4 measuring device

5 marking device

6 Disposal facility

Claims

1.) Production device for blocks (4), consisting of an extrusion press (2) with a

hydraulically driven strand generator (5) for producing a rod-like, intermittently advanced strand (3) made of binder mixed small vegetable parts and a

Separating device (7) for separating blocks (4) from the strand (3), characterized

There is no such thing as the

Production facility (1) an in

Production direction (15) behind the

Separating device (7) arranged

Detection device (8) for the weight of the blocks (4) and a controller (9) for influencing the extruder (2) and for controlling the strand density.

2.) Production device according to claim 1, characterized

There is no such thing as the

Detection device (8) as a weighing device (8 '), in particular as a belt scale, is formed.

3.) Production device according to claim 1 or 2,

By this means that the

Detection device (8) a

Separating device (17) for the blocks (4) is assigned.

4.) Production device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that it e e c i n e s that the

Detection device (8) is integrated in a conveying path (21). Production device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection device (8) and the upstream separating device (17) have several in

Conveying direction arranged one behind the other

Conveying means (18-22) and a measuring element (20) on a conveying means (21).

Production device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating device (17) has two

having different high and different speed conveyor (18,19).

Production device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection device (8) has three conveyor belts (20, 21, 22) designed as conveyor belts, wherein a weighing cell (23) is arranged on the central conveyor belt (21).

Production device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the production device (1) has a measuring device (24) for the block size or for one or more characteristic block dimensions.

Production device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the production device (1) has a

Marking device (25) for the checked blocks (4).

Separation device (26) for defective blocks (4).

11.) Production device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it e e n e z e i c h e n e that the extrusion press (2) a the

Strand generator (5) in the production direction (15) downstream treatment section (6).

12.) Production device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the treatment section (6) one or more on the strand (3) acting pressing device (s) (13), wherein the controller (9) with the or the pressing device ( en) (13) is connected to the density control.

13.) Production facility according to one of the preceding

Claims, characterized in that the treatment section (6) has a heating device (10) and a curing device (11) with a channel (12) for the strand (3), wherein at the

Heating device (10) and / or the curing device (11) one or more pressing device (s) (13) are arranged.

14.) Production facility according to one of the preceding

Claims, characterized in that the treatment section (6) has a heating device (10) with a vapor deposition device.

15.) Production facility according to one of the preceding

Claims, characterized in that the controller (9) is connected to the strand generator (5) for density control.

16.) Production facility according to one of the preceding

Claims, characterized in that the controller (9) performs an average value calculation over a plurality of measurement results and the

Average value compared with a default value.

17.) Production process for blocks (4), consisting of a

Strand (3) are separated, the

rod-like strand (3) made with binder

mixed vegetable small parts

Extruders produced and advanced intermittently, thereby

e, that after separation, the weight of the blocks (4) detected and in

Depending on the detection result, the strand density is regulated.

18.) Process according to claim 17, characterized

The blocks (4) are weighed individually or in groups.

19.) Process according to claim 17 or 18, characterized

It is important that the blocks (4) are weighed in a single pass.

20.) The method of claim 17, 18 or 19, characterized

It is important that the blocks (4) are separated after separation.

21.) Method according to one of claims 17 to 20,

By doing so, the blocks (4) are separated and overturned.

22.) Method according to one of claims 17 to 21,

By doing so, that the

Block size or one or more characteristic block dimensions detected by a measuring device (24) become .

23.) Method according to one of claims 17 to 22,

This will ensure that the tested blocks (4) are marked.

24.) Method according to one of claims 17 to 23,

By doing so, that is

defective blocks (4) are discarded.

25.) Method according to one of claims 17 to 24,

This means that the vegetable small parts mixed with binders are pressed with a hydraulically driven extruder piston (4) and then subjected to steam, the steam being completely or partially filled with steam

predominantly condenses in the strand (3) and brings the heat energy required for curing in the strand (3).

26.) Method according to one of claims 17 to 25,

By this means that a

Influencing and regulating the strand density via the extruded counterpressure.

27.) Method according to one of claims 17 to 26,

By doing so, that the

Influence and control of the strand density in a strand generator (5) downstream

Treatment line (6) on the strand (3)

acting contact forces and frictional resistances are regulated.