EP2656909B1 - Fermentation device and method comprising a stirring device - Google Patents
Fermentation device and method comprising a stirring device Download PDFInfo
- 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
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Classifications
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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.
Description
- The present invention relates to the field of fermentation devices and in particular to a stirring device for a fermentation device.
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EP 1 332 805 A1 -
DE 20 2007 009 095 U1 discloses 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. In addition, 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. Further disclosed are three-dimensional stirring devices. Herein, 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. Along the curved course of the stirring struts additional stirring struts are provided which extend radially away from the axis of rotation of the stirring device to the stirring strut. -
DE 20 2006 004 982 U1 discloses a fermentation device according to the preamble ofclaim 1 and a method of stirring a fermentation material according to the preamble of claim 13. - In view of the above described known agitation devices there exists a need for an improved technique that allows for a good mixing of the fermentation material in a fermentation device.
- This need may be met by the subject matter according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter are described by the dependent claims.
- According to a first aspect of the herein disclosed subject matter, there is provided a stirring device for a fermentation device, the stirring device being 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.
- According to an embodiment, the stirring device is adapted for liquid fermentation material. It should be understood that 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.
- According to an embodiment, there is provided 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.
- According to an embodiment, the first stirring paddle and the second stirring paddle are spaced from each other in circumferential direction. In other words, the first stirring paddle and the second stirring paddle form an angle therebetween with regard to the axial direction. This causes the connector to be located transverse 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. According to an embodiment, the connector is made of a single element. According to a further embodiment, 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. In particular, the individual connector elements extending between two stirring paddles have smaller dimensions and therefore facilitate the handling.
- According to an embodiment, 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.
- According to an embodiment, 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.
- According to an embodiment, the connector or a connector element thereof extends between two axially neighboring paddles. According to other embodiments, the connector or a connector element connects two stirring paddles which are not neighboring in axial direction. In other words, according to an embodiment a further stirring paddle may be located axially between the two paddles which are connected by the connector or the connector element.
- According to a further embodiment, the connector is made of a plate-shaped element. For example, according to an embodiment the connector or connector element is formed of an elongated metal plate. According to further embodiments, other configurations of the connector or the connector elements also contemplated.
- According to a further embodiment, at least one of the first stirring paddle and the second stirring paddle has a head. According to a further embodiment, each paddle mounted to the shaft comprises a head. A head may improve the stirring of the fermentation material.
- According to an embodiment, three or more stirring devices are provided in a single fermenter. For example, in an embodiment, the fermenter is a circular fermenter with three stirring devices which are supported by a single middle support in the middle of the fermenter. Such a middle support may be e.g. a concrete post. In an embodiment, 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.
- According to a further embodiment, 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.
- According to a further embodiment, 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. Moreover, 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. Hence, on the one hand 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. Hence, upon start-up of the stirring motion, 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.
- According to a further embodiment, 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.
- According to a further embodiment, 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. According to an embodiment, 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. According to other embodiments, 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.
- According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, 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. According to an embodiment, 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. According to an embodiment, the first support surface and the second support surface are clamped to the shaft by the clamping device. According to a further embodiment, 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. By absorbing part of the mounting force exerted by the clamping device, 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. This may be in particular advantageous if the shaft is a hollow shaft which is capable of bearing only a limited load. Further, 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.
- According to a further embodiment, 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.
- According to a further embodiment, at least one of the first support surface and the second support surface is formed by the inner end of the first paddle. For example, according to an embodiment 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.
- According to a further embodiment, 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. According to an embodiment, the mounting structure on the shaft includes a support element as described herein. According to a further embodiment, 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.
- According to a further embodiment, a mounting structure attached to the shaft is provided. According to an embodiment, 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.
- According to an embodiment, 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.
- According to an embodiment, 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. For example, with the first and second surface portion extending over only part of a complete circumference, the distortion of the shaft due to the welding of the mounting structure to the shaft is reduced. According to an embodiment, the first surface portion and the second surface portion each extends over less than 25% of a complete circumference of the shaft. According to a further embodiment, the first surface portion and the second surface portion each extend over less than 15 percent of a complete circumference of the shaft. According to a further embodiment, the first surface portion and the second surface portion each extend over less than 10 percent of a complete circumference of the shaft. According to a further embodiment, the first surface portion and the second surface portion each extend over less than 5 percent of a complete circumference of the shaft.
- According to a still further embodiment, 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.
- According to an embodiment, the first stirring paddle is arranged symmetrically with regard to the first surface portion and the second surface portion.
- According to an embodiment, 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. Moreover, 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.
- According to an embodiment, the mounting plane is spaced from the shaft. Hence, in this embodiment, 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. According to a further embodiment, 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.
- According to an embodiment, 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.
- According to an embodiment, 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.
- According to an embodiment, 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.
- Hence, according to an embodiment, 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. In an alternative embodiment, 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.
- According to an embodiment, 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.
- According to the first aspect, a stirring device for a fermentation device is provided, the stirring device being 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.
- According to an embodiment, the bearing is configured for allowing the shaft to move in the axial direction. For example, this can be achieved by providing a respectively configured bearing, allowing the shaft to move axially with regard to the bearing. According to another embodiment, the bearing is movably mounted in the fermentation device so as to be movable in the axial direction.
- According to a further embodiment, 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. Thus, 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. Further, 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.
- According to an embodiment, the bearing comprises a lubricant inlet for receiving a lubricant. This allows for providing a lubricant to the bearing, e.g. during a production stage of the stirring device. According to a further embodiment, 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. For example, according to an embodiment the lubricant supply line runs through the shaft. According to a further embodiment, the lubricant supply line is located in a bottom and/or a wall of a housing of the fermentation device. According to another embodiment, the lubricant supply line runs through a support of the bearing.
- Lubricant can be provided to the lubricant supply line manually. According to a further embodiment, 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. According to an embodiment, 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.
- According to an embodiment, 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. This may provide the advantage that the exiting/emission of the lubricant into the fermentation material prevents fermentation material from an entrance into the bearing. Hence, the lifetime of the bearing can be increased.
- According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, a stirring device for a fermentation device is provided, the stirring device being 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.
- According to an embodiment, 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. According to an embodiment, the mounting structure also comprises a corrosion protection. According to a further embodiment, the mounting structure is configured for being easily coated with a coating.
- In practice it was found that a two-component coating is well suited for a corrosion protection of the shaft. According to a further embodiment, the corrosion protection includes an anti-corrosive material. For example, an anticorrosive material may be a material which is not corroded by the fermentation material and the chemical compounds existing in the fermentation material. According to a further embodiment, the corrosion protection includes a sacrificial material. For example, according to an embodiment, 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). According to a further embodiment, the corrosion protection comprises a power supply for cathodic protection of the shaft.
- According to a second aspect of the herein disclosed subject matter, a method of stirring a fermentation material in a fermentation device is provided, the method 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.
- According to a an embodiment of the second aspect, a method of building a stirring device is provided, the method comprising: providing a shaft; and attaching a mounting structure to the shaft. According to an embodiment, 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.
- According to a further embodiment, 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. In this way, 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. Moreover, in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, 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.
- According to an embodiment, 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.
- According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, a method of operating a stirring device of a fermentation device is provided, the method comprising providing lubricant to a bearing of the stirring device during operation of the stirring device. According to a further embodiment, 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. According to an embodiment, lubricant is continuously supplied to the bearing.
- According to an embodiment of a third aspect of the herein disclosed subject matter, 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. For example, according to an embodiment, 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.
- According to an embodiment, the control unit comprises a processor device capable of executing a computer program. According to an embodiment, 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.
- In the above there has been described and in the following there will be described exemplary embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein with reference to a stirring device, to a fermentation device comprising such a stirring device and to respective methods. It has to be pointed out that of course any combination of features relating to different aspects or embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter is also possible. In particular, some embodiments have been or will be described with reference to method type claims whereas other embodiments have been or will be described with reference to apparatus type claims. However, a person skilled in the art will gather from the above and the following description that, unless otherwise notified, in addition to any combination of features belonging to one aspect also any combination between features relating to different aspects or embodiments, for example even between features of the apparatus type embodiments and features of the method type embodiments is considered to be disclosed with this application.
- According to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter, 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.
- According to further embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter, 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.
- The aspects and embodiments defined above and further aspects and embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter are apparent from the examples to be described hereinafter and are explained with reference to the drawings, but to which the invention is not limited.
-
-
Fig. 1 shows a stirring device in accordance with embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter. -
Fig. 2 shows a side view of the stirring device inFig. 1 when viewed along line II-II inFig. 1 -
Fig. 3 shows a stirring paddle in accordance with embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter. -
Fig. 4 shows the head of the stirring paddle ofFig. 3 when viewed from above along line IV-IV. -
Fig. 5 shows a cross-section of the rod of the stirring paddle ofFig. 3 when viewed along line V-V inFig. 3 . -
Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a part of a stirring device in accordance with embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter. -
Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the stirring device ofFig. 6 when viewed along line VII-VII. -
Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a part of a stirring device according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter. -
Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a stirring device according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter. -
Fig. 10 shows the stirring device ofFig. 9 when viewed along line X-X inFig. 9 . -
Fig. 11 shows a side view of a stirring device in accordance with embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter. -
Fig. 12 shows a stirring device according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter. -
Fig. 13 shows a fermentation device in accordance with embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter. - The illustration in the drawings is schematic. It is noted that in different figures, similar or identical elements are provided with the same reference signs or with reference signs, which are different from the corresponding reference signs only within the first digit or an appended character.
-
Fig. 1 shows astirring device 100 in accordance with embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter. - The stirring
device 100 comprises ashaft 102 rotatable about an axis ofrotation 104. The stirringdevice 100 further includes a plurality of stirringpaddles 106, three of which are shown inFig. 1 . The stirringpaddle 106 comprises ahead 108 and arod 110 connecting thehead 108 to theshaft 102. Each stirring paddle has aninner end 112 mounted to the shaft. According to an embodiment, theinner end 112 of thepaddle 106 is formed by therod 110, as shown inFig. 1 . - In accordance with a further embodiment, each stirring paddle comprises an
outer end 114 opposite theinner end 112. In accordance with an embodiment, theouter end 114 of thepaddle 106 is formed by thehead 108 of the paddle. - In accordance with an embodiment, the stirring
device 100 comprises aconnector element 116 between two axiallyadjacent paddles 106. In an embodiment,multiple connector elements 116 are provided. In accordance with an embodiment, theconnector elements 116 can be regarded as forming aconnector 118 which may connect all stirring paddles of the stirring device. In a further embodiment, the connector connects only a subset of all the stirring paddles of the stirring device, i.e. theconnector 118 connects only part of the stirring paddles of the stirringdevice 100. In accordance with another embodiment, theconnector 118 may include a common connector element (not shown inFig. 1 ) connecting more than two stirring paddles. For example, according to an embodiment the common connector element may connect three stirring paddles. - In accordance with an embodiment, each
connector element 116 is radially spaced from theouter end 114 of the stirring paddle by adistance 120. In accordance with an embodiment, the connector 118 (or the connector element 116) is spaced from thehead 108 of the stirringpaddle 106 by adistance 122. - In accordance with an embodiment, the stirring
paddles 106 are spaced from each other in anaxial direction 124 by a distance indicated at 125 inFig. 1 . Theaxial direction 124 is parallel to the axis ofrotation 104 by definition. - In accordance with an further embodiment, the
connector 118 connects the stirring paddles 106 along a helical path, a part of which can be seen inFig. 1 . The helical path follows theconnector elements 116 inFig. 1 . By providing theconnector 118 along a helical path, the connector is configured for generating a flow of fermentation material (not shown inFig. 1 ) in theaxial direction 124 upon rotation of theshaft 102 about the axis ofrotation 104. It should be understood that the flow of fermentation material is either to the left or to the right inFig. 1 , depending on the rotational direction in which theshaft 102 rotates. According to an embodiment, thehelical connector 118 is a left-handed helical connector. According to another embodiment, thehelical connector 118 is a right-handed helical connector. -
Fig. 2 shows a side view of the stirring device inFig. 1 when viewed along line II-II inFig. 1 - It should be understood that the stirring paddles of the stirring
device 100 are distributed around thewhole circumference 126 of theshaft 102 while only twopaddles 106 are shown inFig. 2 . In accordance with an embodiment, axially subsequent stirring paddles are spaced from each other in circumferential direction by adistance 128, as shown inFig. 2 . Hence, if the axially subsequent stirring paddles 106 are connected by aconnector element 116, the two paddles which are directly connected by theconnector 118 are spaced from each other in the circumferential direction by thedistance 128. Since according to an embodiment the stirring paddles 106 are mounted perpendicular to theshaft 102, thedistance 128 between the stirringpaddles 106 in circumferential direction corresponds to an angle oftwist 130 between the two paddles that are directly connected by theconnector 118. -
Fig. 3 shows a stirring paddle in accordance with embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter. - The
head 108 is supported by arod 110. In accordance with an embodiment, thehead 108 comprises acutting edge 132 pointing incircumferential direction 129. In accordance with an embodiment, thecutting edge 132 is formed by a blade attached to a body of thehead 108. - In accordance with a further embodiment, the head further comprises a
recess 134 opposite thecutting edge 132. In accordance with an embodiment, the head further comprises atoothed edge 136. For example, in an embodiment, thetoothed edge 136 is provided adjacent therecess 134. For example,walls 138 which form therecess 134 comprise a toothed edge portion as shown inFig. 3 . According to an embodiment, part of the edge around the opening of therecess 134 is toothed. However also the whole edge around the opening of therecess 134 may be toothed. -
Fig. 4 shows thehead 108 of the stirring paddle ofFig. 3 when viewed from above along line IV-IV. - In accordance with an embodiment, the
head 108 is generally V-shaped. When viewed from above, wherein the tip of the V comprises thecutting edge 132. According to an embodiment, thehead 108 comprises twowalls 138 which extend away from each other and having atop plate 140 thereon which defines therecess 134 from above. In accordance with an embodiment, thetop plate 140 has atoothed edge 136. -
Fig. 5 shows a cross-section of therod 110 of the stirring paddle ofFig. 3 when viewed along line V-V inFig. 3 . - In accordance with an embodiment, the
rod 110 comprises anedge 142 pointing incircumferential direction 129. According to an embodiment, therod 110 is a hollow rod. According to a further embodiment, therod 110 has a rectangular cross-section. However, other configurations and cross sectional shaped of the rod are also possible. -
Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a part of astirring device 200 in accordance with embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter. - The stirring
device 200 comprises arectangular shaft 202 and afirst support surface 244 and asecond support surface 246. Theshaft 202 extends between thefirst support surface 244 and thesecond support surface 246. Further, aclamping device 248 of the stirring device presses the first support surface and the second support surface towards each other with a mounting force. In accordance with an embodiment, the clamping device comprises a bolt, e.g a threadedbolt 249. In accordance with an embodiment, thefirst support surface 244 is provided by afirst plate 250 and the second support surface is provided by asecond plate 252. According to an embodiment, theclamping device 248 extends through thefirst plate 250 and thesecond plate 252. For example, according to an embodiment, the clamping device comprises upper and lower forcingelements 253 which force thefirst plate 250 and thesecond plate 252 against each other. In an embodiment the forcing elements are nuts cooperating with the threadedbolt 249. - In accordance with an embodiment, the stirring device comprises a
support element 254 extending between thefirst support surface 244 and thesecond support surface 246 for absorbing part of the mounting force. Thesupport element 254 may be a loose element clamped between thefirst support surface 244 and thesecond support surface 246. According to other embodiments, thesupport element 254 is attached toshaft 202. - According to an embodiment, the
first plate 250 is part of the inner end of the stirringpaddle 106, as shown inFig. 6 . -
Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the stirringdevice 200 ofFig. 6 when viewed along line VII-VII. - According to an embodiment, only a
single clamping device 248 is provided for each paddle. According to another embodiment, two ormore clamping devices 248, e.g. four clamping devices, are provided for mounting a single paddle 106 (not shown inFig. 7 ) to theshaft 202. - In accordance with an embodiment, the
support elements 254 sealingly enclose itscorresponding clamping devices 248. For example, according to an embodiment, a sealingweld line 256 is provided in the contact region of thesupport element 254 and the first and second support surfaces 244, 246. Further, a sealingweld line 258 may be provided in the contact region between thesupport element 254 and theshaft 202. Instead of 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 inFig. 8 is similar to thestirring device 200 inFig. 6 except that the stirringpaddle 106 does not form thefirst support surface 244. Rather, thefirst support surface 244 is provided by afirst plate 360 which together with thesecond plate 252 and thesupport elements 254 forms a mountingstructure 362 to which the stirringpaddle 106 can be attached. Providing a mountingstructure 362 may have the advantage that the mountingstructure 362 can be premanufactured at the production site such that at an installation site only thepaddle 106 has to be mounted to the mountingstructure 362, thereby requiring less work at the installation site. For example all the sealing weld lines described with regard toFig. 7 can be provided already at the production site. - In accordance with an embodiment, the stirring
paddle 106 is attached to the mountingstructure 362 by theclamping device 248 which presses thefirst support surface 244 and thesecond support surface 246 towards each other. Further, theclamping device 248 presses a mountingsurface 261 of thepaddle 106 to athird support surface 263 of the mountingstructure 362. In accordance with an embodiment, thethird support surface 263 and thefirst support surface 244 of the mountingstructure 362 are formed by a single element, e.g. thefirst plate 360, as shown inFig. 8 . - According to another embodiment not shown in
Fig. 8 , theclamping device 248 which presses thefirst support surface 244 to thesecond support surface 246 may be installed separately from the mounting of thepaddle 106 to the mountingstructure 362. Such an embodiment has the advantage that even theclamping 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 inFig. 8 ) for attaching the stirringpaddle 106 to the mountingstructure 362. - According to an embodiment, 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. Depending on the particular embodiments realized in the stirring 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 astirring device 400 according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter. - The stirring
device 400 comprises ashaft 402 and further having a mountingstructure 462 attached to theshaft 402 at afirst surface portion 464 and asecond surface portion 466 of theshaft 402. In accordance with an embodiment, thefirst surface portion 464 and thesecond surface portion 466 are located diametrically opposite to each other as shown inFig. 9 . - In accordance with an embodiment, the mounting
structure 462 comprises afirst part 463a and asecond part 463b. In accordance with an embodiment, thefirst part 463a and thesecond part 463b are individual elements attached to theshaft 402. In accordance with an embodiment, thefirst part 463a and thesecond part 463b define a mountingsurface 468 to which theinner end 112 of the stirringpaddle 106 is mountable. The mountingsurface 468 may comprise a single continuous surface or may comprise two or more individual surface portions that are separated from each other, as shown inFig. 9 . - The mounting
surface 468 defines a mountingplane 470 which in accordance with an embodiment is spaced from theshaft 402. Attachment of the stirringpaddle 106 to the mountingstructure 462 can be performed by any suitable means, e.g. by threadedbolts 472, as shown inFig. 9 , or e.g. by welding (not shown inFig. 9 ). - In accordance with an embodiment, each of the
first part 463a and thesecond part 463b comprises anelongated portion 474 and anattachment portion 476 extending from theelongated portion 474. In accordance with an embodiment, thefirst surface portion 464 and thesecond surface portion 466 are formed by theattachment portion 476 of therespective part attachment portion 476 is a protrusion extending from theelongated portion 474 towards theshaft 402. - According to an embodiment, the
elongated portion 474 and theattachment portion 476 are formed by a single piece of material, e.g. by a single plate. According to a further embodiment, theelongated portion 474 and theattachment portion 476 are formed by two pieces which are attached to each other (not shown inFig. 9 ). -
Fig. 10 shows the stirringdevice 400 when viewed along line X-X inFig. 9 . - The same elements are denoted by the same reference numbers in the description of which is not repeated here.
- In accordance with an embodiment, the mounting
structure 462 comprises two pairs of afirst part 463a and asecond part 463b.Fig. 9 shows one such pair consisting of thefirst part 463a and thesecond part 463b. InFig. 10 only thefirst parts 463a of the two pairs are visible. According to an embodiment, more than two pairs, e.g. three or four pairs of afirst part 463a and asecond part 463b are provided. In accordance with an embodiment, the pairs of a first part and a second part (and hence the first parts 463 of the pairs) are spaced inaxial direction 124, e.g. by adistance 465 as shown inFig. 10 . Hence, the mountingstructure 462 of the stirringdevice 400 comprises four parts which define the mountingsurface 468 to which theinner end 112 of the stirringpaddle 106 is mounted. Due to theelongated portions 474 and due to the fact that the first andsecond surface portions shaft 402 transverse to theaxial direction 124 is maintained thereby reducing the mechanical stress load on the mounting structure and theinner end 112 of thepaddle 106 due to bending of theshaft 402, e.g. during installation of the stirring device in the fermenter (not shown inFig. 10 ). Further, the relatively smallfirst surface portion 464 andsecond surface portion 466 and the fact that these surface portions are located diametrically opposite to each other, the distortion of theshaft 402 due to welding thefirst part 463a and thesecond part 463b to theshaft 402 is relatively low, at least compared to larger first and second surface portions. - Providing individual 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. Hence 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 astirring device 500 in accordance with embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter. - The stirring
device 500 comprises a mountingstructure 562 which comprises two pairs of a first part and a second part, of which thefirst part 463a is visible inFig. 11 . Thefirst part 463a comprises afirst surface portion 464 and the second part comprises a second surface portion (not shown inFig. 11 ). In accordance with an embodiment, the mountingstructure 562 comprises abridging element 577, e.g. in the form of a plate, from which thefirst part 463a and the second part extend. In accordance with an embodiment, the bridgingelement 577 bridges not only the first part and the second part of one pair but also two different pairs each of which contains thefirst part 463a and thesecond part 463b, as shown inFig. 11 . In accordance with an embodiment, the bridgingelement 577 forms a bridging plate which defines the mountingsurface 468 to which theinner end 112 of thepaddle 106 is attached by suitable attachment elements (not shown inFig. 11 ). In accordance with an embodiment, thefirst part 463a, thesecond part 463b (not shown inFig. 11 ) and thebridging 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 astirring device 600 according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter. - The stirring device comprises a
shaft 602 and abearing 678 for supporting theshaft 602. In accordance with an embodiment, the bearing is configured to allow theshaft 602 to move inaxial direction 124. Hence, in accordance with an embodiment 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 inFig. 12 ). - In accordance with an embodiment, the
bearing 678 is pivotable about anaxis 680 located transverse to theaxial direction 124. This can be achieved for example by pivotably supporting thebearing 678. - In accordance with an embodiment, the
bearing 678 comprises alubricant inlet 682 for receiving a lubricant, indicated at 684 inFig. 12 . Further, the stirringdevice 600 may comprise alubricant supply line 686 coupled to thelubricant inlet 682. According to an embodiment, the stirringdevice 600 comprises alubricant pump 688 for transporting thelubricant 684 to thebearing 678 via thelubricant supply line 686. According to an embodiment, thelubricant supply line 686 runs outside theshaft 602. According to another embodiment, thelubricant supply line 686 runs inside theshaft 602. - Further, the stirring
device 600 comprises acontroller 690 for controlling thelubricant pump 688. According to an embodiment, thelubricant pump 688 and thecontroller 690 form a lubricant pump unit. In accordance with an embodiment, thecontroller 690 is configured for providingcontrol signals 691 to thelubricant pump 688 so as to supplylubricant 684 such that at least part of the lubricant exits the bearing 678 into the fermentation material (not shown inFig. 12 ). The emission of the lubricant from thebearing 678 is indicated at 692 inFig. 12 . According to an embodiment, the control signals 691 are configured so as to effect a supply of lubricant to thebearing 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 thebearing 678 may be prevented. For example according to an embodiment, the control signals are configured so as to supply between 1 kg and 17kg lubricant 684 per week to thebearing 678. - For providing the
lubricant 684 to thelubricant pump 688, alubricant reservoir 693 and alubricant transport line 694, which fluidably connects thelubricant reservoir 693 with thelubricant pump 688, is provided. -
Fig. 13 shows afermentation device 795 in accordance with embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter. - The
fermentation device 795 comprises afermenter 796 for receiving fermentation material. In thefermenter 796 there is provided asupport 797 and threestirring devices 800, of which ashaft 802 is shown inFig. 13 . According to an embodiment, thesupport 797 is located in the middle of the fermenter 796 (as shown inFig. 13 ) and hence in such embodiments the support may be referred to as middle support. Theshafts 802 are supported bybearings 678 which are in turn supported by thesupport 797. The opposite end of theshaft 802 is supported in a bearing located in a fermenter wall of thefermenter 796. In a further embodiment, more than threestirring devices 800 are mounted in thefermenter 796. In a still further embodiment, less than three stirring devices 800 (e.g. one or two stirring devices) are mounted in thefermenter 796. - Having regard to the subject matter disclosed herein, it should be mentioned that embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter, e.g. also embodiments shown in and described with regard to different figures may be combined if possible.
- It should be noted that any entity disclosed herein (e.g. components, units, elements, portions, parts and devices) are not limited to a dedicated entity as described in some embodiments. Rather, the herein disclosed subject matter may be implemented in various ways and with various granularity while still providing the desired functionality. Further, it should be noted that according to embodiments a separate entity may be provided for each of the functions disclosed herein. According to other embodiments, an entity is configured for providing two or more functions as disclosed herein. According to an embodiment, 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.
- It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps and the "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Also elements described in association with different embodiments may be combined. It should also be noted that reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.
- In order to recapitulate the above described embodiments one can state:
- It is described a stirring device (100) for stirring a liquid fermentation material. The stirring device (100) comprises a shaft (102) rotatable about an axis of rotation (104) and at least two stirring paddles (106) including a first stirring paddle (106) and a second stirring paddle (106) being spaced from the first stirring paddle (106) in an axial direction (124). A connector (118) extends between the first stirring paddle (106) and the second stirring paddle (106), wherein the connector (118) is radially spaced from an outer end (114) of the first stirring paddle (106).
-
- 100
- stirring device
- 102
- shaft
- 104
- axis of rotation
- 106
- paddle
- 108
- head
- 110
- rod
- 112
- inner end of 106
- 114
- outer end of 106
- 116
- connector element
- 118
- connector
- 120
- distance between 114 and 116
- 122
- distance between 108 and 116
- 124
- axial direction
- 125
- distance in axial direction between adjacent paddles
- 126
- circumference of 102
- 128
- distance between paddles in circumferential direction
- 129
- circumferential direction
- 130
- angle of twist between two paddles connected by 118
- 132
- cutting edge
- 134
- recess
- 136
- tooted edge
- 138
- wall
- 140
- top plate
- 142
- edge pointing in circumferential direction
- 200
- stirring device
- 202
- shaft
- 244
- first support surface
- 246
- second support surface
- 248
- clamping device
- 249
- threaded bolt
- 250
- first plate
- 252
- second plate
- 253
- forcing elements
- 254
- support element
- 256
- sealing weld line
- 258
- sealing weld line
- 261
- mounting surface of paddle
- 263
- third support surface
- 300
- stirring device
- 360
- first plate
- 362
- mounting structure
- 400
- stirring device
- 402
- shaft
- 462
- mounting structure
- 463a
- first part of 462
- 463b
- second part of 462
- 464
- first surface portion
- 465
- distance between pairs of 463a, 463b in axial direction
- 466
- second surface portion
- 468
- mounting surface
- 470
- mounting plane
- 472
- threaded bolts
- 474
- elongated portion of 463a, 463b
- 476
- attachment portion of 463a, 463b
- 500
- stirring device
- 562
- mounting structure
- 577
- bridging element
- 600
- stirring device
- 602
- shaft
- 678
- bearing
- 680
- axis of rotation
- 682
- lubricant inlet
- 684
- lubricant
- 686
- supply line
- 688
- lubricant pump
- 690
- controller
- 691
- control signal
- 692
- emission of lubriant
- 693
- lubricant reservoir
- 694
- lubricant transport line
- 795
- fermentation device
- 796
- fermenter
- 797
- support
- 800
- stirring device
- 802
- shaft
Claims (13)
- Fermentation device (795) for fermenting a fermentation material, the fermentation device (795) comprising
a fermenter (796);
a support in the fermenter (797);
a fermenter wall; and
a stirring device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 800), the stirring device being configured for stirring the fermentation material, the stirring device comprising:a shaft (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) rotatable about an axis of rotation (104);at least two stirring paddles (106) including a first stirring paddle (106) and a second stirring paddle (106) being spaced from the first stirring paddle (106) in an axial direction (124); andat least one further stirring paddle (106);the first stirring paddle (106) and the second stirring paddle (106) each having an inner end (112) mounted to the shaft (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) and an outer end (114) opposite the inner end (112), the stirring paddles (106) thereby moving in a circumferential direction (129) upon rotation of said shaft (102, 202, 402, 602, 802);the shaft (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) being supported by a bearing (678) being in turn supported by the support (897), wherein an opposite end of the shaft (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) is supported in a bearing located in the fermenter wall of the fermenter (796)
characterized in
a connector (118) extending between the first stirring paddle (106) and the second stirring paddle (106); the connector (118) being radially spaced from said outer end (114) of the first stirring paddle (106); the connector (118) connecting the first stirring paddle (106), the second stirring paddle (106) and the at least one further stirring paddle (106) along a helical path. - Fermentation device according to the preceding claim, further comprising at least one of the following features:said first stirring paddle (106) and said second stirring paddle (106) being spaced from each other in said circumferential direction (129);said stirring device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 800) being configured for stirring liquid fermentation material.
- Fermentation device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one of the following features:the connector (118) comprising at least two individual connector elements (116), wherein each connector element (116) extends between two of said first stirring paddle (106), said second stirring paddle (106) and said at least one further stirring paddle (106);the connector (118) being configured for generating a flow of said fermentation material in said axial direction (124) upon rotation of said shaft (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) about said axis of rotation (104).
- Fermentation device according to any one of the preceding claims,
at least one of said first stirring paddle (106) and said second stirring paddle (106) having a head (108). - Fermentation device according to the preceding claim, further comprising at least one of the following features:the head (108) comprising a cutting edge (132) pointing in said circumferential direction (129);the head (108) further comprising a recess (132) opposite said cutting edge (132);the head (108) having at least one toothed edge (136);at least one of said first stirring paddle (106) and said second stirring paddle (106) further comprising a rod (110) connecting said head (108) to said shaft (102, 202, 402, 602, 802), the rod (110) comprising an edge (142) pointing in said circumferential direction (129).
- Fermentation device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:a first support surface (244) and a second support surface (246), the shaft (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) extending between the first support surface (244) and the second support surface (246);a clamping device (248) for pressing the first support surface (244) and the second support surface (246) towards each other with a mounting force;a support element (254) extending between the first support surface (244) and the second support surface (246) for absorbing part of the mounting force.
- Fermentation device according to the preceding claim, further comprising at least one of the following features:at least one of the first support surface (244) and the second support surface (246) being formed by the inner end (112) of the first paddle (106);the shaft (202) having a mounting structure (362, 462, 562) thereon, the mounting structure (362, 462, 562) including the support element (253) and providing a third support surface (263), the inner end (112) of the first paddle (106) comprising a mounting surface (261) facing the third support surface (263), the clamping device (248) being adapted for pressing the mounting surface (261) onto the third support surface (263).
- Fermentation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:a mounting structure (362, 462, 562) attached to said shaft (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) at a first surface portion (464) and a second surface portion (466) of said shaft (102, 202, 402, 602, 802), the first surface portion (464) and the second surface portion (466) being located diametrically opposite to each other.
- Fermentation device according to the preceding claim, further comprising at least one of the following features:the first surface portion (464) and the second surface portion (466) being spaced from each other in circumferential direction (129);the mounting structure (362, 462, 562) being attached to said shaft (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) by welding;the first surface portion (464) and the second surface portion (466) each extend over less than 35 percent of a complete circumference of the shaft (102, 202, 402, 602, 802);the first surface portion (464) and the second surface portion (466) each extend over less than 25 percent of a complete circumference of the shaft (102, 202, 402, 602, 802);the first surface portion (464) and the second surface portion (466) each extend over less than 15 percent of a complete circumference of the shaft (102, 202, 402, 602, 802);the first surface portion (464) and the second surface portion (466) each extend over less than 10 percent of a complete circumference of the shaft (102, 202, 402, 602, 802);the first surface portion (464) and the second surface portion (466) each extend over less than 5 percent of a complete circumference of the shaft (102, 202, 402, 602, 802).
- Fermentation device according to any one of claims 8 or 9, the mounting structure (362, 462, 562) comprising a first part (463a) attached to the first surface portion (464), a second part (463b) attached to the second surface portion (466), the mounting structure (362, 462, 562) optionally further comprising at least one of the following features:the mounting structure (362, 462, 562) defining a mounting plane (470) in which said inner end (112) of the first stirring paddle (106) is mounted to said mounting structure (362, 462, 562), the mounting plane (470) optionally being spaced from said shaft (102, 202, 402, 602, 802);the mounting structure (362, 462, 562) comprising a bridging element (577) from which the first part (463a) and the second part (463b) extend, the bridging element (577) being spaced from said shaft (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) and the inner end (112) of the first stirring paddle (106) being mounted to the bridging element (577), wherein optionally the first part (463a), the second part (463b) and the bridging plate (577) are formed from a single plate of material;the inner end (112) of the first stirring paddle (106) being mounted to the first part (463a) and the second part (463a), the inner end (112) of the first stirring paddle (106) optionally being spaced from said shaft (102, 202, 402, 602, 802);the mounting structure (362, 462, 562) comprises a further first part (463a) and a further second part (463b) attached to the shaft (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) in diametrically opposed surface portions (464, 466), the first stirring paddle (106) being attached to the first part (464), the second part (466), the further first part (463a) and to the further second part (463b), the first part (463a) being axially spaced from the further first part (463a) and the second part (463b) being axially spaced from the further second part (463b).
- Fermentation device according to any one of the preceding claims,
said bearing (678) supported by the support (897) optionally comprising at least one of the following features:said bearing (678) allowing said shaft (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) to move in said axial direction (124);said bearing (678) being pivotable about an axis (680) located transverse to said axial direction (124);said bearing (678) comprising a lubricant inlet (682) for receiving a lubricant (684); wherein the stirring device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 800) optionally further comprisesa lubricant supply line (686) coupled to said lubricant inlet (682); anda lubricant pump (688) for transporting said lubricant (684) to said bearing (678) via said lubricant supply line (686), said lubricant pump (688) optionally being configured for supplying said lubricant (684) to said bearing (678) such that at least part of said lubricant (684) exits said bearing (678) into the fermentation material. - Fermentation device according to any one of the preceding claims, the shaft (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) comprising a corrosion protection, wherein optionally the corrosion protection comprises at least one of the following features:a coating, in particular a two-component coating;a anticorrosive material;sacrificial material;a power supply for cathodic protection of the shaft.
- Method of stirring a fermentation material in a fermentation device (795) comprising a fermenter (796), the method comprising:rotating at least three stirring paddles (106) including a first stirring paddle (106), a second stirring paddle (106) and at least one further stirring paddle (106) about an axis of rotation (104), the first stirring paddle (106) and the second stirring paddle (106) being spaced from each other in an axial direction (124);the first stirring paddle (106) and the second stirring paddle (106) having an inner end (112) and being mounted to the shaft (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) with the inner end (112) thereof;the shaft (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) being supported by a bearing (678) being in turn supported by a support (897) in the fermenter (796), wherein an opposite end of the shaft (102, 202, 402, 602, 802) is supported in a bearing located in a fermenter wall of the fermenter (796)
characterized in
moving a connector (118) along a circumferential path about said axis of rotation (104), the connector (118) extending between said first stirring paddle (106) and said second stirring paddle (106) and being radially spaced from an outer end (114) of the first stirring paddle (106); the connector (118) connecting the first stirring paddle (106), the second stirring paddle (106) and the at least one further stirring paddle (106) along a helical path.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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EP12165574.0A EP2656909B1 (en) | 2012-04-25 | 2012-04-25 | Fermentation device and method comprising a stirring device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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EP12165574.0A EP2656909B1 (en) | 2012-04-25 | 2012-04-25 | Fermentation device and method comprising a stirring device |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP2656909A1 EP2656909A1 (en) | 2013-10-30 |
EP2656909B1 true EP2656909B1 (en) | 2014-12-24 |
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EP12165574.0A Not-in-force EP2656909B1 (en) | 2012-04-25 | 2012-04-25 | Fermentation device and method comprising a stirring device |
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Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CN104312911A (en) * | 2014-11-14 | 2015-01-28 | 北京中持绿色能源环境技术有限公司 | Stirring device used for dry anaerobic fermentation |
DE102015106419A1 (en) | 2015-04-27 | 2016-10-27 | Stefan Steverding Sondermaschinen- und Vorrichtungsbau GmbH | Agitator and container with stirrer |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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EP2837421B1 (en) * | 2013-08-16 | 2016-10-05 | Thöni Industriebetriebe GmbH | Stirring device comprising a mounting structure for a stirring element and method of mounting a stirring element |
CN109337802A (en) * | 2018-12-10 | 2019-02-15 | 青岛合能环境技术有限公司 | A kind of Horizontal type stirring device suitable for stalk fermentation |
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Also Published As
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