EP3097033A1

EP3097033A1 - Device and method for conveying fluent material, more particularly loose material

Info

Publication number: EP3097033A1
Application number: EP15702659.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thorsten Tschritter
Original assignee: Alfons Tschritter GmbH
Current assignee: Alfons Tschritter GmbH
Priority date: 2014-01-20
Filing date: 2015-01-20
Publication date: 2016-11-30
Also published as: WO2015107217A1; DE102014200924A1; US20160334264A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for conveying at least one fluent material, more particularly in the form of loose material, the device comprising at least one first container (1) for holding the fluent material, the at least one first container (1) having at least one first inlet (4) for introducing the fluent material into the first container (1) and at least one outlet (5) for removing the fluent material from the first container (1), the at least one first container (1) comprising at least one means for the contact-less measuring (20) of the quantity of fluent material in the at least one first container (1). The invention also relates to a method carried out in a device such as described.

Description

Device and method for the promotion of

flowable materials, in particular bulk materials

The present invention relates to a device for the conveying of at least one flowable material with the features of the preamble of claim 1, a method for conveying at least one flowable material with the features of claim 14, and the use of a measuring means having the features of claim 19 ,

description

In many applications it is necessary to dose bulk materials from a material supply. For example, in the plastics processing industry bulk goods, for example in the form of virgin granules and regrind from recycling mills, must be conveyed to processing machines or dryers arranged on the processing machines. Various types of devices are known for conveying the bulk materials. Thus, either turbine conveyors with AC turbines or Saugfördersysteme can be used, which consist of a vacuum generator with three-phase drive and a separate Förderabscheider.

Furthermore, a compressed air conveyor is known, in which a suction lance is inserted into the bulk material supply to be conveyed and compressed air is introduced into the suction lance, which is diverted within the suction lance in the conveying direction and thereby generates a suction effect (see

DE 26 59 058).

Especially in the plastics processing industry, it is often necessary that the plastic processing machine not only one type of material, but two or more varieties are fed simultaneously or sequentially. This is the case, for example, when virgin material and ground material are to be fed from a random mill in a defined percentage ratio on a processing machine.

Conveyor separators for suction conveyors typically consist of a separator and a receiver provided below the separator, from which the bulk material is supplied to the corresponding processing machine, such as an extrusion machine. The pneumatic suction conveyance of bulk materials, preferably plastic granules or grinding materials, using such Förderabscheider is triggered by digital signals, that is both start and end of the funding process are determined by digital signals.

Thus, it is known to trigger the delivery start by scanning a solid material level below the separator in the storage container, for example by capacitive proximity switches or by a mechanical flap, for example a pendulum flap. The pneumatic suction conveyor is conventionally started by the use of a conveyor blower (suction fan) and the conveying air flow generated by the conveyor fan supplied to the separator through a delivery valve, so that via a provided on the separator material inlet bulk material is sucked. If the promotion be turned off, the delivery valve closes for the conveying air flow and the conveying air flow can be supplied to a further separator as suction air.

The known from the prior art Förderabscheider have several disadvantages. First, it is necessary in the known Förderabscheidern to set the switching level in the construction of the Förderabscheiders in advance, so that a change during operation is not possible. As described above, moreover, the material level or the amount of material in and below the separator is made by touching the scanning method, which can lead to the failure of the sensors, especially with electrostatically chargeable materials.

The use of a mechanical pendulum flap to control the transported bulk amount can be problematic, as it can lead to material adherence to the flap, which change the center of gravity of the pendulum flap, which can also result in a malfunction and can cause the failure of the promotion. In addition, in the case of delivery flaps, a readjustment of the delivery flap is necessary, in particular in the event of fluctuating bulk densities of the materials conveyed, since otherwise the flap may not open and no delivery start is triggered although the material level or the amount of material under the separator has already dropped.

In the known from the prior art Förderabscheidern the end of the current delivery process is initiated mainly by the expiration of a preset delivery time. Does the length of the conveyor line change, for example, by switching over to another material source, or does the pressure resistance of the filter change in the conveyor separator, so either too long promoted and the separator overcrowded, or it is sucked too short and the processing machine to be supplied runs empty. Also, the manual input of the delivery time is a possible source of error. It is therefore desirable to limit the manual influence as much as possible in order to avoid incorrect settings. However, if, for example, the known capacitive detectors or measuring means used in separators and / or storage tanks for switching off the promotion, its position must already be set in the construction of the Förderabscheiders, whereby the use is severely limited.

The present invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device for conveying flowable materials, such as bulk materials, which avoids the disadvantages described above and ensures a continuous and reliable promotion of bulk materials in the desired processing plant or processing device.

This object is achieved with a device having the features of claim 1, a method having the features of claim 1 2, and the use of a measuring device having the features of claim 17.

Accordingly, a device for the promotion, in particular a suction conveyor of at least one flowable material, in particular of flowable solids, such as bulk materials, provided, which comprises at least a first container for receiving the flowable material, wherein the at least one first container, for example, in Form of a separator is present, at least a first

Inlet means for introducing the flowable substance into the first container and at least one outlet means for discharging the flowable substance from the first container.

In a suction conveyor, an air-bulk mixture is sucked by vacuum.

The at least one first container of the present inventive device further comprises at least one means for non-contact measurement of the amount of flowable substance in the at least one first container. For the purposes of the present invention, "quantity" is to be understood as meaning preferably the volume of the flowable substance, for example in the form of the bulk material. It is therefore determined in particular the filling volume in the container. By non-contact measurement of the amount of flowable material in the first container, it is now possible to use both for the delivery start and for the end of delivery or only for one of these processes analog measurement method for scanning the bulk material in the container. In other words, by using a means for non-contact measurement of the amount of fluent substance in the container, a control signal to the inlet means for introducing the flowable substance into the container and / or a signal to the outlet means for discharging the flowable material from the first Container are transmitted, whereby contact of the measuring means is prevented by the bulk material.

As explained further below, the measuring means for contactless or non-contact measurement of the bulk material in the first container is preferably arranged in an upper portion of the first container, so that, as usual, the position of the measuring means not already during construction in the side wall of the separator must be determined.

Suitable measuring means for contactless or non-contact measurement of the bulk material quantity are, as also explained in more detail below, in the form of ultrasonic echosound sensors, infrared sensors or radar sensors.

As described, the device according to the invention serves to convey at least one flowable substance, which may be present in particular in the form of bulk material. Bulk material in this case is any mixture which is present in a pourable form. The bulk material can be, for example, plastic granules, lime, wood particles, fertilizers, animal feed, tablets, foodstuffs, in particular cereals, building materials,

Raw materials or any other bulk material or any mixture of different bulk materials. The particle size of the bulk material, that is, its grain size or piece size, may vary depending on the type of bulk material. The present device preferably serves to convey bulk particles having an average diameter of between 0.5 and 2 mm, which may also be elongated with average lengths of between 1 and 3 mm. Overall, bulk materials with significantly different particle sizes can also be conveyed, such as bulk material in powder form or in significantly larger dimensions. In particular, the present conveyor device is used to convey plastic granulate particles used in injection molding processes.

In one embodiment of the present device, at least one further second container, for. B. arranged in the form of a storage container, wherein the flowable substance from the first container into the second container can be introduced. The arrangement of the second container below the first container, ie the arrangement z. B. an original container below a separator, means that both containers are arranged along a common vertical axis. This vertical arrangement of the two containers above one another allows a simple introduction of the flowable substance from the separator as a first container in the storage container as a second container.

The first container and the second container preferably communicate via the at least one outlet means for emptying the flowable material (bulk material) from the first container into the second container. The outlet means may e.g. B. may be formed in the form of an opening which is provided in a lower portion of the first container. Accordingly, the present arrangement allows emptying of the bulk material from the first container by the z. B. provided in the bottom of the first container opening in the underlying second container (storage tank), wherein the flowable material, for. B. bulk material from the storage container to a suitable processing machine, such. B. an extrusion machine, in turn derivable.

In a further preferred embodiment, the second container likewise comprises at least one means for non-contact measurement of the quantity of flowable substance in the at least one second container. According to this embodiment, at least two means for non-contact measurement of the amount of flowable substance are thus provided in the present device, wherein a measuring means in the first container z. B. in the form of a separator and a second measuring means in the second container, for. B. are arranged in the form of a storage container.

However, it is also possible and envisaged that the first and second containers are combined in a single container. Correspondingly, the flowable substance after entry into the conveying device can immediately be subjected to further processing, e.g. be fed to an extrusion machine. In this case, only a contactless measuring means, e.g. Ultrasonic sensor required. This embodiment is in particular of

Advantage, if the processing machine allows the application of a negative pressure.

The at least one means for non-contact or non-contact measurement of the amount of flowable substance in the first and / or second container preferably emits sound waves. Preferred measuring means for non-contact measurement of a substance quantity are ultrasonic sensors, light sensors, IR sensors and / or radar sensors. As already indicated above, the at least one means for non-contact measurement of the quantity of flowable substance (bulk material quantity) in the first and / or second container is in each case in an upper region (ie viewed in the vertical direction in the conveying direction of the flowable material) of the first and / or or second container, so that the sound waves impinge each from above on the located in the first and / or second container flowable material (bulk material).

The measuring means in the first container may e.g. be provided on or in the ceiling or the above conclusion of the first container. The measuring means in the first container may e.g. be permanently installed in the ceiling or mounted movably on the container inside the container ceiling. The exact placement of the measuring means in the upper portion of the first container is not essential, as long as the first measuring means emits the sound waves so vertically down into the first container that they cover the interior of the first container.

The measuring means in the second container can also be arbitrarily placed in the upper portion of the second container. Thus, the measuring means may be arranged in the second container adjacent to the outlet means of the first container for emptying the bulk material from the first container into the second container. Here, too, it is essential that the second measuring means transmits the sound waves as vertically as possible downwards into the interior of the second container.

The transmitted from the measuring means from sound waves thus scan the respective container interior and receives depending on the amount and thus quantity of the bulk material in the respective container dependent signal, based on the bulk material in the respective container can be closed.

In a preferred embodiment of the present device, as an appropriate measuring means, an ultrasonic sensor z. B. used in the form of an ultrasonic sonar sensor.

In one embodiment, the ultrasonic sensor used herein may have separate transmitting and receiving means. Accordingly, the ultrasonic waves in this sensor variant are emitted by the transmitting device and the reflected ultrasonic waves are detected by the receiving device.

In another embodiment of an ultrasonic sensor used herein, the transmitting and receiving devices are not separated. Rather, the Transmitter switched after sending the sound signal and used as a receiving device. The advantage of this embodiment of the ultrasonic sensor is that it is easier to install and seal. When choosing a suitable ultrasonic sensor, make sure that the measuring range covers the volume to be monitored in the conveyor. Advantageously, reception areas of 2 to 200 cm, preferably 10 to 100 cm, are used here.

When using ultrasonic sensors, it is preferable to ensure that the supplied sound signal is filtered. The filtering is primarily due to the fact that during the conveying process of the bulk material, the bulk material particles in the first container are not static, but rather are subject to movement (for example jumping around). This particle movement can lead to a distortion of the signal and thus a falsification of the amount in the container. Accordingly, the presently used ultrasonic sensor comprises a relatively insensitive filter for measuring the material level or amount of material in the container and another filter for detecting the incoming bulk material into the container.

It is also conceivable and provided that in the second container (storage tank) mixing devices, such as a revolving paddle, are installed. By the mixing device, however, the transmitted sound waves can be reflected by the same. In order to avoid a distortion of the signal and thus of the determined amount of bulk material, it is preferably provided that the movement of the mixing device, such as e.g. a rotating paddle is detected and evaluated in a continuous rotation by a cyclic reflection. The cyclically determined signal can be filtered out accordingly to determine the amount of material of the bulk material in particular in the storage container.

The principle of ultrasonic measurement is known per se and will be outlined here only briefly with respect to the present device. The respective ultrasonic sensor sends a sound signal (ultrasound with a wavelength between 50 and 200 kHz) into the respective container or

Room (separator or storage tank) from. As already described, the ultrasonic sensors are in each case arranged at the upper end of the separator and / or receiver, so that the ultrasonic waves are emitted downwards into the respective container interior and are reflected by the material (bulk material) that is flowable in the container interior. The reflected sound waves are received by the sensor or an associated sound transducer. From the term of the reflected Ultrasonic waves, the distance between the sensor and bulk material and thus determines the height and level of the bulk material in each container.

The non-contact measurement, such as in the form of an ultrasonic measurement offers the possibility for energy saving compared to capacitive or inductive measurements. Capacitive and inductive sensors are usually powered permanently and thus consume energy permanently. Switching off the power supply to capacitive and inductive sensors, however, means an increased control engineering effort and thus increased costs. In non-contact measuring, for example by ultrasound, no power is consumed between the measuring pulses or measuring waves (sending the measuring wave and waiting for reflection). Depending on the measured delivery rate of the present device, the measurement interval can now additionally be extended to a maximum value without influencing the security of supply of the processing machine.

In a further embodiment of the present device, the outlet means provided in the lower portion of the first container for introducing the material, for example bulk material, from the first container into the second container, is configured in the shape of a truncated cone. Thus, the wide end of the outlet means points toward the fabric and gas inlet, that is, toward the first container and the narrow, narrow end of the outlet means faces towards the second container. The frusto-conical structure of the outlet means divides the device into a separation volume (volume in the first container) and a reservoir volume (volume of the second container). The outlet means may for example be constructed of plates, the plates of the frusto-conical structure being arranged inclined with respect to a plane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction

Axis of the container is. The angle of inclination of the plates of the outlet means may be between 30 to 90 degrees, preferably 60 to 90 degrees. Accordingly, in a particularly preferred embodiment, a cone with 60 ° to 90 ° opening angle is used as the outlet means.

In a further variant of the present device, a control means for controlling the amount of flowable substance to be introduced from the first container into the second container is provided on or adjacent to the outlet means. The control means may for example be in the form of a flap, such as a mechanical swing flap. Depending on the quantity of bulk material to be transported, which is determined by the contactless measurement of the

Quantity of bulk material in the first and / or second container is determined, there is an adjustment of the shuttle valve for targeted control of the flow rate of the flowable material (Bulk material) from the first container into the second container. It would also be possible to use a gate valve instead of a flap, such as a pendulum flap.

It is furthermore preferred if the present device is connected to a system for further processing of the flowable substance. The further processing system is preferably arranged below the second container of the device or runs below the second container. It is conceivable, for example, that below the second container, a conveyor belt runs, which serves to fill transport containers. Another variant of a further processing plant is, for example, an extrusion apparatus for melt processing in the production of plastics.

As already indicated above, the present object is also achieved by a method for conveying at least one flowable substance, which is carried out in the device according to the invention. Accordingly, the present delivery method comprises the steps of introducing the flowable substance via at least one inlet means into the first container, and determining the amount of flowable substance in the first container using a first means for non-contact measurement of the quantity provided in the first container Level of the flowable material in the first container, wherein in dependence on the determined in the first container amount of the flowable substance, the flow rate of the flowable material is controlled in or through the first container.

The introduction of the flowable substance into the first container through the first inlet means is preferably effected and adjusted by the introduction of at least one air flow through the at least one second inlet means. Preferably, air flow is generated by at least one delivery fan. By introducing the air flow into the present

Device is a suction of the flowable substance through the first inlet means in the first container of the present device.

The flowable substance present in the first container is emptied from the first container through an outlet means into a second container arranged below the first container.

This step of emptying may be controlled by a control means provided on the outlet means, for example in the form of a mechanical shuttle valve. The pendulum flap preferably opens automatically as soon as the delivery valve switches off. The conveyed bulk material then falls through the outlet means (eg lower opening) into the second container. Preferably, the amount of flowable substance in the second container is determined using a second means provided in the second container for non-contact measurement of the amount or the level of the flowable material, wherein the flow rate of the flowable material from the second container, for example in a finishing plant , is adjustable in dependence on the determined in the second container amount of the flowable material

Accordingly, the flowable material may be directed from the second container of the present apparatus to a plant for further processing of the flowable material. Such a processing plant may be, for example, an extrusion apparatus for processing plastic granules or the like.

In one embodiment of the present method, the flow rate of the flowable material is in a range between 100 kg / h and 2,000 kg / h, preferably between 400 kg / h and 600 kg / h. The amount of conveying air flow is preferably 150 to 250 m ³ / h, in particular 200 m ³ / h. At these flow rates, separators (in this case first vessels) having a volume of between 20-200 liters, preferably 50 to 150 liters, are preferably used, so that the measurement height of the contactless measuring means (such as ultrasound sensors) varies within a range of 20-200 cm.

The use of a non-contact or contactless measuring means, e.g. in the form of non-contact sensors such as the ultrasonic sensors just described for measuring the amount of a flowable material (bulk material) in the present flowable conveying device has various advantages.

When using a non-contact sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor in the first container, for. B. in the form of a separator, a maximum conveying level can be adjusted. This eliminates the need to enter a funding period. In addition, the contactless measurement of the amount of bulk material can be carried out during the actual conveying process, so that a measurement in the waiting times does not occur while z. B. other separators promote the bulk material or no material is promoted. For longer standstill or waiting times, the measurement interval of non-contact measurements can be magnified ßert to minimize energy consumption. In practice, it often happens that the actual processing machines z. B. extrusion machines are stopped, the promotion remains turned on. The use of a non-contact sensor can cause a dynamic adjustment of the measuring intervals, so that only as much energy is consumed for the measuring means, such as absolutely necessary for the operation of the system. This is an advantage over the conventional sensor technology, which is employed at all times and thus consumes energy at all times. Another advantage of using a non-contact sensor in a separator is that with each quantity or level measurement of the bulk material in the separator with knowledge of the Abscheidergeometrie and the bulk density of the transported material, the subsidized amount can be calculated and accounted. Thus, a mass flow (kg / h) can be determined during the ongoing promotion from the difference of the measured fill levels, which can serve for further testing and control of the conveyor. If z. B. the mass flow suddenly aborts or is greatly reduced, it can be concluded that the material source is empty or the promotion has been interrupted, z. B. by unintentional reconnection. If the mass flow is subject to z. B. strong fluctuations, it can be concluded on plug formation in the promotion. It is also possible to compare the mean value of the mass flow with the mean value of the mass flow from the preceding conveying processes or conveying processes. In case of a permanent strong deviation, it could be concluded that a different material or material source was chosen. Another significant advantage of the present device is that by the measurement of the flow rate or the change in the level in the separator as the first container error analysis already during the delivery process is possible and thus can take place early intervention of the operator in the event of errors. This allows you to lower the material templates, saving material and time. In the case of the conventional methods, a determination of a conveyor failure is only by the

Opening time of the conveyor flap or the probe signal below the separator possible, d. H. always after completion of the conveying process. This leads to long delivery or suction times in which no material is conveyed or sucked. Other separators of the same system could idle in this unused funding period. The present contactless measurement of the filling level in the present device, however, solves this problem in an advantageous manner.

A further advantage of the present device of using a contactless measuring means is that the current conveying process can be terminated as soon as a required production quantity has arrived. This allows the present device to minimize material losses at the end of the production order. In addition, an optimal mass flow can be predetermined for the various materials, so as to avoid dust and angel hair formation, to reduce abrasion or to protect the device as much as possible. In accordance with the desired mass flow, negative pressure and delivery volume are set or measured and regulated. It is even possible to reduce the air velocity of the flow to the extent that the promotion of a strands promotion in the unstable area changes in which increasingly grafting in the delivery line arise. The conveyor system can thus adjust itself to an optimum conveying speed. This also saves energy and protects the material.

The use of a contactless measuring means, such as an ultrasonic sensor for determining the quantitative level of a flowable material in the second container, for example in the form of a reservoir below the first separation vessel, provides a measurement signal indicating the amount of material in the second container below the separator , The switching level is determined here by the control logic and not by the mechanical installation, which also brings some advantages.

Thus, the non-contact measurement, especially in abrasive materials such as glass fiber reinforced plastics advantageous, especially because a failure of otherwise common touch sensors is avoided. In addition, the mass determination of conveyed goods or bulk goods can be made possible, which only allow contact with stainless steel, such as in medicine or food industry. In other words, the non-contact measuring means used in the present case can thus be used now in delivery separators, which specifically promote goods for the medical or food industry.

The switching level is independent of the bulk density and electrostatic properties of the flowable substance. The switching level can be determined by the control logic. For example, it is possible to switch between different switching levels, depending on whether the processing machine to be supplied is in operation or in a changeover or idling phase. As a result, the material supply of the processing machine can be adjusted via the conveyor so that at the end of the production order no material is in the material template. This saves material and changeover time.

Also, it is now possible to switch the machine during operation, without stopping, to another bulk material. Here one lets the quantity level of the

Bulk material in the storage tank fall to a lower level, then the material source is switched and the promotion is restarted immediately. The sinking the quantity level in the storage container as a second container of the present device takes place here until close to the processing machine, so that when filling with a new bulk material no mixing of the bulk materials takes place. As a result, a change of material during operation and without stopping the processing machine is possible. This also saves changeover times and material.

The quantity level of the flowable substance in the device or the switching level in the second container in the form of the storage container can also be used to determine a delivery priority. In conveyor systems with multiple separators then the fan is preferably assigned to the separator, which could possibly be empty next. The lower the volume level and the higher the throughput of the machine, the higher the allocation priority. In urgent cases, even the current delivery process of another separator can be interrupted in order to start the higher-priority separator. The measured quantity level or bulk material level can also be used to measure the throughput of the processing machine filled with the conveyed bulk material.

It is also possible to determine the amount of bulk material in the storage tank. Depending on the quantity still to be produced in the processing machine, it can then be decided whether a new delivery start should take place or not.

Also during the conveying process it can be checked whether the bulk material level has fallen below a critical level. In this case, the current conveying operation is interrupted and the separator emptied to prevent emptying of the processing machine.

After the end of the conveying process, the conveyed bulk material can be emptied into the storage container. When using the contactless measuring method, such as an ultrasonic measuring method, the amount of bulk material can be calculated with knowledge of the geometry of the storage container. If the volume of bulk material conveyed differs too much from the expected quantity of bulk material, it is possible to conclude that the delivery process is disrupted and that a corresponding alarm is triggered.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the figures of the drawing of an embodiment. 1 shows a schematic representation of a delivery separator with conventional measuring devices for determining the filling level, Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a Förderabscheiders according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a Förderabscheiders according to a second

Embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a third embodiment with a

Material level recording at dormant production;

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the material level detection in the third

Embodiment during ongoing promotion;

Figure 6 shows a fourth embodiment with a particular embodiment of the lower

Conveying section;

Figure 7 shows a fifth embodiment with a further embodiment of the lower

Conveying section;

Figure 8 shows a sixth embodiment with another design of a

Impact device.

The conventional conveying separator shown in FIG. 1 comprises a separator 1 (first container) and a storage container 7 (second container) arranged immediately below the separator 1. Separator 1 and reservoir 7 are connected via the opening 5 with each other.

The bulk material is introduced through the inlet means 4 in the separator. The introduction of the bulk material takes place in principle by means of suction or pressure promotion in the separator. According to FIG. 1, the introduction of the bulk material into the separator 1 takes place by means of a pneumatic suction conveyor, wherein the suction flow or suction-conveying flow required for this purpose is provided by the conveyor fan 2. The conveying fan 2 provides the conveying air flow which is introduced into the separator 1 through the opened inlet valve 3. Due to the conveying air flow, the bulk material is sucked into the separator 1 through the inlet means 4. Depending on the level of the bulk material in the conveying separator, the conveying air flow can be regulated via the inlet valve 3. In the conventional embodiment of the delivery separator, the determination of the amount of bulk material in the separator 1 takes place, for example, by means of a capacitive full detector 9 and / or a capacitive proximity switch 8 provided in the storage container. Both capacitive proximity switches 8 and the capacitive full detector 9 are conventionally inserted into the container wall of the separator 1 or . of the storage container 7 installed. Accordingly, the position of the capacitive measuring means 8, 9 must be determined already in the construction of the delivery separator according to FIG.

Depending on the fill level determined by the capacitive switches 8, 9, the flow rate of the bulk material is controlled by the Förderabscheider. In particular, the control of the mass flow of the bulk material from the separator 1 into the storage container 7 by the mechanical position of a provided at the opening 5 mechanical shuttle valve 6. From the storage container 7, the bulk material to a processing machine 10 such. forwarded to an extrusion device

FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of the device according to the invention. The structure of the device according to the invention is substantially equal to the structure of a conventional Förderabscheiders as shown in Figure 1 and. However, both conveyors of Figure 1 and Figure 2 differ in terms of the used for measuring equipment for determining the level or defects of the bulk material in the separator 1 and the reservoir 7. So is in the upper portion of the separator 1, more precisely in the ceiling of the separator

1 a measuring means 20 provided in the form of an ultrasonic sensor. The ultrasonic transmitter 20 scans the interior of the separator 1 and thus serves to determine the filling level of the bulk material in the separator 1. According to the embodiment of Figure 2 is in the storage container 7 also another

Ultrasonic sensor 21 is provided, which is also provided in the present invention in the upper region of the storage container 7. Here, the ultrasonic sensor 21 on the Au ßenwand the frusto-conical opening 5, that is, on the side of the frusto-conical opening facing in the direction of the storage container 7, be attached. Accordingly, the ultrasonic sensors 20, 21 can be flexibly mounted in the conveyor, and their position does not have to be determined already during the design process of the conveyor. The ultrasonic sensors 20, 21 each transmit ultrasonic waves having wavelengths between 50 and 200 kHz into the separator 1 and the receiver 7. Due to the specific arrangement of the ultrasonic sensors, the ultrasonic waves are discharged downwards into the separator 1 or receiver 7 and of the separator 1 and storage tank 7 reflects existing bulk material. The sound waves reflected by the bulk material are received by the sensor 20, 21 or an associated sound transducer. From the duration of the reflected ultrasonic waves, the distance between the sensor 20, 21 and the bulk material and thus the level of the bulk material in the separator 1 and the original container 7 is determined.

Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the device according to the invention, in which the first and the second container are combined into a single container. This embodiment can be used when the processing machine allows the application of negative pressure. This is the case with many extrusion processes.

The quantity level measured without contact is used for the determination of the switch-off level 1 1 a, at which e.g. the delivery is switched off after reaching the full level, determining the filling level 1 1 b, e.g. for reporting a demand quantity and start of the promotion, and determining an alarm limit 1 1 c, e.g. to monitor a minimum alarm level.

The filling level of the container is measured using an ultrasonic sensor. Due to the known container geometry, the filled volume is calculated from the knowledge of the measured filling level. By multiplication with the bulk density one receives the

Bulk quantity. The bulk density is usually entered in the operating device and / or stored in a recipe memory.

The use of ultrasonic sensors 20, 21 in comparison to the conventionally used capacitive measuring means 8, 9 bring a number of advantages, as already described in detail above.

Another advantage is that with fluctuating bulk densities of the ultrasonic sensor does not need to be readjusted, as is the case with capacitive proximity switches. With strong bulk density fluctuations, it can happen that a capacitive probe no longer outputs any signal. Previous experiments have shown that when sinking Bulk density Although the accuracy of the level measurement decreases, but that there is always a sound reflection. Especially regrind can be monitored more reliably.

For a special controlled filling of the material flow can make arrangements that in particular the sound waves (sound beam) are not flown through by flying particles. Thus, the level measurement by non-contact measurements, e.g. by means of sound waves by ultrasonic sensors 20, 21 or the light beam in a laser distance measurement is not disturbed. Embodiments of this are illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6.

In Figure 4 shows the detection of the material level at rest promotion. At the inlet means 4 optional check valve 31 is arranged. The non-return valve 31 is designed here as a pendulum suspended plate. A guide means 30, here designed as a catch or baffle serves a purposeful control of the flow of material during the promotion, which is shown in more detail below. The guiding means 30 may e.g. have a perforated plate, so that conveying air can pass.

In Figure 5, the incoming material is shown during the promotion. As it flows in, the non-return flap 31 is opened by the impinging particles and the material passes to the guide means 30, the wall 32 of which is arranged here approximately at right angles to the open non-return flap 31. In the embodiment shown here, the guide means 31 is concave, wherein the wall 32 is part of the concave part. The material forms on the wall 32 flowing from a bulk pad 33, which brakes the following material. The thus braked material then flows at a lower speed down into the separator 1, without swirling much in the separator 1.

FIG. 6 shows a variant of the embodiment according to FIGS. 4 and 5, so that reference can be made to the description. In this case - as shown in Fig. 5- the situation during the suction conveyance shown. At the lower end of a flap 34 is arranged, which is closed during the Saugfördervorgangs by the applied negative pressure.

Alternatively, an embodiment is shown in Fig. 7, in which the assembly directly on a machine (not shown here), ie without flap 34. In Fig. 8, an embodiment is shown in which the non-return valve 31 and the guide means 30 integrated with each other are by the Leitmittel 31 is formed pendulum. For this purpose, the guide means 30 is at least partially concave and is in front of the inlet means 4th arranged. At rest, the concave part of the guide means 31 is located in front of the inlet means 4. In the conveying state, the inflowing material impinges on the concave part of the guide means 31, so that the material flows along the wall 32, which is part of the concave part. The function corresponds approximately to the embodiment shown in FIG.

Claims

claims

1 . Device for conveying, in particular a suction conveying device of at least one flowable substance, in particular of bulk materials, comprising at least a first container (1) for receiving the flowable substance, wherein the at least one first container (1) at least a first inlet means (4) for insertion the flowable substance in the first container (1) and at least one outlet means (5) for discharging the flowable substance from the first container (1), characterized in that the at least one first container (1) at least one means for non-contact measurement ( 20) of the amount of flowable substance in the at least one first container (1).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first container (1) has at least one second inlet means (3) for introducing at least one air flow for conveying the flowable substance into the container (1).

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that below the first container (1) at least one further second container (7) is arranged, in which the flowable substance from the first container (1) can be introduced. 4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the first container (1) and the second container (7) via the at least one outlet means (5) for emptying the flowable material, in particular of the bulk material in the second container (7) with each other in 5. Device according to one of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that the at least one second container (7) comprises at least one means for non-contact measurement (21) of the amount of flowable substance in the at least one second container (7) ,

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one means for non-contact measurement (20, 21) of the amount of the flowable substance in the first and / or second container (1, 7) emits sound waves.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one means for non-contact measurement (20, 21) of the amount of flowable substance in the first and / or second container (1, 7) an ultrasonic sensor, a light sensor , an IR sensor and / or a radar sensor.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one means for non-contact measurement (20, 21) of the amount of flowable material in the first and / or second container (1, 7) each in an upper region of the first and / or second container is arranged, so that the sound waves respectively from above on the in the first and / or second container (1, 7) located flowable material.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the lower portion of the first container (1) provided for outlet means (5) for discharging the flowable substance from the first container (1) in the second container (7) is frusto-conical ,

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the outlet means (5) is provided a control means (6) for controlling the from the first container (1) in the second container (2) to be introduced amount of flowable material.

1 1. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is in communication with a system (10) for further processing of the flowable substance.

12. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by the inlet means (4) entering flowable material strikes a guide means (30) that in particular a wall (32) for forming a bulk pad (33). 13. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the guide means (30) with a non-return valve (31) is coupled, in particular as a concave, pendulum device.

14. A method for conveying at least one flowable substance in a device according to at least one of the preceding claims comprising the steps:

- Introducing the flowable substance via the at least one inlet means (4) in the first container (1), and

Determining the quantity of flowable substance in the first container (1) using the first means (20) provided in the first container (1) for non-contact measurement of the amount / level of the flowable substance in the first container (1)

- Is controlled depending on the determined in the first container (1) amount of the flowable substance of the flow rate of the flowable material in or through the first container (1).

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the introduction of the flowable substance in the first container (1) by the first inlet means (4) by introducing at least one air flow through the at least one second inlet means (3) is effected and adjustable.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the derivation of the flowable substance from the first container (1) through the outlet means (5), in particular in the second container (7) arranged below the first container, by the at Outlet means (5) provided control means (6) is set or controlled.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the amount of the flowable substance in the second container (7) using the second container (1) provided second means (21) for non-contact measurement of the amount / the level of the flowable substance in the second container (7) is determined, and that, depending on the determined in the second container (2) amount of the flowable substance, the flow rate of the flowable material from the second container (7) is adjustable.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the flowable material from the second container (7) is passed to a system (10) for further processing of the flowable material.

19. Use of a means for non-contact measurement of the amount of a flowable bulk material in a device for conveying at least one flowable substance, in particular in a conveyor.