EP2837582A1 - Système et procédé de transfert de matériau - Google Patents

Système et procédé de transfert de matériau Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2837582A1
EP2837582A1 EP13180347.0A EP13180347A EP2837582A1 EP 2837582 A1 EP2837582 A1 EP 2837582A1 EP 13180347 A EP13180347 A EP 13180347A EP 2837582 A1 EP2837582 A1 EP 2837582A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
particulate material
supply container
loading unit
main loading
hollow body
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP13180347.0A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Nicolò Tonegutti
Gabriele Galeazzi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Philip Morris Products SA
Original Assignee
Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Philip Morris Products SA filed Critical Philip Morris Products SA
Priority to EP13180347.0A priority Critical patent/EP2837582A1/fr
Publication of EP2837582A1 publication Critical patent/EP2837582A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/26—Hoppers, i.e. containers having funnel-shaped discharge sections
    • B65D88/32—Hoppers, i.e. containers having funnel-shaped discharge sections in multiple arrangement
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/54—Large containers characterised by means facilitating filling or emptying
    • B65D88/64—Large containers characterised by means facilitating filling or emptying preventing bridge formation
    • B65D88/68—Large containers characterised by means facilitating filling or emptying preventing bridge formation using rotating devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/54—Large containers characterised by means facilitating filling or emptying
    • B65D88/64—Large containers characterised by means facilitating filling or emptying preventing bridge formation
    • B65D88/70—Large containers characterised by means facilitating filling or emptying preventing bridge formation using fluid jets
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
    • A24D3/00—Tobacco smoke filters, e.g. filter-tips, filtering inserts; Filters specially adapted for simulated smoking devices; Mouthpieces for cigars or cigarettes
    • A24D3/02—Manufacture of tobacco smoke filters
    • A24D3/0204—Preliminary operations before the filter rod forming process, e.g. crimping, blooming
    • A24D3/0212—Applying additives to filter materials
    • A24D3/0225—Applying additives to filter materials with solid additives, e.g. incorporation of a granular product

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a system and method for transferring particulate material to a filter making apparatus. More particularly, the invention relates to a system and method for transferring particulate material, such as for example carbonaceous particulate material, from a main loading unit into a supply container for use in the manufacture of filters or filter elements for smoking articles.
  • particulate material such as for example carbonaceous particulate material
  • a system for transferring particulate material to a filter making apparatus comprising a main loading unit comprising a hollow body with an inlet port connectable to an external reservoir of particulate material for the transfer of particulate material from the external reservoir of particulate material through the inlet port into the hollow body.
  • the hollow body further comprises a closable outlet port.
  • the system further comprises a supply container comprising a closable supply inlet connectable to the closable outlet port of the hollow body for receiving particulate material from the main loading unit.
  • the supply container also comprises a closable supply outlet.
  • the system comprises a filter making apparatus connectable to the closable supply outlet of the supply container for receiving particulate material from the supply container.
  • the system according to the invention allows the loading of a main loading unit and the filling of a supply container with particulate material from the main loading unit.
  • the supply container may then be used for supplying the particulate material to a filter making apparatus.
  • Particulate material may for example be carbonaceous particulate material or particulate flavor release mechanisms such as for example, capsules or plant material like tobacco beads or plant leaf material like for example tobacco leafs, mint leafs or other.
  • particulate material may be a mixture of such material.
  • the particulate material may be introduced for example into filter tow or into empty spaces in a filter element or between adjacent filter segments.
  • the filling of the supply container takes place at the location of the main supply unit, which location is preferably remote from the location of the filter making apparatus.
  • the supply container is preferably portable and may be transported from the main loading unit to the filter making apparatus by appropriate transport means, such as for example a forklift truck.
  • Closable supply inlet and supply outlet of the supply container allow for a closed supply container also when not in use or when transferring the supply container between main loading unit and filter making apparatus.
  • With a closable outlet port of the main loading unit it may be achieved that no particulate material leaves the main loading unit when the main loading unit is not connected, for example, to a supply container or directly to a filter making apparatus.
  • a filling of the main loading unit may be performed separately from a transfer of particulate material from the main loading unit to for example the supply container.
  • the system according to the invention may be operated as a closed system.
  • Particulate material may be filled into a receptacle of the system and from one to another receptacle while being kept in the system.
  • the individual receptacles of the system especially a main loading unit and one or several supply containers, are provided with closable openings. This further secures that particulate material is kept in the system and transferred only to the location intended for preventing stray particulate material.
  • particulate material may be prevented from contaminating a machine or machine parts.
  • Particulate material may also be prevented from contaminating for example filter elements that may not or are no intended to contain such a particulate material.
  • a further advantage of a closed system or of closed components of the system is that the opportunities of contaminating the particulate material are minimized.
  • particulate material in a closed system may be subject to its own climate.
  • a closed system may especially provide stable temperature and moisture conditions for the particulate material in the system regardless of the environment outside of the closed system. This advantageously can prevent or reduce that for example, humidity causes agglomeration of particulate material, which could make a future transfer of particulate material less reliable.
  • a supply container that is transported from a filling location to the location of the filter making apparatus or to any another location, for example an intermediate storage location may be influenced by different environmental conditions.
  • particulate material may be protected from such environmental influences. Therefore, openings provided in the system according to the invention, especially openings provided in a supply container, are preferably closable openings that are only opened when needed, for example upon filling or emptying.
  • Particulate material may also be supplied to a filter making apparatus directly from the main loading unit.
  • a connection from the outlet port of the main loading unit to the filter making apparatus is then preferably a transport tube.
  • transport tubes may be provided if the main loading unit is to be connected to several filter making apparatuses.
  • Connections between the individual components of the system may be designed in an airtight manner or preferably in a manner to prevent particulate material from leaving the system inadvertently.
  • the supply inlet is opened only shortly before it is connected to the outlet port of the main loading unit or after it has been connected to the outlet port of the main loading unit. Accordingly, a supply outlet is preferably only opened when being connected to a filter making apparatus.
  • a connection is preferably installed before the valve is opened and a valve is closed before a connection is disconnected.
  • connections are releasable connections, preferably easy to connect and to disconnect.
  • Releasable connections are non-permanent connections and may for example be connections with clamps, bayonet nut connectors, screwed fastening or form-fit connections. Non-releasable connections may for example be welded or snap-fit connections.
  • the system according to the invention is especially suitable for the transfer of particulate material used in the manufacture of filters or filter elements for smoking articles.
  • Space provided at a manufacturing site for example at the location of a filter making apparatus, is often limited.
  • particulate material added to filter elements is to be supplied to specific locations in the filter elements only.
  • particulate material may be prevented from contaminating other filter elements that shall not contain such a particulate material.
  • particulate material may be prevented from contaminating other machine parts. This is especially favourable, since stray particulate material may damage the manufacturing equipment or may require increased maintenance of the apparatus.
  • particulate material used in the manufacture of filter elements of smoking articles is carbonaceous particulate material, for example charcoal. Especially charcoal is prone to spreading and to stain easily such that it is favorable to keep any handling with particulate material, especially of charcoal, at a remote location and in a closed environment.
  • Main loading unit and supply container may be arranged such that a transfer of particulate material from the main loading unit into the supply container is performed by gravitational force.
  • This may for example be achieved by arranging the closable outlet opening of the hollow body of the main loading unit at a bottom end of the hollow body. Thereby, the closable outlet opening faces downwardly.
  • the closable supply inlet is arranged at an upper side or in a top wall of the supply container. By this, outlet port and supply inlet may be arranged above each other.
  • the closable supply outlet is arranged at a lower side or in the bottom wall of the supply container. By this, a complete emptying of the supply container is facilitated by the position of the supply outlet in the supply container.
  • the main loading unit may be fixedly installed, while the supply container preferably is portable.
  • the main loading unit may itself be filled from an external reservoir.
  • An external reservoir may for example be a storage room for particulate material or a conventional large size bag particulate material is delivered in.
  • Particulate material may be transferred from an external reservoir to the main loading unit by any suitable transfer means as known in the art, for example by means of a pump that is supplying suction or pressure to a transport line connecting the external reservoir and the main loading unit.
  • a connection between external reservoir and main loading unit may be of a permanent kind.
  • An amount or flow of particulate material transferred from one component to another component of the system may be measured.
  • an amount filled into the main loading unit or transferred from the main loading unit to the supply container may be measured or controlled. This may for example be done by arranging a flow meter in the connection between two components, such as main loading unit and supply container.
  • a flow meter may for example also be used to indicate a filling status or an ongoing filling process, or to initiate a filling process.
  • the main loading unit or supply container may be provided with mixing means or agitating means or a combination of both.
  • mixing means or agitating means may be provided with mixing means or agitating means or a combination of both.
  • one or more pin wheels or other form of mixers may be arranged in the hollow body of the main loading unit or in the supply container.
  • an agitation means in the form of a gas supply may be provided to supply one or several gas jets into the unit or into the container.
  • the mixing means and agitating means keep particulate material agitated and support a mixing and a loosening up of particulate material. By the mixing and agitation an agglomeration of particulate material may be prevented and an emptying of the main loading unit or supply container is facilitated.
  • mixing and agitating means are provided in the main loading unit.
  • the particulate material comprises more than one kind of particulate materials that are mixed in the main loading unit by the mixing means.
  • Different kinds of particulate material that may form a mixture of particulate material are for example flavour carrying particulate material and non-flavour carrying particulate material or carbonaceous particulate material and capsules.
  • the mixture may comprise charcoal particles and viscopearls TM (wherein viscopearls TM are liquid containing capsules of diameters of for example between about 0.2mm and about 0.7mm).
  • the mixture of particles may be physically similar particles that are carrying different flavours for example particles of mint leaves and tobacco leaves).
  • the system further comprises a valve arranged at the closable outlet port of the hollow body of the main loading unit.
  • the valve is adapted to provide an open or closed fluid connection between the hollow body and the supply container, when main loading unit and supply container are connected to each other.
  • the valve may be closed or opened depending on the process step to be performed using the system according to the invention.
  • the valve may for example be part of the main loading unit and directly serve as closure for the closable outlet port of the hollow body.
  • the valve may define the status of the fluid connection, that is, the openness or closeness of the connection, independently of any further closures of the outlet port or the supply inlet. For example, activation of the valve may be interrupted if the connection between main loading unit and supply container is not complete or defective. If a filling of the supply container shall be stopped, this is preferably done by closing the valve.
  • an interruption of a filling process may also be achieved by not further filling the main loading unit where the inlet port of the main loading unit is in an open state and particulate material is loaded into the main loading unit at the same time as a transfer of particulate material to the supply container takes place.
  • the valve is linked to a control unit and the status of the valve is surveyed and controlled by the control unit.
  • valves may be provided in the system, for example at the inlet port of the main loading unit or at the supply outlet of the supply container.
  • one or several valves are controlled by a control unit.
  • the system further comprises one of a valve, a filling level sensor, a pump and a control unit for controlling at least one of the valve, the filling level sensor, and the pump comprised in the system.
  • a valve may be a valve as described above, for example a flow control valve arranged in the connection between main loading unit and supply container.
  • a filling level sensor may be arranged in the main loading unit or in the supply container.
  • a sensor is arranged inside and at an upper end of the components, such as for example at an upper end of the hollow body of the main loading unit.
  • An upper filling level sensor may be used to indicate if a maximum filling level with particulate material is reached.
  • a second filling level sensor is arranged inside and at a lower end of a component, for example at a lower end of the hollow body.
  • a lower filling level sensor may indicate if a minimum filling level with particulate material is reached, for example of the main loading unit or the supply container.
  • a filling level sensor may for example be a vibration limit switch for bulk solids, which is especially suitable for fine-grain or powdery media.
  • a filling level sensor is controlled by a control unit.
  • the control unit initiates an interruption of a filling process as soon as the control unit detects a required filling level or a maximum filling level.
  • a signal corresponding to for example a maximum filling level is provided to the control unit for example by a filling level sensor or for example also by a flow sensor.
  • a control unit may also activate a filling process, if for example a minimum filling level is detected.
  • a pump is controlled by the control unit.
  • a pump may for example be provided for supporting the filling of the main loading unit.
  • control unit further elements or process steps may be controlled, such as, for example, a filling amount or filling duration of particulate material or a transfer duration of particulate material.
  • the control unit may further be provided with an input console for input of system operation data or process operation data.
  • one control unit is used to control the system according to the invention.
  • the system may be provided with further sensors.
  • the system further comprises a sensor indicating the type of particulate material provided in the system.
  • a further sensor may facilitate the identification of the content of for example a main loading unit or a supply container. This is especially favorable if various types of particulate material are used in the system.
  • the system further comprises a transport device for transporting the supply container from a location of the main loading unit to a location of the filter making apparatus.
  • the supply container may be transported to the main loading unit for filling with particulate material.
  • the supply container may also be transported to the respective filter making apparatus after having been filled with particulate material.
  • the portable supply container allows for a flexible use of the supply container. It also allows for the provision of a filled supply container ready for use, while another supply container is still supplying particulate material to a filter making apparatus.
  • the main loading unit may be located remote from the location of the filter making apparatus. Thus, not much space for particulate material and no space for a particulate material reservoir is required at the location of the filter making apparatus. Thus, formation of dust that might develop when transferring particulate material remains at a remote location.
  • the transport device may be an individual transport equipment such as for example a forklift truck.
  • the transport device may also be a transport device with a predetermined motion path, such as a travelling trolley on rails.
  • the system comprises a plurality of filter making apparatuses.
  • the system also comprises a distribution element arranged between the plurality of filter making apparatuses and the supply container for distributing particulate material from the supply container to the plurality of filter making apparatuses.
  • the supply container may be used for supplying particulate material not only to one filter making apparatus, but also to two or more filter making apparatuses.
  • a distribution element then distributes the particulate material from the supply container to the plurality of filter making apparatuses.
  • a distribution element may for example be a distributor or a plurality of tubes leading from the supply container to the plurality of filter making apparatuses.
  • the supply container comprises a plurality of closable supply outlets. Therein, each of the closable supply outlets of the plurality of closable supply outlets is connectable to one filter making apparatus of the plurality of filter making apparatuses.
  • the amount of particulate material supplied to a plurality of filter making apparatuses by one supply container may be the same or different for one or several filter making apparatuses.
  • a control or adjustment element of an amount of particulate material supplied is integrated into the distribution element.
  • a main loading unit for use in a system for transferring particulate material to a filter making apparatus, preferably for use in a system according to the invention and as described herein.
  • the main loading unit comprises a hollow body with an inlet port arranged at an upper end of the hollow body.
  • the inlet port is connectable to an external reservoir of particulate material for the transfer of particulate material from the external reservoir of particulate material through the inlet port into the hollow body.
  • the hollow body further comprises a closable outlet port arranged at a lower end of the hollow body.
  • the closable outlet port is adapted for connecting the main supply unit to a closable supply inlet of a supply container.
  • the particulate material may be transferred from the main loading unit to the supply container before being supplied to a filter making apparatus.
  • the outlet port may also be adapted to be directly connected to one or a plurality of filter making apparatuses. If the closable outlet port is directly connectable to a filter making apparatus, this is preferably done via a transfer tube.
  • the main loading unit further comprises a support structure.
  • the hollow body of the main loading unit is mounted at an elevated level in the support structure and such that the closable outlet port faces downwardly.
  • the support structure further provides a space within the support structure and beneath the hollow body for receiving a supply container arrangeable below the closable outlet port of the hollow body.
  • a support structure such as for example a rack allows a secure mounting of the hollow body. It allows the mounting of the hollow body and the outlet port in a position to make use of gravitational force when dispensing particulate material from the main loading unit.
  • a space in the support structure is provided below the hollow body. The space facilitates the provision of transfer equipment, such as one or several transport tubes to be connected to the outlet port of the main loading unit.
  • the support structure provides space for the arrangement of a supply container beneath the hollow body, preferably such that the outlet port of hollow body and the supply inlet of the supply container may easily be connected to each other.
  • the support structure may also provide space for the provision or attachment of further elements of the main loading unit or of the system, respectively.
  • Such further elements may for example be a control unit or a pump, such as a vacuum pump for supporting the transfer of particulate material from an external reservoir into the hollow body of the main loading unit.
  • the main loading unit comprises at least one of a pump for supporting the filling of the hollow body with particulate material from an external reservoir, a flow meter and a filling level sensor.
  • a supply container for use in a system for transferring particulate material to a filter making apparatus, preferably for use in the system according to the invention and as described herein.
  • the supply container comprises a closable supply inlet for receiving particulate material.
  • the closable supply inlet is connectable to a closable outlet port of a main loading unit and is adapted for receiving particulate material from the main loading unit.
  • the supply container further comprises a closable supply outlet adapted for supplying particulate material from the supply container to a filter making apparatus.
  • the closable supply inlet is arranged in a top wall of the supply container and the closable supply outlet is arranged in a bottom wall of the supply container.
  • the supply container comprises a plurality of closable supply outlets adapted for supplying particulate material from the supply container to a plurality of filter making apparatuses.
  • each of the closable supply outlets of the plurality of closable supply outlets is connectable to one filter making apparatus of the plurality of filter making apparatuses.
  • the plurality of closable supply outlets is arranged on a lower side of the supply container, preferably in a bottom wall of the supply container. However, only some of the plurality of closable supply outlets may be arranged in the bottom wall of the supply container.
  • the supply container further comprises at least one pressure compensation opening arranged in at least one wall of the supply container.
  • an air filter for preventing the inadvertent loss of particulate material is arranged in the at least one pressure compensation opening.
  • a pressure compensation opening provided with a filter filtering particulate material may facilitate filling of the supply container and emptying of the supply container. Especially, it may facilitate a filling and emptying of an otherwise closed supply container.
  • pressure balance may be achieved through one or several pressure compensation openings.
  • the filters provided in the openings prevent particulate material to leave the supply container or prevent particulate material from being contaminated from outside of the supply container.
  • the at least one pressure compensation opening is arranged in a side wall of the supply container the opening allows direct view into the container and of its filling level.
  • a pressure compensation opening may also be provided in another wall than a side wall of a supply container.
  • a pressure compensation opening is closeable such that the pressure compensation opening can be opened when needed but can remain otherwise closed during operation of the system according to the invention.
  • the pressure compensation opening may be opened for filling or emptying of the supply container.
  • a preferably closable pressure compensation opening may also be provided in the main loading unit.
  • a method for transferring particulate material to a filter making apparatus comprises the steps of filling a main loading unit with particulate material, transferring particulate material to a supply container, which is preferably connected to the main loading unit and arranged below the main loading unit.
  • a further step comprises supplying the particulate material from the supply container to the filter making apparatus.
  • the method comprises the further steps of disconnecting the supply container from the main loading unit after particulate material has been transferred from the main loading unit to the supply container, transporting the supply container to a filter making apparatus, and connecting the supply container to the filter making apparatus.
  • connection With a connection provided between main loading unit and supply container, a secure transfer of particulate material from the main loading unit to the supply container is supported.
  • the connection is designed in a manner such that no particulate material may leave the system through the connection, thus assuring that the system according to the invention remains closed.
  • the method further comprises the step of maintaining a fluid connection between main loading unit and supply container closed during filling of the main loading unit.
  • the method further comprises the steps of connecting the supply container to a plurality of filter making apparatuses and supplying the particulate material from the supply container to the plurality of the filter making apparatuses.
  • the step of filling a main loading unit with particulate material comprises filling the main loading unit from an external reservoir, such as a centralized reservoir or an individual receptacle of particulate material.
  • An external reservoir such as a centralized reservoir or an individual receptacle of particulate material.
  • a centralized reservoir may be connected to the main loading unit for example by a tube system.
  • a pump system may be activated and particulate material may be transferred from the external centralized reservoir to the main loading unit with support of the pump.
  • a centralized reservoir may be a large storage room capable of holding several tons of particulate material.
  • An individual receptacle of particulate material typically is a bag with a capacity of preferably between 50kg to 1000kg of particulate material, more preferably between 200kg and 800kg, for example 500kg of particulate material.
  • a main loading unit preferably holds an amount of particulate material for the provision of particulate material to one or several filter making apparatuses for one or several weeks up to several months.
  • a main loading unit has a capacity in a range of between 50kg and 500kg, more preferably in a range of between 100kg and 300kg, for example 250kg.
  • the capacity of a supply unit is adapted to a required daily amount of particulate material, adapted to an amount to last for several days or to last up to one week.
  • the capacity of a main loading unit and of a supply container may be adapted to a user's need.
  • a capacity may also be influenced by the availability of an external reservoir, by the surface space conditions at a facility, by the length of a production run or by combinations of these factors.
  • the particulate material is carbonaceous particulate material, for example charcoal for use in the production of filter elements for smoking articles.
  • Method steps especially a transfer of a supply container from a filter making apparatus to the main loading unit, the filling of the supply container at the location of the main loading unit and the transfer of the supply container back to the same or to a different filter making apparatus may be repeated.
  • Fig. 1 Fig. 1
  • Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 a system and method for transferring particulate material to a filter making apparatus (not shown) is shown before filling the system with particulate material ( Fig. 1 ) and during two filling steps ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 ).
  • Fig. 1 shows a rack 3, wherein a main loading unit 1 is mounted at an elevated level.
  • the rack 3 is provided with appropriate support bars 30.
  • a space 31 is provided in a lower portion of the rack 3, below the main loading unit.
  • a supply container 2 is arranged in the space 31.
  • the main loading unit 1 has a hollow body 10 with a funnel-like lower portion 17 ending in an outlet port 13. Outlet port 13 is arranged at the lowermost end of hollow body 10.
  • Two inlet ports 11,12 are arranged in an upper portion of the main loading unit 1.
  • the main loading unit further comprises an upper filling level sensor 14 and a lower filling level sensor 15.
  • the upper filling level sensor 14 is arranged in the hollow body 10 slightly below the inlet port 11 or the opening, where particulate material enters the hollow body, respectively.
  • the lower filling level sensor 15 is arranged at the lower end of the tapered portion of the funnel-like lower portion 17.
  • Filling level sensors may be provided with indicators, for example indicator lamps. Indicators may indicate a predetermined, for example maximum or minimum filling level of the hollow body 10, a falling below, an exceeding or a reaching of such a level.
  • a valve 16 is arranged upstream of the outlet port 13 in a lower part of the funnel-like portion 17 of the hollow body 10. The amount of particulate material that is transferred to the outlet port 13 may be controlled by valve 16.
  • the supply container 2 is provided with a closable supply inlet 20 and two closable supply outlets 21,22.
  • Supply inlet 20 is arranged in the top wall of the supply container 2.
  • Supply outlets 21,22 are arranged in the lowermost part of a tapered lower portion 26 of the supply container 2.
  • Supply outlets 21,22 direct radially away from the supply container.
  • Supply container 2 is provided with a support frame 23.
  • Support frame 23 allows a secure positioning and good stability of the supply container 2.
  • support fame 23 may support the lifting of supply container 2 for transport, for example to the location of a filter making apparatus, which location may be remote from the location of the main loading unit.
  • Two operation indicators 40,41 for example lamps, are provided, for example fixed to rack 3.
  • An upper operation indicator 40 may indicate that the loading process of the main loading unit is ongoing or completed (as shown in Fig. 2 ).
  • the lower operation indicator 41 may indicate the transfer or completion of transfer of particulate material into supply container 2 (as shown in Fig. 3 ).
  • the main loading unit 1 may be filled with particulate material 5 through inlet port 11 or 12 or through both inlets.
  • Inlet port 11 may be connected, for example with a tube, to a centralized reservoir (not shown).
  • a centralized reservoir may contain particulate material to last for several months or up to a year or for example also for several applications, different from the supply into filters or filter elements for smoking articles.
  • the filling of main loading unit 1 is supported by suction that is applied through the main loading unit, for example through valve 16 or a separate exit (not shown).
  • a pump (not shown) may be attached removably to valve 16 to draw particulate material into the inlet ports 11,12.
  • a filter (not shown) for the particulate material is provided to prevent the particulate material from entering the pump.
  • Inlet port 12 may also be an inlet for a manual filling of the main loading unit 1. More than one inlet ports may be provided to load different particulate materials into the main loading unit. By this a particulate material mixture, for example only partly containing carbonaceous material or containing flavor carrying and non-flavour carrying material may be prepared and mixed in the main loading unit 1. For reasons of simplicity only one inlet port 11 is shown in the following.
  • valve 16 is closed and main loading unit has been filled with particulate material 5.
  • Operation indicator lamp 40 indicating the loading of the main loading unit is in an indicating state.
  • Operation indicator 41 is in a non-indicating state, indicating that no particulate material is being transferred to the supply container (which may for example be linked to the status of a closed valve 16).
  • upper filling level sensor 14 indicates that a maximum filling level has been reached.
  • the system is now ready for transferring particulate material from the main loading unit 1 to the supply container 2.
  • inlet supply 20 is connected to outlet port 13.
  • a connection is designed in an air-tight manner or at least in a manner to prevent particulate material 5 to escape while being transferred into supply container 2.
  • Valve 16 is then opened and as shown in Fig. 3 , operation indicator 40 has been switched to a non-indicating state while operation indicator 41 is in an indicating state.
  • particulate material 5 has been transferred to supply container 2.
  • a cover (not shown) may be manually applied in order to avoid material to be dispersed from above.
  • the cover may be for example, a lid, a plug or a valve.
  • Lower filling level 15 indicates an empty main loading unit 1.
  • a signal may either automatically or manually be used as indication to start a loading process of the main loading unit.
  • the main loading unit holds particulate material that suffices to fill several supply containers.
  • the system is controlled by a control unit (not shown), which also receives information from the components, especially from the sensors, provided in the system.
  • a control of a filling status and a loading or transfer of particulate material may be performed automatically.
  • a control unit also a survey of an accurate and smooth operation of the system may be performed automatically.
  • a supply container 2 for example at the location of a filter making apparatus is shown.
  • Supply container 2 is preferably arranged on a movable support (not shown) such as, for example, a pallet.
  • the pallet may be used for transfer of the supply container 2, for example by a fork lift truck, for example from a filter making apparatus to the main loading unit and vice versa.
  • Supply container 2 has two supply outlets 21,22, which are arranged at the bottom end of supply container 2.
  • the particulate material is transported from the supply container 2 to a filter making apparatus (not shown) by suction provided by the filter maker apparatus.
  • the two supply outlets 21, 22 direct in opposite radial directions.
  • Supply outlet 21 may be connected to a hose leading for example to the filter making apparatus and supplying particulate material from the supply container 2 trough said hose to the apparatus.
  • Upon need supply outlet 22 may be connected to another hose leading to another filter making apparatus.
  • Supply container 2 has two upper and lower viewing window 25a and 25b arranged in a side wall of supply container 2. Through the viewing windows, a direct view to the inside of the supply container is provided. This allows a visual control of the filling level or also of the condition of the particulate material in the supply container 2.
  • the container 2 also has a lower funnel-like part 26 for collecting material 5 and guiding the particulate material towards the outlets 21, 22.
  • a pressure compensation opening 24 is arranged in the upper part of the container 2.
  • a particulate material filter is arranged in the pressure compensation opening 24 such that no particulate material may leave the supply container 2 through said opening 24.
  • the opening 24 may be provided with a cover 28, closing the pressure compensation opening 24 when not needed, for example when not filling or emptying the supply container 2.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
EP13180347.0A 2013-08-14 2013-08-14 Système et procédé de transfert de matériau Withdrawn EP2837582A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP13180347.0A EP2837582A1 (fr) 2013-08-14 2013-08-14 Système et procédé de transfert de matériau

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP13180347.0A EP2837582A1 (fr) 2013-08-14 2013-08-14 Système et procédé de transfert de matériau

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2837582A1 true EP2837582A1 (fr) 2015-02-18

Family

ID=49003654

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP13180347.0A Withdrawn EP2837582A1 (fr) 2013-08-14 2013-08-14 Système et procédé de transfert de matériau

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2837582A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20180057287A1 (en) * 2016-08-25 2018-03-01 Process Link Limited Bulk handling
CN109436603A (zh) * 2018-12-26 2019-03-08 张家港市繁昌机械有限公司 自动搅拌吹气防架桥装置
CN112804898A (zh) * 2018-10-25 2021-05-14 Jt国际公司 分配器以及补充型汽化器

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2254470A1 (de) * 1971-11-10 1973-06-07 Burrus & Cie Zigarettenfilter-fuellverfahren und vorrichtung zur durchfuehrung dieses verfahrens
US6537186B1 (en) * 2000-07-05 2003-03-25 Baumgartner Papiers S.A. Process and apparatus for high-speed filling of composite cigarette filters
WO2011033121A1 (fr) * 2009-09-21 2011-03-24 British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited Procédé et dispositif pour introduire des objets dans un matériau de tige d'un produit de tabac
EP2342982A1 (fr) * 2010-01-05 2011-07-13 HAUNI Maschinenbau AG Fabrication de tronçons de filtre et machine de tronçon de filtre

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2254470A1 (de) * 1971-11-10 1973-06-07 Burrus & Cie Zigarettenfilter-fuellverfahren und vorrichtung zur durchfuehrung dieses verfahrens
US6537186B1 (en) * 2000-07-05 2003-03-25 Baumgartner Papiers S.A. Process and apparatus for high-speed filling of composite cigarette filters
WO2011033121A1 (fr) * 2009-09-21 2011-03-24 British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited Procédé et dispositif pour introduire des objets dans un matériau de tige d'un produit de tabac
EP2342982A1 (fr) * 2010-01-05 2011-07-13 HAUNI Maschinenbau AG Fabrication de tronçons de filtre et machine de tronçon de filtre

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20180057287A1 (en) * 2016-08-25 2018-03-01 Process Link Limited Bulk handling
CN112804898A (zh) * 2018-10-25 2021-05-14 Jt国际公司 分配器以及补充型汽化器
CN109436603A (zh) * 2018-12-26 2019-03-08 张家港市繁昌机械有限公司 自动搅拌吹气防架桥装置

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8387824B2 (en) Apparatuses and methods for bulk dispensing
CA2727764C (fr) Appareil et procede permettant de coordonner la distribution automatique de produit en vrac et de conditionnement
US7967546B2 (en) System and method for handling containers of bulk particulate materials
KR101803157B1 (ko) 벌크차량의 분립체 화물 적재 시스템
BRPI1105204B1 (pt) instalação móvel de dosagem mistura e embalagem de produtos em pó, granulares ou de outro tipo equivalente e método de controle de uma instalação móvel de dosagem, mistura e embalagem de produtos em pó
EP2837582A1 (fr) Système et procédé de transfert de matériau
US20100226738A1 (en) Mobile Transfer System
US8529160B2 (en) Bulk abrasive hopper
US7231947B2 (en) System for pneumatically conveying bulk materials with improved discharge arrangement
CN101203446B (zh) 容器
CN103616809A (zh) 一种碳粉充填机
CA1324779C (fr) Systeme de transport en vrac des recoltes
US9611454B2 (en) System and method for cell separation
JPH02127317A (ja) 樹脂成形材料の供給装置及び供給方法
CN204433144U (zh) 二合一自动定量称重系统
EP1487727B1 (fr) Kit de transport pneumatique mobile pour matieres poussiereuses
JP3059340B2 (ja) 粉末活性炭注入装置
CN220940535U (zh) 药用玻璃配料装置
CN218344297U (zh) 可拆式两用投料暂存仓
US20080053353A1 (en) Four box seed box mount with rotary platform and unloading conveyor
CN207770446U (zh) 一种危险固体废物稳定化及固化设备
CN107207971A (zh) 添加系统
CN202226264U (zh) 一种散状原料的运输系统
US6827762B2 (en) System for flue gas purification and method for introducing a purifying agent
JPH0738044U (ja) 粉粒体の貯蔵及び排出装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20130814

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20150819