EP2656909B1 - Gärvorrichtung und -verfahren mit Rührvorrichtung - Google Patents

Gärvorrichtung und -verfahren mit Rührvorrichtung Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2656909B1
EP2656909B1 EP12165574.0A EP12165574A EP2656909B1 EP 2656909 B1 EP2656909 B1 EP 2656909B1 EP 12165574 A EP12165574 A EP 12165574A EP 2656909 B1 EP2656909 B1 EP 2656909B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
shaft
stirring
stirring paddle
surface portion
paddle
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP12165574.0A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2656909A1 (de
Inventor
Thomas Köll
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Thoeni Industriebetriebe GmbH
Original Assignee
Thoeni Industriebetriebe GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Thoeni Industriebetriebe GmbH filed Critical Thoeni Industriebetriebe GmbH
Priority to EP12165574.0A priority Critical patent/EP2656909B1/de
Publication of EP2656909A1 publication Critical patent/EP2656909A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2656909B1 publication Critical patent/EP2656909B1/de
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F27/00—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders
    • B01F27/05—Stirrers
    • B01F27/051—Stirrers characterised by their elements, materials or mechanical properties
    • B01F27/053—Stirrers characterised by their elements, materials or mechanical properties characterised by their materials
    • B01F27/0531—Stirrers characterised by their elements, materials or mechanical properties characterised by their materials with particular surface characteristics, e.g. coated or rough
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F27/00—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders
    • B01F27/05—Stirrers
    • B01F27/07—Stirrers characterised by their mounting on the shaft
    • B01F27/071—Fixing of the stirrer to the shaft
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F27/00—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders
    • B01F27/05—Stirrers
    • B01F27/07—Stirrers characterised by their mounting on the shaft
    • B01F27/072—Stirrers characterised by their mounting on the shaft characterised by the disposition of the stirrers with respect to the rotating axis
    • B01F27/0722—Stirrers characterised by their mounting on the shaft characterised by the disposition of the stirrers with respect to the rotating axis perpendicular with respect to the rotating axis
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F27/00—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders
    • B01F27/05—Stirrers
    • B01F27/07—Stirrers characterised by their mounting on the shaft
    • B01F27/072—Stirrers characterised by their mounting on the shaft characterised by the disposition of the stirrers with respect to the rotating axis
    • B01F27/0726—Stirrers characterised by their mounting on the shaft characterised by the disposition of the stirrers with respect to the rotating axis having stirring elements connected to the stirrer shaft each by a single radial rod, other than open frameworks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F27/00—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders
    • B01F27/05—Stirrers
    • B01F27/11—Stirrers characterised by the configuration of the stirrers
    • B01F27/114—Helically shaped stirrers, i.e. stirrers comprising a helically shaped band or helically shaped band sections
    • B01F27/1145—Helically shaped stirrers, i.e. stirrers comprising a helically shaped band or helically shaped band sections ribbon shaped with an open space between the helical ribbon flight and the rotating axis
    • B01F27/11451—Helically shaped stirrers, i.e. stirrers comprising a helically shaped band or helically shaped band sections ribbon shaped with an open space between the helical ribbon flight and the rotating axis forming open frameworks or cages
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F27/00—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders
    • B01F27/05—Stirrers
    • B01F27/11—Stirrers characterised by the configuration of the stirrers
    • B01F27/13—Openwork frame or cage stirrers not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F27/00—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders
    • B01F27/05—Stirrers
    • B01F27/11—Stirrers characterised by the configuration of the stirrers
    • B01F27/17—Stirrers with additional elements mounted on the stirrer, for purposes other than mixing
    • B01F27/172—Stirrers with additional elements mounted on the stirrer, for purposes other than mixing for cutting, e.g. with knives

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of fermentation devices and in particular to a stirring device for a fermentation device.
  • EP 1 332 805 A1 relates to a waste disposal equipment having an agitation device inside a processing tank, wherein the agitation device is fixed inside the processing tank end extends in a longitudinal direction thereof. Many agitating blades are fixed on the shaft at approximately equal intervals in axial direction and with approximately equal angular spacing relative to each other around the shaft so that ends of the blades lie on a spiral.
  • a stirring device which comprises an axis of rotation extending transverse to the extent of the fermentation container.
  • the stirring device comprises a first stirring strut and a second stirring strut.
  • an additional stirring strut extends between two stirring strut contact portions of a stirring strut or between a stirring strut contact portion and rotation axis contact portion in a way that during the rotation of the stirring device the additional stirring struts rotate within the volume of the stirring device and hence optimize the mixing in the fermentation container.
  • three-dimensional stirring devices are further disclosed.
  • the first stirring strut extends, starting from the first rotation axis contact portion, on a counterclockwise helical path about first helical axis which extends in parallel to the axis of rotation of the stirring device.
  • additional stirring struts are provided which extend radially away from the axis of rotation of the stirring device to the stirring strut.
  • a stirring device for a fermentation device configured for stirring a fermentation material
  • the stirring device comprising: a shaft rotatable about an axis of rotation; at least two stirring paddles including a first stirring paddle and a second stirring paddle being spaced from the first stirring paddle in an axial direction; the first stirring paddle and the second stirring paddle each having an inner end mounted to the shaft and an outer end opposite the inner end, the stirring paddles thereby moving in a circumferential direction upon rotation of said shaft; a connector extending between the first stirring paddle and the second stirring paddle; the connector being radially spaced from said outer end of the first stirring paddle.
  • This first aspect of the herein disclosed subject matter is based on the idea that by providing the connector which extends between the first stirring paddle and the second stirring paddle, wherein the connector is radially spaced from the outer end of the first stirring paddle, an advantageous stirring of the fermentation material is provided by the movement of the stirring paddles through the fermentation material while in addition hereto a stirring motion and a transport of fermentation material in the axial direction of the shaft is provided by the connector, leading to improved mixing of the content of the fermenter.
  • the stirring device is adapted for liquid fermentation material.
  • liquid fermentation material usually includes a certain amount of solid material while the overall behavior of the fermentation material is the behavior of a liquid.
  • a driving unit for driving the shaft into the rotation about its axis of rotation.
  • the stirring device is installed in a fermenter of the fermentation device. According to a further embodiment, the shaft of the stirring device is located horizontally. According to a further embodiment, the shaft of the stirring device is located vertically. However, it should be understood that in accordance with embodiments the shaft of the stirring device may be located at any suitable angle with regard to ground.
  • the first stirring paddle and the second stirring paddle are spaced from each other in circumferential direction.
  • the first stirring paddle and the second stirring paddle form an angle therebetween with regard to the axial direction.
  • the connector extending transverse to the axial direction may generate a flow of fermentation material into the axial direction upon rotation of the shaft.
  • the flow of fermentation material in axial direction may increase mixing of the fermentation material and may reduce the formation of a floating layer.
  • the stirring device comprises at least one further stirring paddle.
  • the connector connects the first stirring paddle, the second stirring paddle and the at least one further stirring paddle.
  • the connector connects the first stirring paddle, the second stirring paddle and the at least one further stirring paddle along a helical path.
  • a helical path along which the connector extends may generate a flow of fermentation material in the axial direction.
  • the connector is made of a single element.
  • the connector comprises at least two individual connector elements, wherein each connector element extends between two of the first stirring paddle, the second stirring paddle and the at least one further stirring paddle.
  • the individual connector elements which together form the connector as described with regard to two embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter, facilitates in the mounting of the connector to the stirring paddles.
  • the individual connector elements extending between two stirring paddles have smaller dimensions and therefore facilitate the handling.
  • a plurality of stirring paddles is mounted to the shaft.
  • the actual number of stirring paddles may be chosen depending on design parameters of the stirring device, e.g. on the length of the shaft, on the axial distance between the stirring paddles, the angle formed between two neighboring stirring paddles, etc.
  • the connector described herein is configured for generating a flow of the fermentation material in the axial direction upon rotation of the shaft about the axis of rotation. Generation of a flow in axial direction improves the stirring and mixing of the fermentation material and further may provide for fewer stirring devices being necessary for stirring the content of a given fermentation device.
  • the connector or a connector element thereof extends between two axially neighboring paddles.
  • the connector or a connector element connects two stirring paddles which are not neighboring in axial direction.
  • a further stirring paddle may be located axially between the two paddles which are connected by the connector or the connector element.
  • the connector is made of a plate-shaped element.
  • the connector or connector element is formed of an elongated metal plate.
  • other configurations of the connector or the connector elements also contemplated.
  • At least one of the first stirring paddle and the second stirring paddle has a head.
  • each paddle mounted to the shaft comprises a head.
  • a head may improve the stirring of the fermentation material.
  • the fermenter is a circular fermenter with three stirring devices which are supported by a single middle support in the middle of the fermenter.
  • a middle support may be e.g. a concrete post.
  • the connector has an end which extends over a paddle and which is connected to the shaft. An end of the connector connected to the shaft allows a stirring operation in a region of the stirring device where no paddle is provided.
  • Such an embodiment may be suitable in a fermenter which has two stirring devices that form an angle smaller than 180 therebetween.
  • An example may be e.g. a fermenter which has three stirring devices forming an angle of 120 degrees between two adjacent stirring devices. In such a fermenter two stirring devices have their inner paddles (near the middle support) omitted in order to avoid the paddles of adjacent stirring device contacting each other.
  • the head comprises a cutting edge pointing in circumferential direction.
  • a cutting edge may reduce the torque necessary to rotate the shaft. Further, the cutting edge may improve the breaking of a floating layer forming on top of the fermentation material. Further, a cutting edge may assist in breaking up solid portions or at least portions with a high viscosity in the fermentation material.
  • the head further comprises a recess opposite the cutting edge.
  • the recess opposite the cutting edge provides for increased stirring of the fermentation material if the shaft is rotated in a direction such that the recess forms the leading edge of the head.
  • providing a cutting edge pointing in circumferential direction and a recess opposite the cutting edge provides for a torque which depends on the rotational direction.
  • the stirring of the fermentation material depends on the rotational direction, requiring a first torque if the cutting edge forms the leading edge of the head and requiring a second torque, which is higher than the first torque, if the recess forms the leading edge of the head.
  • the shaft may first be rotated in a rotational direction such that the cutting edge forms the leading edge of the head while after a certain time, for example after a predetermined time, the rotational direction is reversed thereby providing for increased stirring of the fermentation material due to the recess.
  • the head has a toothed edge.
  • a toothed edge may assist in the mixing of a floating layer of fermentation material with the remaining fermentation material in the fermentation device. Further, the toothed edge may assist in breaking up of solids or highly viscous portions of the fermentation material. For example, if the toothed edge forms the leading edge, fermentation material may be taken along the path of motion of the head. During movement along this circular path of motion, some of the material is lost by the head and is therefore deposited in lower regions of the fermenter or, if material from lower regions is taken along by the head, this material may be deposited in an upper region of the fermentation material.
  • At least one of the first stirring paddle and the second stirring paddle further comprises a rod connecting the head to the shaft, wherein the rod comprises an edge pointing in circumferential direction.
  • the rod comprises a single edge pointing in circumferential direction. In such a case, only for one rotational direction an edge of the rod forms a leading edge.
  • an edge pointing in circumferential direction is provided on opposite sides of the rod, meaning the irrespective sense of rotation of the shaft, an edge of the rod points in the direction of motion and forms a leading edge.
  • a stirring device for a fermentation device comprises a shaft rotatable about an axis of rotation, a first support surface and a second support surface, wherein the shaft extends between the first support surface and the second support surface.
  • the stirring device further comprises a clamping device for pressing the first support surface and the second support surface towards each other with a mounting force.
  • the first support surface and the second support surface are clamped to the shaft by the clamping device.
  • the stirring device comprises a support element extending between the first support surface and the second support surface for absorbing part of the mounting force.
  • the first support surface and the second support surface may be clamped against each other with a high mounting force while only part of the mounting force is exerted on the shaft.
  • the shaft is a hollow shaft which is capable of bearing only a limited load.
  • the support element may limit the force which is exerted onto the shaft when pressing the first support surface and the second support surface together by means of the clamping device.
  • the support element sealingly covers the clamping device or at least the portion thereof which extends between the first support surface and the second support surface. According to an embodiment, the support element is sealingly attached to the shaft. These embodiments prevent fermentation material from entering a space between the first support surface and the second support surface and, according to an embodiment, also a space between the clamping device and the shaft. By preventing fermentation material from entering open spaces in the vicinity of the clamping device may prevent corrosion of parts provided in the vicinity of the clamping device.
  • At least one of the first support surface and the second support surface is formed by the inner end of the first paddle.
  • the paddle comprises a plate or other mounting element at its inner end, wherein the plate or other mounting element provides the first support surface. This allows for a mounting of the stirring paddle to the shaft with very few parts.
  • the shaft has a mounting structure thereon which provides a third support surface, wherein the inner end of the first paddle comprises a mounting surface facing the third support surface.
  • the mounting structure on the shaft includes a support element as described herein.
  • the clamping device is adapted for pressing the mounting surface onto the third support surface. Hence, according to an embodiment, the clamping device attaches the mounting surface on the third support surface and hence the first stirring paddle to the shaft.
  • a mounting structure attached to the shaft is provided.
  • the mounting structure is attached to the shaft at the first surface portion of the shaft and a second surface portion of the shaft, wherein the first surface portion and the second surface portion are located diametrically opposite to each other. Attaching the surface structure at diametrically opposite surface portions of the shaft has the advantage that the mechanical load on the shaft exerted by the mounting structure is symmetrical.
  • the mounting structure is attached to the shaft by welding. According to other embodiments, attachments of the mounting structure to the shaft may be performed by any other suitable means.
  • the first surface portion and the second surface portion i.e. the surface portion in which the mounting structure contacts the shaft, each extend over less than 35% of a complete circumference of the shaft. It should be understood that if the first surface portion and the second surface portion each extend over 50 % of a complete circumference (i.e. together they extend over 100 % of the whole circumference), the attachment structure extends over the whole circumference (and attaches to the whole circumference) of the shaft. Making the contact surface between the shaft and the mounting structure, i.e. the first surface portion and the second surface portion, extending over only part of the circumference of the shaft reduces the influence of the attachment procedure on the shaft.
  • the distortion of the shaft due to the welding of the mounting structure to the shaft is reduced.
  • the first surface portion and the second surface portion each extends over less than 25% of a complete circumference of the shaft.
  • the first surface portion and the second surface portion each extend over less than 15 percent of a complete circumference of the shaft.
  • the first surface portion and the second surface portion each extend over less than 10 percent of a complete circumference of the shaft.
  • the first surface portion and the second surface portion each extend over less than 5 percent of a complete circumference of the shaft.
  • the mounting structure comprises a first part attached to the first surface portion and a second part attached to the second surface portion. As the first surface portion and the second surface portion are located diametrically opposite to each other, the first part and the second part form a pair of parts of the mounting structure attached to the diametrically opposed first and second surface portion. According to a further embodiment, the mounting structure comprises at least one further pair of a first part and a second part.
  • the first stirring paddle is arranged symmetrically with regard to the first surface portion and the second surface portion.
  • the mounting structure defines a mounting plane in which the inner end of the first stirring paddle is mounted to the mounting structure.
  • the mounting plane allows the inner end of the first stirring paddle to have a planar surface which is positioned in the mounting plane, thereby allowing for an easy and cost-efficient manufacture of the stirring paddles.
  • one type of stirring paddle may be mounted on different shafts and types of shafts, e.g. on shafts having different diameters, shapes, etc., as long as the mounting structure provides for attachability of the first stirring paddle to it.
  • the mounting plane is spaced from the shaft.
  • the inner end of the first stirring paddle is mounted spaced from the shaft. This allows for a particular force distribution in the shaft. For example, by maintaining the inner end of the first stirring paddle spaced from the shaft and by having the first surface portion and the second surface portion extending over only part of a half circumference of the shaft an advantageous forced distribution in the shaft can be obtained. For example, in an embodiment only little stiffness is added to the shaft by the mounting structure, thereby reducing the forces acting in the first and second surface portion upon bending of the shaft, e.g. due to gravitational forces.
  • the inner end of the first stirring paddle is mounted to the first part and to the second part, wherein the inner end of the first stirring paddle is spaced from the shaft.
  • the mounting structure comprises a bridging plate from which the first part and the second part extend, wherein optionally the bridging plate is spaced from the shaft and the inner end of the first stirring paddle is mounted to the bridging plate.
  • the first part, the second part and the bridging plate are formed from a single plate of material. According to other embodiments, the first part, the second part and the bridging plate are formed as individual elements, wherein the first part and the second part are attached to the bridging plate.
  • the mounting structure comprises a further first part and a further second part attached to the shaft in diametrically opposed surface portions, the first stirring paddle being attached to the first part, the second part, the further first part and to the further second part, the first part being axially spaced from the further first part and the second part being axially spaced from the further second part.
  • the mounting structure comprises at least two pairs of a first part and a second part, the at least two pairs of a first part and a second part being spaced from each other in axial direction and the inner end of the first stirring paddle is mounted to the at least two pairs of a first part and a second part.
  • a bridging plate is mounted to the at least two pairs of a first part and a second part and the inner end of the first stirring paddle is mounted to the bridging plate.
  • a bridging element instead of a bridging plate a bridging element is provided, the bridging element having a mounting surface which is located adjacent a corresponding mounting surface on the first stirring paddle.
  • the bridging element may have any suitable shape as long as the mounting surfaces of the bridging element and the first stirring paddle are compatible with each other allowing attachment of the first stirring paddle on the mounting structure.
  • a stirring device for a fermentation device configured for stirring a fermentation material, the stirring device comprising a shaft rotatable about an axis of rotation; and a bearing for supporting the shaft and allowing the shaft to rotate about the axis of rotation.
  • the bearing is configured for allowing the shaft to move in the axial direction.
  • this can be achieved by providing a respectively configured bearing, allowing the shaft to move axially with regard to the bearing.
  • the bearing is movably mounted in the fermentation device so as to be movable in the axial direction.
  • the bearing is pivotable about a pivot axis located transverse to the axial direction of the shaft. This allows for a bending of the shaft due to gravitational forces, in particular if the fermentation device is empty.
  • the movability of the bearing in axial direction and the pivotability of the shaft transverse to the axial direction supports the bending of the shaft under gravitational forces without exerting excessive forces to the bearing or to the support of the bearing.
  • the pivotability of the shaft transverse to the axial direction may level out different settlements of a middle support of the shaft in the middle of the fermenter and a fermenter wall. Further, the pivotability of the shaft transverse to the axial direction may level out manufacturing tolerances, e.g. of the middle support and/or of the fermenter wall.
  • the bearing comprises a lubricant inlet for receiving a lubricant.
  • a lubricant supply line is provided by which the lubricant can be provided to the lubricant inlet and hence to the bearing during operation of the fermentation device.
  • the lubricant supply line runs through the shaft.
  • the lubricant supply line is located in a bottom and/or a wall of a housing of the fermentation device.
  • the lubricant supply line runs through a support of the bearing.
  • Lubricant can be provided to the lubricant supply line manually.
  • the stirring device comprises a lubricant pump for transporting the lubricant to the bearing via the lubricant supply line.
  • the lubricant pump allows to supply lubricant continuously or intermittently to the bearing without manual interaction.
  • a control unit is provided, the control unit controlling the lubricant pump so as to supply the lubricant to the bearing according to a predetermined lubrication schedule.
  • the lubrication schedule is configured for operating the lubricant pump such that lubricant is provided to the bearing in an amount such that at least part of the lubricant exits the bearing into the fermentation material.
  • a stirring device for a fermentation device configured for stirring a fermentation material and comprising a shaft rotatable about an axis of rotation and at least two stirring paddles mounted on the shaft, wherein the shaft comprises a corrosion protection.
  • the corrosion protection comprises a coating, for example two-component coating.
  • the coating may be applied to the shaft by any suitable means, e.g. by spray-painting, by rolling, etc.
  • the mounting structure also comprises a corrosion protection.
  • the mounting structure is configured for being easily coated with a coating.
  • the corrosion protection includes an anti-corrosive material.
  • an anticorrosive material may be a material which is not corroded by the fermentation material and the chemical compounds existing in the fermentation material.
  • the corrosion protection includes a sacrificial material.
  • the corrosion protection includes zinc which, when in conductive connection with iron prevents corrosion of the iron by corroding the zinc (or, generally, the sacrificial material).
  • the corrosion protection comprises a power supply for cathodic protection of the shaft.
  • a method of stirring a fermentation material in a fermentation device comprising rotating at least two stirring paddles including a first stirring paddle and a second stirring paddle about an axis of rotation, the first stirring paddle and the second stirring paddle being spaced from each other in an axial direction; and moving a connector along a circumferential path about said axis of rotation, the connector extending between said first stirring paddle and said second stirring paddle and being radially spaced from an outer end of the first stirring paddle.
  • a method of building a stirring device comprising: providing a shaft; and attaching a mounting structure to the shaft.
  • the method comprises attaching the mounting structure to the shaft in a first surface portion and a second surface portion being located diametrically opposite to the first surface portion.
  • the method comprises providing a corrosion protection to the shaft and the mounting structure after attaching the mounting structure to the shaft and before mounting the stirring paddles to the mounting structures.
  • good corrosion protection is achieved since the mounting of the stirring paddles does not harm the corrosion protection, in particular at contact portions where the mounting structure contacts the shaft.
  • providing the corrosion protection to the shaft and the mounting structure, without having the paddles mounted on the mounting structure may be done at a production site, where the stirring device is fabricated.
  • the method comprises mounting the shaft into a fermenter of the fermentation device and thereafter mounting the stirring paddles to the mounting structure on the shaft.
  • a method of operating a stirring device of a fermentation device comprising providing lubricant to a bearing of the stirring device during operation of the stirring device.
  • the method comprises supplying a lubricant to the bearing in an amount such that at least part of the lubricant exits the bearing into the fermentation material.
  • lubricant is continuously supplied to the bearing.
  • a control unit is provided.
  • the control unit is configured for operating a lubricant pump in accordance with embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.
  • the control unit is configured for operating a lubricant pump so that the lubricant pump supplies a lubricant to the bearing in an amount such that at least part of the lubricant exits the bearing into the fermentation material.
  • control unit comprises a processor device capable of executing a computer program.
  • a computer program is provided which is configured for, when executed by a processor device, performing a method as disclosed herein.
  • the computer program may be implemented as computer readable instruction code by use of any suitable programming language, such as, for example, JAVA, C++, and may be stored on a computer-readable medium (removable disk, volatile or non-volatile memory, embedded memory/processor, etc.).
  • the instruction code is operable to program a computer or any other programmable device to carry out the intended functions.
  • the computer program may be available from a network, such as the World Wide Web, from which it may be downloaded.
  • aspects and embodiments of the invention may be realized by means of a computer program respectively software. However, the invention may also be realized by means of one or more specific electronic circuits respectively hardware. Furthermore, the invention may also be realized in a hybrid form, i.e. in a combination of software modules and hardware modules.
  • apparatus type features are adapted for providing the functionality of one or more of the embodiments of the method type features and/or for providing the functionality as required by one or more of the method type features.
  • method type features are adapted for providing the functionality of one or more of the embodiments of the apparatus type features and/or for providing the functionality as required by one or more of the apparatus type features.
  • Fig. 1 shows a stirring device 100 in accordance with embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.
  • the stirring device 100 comprises a shaft 102 rotatable about an axis of rotation 104.
  • the stirring device 100 further includes a plurality of stirring paddles 106, three of which are shown in Fig. 1 .
  • the stirring paddle 106 comprises a head 108 and a rod 110 connecting the head 108 to the shaft 102.
  • Each stirring paddle has an inner end 112 mounted to the shaft. According to an embodiment, the inner end 112 of the paddle 106 is formed by the rod 110, as shown in Fig. 1 .
  • each stirring paddle comprises an outer end 114 opposite the inner end 112.
  • the outer end 114 of the paddle 106 is formed by the head 108 of the paddle.
  • the stirring device 100 comprises a connector element 116 between two axially adjacent paddles 106.
  • multiple connector elements 116 are provided.
  • the connector elements 116 can be regarded as forming a connector 118 which may connect all stirring paddles of the stirring device.
  • the connector connects only a subset of all the stirring paddles of the stirring device, i.e. the connector 118 connects only part of the stirring paddles of the stirring device 100.
  • the connector 118 may include a common connector element (not shown in Fig. 1 ) connecting more than two stirring paddles.
  • the common connector element may connect three stirring paddles.
  • each connector element 116 is radially spaced from the outer end 114 of the stirring paddle by a distance 120.
  • the connector 118 (or the connector element 116) is spaced from the head 108 of the stirring paddle 106 by a distance 122.
  • the stirring paddles 106 are spaced from each other in an axial direction 124 by a distance indicated at 125 in Fig. 1 .
  • the axial direction 124 is parallel to the axis of rotation 104 by definition.
  • the connector 118 connects the stirring paddles 106 along a helical path, a part of which can be seen in Fig. 1 .
  • the helical path follows the connector elements 116 in Fig. 1 .
  • the connector is configured for generating a flow of fermentation material (not shown in Fig. 1 ) in the axial direction 124 upon rotation of the shaft 102 about the axis of rotation 104. It should be understood that the flow of fermentation material is either to the left or to the right in Fig. 1 , depending on the rotational direction in which the shaft 102 rotates.
  • the helical connector 118 is a left-handed helical connector.
  • the helical connector 118 is a right-handed helical connector.
  • Fig. 2 shows a side view of the stirring device in Fig. 1 when viewed along line II-II in Fig. 1
  • stirring paddles of the stirring device 100 are distributed around the whole circumference 126 of the shaft 102 while only two paddles 106 are shown in Fig. 2 .
  • axially subsequent stirring paddles are spaced from each other in circumferential direction by a distance 128, as shown in Fig. 2 .
  • the two paddles which are directly connected by the connector 118 are spaced from each other in the circumferential direction by the distance 128. Since according to an embodiment the stirring paddles 106 are mounted perpendicular to the shaft 102, the distance 128 between the stirring paddles 106 in circumferential direction corresponds to an angle of twist 130 between the two paddles that are directly connected by the connector 118.
  • Fig. 3 shows a stirring paddle in accordance with embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.
  • the head 108 is supported by a rod 110.
  • the head 108 comprises a cutting edge 132 pointing in circumferential direction 129.
  • the cutting edge 132 is formed by a blade attached to a body of the head 108.
  • the head further comprises a recess 134 opposite the cutting edge 132.
  • the head further comprises a toothed edge 136.
  • the toothed edge 136 is provided adjacent the recess 134.
  • walls 138 which form the recess 134 comprise a toothed edge portion as shown in Fig. 3 .
  • part of the edge around the opening of the recess 134 is toothed.
  • the whole edge around the opening of the recess 134 may be toothed.
  • Fig. 4 shows the head 108 of the stirring paddle of Fig. 3 when viewed from above along line IV-IV.
  • the head 108 is generally V-shaped. When viewed from above, wherein the tip of the V comprises the cutting edge 132. According to an embodiment, the head 108 comprises two walls 138 which extend away from each other and having a top plate 140 thereon which defines the recess 134 from above. In accordance with an embodiment, the top plate 140 has a toothed edge 136.
  • Fig. 5 shows a cross-section of the rod 110 of the stirring paddle of Fig. 3 when viewed along line V-V in Fig. 3 .
  • the rod 110 comprises an edge 142 pointing in circumferential direction 129.
  • the rod 110 is a hollow rod.
  • the rod 110 has a rectangular cross-section.
  • other configurations and cross sectional shaped of the rod are also possible.
  • Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a part of a stirring device 200 in accordance with embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.
  • the stirring device 200 comprises a rectangular shaft 202 and a first support surface 244 and a second support surface 246.
  • the shaft 202 extends between the first support surface 244 and the second support surface 246.
  • a clamping device 248 of the stirring device presses the first support surface and the second support surface towards each other with a mounting force.
  • the clamping device comprises a bolt, e.g a threaded bolt 249.
  • the first support surface 244 is provided by a first plate 250 and the second support surface is provided by a second plate 252.
  • the clamping device 248 extends through the first plate 250 and the second plate 252.
  • the clamping device comprises upper and lower forcing elements 253 which force the first plate 250 and the second plate 252 against each other.
  • the forcing elements are nuts cooperating with the threaded bolt 249.
  • the stirring device comprises a support element 254 extending between the first support surface 244 and the second support surface 246 for absorbing part of the mounting force.
  • the support element 254 may be a loose element clamped between the first support surface 244 and the second support surface 246. According to other embodiments, the support element 254 is attached to shaft 202.
  • the first plate 250 is part of the inner end of the stirring paddle 106, as shown in Fig. 6 .
  • Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the stirring device 200 of Fig. 6 when viewed along line VII-VII.
  • only a single clamping device 248 is provided for each paddle.
  • two or more clamping devices 248, e.g. four clamping devices, are provided for mounting a single paddle 106 (not shown in Fig. 7 ) to the shaft 202.
  • the support elements 254 sealingly enclose its corresponding clamping devices 248.
  • a sealing weld line 256 is provided in the contact region of the support element 254 and the first and second support surfaces 244, 246.
  • a sealing weld line 258 may be provided in the contact region between the support element 254 and the shaft 202.
  • weld lines any other suitable sealing can be provided.
  • Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a part of a stirring device according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.
  • the stirring device 300 in Fig. 8 is similar to the stirring device 200 in Fig. 6 except that the stirring paddle 106 does not form the first support surface 244. Rather, the first support surface 244 is provided by a first plate 360 which together with the second plate 252 and the support elements 254 forms a mounting structure 362 to which the stirring paddle 106 can be attached.
  • Providing a mounting structure 362 may have the advantage that the mounting structure 362 can be premanufactured at the production site such that at an installation site only the paddle 106 has to be mounted to the mounting structure 362, thereby requiring less work at the installation site. For example all the sealing weld lines described with regard to Fig. 7 can be provided already at the production site.
  • the stirring paddle 106 is attached to the mounting structure 362 by the clamping device 248 which presses the first support surface 244 and the second support surface 246 towards each other. Further, the clamping device 248 presses a mounting surface 261 of the paddle 106 to a third support surface 263 of the mounting structure 362.
  • the third support surface 263 and the first support surface 244 of the mounting structure 362 are formed by a single element, e.g. the first plate 360, as shown in Fig. 8 .
  • the clamping device 248 which presses the first support surface 244 to the second support surface 246 may be installed separately from the mounting of the paddle 106 to the mounting structure 362.
  • Such an embodiment has the advantage that even the clamping device 248 may be installed already at the production site of the stirring device, while on the other hand such an embodiment requires an additional attachment element (not shown in Fig. 8 ) for attaching the stirring paddle 106 to the mounting structure 362.
  • the mounting structure is manufactured at a production site, remote from the final installation site where the stirring device is installed in a fermenter of the fermentation device.
  • the clamping device may be part of the mounting structure (if the clamping device is installed at the production site) or may not be part of the mounting structure (if the clamping device is not installed at the production site but e.g. at the installation site).
  • Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a stirring device 400 according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.
  • the stirring device 400 comprises a shaft 402 and further having a mounting structure 462 attached to the shaft 402 at a first surface portion 464 and a second surface portion 466 of the shaft 402.
  • the first surface portion 464 and the second surface portion 466 are located diametrically opposite to each other as shown in Fig. 9 .
  • the mounting structure 462 comprises a first part 463a and a second part 463b.
  • the first part 463a and the second part 463b are individual elements attached to the shaft 402.
  • the first part 463a and the second part 463b define a mounting surface 468 to which the inner end 112 of the stirring paddle 106 is mountable.
  • the mounting surface 468 may comprise a single continuous surface or may comprise two or more individual surface portions that are separated from each other, as shown in Fig. 9 .
  • the mounting surface 468 defines a mounting plane 470 which in accordance with an embodiment is spaced from the shaft 402. Attachment of the stirring paddle 106 to the mounting structure 462 can be performed by any suitable means, e.g. by threaded bolts 472, as shown in Fig. 9 , or e.g. by welding (not shown in Fig. 9 ).
  • each of the first part 463a and the second part 463b comprises an elongated portion 474 and an attachment portion 476 extending from the elongated portion 474.
  • the first surface portion 464 and the second surface portion 466 are formed by the attachment portion 476 of the respective part 463a, 463b.
  • the attachment portion 476 is a protrusion extending from the elongated portion 474 towards the shaft 402.
  • the elongated portion 474 and the attachment portion 476 are formed by a single piece of material, e.g. by a single plate. According to a further embodiment, the elongated portion 474 and the attachment portion 476 are formed by two pieces which are attached to each other (not shown in Fig. 9 ).
  • Fig. 10 shows the stirring device 400 when viewed along line X-X in Fig. 9 .
  • the mounting structure 462 comprises two pairs of a first part 463a and a second part 463b.
  • Fig. 9 shows one such pair consisting of the first part 463a and the second part 463b.
  • Fig. 10 only the first parts 463a of the two pairs are visible.
  • more than two pairs e.g. three or four pairs of a first part 463a and a second part 463b are provided.
  • the pairs of a first part and a second part are spaced in axial direction 124, e.g. by a distance 465 as shown in Fig. 10 .
  • the mounting structure 462 of the stirring device 400 comprises four parts which define the mounting surface 468 to which the inner end 112 of the stirring paddle 106 is mounted. Due to the elongated portions 474 and due to the fact that the first and second surface portions 464, 466 only extend over a part of a half circumference of the shaft, bending flexibility of the shaft 402 transverse to the axial direction 124 is maintained thereby reducing the mechanical stress load on the mounting structure and the inner end 112 of the paddle 106 due to bending of the shaft 402, e.g. during installation of the stirring device in the fermenter (not shown in Fig. 10 ).
  • first surface portion 464 and second surface portion 466 and the fact that these surface portions are located diametrically opposite to each other, the distortion of the shaft 402 due to welding the first part 463a and the second part 463b to the shaft 402 is relatively low, at least compared to larger first and second surface portions.
  • first and second parts e.g. two first parts and two second parts of the mounting structure may have the advantage that the surfaces of the mounting structure and the shaft may be advantageously reachable with a coating beam for coating the mounting structure with a corrosion protection, such as a two-component lacquer.
  • corrosion protection may be applied in a continuous layer at the production site. In such cases, coating of the shaft and/or mounting structure at the installation site may be unnecessary.
  • Fig. 11 shows a side view of a stirring device 500 in accordance with embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.
  • the stirring device 500 comprises a mounting structure 562 which comprises two pairs of a first part and a second part, of which the first part 463a is visible in Fig. 11 .
  • the first part 463a comprises a first surface portion 464 and the second part comprises a second surface portion (not shown in Fig. 11 ).
  • the mounting structure 562 comprises a bridging element 577, e.g. in the form of a plate, from which the first part 463a and the second part extend.
  • the bridging element 577 bridges not only the first part and the second part of one pair but also two different pairs each of which contains the first part 463a and the second part 463b, as shown in Fig. 11 .
  • the bridging element 577 forms a bridging plate which defines the mounting surface 468 to which the inner end 112 of the paddle 106 is attached by suitable attachment elements (not shown in Fig. 11 ).
  • the first part 463a, the second part 463b (not shown in Fig. 11 ) and the bridging element 577 are formed from a single piece of material, e.g. from a single plate which comprises cut-outs and bends to form the first parts, the second parts, the first surface portions and the second surface portions.
  • Fig. 12 shows a stirring device 600 according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.
  • the stirring device comprises a shaft 602 and a bearing 678 for supporting the shaft 602.
  • the bearing is configured to allow the shaft 602 to move in axial direction 124.
  • the bearing 678 forms a so-called movable bearing. Movable bearings are known in the art. Further, in order to allow movability in axial direction, the bearing may be movably mounted on a support (not shown in Fig. 12 ).
  • the bearing 678 is pivotable about an axis 680 located transverse to the axial direction 124. This can be achieved for example by pivotably supporting the bearing 678.
  • the bearing 678 comprises a lubricant inlet 682 for receiving a lubricant, indicated at 684 in Fig. 12 .
  • the stirring device 600 may comprise a lubricant supply line 686 coupled to the lubricant inlet 682.
  • the stirring device 600 comprises a lubricant pump 688 for transporting the lubricant 684 to the bearing 678 via the lubricant supply line 686.
  • the lubricant supply line 686 runs outside the shaft 602.
  • the lubricant supply line 686 runs inside the shaft 602.
  • the stirring device 600 comprises a controller 690 for controlling the lubricant pump 688.
  • the lubricant pump 688 and the controller 690 form a lubricant pump unit.
  • the controller 690 is configured for providing control signals 691 to the lubricant pump 688 so as to supply lubricant 684 such that at least part of the lubricant exits the bearing 678 into the fermentation material (not shown in Fig. 12 ).
  • the emission of the lubricant from the bearing 678 is indicated at 692 in Fig. 12 .
  • control signals 691 are configured so as to effect a supply of lubricant to the bearing 678 at a rate (amount of lubricant per time unit) that the lubricant exits the bearing. In such a way, ingression of fermentation material into the bearing 678 may be prevented.
  • control signals are configured so as to supply between 1 kg and 17 kg lubricant 684 per week to the bearing 678.
  • a lubricant reservoir 693 and a lubricant transport line 694 which fluidably connects the lubricant reservoir 693 with the lubricant pump 688, is provided.
  • Fig. 13 shows a fermentation device 795 in accordance with embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.
  • the fermentation device 795 comprises a fermenter 796 for receiving fermentation material.
  • a support 797 and three stirring devices 800 of which a shaft 802 is shown in Fig. 13 .
  • the support 797 is located in the middle of the fermenter 796 (as shown in Fig. 13 ) and hence in such embodiments the support may be referred to as middle support.
  • the shafts 802 are supported by bearings 678 which are in turn supported by the support 797.
  • the opposite end of the shaft 802 is supported in a bearing located in a fermenter wall of the fermenter 796.
  • more than three stirring devices 800 are mounted in the fermenter 796.
  • less than three stirring devices 800 are mounted in the fermenter 796.
  • any entity disclosed herein e.g. components, units, elements, portions, parts and devices
  • the herein disclosed subject matter may be implemented in various ways and with various granularity while still providing the desired functionality.
  • a separate entity may be provided for each of the functions disclosed herein.
  • an entity is configured for providing two or more functions as disclosed herein.
  • the controller comprises a processor device including at least one processor for carrying out at least one computer program or at least one software module in order to provide the desired functionality.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Apparatus Associated With Microorganisms And Enzymes (AREA)
  • Mixers Of The Rotary Stirring Type (AREA)
  • Processing Of Solid Wastes (AREA)

Claims (13)

  1. Fermentationsvorrichtung (795) zum Fermentieren eines Fermentationsmaterials, die Fermentationsvorrichtung (795) aufweisend:
    einen Fermenter (796);
    eine Abstützung in dem Fermenter (797);
    eine Fermenterwand; und
    eine Rührvorrichtung (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 800), wobei die Rührvorrichtung konfiguriert ist zum Rühren des Fermentationsmaterials, die Rührvorrichtung aufweisend:
    eine Welle (102, 202, 402, 602, 802), welche um eine Rotationsachse (104) rotierbar ist;
    mindestens zwei Rührpaddel (106) enthaltend ein erstes Rührpaddel (106) und ein zweites Rührpaddel (106), welches von dem ersten Rührpaddel (106) in einer axialen Richtung (124) beabstandet ist; und
    mindestens ein weiteres Rührpaddel (106);
    wobei das erste Rührpaddel (106) und das zweite Rührpaddel (106) jeweils ein inneres Ende (112) aufweisen, welches an der Welle (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) montiert ist, und ein äußeres Ende (114), welches entgegengesetzt dem inneren Ende (112) ist, wodurch die Rührpaddel (106) auf eine Rotation der Welle (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) sich in einer Umfangsrichtung (129) bewegen;
    die Welle (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) gestützt ist durch ein Lager (678), welches wiederum durch die Abstützung (897) gestützt ist, wobei ein entgegengesetztes Ende der Welle (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) in einem Lager gestützt ist, welches in der Fermenterwand des Fermenters (796) angeordnet ist;
    gekennzeichnet durch
    einen Verbinder (118), welcher sich zwischen dem ersten Rührpaddel (106) und dem zweiten Rührpaddel (106) erstreckt;
    wobei der Verbinder (118) von dem äußeren Ende (114) des ersten Rührpaddels (106) radial beabstandet ist;
    der Verbinder (118) das erste Rührpaddel (106), das zweite Rührpaddel (106) und das mindestens eine weitere Rührpaddel (106) entlang eines helischen Pfades verbindet.
  2. Fermentationsvorrichtung gemäß dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, ferner aufweisend mindestens eines der folgenden Merkmale:
    das erste Rührpaddel (106) und das zweite Rührpaddel (106) sind voneinander in der Umfangsrichtung (129) beabstandet;
    die Rührvorrichtung (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 800) ist konfiguriert zum Rühren von flüssigem Fermentationsmaterial.
  3. Fermentationsvorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 1 oder 2, ferner aufweisend mindestens eines der folgenden Merkmale:
    der Verbinder (118) weist mindestens zwei einzelne Verbinderelemente (116) auf, wobei jedes Verbinderelement (116) sich zwischen zwei von dem ersten Rührpaddel (106), dem zweiten Rührpaddel (106) und dem mindestens einen weiteren Rührpaddel (106) erstreckt;
    der Verbinder (118) ist konfiguriert zum Erzeugen einer Strömung des Fermentationsmaterials in der axialen Richtung (124) auf eine Rotation der Welle (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) um die Rotationsachse (104).
  4. Fermentationsvorrichtung gemäß irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche,
    wobei mindestens eines von dem ersten Rührpaddel (106) und dem zweiten Rührpaddel (106) einen Kopf (108) aufweist.
  5. Fermentationsvorrichtung gemäß dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, ferner aufweisend mindestens eines der folgenden Merkmale:
    der Kopf (108) weist eine Schneidkante (132) auf, welche in die Umfangsrichtung (129) zeigt;
    der Kopf (108) enthält ferner eine Vertiefung (132), entgegengesetzt der Schneidkante (132);
    der Kopf (108) weist mindestens eine gezahnte Kante (136) auf;
    mindestens eines von dem ersten Rührpaddel (106) und dem zweiten Rührpaddel (106) weist ferner einen Stab (110) auf, welcher den Kopf (108) mit der Welle (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) verbindet, wobei der Stab (110) eine Kante (142) aufweist, welche in die Umfangsrichtung (129) weist.
  6. Fermentationsvorrichtung gemäß irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, ferner aufweisend:
    eine erste Stützoberfläche (244) und eine zweite Stützoberfläche (246), wobei die Welle (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) sich zwischen der ersten Stützoberfläche (244) und der zweiten Stützoberfläche (246) erstreckt;
    eine Klemmvorrichtung (248) zum Pressen der ersten Stützoberfläche (244) und der zweiten Stützoberfläche (246) gegeneinander mit einer Montagekraft;
    ein Stützelement (254), welches sich zwischen der ersten Stützoberfläche (244) und der zweiten Stützoberfläche (246) erstreckt zum Absorbieren eines Teils der Montagekraft.
  7. Fermentationsvorrichtung gemäß dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, ferner aufweisend mindestens eines der folgenden Merkmale:
    mindestens eine von der ersten Stützoberfläche (244) und der zweiten Stützoberfläche (246) ist durch das innere Ende (112) des ersten Rührpaddels (106) gebildet;
    die Welle (202) hat eine Montagestruktur (362, 462, 562) darauf, die Montagestruktur (362, 462, 562) aufweisend das Stützelement (253) und bereitstellend eine dritte Stützoberfläche (263), wobei das innere Ende (112) des ersten Paddels (106) eine Montageoberfläche (261) aufweist, welche der dritten Stützoberfläche (263) gegenüberliegt, wobei die Klemmvorrichtung (248) eingerichtet ist zum Pressen der Montageoberfläche (261) auf die dritte Stützoberfläche (263).
  8. Fermentationsvorrichtung gemäß irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, ferner aufweisend:
    eine Montagestruktur (362, 462, 562), welche an der Welle (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) an einem ersten Oberflächenteil (464) und an einem zweiten Oberflächenteil (466) der Welle (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) befestigt ist, wobei der erste Oberflächenteil (464) und der zweite Oberflächenteil (466) einander diametral gegenüberliegend angeordnet sind.
  9. Fermentationsvorrichtung gemäß dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, ferner aufweisend mindestens eines der folgenden Merkmale:
    der erste Oberflächenteil (464) und der zweite Oberflächenteil (466) sind voneinander in der Umfangsrichtung (129) beabstandet;
    die Montagestruktur (362, 462, 562) ist an der Welle (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) durch Schweißen befestigt;
    der erste Oberflächenteil (464) und der zweite Oberflächenteil (466) erstrecken sich jeweils über weniger als 35% eines vollständigen Umfangs der Welle (102, 202, 402, 602, 802);
    der erste Oberflächenteil (464) und der zweite Oberflächenteil (466) erstrecken sich jeweils über weniger als 25% eines vollständigen Umfangs der Welle (102, 202, 402, 602, 802);
    der erste Oberflächenteil (464) und der zweite Oberflächenteil (466) erstrecken sich jeweils über weniger als 15% eines vollständigen Umfangs der Welle (102, 202, 402, 602, 802);
    der erste Oberflächenteil (464) und der zweite Oberflächenteil (466) erstrecken sich jeweils über weniger als 10% eines vollständigen Umfangs der Welle (102, 202, 402, 602, 802);
    der erste Oberflächenteil (464) und der zweite Oberflächenteil (466) erstrecken sich jeweils über weniger als 5% eines vollständigen Umfangs der Welle (102, 202, 402, 602, 802).
  10. Fermentationsvorrichtung gemäß irgendeinem der Ansprüche 8 oder 9, die Montagestruktur (362, 462, 562) aufweisend einen ersten Teil (463a), welcher an dem ersten Oberflächenteil (464) befestigt ist, einen zweiten Teil (463b), welcher an dem zweiten Oberflächenteil (466) befestigt ist, die Montagestruktur (362, 462, 562) optional ferner aufweisend mindestens eines der folgenden Merkmale:
    die Montagestruktur (362, 462, 562) definiert eine Montageebene (470), in welcher das innere Ende (112) des ersten Rührpaddels (106) an die Montagestruktur (362, 462, 562) montiert ist, wobei die Montageebene (470) optional von der Welle (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) beabstandet ist;
    die Montagestruktur (362, 462, 562) weist ein Überbrückungselement (577) auf, von welchem der erste Teil (463a) und der zweite Teil (463b) sich erstrecken, wobei das Überbrückungselement (577) von der Welle (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) beabstandet ist und das innere Ende (112) des ersten Rührpaddels (106) an das Überbrückungselement (577) montiert ist, wobei optional der erste Teil (463a), der zweite Teil (463b) und die Überbrückungsplatte (577) aus einer einzige Platte von Material gebildet sind;
    das innere Ende (112) des ersten Rührpaddels (106) ist an das erste Teil (463a) und das zweite Teil (463b) montiert, wobei das innere Ende (112) des ersten Rührpaddels (106) optional von der Welle (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) beabstandet ist;
    die Montagestruktur (362, 462, 562) weist einen weiteren ersten Teil (463a) und einen weiteren zweiten Teil (463b) auf, welche an der Welle (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) in diametral entgegengesetzten Oberflächenteilen (464, 466) befestigt sind, wobei das erste Rührpaddel (106) an dem ersten Teil (464), dem zweiten Teil (466), dem weiteren ersten Teil (463a) und dem weiteren zweiten Teil (463b) befestigt ist, wobei der erste Teil (463a) von dem weiteren ersten Teil (463a) axial beabstandet ist und der zweite Teil (463b) von dem weiteren zweiten Teil (463b) axial beabstandet ist.
  11. Fermentationsvorrichtung gemäß irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche,
    wobei das Lager (678), welches von der Abstützung (897) gestützt wird, optional mindestens eines der folgenden Merkmale aufweist:
    das Lager (678) erlaubt der Welle (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) sich in der axialen Richtung (124) zu bewegen;
    das Lager (678) ist um eine Achse (680), welche quer zu der axialen Richtung (124) angeordnet ist, schwenkbar;
    das Lager (678) weist einen Schmiermitteleinlass (682) zum Empfangen eines Schmiermittels (684) auf; wobei die Rührvorrichtung (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 800) optional ferner aufweist:
    eine Schmiermittelzufuhrleitung (686), welche mit dem Schmiermitteleinlass (682) gekoppelt ist; und
    eine Schmiermittelpumpe (688) zum Transportieren des Schmiermittels (684) zu dem Lager (678) über die Schmiermittelzufuhrleitung (686), wobei die Schmiermittelpumpe (688) optional konfiguriert ist zum Liefern des Schmiermittels (684) an das Lager (678), so dass mindestens ein Teil des Schmiermittels (684) das Lager (678) in das Fermentationsmaterial verlässt.
  12. Fermentationsvorrichtung gemäß irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Welle (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) einen Korrosionsschutz aufweist, wobei optional der Korrosionsschutz mindestens eines der folgenden Merkmale aufweist:
    eine Beschichtung, insbesondere eine Zweikomponentenbeschichtung;
    ein antikorrosives Material;
    Opfermaterial;
    eine Energieversorgung für einen kathodischen Schutz der Welle.
  13. Verfahren des Rührens eines Fermentationsmaterials in einer Fermentationsvorrichtung (795), welche einen Fermenter (796) aufweist, das Verfahren aufweisend:
    Rotieren von mindestens drei Rührpaddeln (106) enthaltend ein erstes Rührpaddel (106), ein zweites Rührpaddel (106) und mindestens ein weiteres Rührpaddel (106) um eine Rotationsachse (104), wobei das erste Rührpaddel (106) und das zweite Rührpaddel (106) voneinander in einer axialen Richtung (124) beabstandet sind;
    das erste Rührpaddel (106) und das zweite Rührpaddel (106) ein inneres Ende (112) aufweisen und an der Welle (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) mit einem inneren Ende (112) davon montiert sind;
    die Welle (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) gestützt ist durch ein Lager (678), welches wiederum gestützt ist durch eine Abstützung (897) in dem Fermenter (796), wobei ein entgegengesetztes Ende der Welle (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) in einem Lager gestützt ist, welches in einer Fermenterwand des Fermenters (796) angeordnet ist
    gekennzeichnet durch
    Bewegen eines Verbinders (118) entlang eines helischen Pfades um die Rotationsachse (104), wobei der Verbinder (118) sich zwischen dem ersten Rührpaddel (106) und dem zweiten Rührpaddel (106) erstreckt und radial von einem äußeren Ende (114) des ersten Rührpaddels (106) beabstandet ist;
    der Verbinder (118) das erste Rührpaddel (106), das zweite Rührpaddel (106) und das mindestens eine weitere Rührpaddel (106) entlang eines helischen Pfades verbindet.
EP12165574.0A 2012-04-25 2012-04-25 Gärvorrichtung und -verfahren mit Rührvorrichtung Not-in-force EP2656909B1 (de)

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EP2656909A1 EP2656909A1 (de) 2013-10-30
EP2656909B1 true EP2656909B1 (de) 2014-12-24

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CN104312911A (zh) * 2014-11-14 2015-01-28 北京中持绿色能源环境技术有限公司 用于干式厌氧发酵的搅拌装置
DE102015106419A1 (de) 2015-04-27 2016-10-27 Stefan Steverding Sondermaschinen- und Vorrichtungsbau GmbH Rührwerk und Behälter mit Rührwerk

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EP2837421B1 (de) * 2013-08-16 2016-10-05 Thöni Industriebetriebe GmbH Rührvorrichtung umfassend eine Montagestruktur für ein Rührelement und Montageverfahren für ein Rührelement
CN109337802A (zh) * 2018-12-10 2019-02-15 青岛合能环境技术有限公司 一种适用于秸秆发酵的卧式搅拌装置

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