EP3202489A2 - Pumping and/or mixing device for conveying, homogenizing and/or dispersing flowable products - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for homogenizing and / or dispersing flowable products, in particular emulsions or dispersions, with at least one container (2, 2 ', 2 ", 2"') for receiving a product, and a pumping and / or mixing device (6, 6 ', 6 ", 6"') for conveying, homogenizing and / or dispersing flowable products, having a first rotor element (32, 32 ', 32 ") rotatably mounted about a first axis of rotation, which by means of a drive device (20 ), and a rotatably mounted about a second axis of rotation second rotor element (34, 34 ', 34 "), which by means of a drive means (22) is driven, wherein that the first rotor element (32, 32', 32") and the second rotor element (34, 34 ', 34 "), based on their axes of rotation, have an axial offset from one another. According to the invention, the pumping and / or mixing device (6, 6 ') is arranged in a section of a circulation line (28) connected to the container (2, 2'), wherein the rotor elements (32, 34) are arranged in a housing ( 30), wherein the housing (30) has an inlet opening (25) for flowing the product into the interior of the housing and an outlet opening (26) for the outflow of the product from the interior, and wherein the housing (30) in a Inner space bounding preferably cylindrical wall portion (61) has a metering line (60) or feed opening (60 ') for a substance to be introduced into the product and / or additionally a discharge opening of a bypass line (74) which preferably in the axial direction adjacent to the first rotor element (32 ) or axially between the first and second rotor element is / are arranged.

Description

The invention relates to a device for homogenizing and / or dispersing flowable products of all kinds and forms, such as. As liquids, powders or solid-liquid mixtures, with at least one container for receiving such a product and a pumping and / or mixing device for conveying, homogenizing and / or dispersing flowable products, with a rotatably mounted about a first axis of rotation first rotor element , which is drivable by means of a drive device, and a rotatable about a second axis of rotation mounted second rotor element which is drivable by a drive means, wherein the first rotor element and the second rotor element, with respect to their axes of rotation, an axial offset from one another.

In the cosmetic, pharmaceutical or chemical industry a variety of different liquid, pasty or solid materials are mixed with each other or with each other to produce especially flowable products, such as creams, ointments or pastes. The mixtures produced from the most varied starting materials and frequently present as emulsions or dispersions sometimes already form a finished, salable end product. Under certain circumstances, these mixtures are also used as starting material for possible further processing. In order to be able to produce mixtures of substances which are frequently present in the form of an emulsion or dispersion, devices are used for homogenizing and / or dispersing preferably flowable products with which usually a preferably homogeneous mixture of substances to be produced from the starting materials to be mixed together. The mixtures produced can also be in the form of a powder phase, which is added to a binder only later.

Devices of the type described above are used, for example, for homogenizing and / or dispersing flowable or powdery products having a closed container, such as a stirred container. In the container, the various solid, flowable or liquid starting materials are entered and processed by means of, for example, an arranged inside the container agitator to a product having a preferably homogeneous structure. Out DE 299 17 365 U1 For example, such a device for homogenizing a flowable product is known, which has a container with an arranged inside the container agitator. In addition to the agitator in the container interior, a pumping and / or mixing device is connected to the container. Shear forces are also applied to the product conveyed by the pumping and / or mixing device with the aid of this pumping and / or mixing device. In addition, a uniform distribution of the starting materials used to form the product is achieved in the mixture to be produced. In the DE 299 17 365 U1 described pump mixer has a rotor / stator assembly for homogenizing / dispersing the product.

Out EP 1 125 625 B1 Furthermore, a homogenizer for homogenizing flowable substances is known, which has a container with a homogenizer connected to the container. The homogenizer comprises two rotors which can be driven by means of a drive device and which are each independently drivable. The disclosed rotor / rotor arrangement allows the same direction or opposite movement of the rotors. In this case, the known rotor / stator assemblies and rotor / rotor assemblies each contactless intermeshing component sections, whereby the shear stress is increased to the product that flows through such an arrangement. Rotor / rotor or rotor / stator thus have component sections lying on a plane extending approximately perpendicular to its axis of rotation. The incorporation of a powdered additive in a liquid phase or the mixing of different powdery starting materials within a pure powder phase can not be implemented with such a pumping and / or mixing device.

Furthermore, it is off DE 2017562 A or US 2,668,694 A a mixer or a stirring devices for example, the suspension of solids in liquids known. The mixing or stirring device comprises a container, within which two coaxial guided waves are arranged, wherein mixing blade units or paddle wheels can be arranged at different heights and driven independently of each other.

The invention is thus based on the object of specifying a pumping and / or mixing device of the type mentioned, which is improved and / or with a powdered substance can be mixed in simplified and improved homogeneity in the mixture even in preferably purely powdery phases to simple Way is achievable.

The invention solves the underlying object of a Vorrichtng for homogenizing and / or dispersing flowable products of the type described by the pumping and / or mixing device is arranged in a portion of a container connected to the circulation line (28), wherein the rotor elements are housed in a housing, wherein the housing has an inlet opening for flowing the product into the interior of the housing and an outlet opening for the outflow of the product from the interior, and wherein the housing in a wall defining the interior preferably cylindrical wall portion of a metering or addition port for a in the product to be added substance and / or additionally has a discharge opening of a bypass line, which is preferably arranged in the axial direction adjacent to the first rotor element or axially between the first and second rotor element / are.

The invention is based on the finding that with the aid of a pumping and / or mixing device, which preferably has a housing accommodating the first rotor element and the second rotor element, the pumping and / or mixing device is thus arranged in a section of a circulation line connected to the container, wherein the rotor elements are accommodated in a housing, wherein the housing has an inlet opening for flowing the product into the interior of the housing and an outlet opening for the outflow of the product from the interior, and wherein the housing preferably in an interior wall defining the preferably cylindrical wall portion an addition opening for a material to be introduced into the product and / or additionally a discharge opening of a bypass line, which preferably in the axial direction adjacent to the first rotor element or axially between first and second rotor element is / are arranged. As a result, the incorporation of a pulverulent substance into a flowable product or the homogeneity of a purely pulverulent phase during homogenization or dispersion can be improved in a simplified manner. An axial offset of the rotor elements from one another or an axial spacing of the rotor elements is to be understood here as meaning that the two rotor elements the pumping and / or mixing device according to the invention, based on their axes of rotation, are arranged on different levels and thus do not mesh areas or sections of the rotor elements. Thus, there is a plane between the rotor elements which is free of possible components or structural parts of the rotor elements.

In addition, the product receives a preferred flow direction when flowing through the housing of the pumping and / or mixing device by means of the first and / or second rotor element. Preferably, the inlet opening for the housing is aligned axially with respect to the first rotor element. The outlet opening of the housing is preferably provided in a radial wall section. Thus, the preferably circulating flowable product with low pressure losses in the housing of the pumping and / or mixing device according to the invention and flow out again. Preferably, the housing of the pumping and / or mixing device has a cylindrical configuration. In addition, the provision of an addition opening in the housing of the pumping and / or mixing device for an introduced into the flowable additive has the advantage that a floating example of a powdery addition substance by the direct addition in a directly through the pumping and / or mixing device guided liquid product can be reduced. By introducing adjacent to the first rotor element of the input additive preferably receives a targeted direction of movement by the first rotor element. With the downstream second rotor element is preferably carried out a uniform distribution of the additive in the funded, flowable product. The formation of, for example, composed of the additive solids clumps within the flowable product is thus counteracted.

According to one embodiment, optionally or alternatively preferably, a discharge opening is formed axially between the first and second rotor elements in the cylindrical wall section of the housing of the pumping and / or mixing device. With the discharge opening corresponds to a bypass line, which establishes a connection directly to the circulation line. Thus, a partial flow of the pumping and / or mixing device flowing flowable product passed by the second rotor element and are diverted directly into the circulation line. The term "bypassing" is to be understood in the present case that the partial flow of the product, which flows through the bypass line, does not come into contact with the second rotor element. It is understood that the fluid and product flow in the addition of the housing fluidly connected to the metering lines and bypass lines using appropriate actuators such as valves, released or can be interrupted. In one embodiment, the pumping and / or mixing device is arranged at a distance from the stirring container, so that in each case before and after the pumping and / or mixing device, a pipe section of predetermined length is provided for connection to the container. The pumping and / or mixing device is then preferably arranged inline, wherein the described embodiment is also referred to as a stand-alone version.

The invention solves its underlying object according to a further aspect in a device for homogenizing and / or dispersing flowable products, in particular of emulsions or dispersions of the type described, in which the pumping and / or mixing device is arranged above the container bottom, wherein the offset between the rotor elements designed as mixing parts is selected such that a shear gap extending in one plane is formed. With the help of the axially spaced apart as mixing parts formed rotor elements whose distance from each other define the size of the shear gap, a uniform distribution of the starting materials is ensured in a purely powdery product, in which only after, ie after the preparation of a uniformly mixed powder mixture, a binder is added , As a result of the spacing preferably occurring in the axial direction between the rotor elements, at least one gap is formed between the rotor elements, with which shearing forces can be exerted on the starting products to be mixed. With such preferably in a plane between the axially spaced-apart rotor elements extending gap, also referred to as shear gap, preferably a purely pulverulent mixture can be further broken up in an advantageous manner. In comparison to two rotor elements, which have intermeshing sections or areas, an enlarged shear gap is formed between the mixing parts. Also by this type of embodiment, the homogeneity of the product to be produced is significantly improved.

A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the axes of rotation of the first and second rotor element are substantially parallel to each other, preferably coaxially. Preferably, the coaxial arrangement of the Rotation axes provided an advantageous congruent alignment or arrangement of the first and second rotor element to each other. This results in a comparative shear stress of at least by means of the inventive pumping and / or mixing device moving flowable product over preferably the entire circumference of the two rotors. In addition, a compact and thus space-saving arrangement of the first and second rotor element is effected. Preferably, the axes of rotation in the vertical and substantially perpendicular to a horizontal plane extending as a footprint for the pumping and / or mixing device

Preferably, the first rotor element with a first drive shaft and the second rotor element are coupled to a second drive shaft, which are drivable by means of various drive means, wherein preferably one of the drive shafts is formed as a hollow shaft. The provision of respective separate drive shafts for driving the first and second rotor elements, which are preferably rotationally coupled to a first and a second drive means, ensures an independent drive of the first rotor element relative to the second rotor element. Preferably, the first and second rotor element in the same direction, ie the same direction of rotation, or in opposite directions, ie having different directions of rotation, are driven. In addition, an individual adaptation of the rotational speeds of the first and second rotor element is possible. The formation of a drive shaft as a hollow shaft also has the advantage that both rotor elements are mechanically driven with respect to their axes of rotation from one side. Thus, the compactness of the pumping and / or mixing device according to the invention is further improved.

According to a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the axial offset between the first and the second rotor element is variable. The distance is preferably adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the axes of rotation, whereby, in one embodiment of the invention, the gap, in particular the shearing gap, between the first and second rotor element can be tailored individually to the flowable product to be processed. Depending on the given viscosity of the flowable product to be mixed or conveyed, the distance between the first and second rotor element is increased or decreased. To change the axial offset between the first and second rotor element, the position of at least one of the rotor elements is changed on a correspondingly assigned drive shaft.

This is achieved, for example, with the aid of spacers of different lengths, by means of which the position of the first rotor element on the associated drive shaft changes can be. In an alternative embodiment, one of the first and second drive shaft is displaced relative to the respective other drive shaft in the axial direction with the respective first or second rotor element fixedly arranged thereon in the axial direction. The first or second drive shaft is preferably coupled to a corresponding axial adjustment unit.

Preferably, the first rotor element is designed as an axial pumping wheel and / or the second rotor element as a radial pumping wheel. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first rotor element is used to convey the flowable product in the longitudinal direction of the rotor axis of the first rotor element. Alternatively or optionally, the second rotor element is designed as a radial pumping wheel. With the help of the radial pumping wheel is a deflection in the direction of movement of the flowable product by about an angle of 90 degrees. The flowable product, which is preferably sucked parallel to the axis of rotation of the second rotor element, is deflected by means of the radial pumping wheel, so that it is discharged or discharged essentially uniformly over the circumference of the rotating second rotor element in an approximately radial direction relative to its axis of rotation. Preferably, in the inventive design of the pumping and / or mixing device with an axial pumping wheel and a radial pumping wheel, the distance or offset between the first and second rotor element is selected such that it corresponds to at least about one fifth of the diameter of the first or second rotor element.

Preferably, the first rotor element has a plurality of substantially radially projecting to the axis of rotation conveying wings, which are adapted to preferably cause a first conveying movement of the product in the direction of the second rotor element. The first rotor element has in particular three, four, five or more conveying wings, which preferably run radially to the axis of rotation of the first rotor element. There is a conveying movement of the product to be homogenized / dispersed flowable product in the direction of the second rotor element, which is preferably arranged below the first rotor element. In the axial direction, the conveying wings preferably have a curved course or a curved wing shape. In addition, an effective transformation of the rotational movement of the first rotor element is ensured in a conveying movement of the product with a primarily axial component of movement.

Preferably, the second rotor element has a plurality of conveying blades, which are adapted to a second conveying movement of the product with a radial component of movement to cause the outside. Preferably, the second rotor element, here a radial pumping wheel, has an axial, preferably centrally arranged inlet for the product to be moved and, in particular, to be homogenized. The inlet of the second rotor element faces the first rotor element, wherein preferably the first rotor element is arranged above the second rotor element. The outlet of the second rotor element is provided on the peripheral surface of the second rotor element. To implement the second, radial conveying movement of the product, the second rotor element has a plurality of conveying blades in the region of its outer circumference. The conveying blades have a preferably curved course or have a shape which essentially corresponds to a section of a spiral running outward from the axis of rotation.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second rotor element is associated with a stator having a plurality of stator elements through which the product passes during the second conveying movement generated by the second rotor element. This achieves an improved shearing stress and a preferably homogeneous mixing of the product emerging from the second rotor element. Powdery addition substances, which are introduced into a preferably liquid or pasty product, can be broken up in a simplified manner with the aid of the stator assigned to the second rotor element. The stator is associated with the periphery of the second rotor element, preferably the outer circumference and thus the outlet of the second rotor element. The stator thus forms with its stationary stator elements a flow resistance for the conveyed product. The stationary stator elements preferably extend parallel to the axis of rotation of the second rotor element.

In one embodiment of the invention, the interior of the housing in the conveying direction between the first rotor element and the second rotor element on a flow area with a, preferably in the flow direction, reducing flow cross-section. It is thereby achieved that the flow velocity within the pumping and / or mixing device preferably having a housing is increased. The introduction of an additive in the funded product stream is thus simplified. In addition, by means of the decreasing flow cross-section of the axial inlet region for the second, preferably designed as a radial pumping rotor element is generated. The housing is also divided by the decreasing in the flow direction flow cross-section spatially into two housing areas. Preferably that is Housing formed at least in two parts, wherein each housing part preferably forms at least one of each housing member receiving a rotor element. In one embodiment, the housing has a funnel-shaped inlet opening in the flow direction in front of the first rotor element.

In the alternative embodiment to a pumping and / or mixing device with an axial pumping wheel and a radial pumping wheel, the first and second rotor elements designed as a mixing part each have two or more mixing vanes. With the help of relatively movable, preferably in opposite directions rotating mixing parts, the shear stress can be increased in an advantageous manner, especially in a powdery product, such as powder materials. This has the consequence that the powdery but flowable product is optimally broken in the gap between the rotor elements formed as mixing parts. The uniformity of the mixing of the flowable product is preferably further improved with the mixing parts arranged at a distance from one another. A circulation of the flowable product is preferably not reacted with the rotor elements formed as mixing parts.

According to another embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the shearing gap between the mixing parts, in particular the mixing blades, has a gap which is in the range of about 2 to 25 mm. Preferably, the shear gap has a gap in the range between 5 and 20 mm. In a preferred embodiment of the device, the size of the shearing gap between the mixing parts is formed changeable.

The first and the second rotor element each have two or more substantially radially to the axis of rotation extending mixing vanes. By means of the mixing vanes formed on the rotor elements, a shearing force is preferably generated at different levels within the flowable product by the rotor elements, which preferably rotate in opposite directions. In addition, the shear stress in the product and the associated mixing of the product is further improved. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and the second rotor element have differently long mixing blades and a different number of mixing blades. Furthermore, the mixing vanes of the first and second rotor elements can have a purely radial orientation. Preferably, at least a portion of the mixing blades, with respect to the axis of rotation, in the axial or movement direction have a curved course or extend at an angle not equal to 90 °. Preferably, projections or teeth may be formed on the mixing vanes which project or protrude in the circumferential direction, in the tangential and / or in the axial direction on the mixing vanes. In this case, a circumferential shear gap between the first and second rotor elements preferably continues to be formed.

According to another development of the pumping and / or mixing device according to the invention, the first rotor element additionally has a plurality of mixing blades inclined at an angle to its axis of rotation. Preferably, the additional mixing blades extend at an angle in the range of about 5 to 85 degrees, preferably in a range of about 20 to 55 degrees, inclined to the axis of rotation on the first rotor element. In this case, the additional mixing blades are arranged on the side of the first rotor element, which faces away from the second rotor element of the pumping and / or mixing device according to the invention. These obliquely oriented to the axis of rotation mixing blades may also have projections or teeth.

In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the inclined impellers are arranged in a plane at a distance above the shear gap defining mixing vanes of the first and second rotor element. Due to the distance of the inclined impeller, with which preferably a conveying direction of the material mixture in the direction of the shear gap is effected, an adverse effect on the mixing process in the shear gap between the relatively movable mixing parts is avoided with their mixing blades. Preferably, the inclined impellers are disposed on a plane spaced from the mixing vanes of the first rotor element in the range of about 50 mm to about 150 mm. The stirring blades forming a type of stirring part are in particular rigidly connected to the first rotor element and its mixing vanes extending essentially radially to the axis of rotation of the first rotor element.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mixing vanes and the stirring vanes of the first and second rotor elements are preferably designed as bar elements with a polygonal cross section, wherein the bar elements preferably have a trapezoidal cross section. The rod elements on the first and second rotor elements with their preferably quadrangular cross section cause a preferably homogeneous mixing of, in particular, a purely pulverulent material mixture. With the polygonal cross section of the rod elements, the shear stress in the material mixture is further increased. The mixing vanes of the first and second rotor elements preferably have surfaces extending parallel to one another and define a preferably trapezoidal cross-section of the rod elements on the first and second rotor elements. In a preferred embodiment, in particular the smaller or narrower the mutually parallel surfaces of the mixing vanes of the first and second rotor element facing each other. These mutually facing surfaces of the mixing blades define the size of the shear gap. The stirring parts have bar elements with a preferably quadrangular substantially rectangular cross section, wherein in one embodiment the cross section changes in the extension direction of the stirring vanes.

, Alternatively, according to one embodiment of the invention, the pumping and / or mixing device is arranged in a section of the circulation line which is directly associated with an outlet opening of the container formed on the container bottom. The inlet opening of the pumping and / or mixing device is fluid-conductively connected to the outlet opening of the container, or the inlet opening of the pumping and / or mixing device forms the outlet opening of the container. Preferably, the rotor elements of the pumping and / or mixing device are arranged directly below the container bottom. Preferably, the center axis of the outlet opening is arranged coaxially to the center axis of the container, whereby a uniform discharge of the flowable product from the interior of the container is ensured. The circulation line, in particular its pressure side, which leads from the outlet opening of the housing of the pumping and / or mixing device back to the container, is fluid-conductively connected to a side wall of the container. The entrance opening into the container is e.g. provided or arranged in the upper half of a portion of the side wall of the container. However, the inlet for the circulation line can also be located in another place, such as e.g. be provided in a lower portion of the side wall or at the bottom of the container

Within the container, a rotating agitator is preferably arranged with a plurality of relatively movable agitator parts. With the help of a stirrer, the amount of product in the container can be kept on the whole in an advantageous manner in motion. This is preferably counteracted segregation of the product within the container and thus maintain its homogeneity. Preferably, an agitator, such as an anchor agitator or a Koaxialrührwerk, is used with at least two relatively movable agitating parts, which can also be moved in each case relative to the container. Each stirring part preferably has a plurality of displacer elements arranged in the radial direction to the container longitudinal axis, also referred to as mixing blades. With the displacer elements, the product is set in motion in the container, wherein the formation of a trombone within the container is avoided by the preferably counter-rotating stirring parts. Preferably, the axes of rotation of the stirring parts are arranged coaxially or at least parallel to the center axis of the container. Both agitating parts are preferably each a separate one Assigned drive device with which the stirring parts are movable independently.

Fig. 1:

eine Ansicht eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Homogenisieren und/oder Dispergieren;

Fig. 2:

eine Ansicht eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung im Teilschnitt;

Fig. 3:

eine Teilansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;

Fig. 4:

eine Teilansicht eines vierten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsmäßen Vorrichtung im Teilschnitt;

Fig. 5:

eine Teilansicht eines anderen Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit einem Rührwerk im Teilschnitt;

Fig. 6:

eine Teilansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit einem Rührwerk im Teilschnitt;

Fig. 7:

eine Ansicht eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Pump- und/oder Mischeinrichtung;

Fig. 8:

eine Ansicht eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Pump- und/oder Mischeinrichtung;

Fig. 9:

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines dritten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Pump- und/oder Mischeinrichtung; und

Fig. 10:

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer er findungsgemäßen Pump- und/oder Mischeinrichtung;

Fig. 11:

eine Ansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Pump- und/oder Mischeinrichtung;

Fig.12:

eine Teilansicht des ersten Rotorelements mit einem Rührflügel aus Fig. 11;

Fig. 13:

eine Ansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung im Teilschnitt, und

Fig.14:

eine Teilansicht einer Ausführungsform der Pump- und/oder Mischeinrichtung gemäß der Einrahmung in Fig. 13.

The invention will be described in more detail by means of possible embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. Hereby show:

Fig. 1:

a view of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention for homogenizing and / or dispersing;

Fig. 2:

a view of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention in partial section;

3:

a partial view of another embodiment of a device according to the invention;

4:

a partial view of a fourth embodiment of an inventive device in partial section;

Fig. 5:

a partial view of another embodiment of a device according to the invention with a stirrer in partial section;

Fig. 6:

a partial view of another embodiment of a device according to the invention with a stirrer in partial section;

Fig. 7:

a view of a first embodiment of a pumping and / or mixing device according to the invention;

Fig. 8:

a view of a second embodiment of a pumping and / or mixing device according to the invention;

Fig. 9:

a perspective view of a third embodiment of a pumping and / or mixing device according to the invention; and

Fig. 10:

a perspective view of another embodiment of an inventive he pumping and / or mixing device;

Fig. 11:

a view of another embodiment of a pumping and / or mixing device according to the invention;

Figure 12:

a partial view of the first rotor element with a stirring blade Fig. 11 ;

Fig. 13:

a view of a further embodiment of a device according to the invention in partial section, and

Figure 14:

a partial view of an embodiment of the pumping and / or mixing device according to the framing in Fig. 13 ,

Fig. 1 shows a device 1 for homogenizing and / or dispersing flowable products, which has a container 2, also referred to as a stirred tank. With the container 2, the suction side of a pumping and / or mixing device 6 is connected via a discharge line 4, starting from the container 2, which is in turn fluidly connected with its pressure side via a supply line 8 to the container 2. The supply and supply lines 4, 8 form a circulation line, via which a flowable product located in the container 2 can be circulated at intervals or continuously. The inlet 10 of the drain 4 is connected to the container bottom 12, and the outlet 14 of the inlet 8 is coupled to the side wall 16 of the container 2. The arrows 18, 18 'indicate in the embodiment shown the flow direction of a product located in the container 2 during a pumping and / or mixing process.

The pumping and / or mixing device 6 is placed separately from the container 2 and forms a so-called stand-alone variant. The pumping and / or mixing device 6 comprises two drive devices 20, 22, which drive the pumping and / or mixing elements not shown in more detail, as described in more detail below. The inputting or filling of starting materials for producing a flowable product to be produced in the interior of the container 2 takes place via filling and input openings (not shown in detail), which are provided or arranged in particular in the upper region of the container. The discharging or dispensing of a finished product takes place via in particular in the container bottom 12 formed discharge openings, not shown, or via a not shown branch to the circulation line or to the in Fig. 1 shown and detailed in the following figures pumping and / or mixing devices.

In Fig. 2 a device 1 'is shown, which has a container 2', in whose container bottom 12 an outlet opening 24 is provided, below which a pumping and / or mixing device 6 'is arranged directly. The outlet opening 24 at the container bottom 12 simultaneously forms the inlet opening 25 of the pumping and / or mixing device 6 '. The outlet opening 26 of the pumping and / or mixing device 6 'is connected via a circulation line 28 with the side wall 16 of the container 2' media-conducting, whereby a circuit for circulating a product located in the container 2 'is formed. The arrows 18, 18 'in turn indicate the flow direction of the mixture received within the container.

The partially shown in section pumping and / or mixing device 6 'has a housing 30 in which a first rotor element 32 and a second rotor element 34 is arranged. The first rotor element 32 is coupled to the first drive device 20, and the second rotor element 34 is coupled to the second drive device 22 mechanically, in particular by rotation. First rotor element 32 and first drive device 20 are coupled to each other via a first drive shaft 36. The second rotor element 34 is coupled to the second drive device 22 via a second drive shaft 38. Both drive shafts 36, 38 are arranged coaxially, wherein the second drive shaft 38 is formed as a hollow shaft, within which the first drive shaft 36 is rotatably mounted. First and second rotor element 32, 34 are driven separately from each other, so that the rotor elements can be driven in the same direction or in opposite directions and also can be moved at different speeds. As Fig. 2 illustrates, the rotor elements 32, 34 in the longitudinal direction of their axes of rotation to an axial offset from each other. First and second rotor element are thus arranged at a distance from each other. In addition, a metering line 60 is arranged on the housing 30 of the pumping and / or mixing device 6 ', via which the inputting or introduction of solid, liquid or pasty additives can take place. Arrow 39 indicates the direction of flow of the additive in the direction of the pumping and / or mixing device 6 '.

In Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of an inventive device 1 "shown, which comprises a container 2", to which no circulation line for a product is connected. A pumping and / or mixing device 6 "is arranged on the container bottom 12 in such a way that the pumping and mixing elements are arranged in the interior of the container 16. The pumping and / or mixing device 6" has a first rotor element 32 'and a second rotor element 34' on. First and second rotor element 32 ', 34' are in accordance with the in Fig. 2 shown embodiment via the drive shafts 36, 38 with a first drive means 20 and a second drive means 22 mechanically coupled. The first and the second rotor element 32 ', 34' are arbitrarily drivable by means of the drive means 20, 22. Thus, the rotational speed and the direction of rotation of the rotor elements 32 ', 34' can be changed. By changing the direction of rotation of the first and second rotor element and the conveying direction of the mixture within the container 2 "is changed.

By means of the pumping and / or mixing device 6 ", the product is circulated within the container 2". The first rotor element 32 'is designed as an axial pumping wheel, and the second rotor element 34' is designed as a radial pumping wheel. First and second rotor element 32 ', 34' are axially spaced relative to their axis of rotation. The first rotor element 32 'has a plurality of conveying wings 40, 40' projecting radially to the axis of rotation, which are set up to effect a conveying movement of the product or of the mixture in the longitudinal direction of its axis of rotation and thus in the direction of the second rotor element 34 '. The second rotor element 34 'comprises a plurality of curved conveying blades 42, 42' (FIG. Fig. 7 ), which are adapted to effect, relative to its axis of rotation, a conveying movement of the product in the radial direction to the outside. The first and second rotor elements 32 ', 34' arranged inside the container 2 "rotate in particular in opposite directions to one another, which counteracts the creation of a trombone inside the container Fig. 3 In addition, the pumping and / or mixing device 6 "is flanged to the container bottom 12.

In Fig. 4 a fourth embodiment of an apparatus for homogenizing and / or dispersing flowable products is shown. The device 1 '"has a self-contained container 2'" without a circulation line. A pumping and / or mixing device 6 '"is in the embodiment shown again directly above the container bottom 12 of the container 2'" arranged. The pumping and / or mixing device 6 '"in turn has a first rotor element 32" and a second rotor element 34 ", which project at least partially into the interior of the container 2'".

Unlike the in Fig. 3 embodiment shown, this embodiment as a mixing parts formed first and second rotor elements 32 ", 34" on. The rotor elements 32 ", 34" have two or more mixing vanes 44, 44 'which protrude at least substantially in the radial direction from the axes of rotation of the first and second rotor elements 32 ", 34". Furthermore, the first rotor element 32 "additionally has a plurality of, preferably two, at an angle inclined to its axis of rotation extending impeller 46, 46 ', which in the direction of the interior of the container 2'" protrude. Such designed as mixing parts rotor elements 32 ", 34" are used for mixing of powdery products. First and second rotor element 32 ", 34" also have an axial offset from each other, which is selected such that a shear gap 47 extending in a plane is formed, in which no regions or sections of the rotor elements project. The shear gap 47 formed between the first and second rotor elements 32 ", 34" has a gap which is in the range of approximately 2 to 25 mm.

Similar to the previous embodiments, the first and second rotor elements 32 ", 34" designed as mixing parts can be driven in opposite directions as well as in the same direction and at varying speeds by means of the drive devices 20, 22. First and second rotor element 32 ", 34" are mechanically connected to the respective drive devices 20, 22 via a drive shaft 36, 38 mechanically coupled to the rotor elements. The second drive shaft 38 is in turn designed as a hollow shaft, in the free interior of the first drive shaft 36 is rotatably arranged.

The Figures 5 and 6 show alternative embodiments of a device according to the invention 1 '", which optionally comprise an agitator 48, 48' to the rotor elements 32", 34 "which are designed as mixing parts, with the aid of the agitators 48, 48 'is a product in container 2'" on the whole kept moving. The agitator 48 ( Fig. 5 ), which is designed as an armature agitator, comprises a stirring part 50 whose axis of rotation is aligned coaxially with the central axis of the container 2 '. "Furthermore, the agitator 48 comprises at least two stirring parts 52, 52' whose axes of rotation are uniformly spaced around the axis of rotation of the The stirring parts 50, 52, 52 'have a multiplicity of displacement elements 54, 54' The displacement elements 54, 54 'of the stirring parts 52, 52' move without contact between the displacement elements 54, 54 arranged at different heights The displacement elements 54, 54 'of the two stirring parts have a height offset from one another.

The stirrer 48 'of in FIG. 6 In the embodiment of the device 1 'according to the invention shown, "comprises two coaxially guided agitating parts 56, 56' with displacer elements 58, 58 'arranged thereon. The displacer elements 58, 58' are arranged one above the other at intervals at a respective agitating part 56, 56 ' In the distances between the displacement elements 58, 58 'of the first stirring part 56, the displacement elements 58, 58' of the second stirring part 56 'run during the relative movement the stirring parts 56, 56 'therethrough. The displacer elements 58, 58 'of the two stirring parts 56, 56' rotating in opposite directions in one embodiment have a height offset from each other. Above the container bottom 12 of the container 2 '"is in both in the Figures 5 and 6 The rotor elements 32 ", 34" are similarly driven as in the previously described embodiments via coupled to the rotor elements drive shafts, which are rotatably connected to the drive means 20, 22.

In the FIGS. 7 and 8 are detailed views of the in the Fig. 1 and 2 shown embodiments of the pumping and / or mixing device 6, 6 'shown. The pumping and / or mixing device 6, 6 'comprises a housing 30 with an inlet opening 25 and an outlet opening 26. The inlet opening 25 is connected to, for example, a discharge line 4 (FIG. Fig. 1 ) or forms the outlet opening 24 of the container 2 '(FIG. Fig. 2 ). Within the housing 30, the first and the second rotor element 32, 34 of the pumping and / or mixing devices 6, 6 'are arranged. The first and the second rotor element 32, 34 have an axial offset from each other in the longitudinal direction of their axes of rotation. The first rotor element 32 with its conveying wings 40, 40 'is thus axially spaced from the second Rortorelement 34 with its conveying blades 42, 42'. The distance is at least about one fifth of the diameter of the first or second rotor element 32,34.

In a preferred embodiment, the distance or the axial offset between the first and second rotor element is variable. As the FIGS. 7 and 8 further show, within the housing 30, an addition port 60 'or feed line 60 for introducing or adding an additive into the mixture or product flowing through the housing 30 is arranged. The feed opening 60 'or feed line 60 is arranged in a radial wall section 61 of the housing 30, which is adjacent to the first rotor element. Furthermore, the interior of the housing in the conveying direction between the first rotor element 32 with its conveying wings 40, 40 'and the second rotor element 34 has a flow area 62 with a decreasing flow cross-section.

The interior of the housing 30 is divided by the narrowing flow area 62 into two chambers 64, 64 '. As FIGS. 7 and 8 further clarify, the housing 30 is formed in two parts, each chamber 64, 64 'of the housing 30 is made of a separate component. In Fig. 7 is the second rotor element 34 with its Delivery blades 42, 42 'associated with a stator 66 having a plurality of stator elements 68, 68'. The stator 66 is flowed through by the mixture or the product during the second conveying movement generated by means of the second rotor element in an approximately radial direction to the axis of rotation of the second rotor element.

In the Fig. 8 The illustrated embodiment does not include a stator associated with the second rotor element 34. With the in Fig. 8 shown pumping and / or mixing device 6 'is, in contrast to the embodiment of Figure 7 achieved a reduced shear stress of the product, which is conveyed through the housing 30. From the FIGS. 7 and 8 Furthermore, the mechanical coupling between the first rotor element 32 and the first drive shaft 36 and the second rotor element 34 and the second drive shaft 38 is illustrated.

Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the particular in Fig. 3 The first rotor element 32 'is arranged at a distance from the second rotor element 34'. The first rotor element designed as an axial pumping wheel has a plurality, preferably two to five, conveying vanes 40. The rotor elements 32 ', 34' of the pumping and / or mixing device 6 The conveying wings 40, 40 'are arranged inclined in the axial direction, whereby a conveying movement of the product immediately surrounding the rotor element 32' is converted in the axial direction upon rotation of the first rotor element 32 ' outer end of the conveying wings 40, 40 'connected via a ring member 70 with each other.

The second rotor element 34 'is arranged below the first conveying element 32'. The second rotor element 34 'has a plurality of curved conveying blades 42, 42' which have a radially directed and circumferentially directed course. Adjacent to the outer periphery of the second rotor element 34 'is a stator 66 which has a plurality of stator elements 68, 68' arranged at predetermined distances from each other. By means of the moving relative to the stator 66 moving blades 42, 42 ', the product to be circulated is conveyed through the existing slots 72 between the stator elements 68, 68'.

Fig. 10 shows a detailed representation of the rotor elements 32 ", 34", which are used as mixing parts for mixing a product preferably present as a pure powder phase. First and second rotor element 32 ", 34" each have a plurality, preferably two substantially in the radial direction to the axis of rotation of the rotor elements 32 ", 34" projecting mixing blades 44, 44 'on. On the first rotor element 32 "are also in Fig. 4 in the embodiment shown at an angle in the range of about 20 ° to 25 ° inclined to the axis of rotation of the first rotor element 32 '. "First and second rotor element 32" and 34 "are arranged to each other, between two rotor elements, a continuous shearing gap 47 is formed for the product to be mixed, the gap being approximately between 2 and 25 mm, preferably between 5 and 20 mm The first rotor element 32 "is connected to the first drive shaft 36, and the second rotor element 34 "is connected to the second drive shaft 38 (FIG. Fig. 4 and 6 ) mechanically coupled.

Fig. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of the designed as mixing parts rotor elements 32 ", 34", which are used for mixing a preferably present as a pure powder phase material mixture or product to be produced. The first and second rotor elements have four mixing vanes 44, 44 'which project preferably essentially radially to the axis of rotation of the rotor elements 32 ", 34". The rotor elements 32 ", 34" preferably each have four mixing vanes, wherein the number of mixing vanes 44, 44 'may be different on the rotor elements.

As further out Fig. 11 it can be seen in one embodiment, the impellers 46, 46 'on the first rotor element 32 "in a plane at a distance of about 50 to 150 mm above the mixing vanes 44, 44' on the first rotor element 32" arranged. Preferably, three inclined extending impeller 46, 46 'are provided, wherein, as shown in FIG Fig. 12 4, the stirring vanes extend at an angle α in the range from 20 to approximately 45 degrees to the axis of rotation R of the first and rotor element 32 "The distance between the stirring vanes and the mixing vanes of the first rotor element 32" can be changed, in particular via an exchangeable spacer 78.

In one embodiment of the invention, the mixing vanes 44, 44 'and the stirring vanes 46, 46' are preferably designed as bar elements with a polygonal cross section. In particular, the rod elements have a quadrangular cross section, wherein the mixing vanes 44, 44 'have a trapezoidal cross section. In the in Fig. 11 In the embodiment shown, the mixing vanes 44, 44 'are arranged relative to one another such that the mutually parallel surfaces 80, 80' on the rotor elements 32 ", 34" in a plane parallel to the mutually parallel surfaces 80, 80 'of the other second or first rotor element 34 ", 32" run. In particular, the smaller of the mutually parallel surfaces 80 'of the first and second rotor element facing each other and define the shear gap 47 between the mixing vanes 44, 44 '.

In Fig. 13 is an alternative embodiment to that in FIG Fig.2 shown apparatus 1 'for homogenizing and / or dispersing flowable products shown. The device 1 'has a container 2' with an outlet opening 24, which is fluid-conductively coupled to a pumping and / or mixing device 6 '. The pumping and / or mixing device 6 'immediately downstream of the outlet opening comprises, as in the previous embodiments, a first rotor element 32 and a second rotor element 34. The rotor elements 32 and 34 are driven via the respectively corresponding drive devices 20, 22. The first rotor element 32 is designed primarily as an axial pumping wheel and the second rotor element 34 as a radial pumping wheel. To the outlet opening 26 of the pumping and / or mixing device 6 ', a circulation line 28 is connected, which opens in the embodiment shown in an upper portion of the side wall 16 of the container 2'. The flow direction of the circulated mixture is indicated by the arrows 18, 18 '. The circulation conduit 28 may also be fluidly connected to other portions of the container, such as a lower portion of the side wall 16 of the container 2 'or the container bottom 12.

In addition to the in Fig. 2 embodiment shown with its arranged on the housing 30 metering line 60, a bypass line 74 is also provided. The bypass guide 74 establishes a fluid-conducting connection between a cylindrical wall section 61 of the housing 30 and a section of the circulation line 28. The discharge opening of the bypass line 74 is approximately equidistant between the inlet opening 25 and the outlet opening 26 of the pumping and / or mixing device 6 'arranged.

In Fig. 14 is a detailed view of the pumping and / or mixing device 6 'from Fig. 13 displayed. As Fig. 14 1, the feedstock addition passage 60 and bypass line 74 are connected to a cylindrical wall portion 61 of the housing 30, which is substantially between the first and second rotor elements as seen in the axial direction of the pumping and / or mixing device 6 ' 32, 34 is arranged. By means of the bypass line 74, in particular a partial flow (arrow 76) of the product flow flowing through the pumping and / or mixing device is branched out of the chamber 64 and without coming into contact with the second rotor element 34, ie the second chamber 64 'and the second rotor element 34 promptly, in the Circulation line 28 passed. The flow (arrow 39) of the additive in the metering line 60 and the fluid flow of passing through the bypass line 74 on the second rotor element product partial stream (arrow 76) can be controlled or adjusted by not shown adjusting means, such as control valves. Similar or identical components are designated by the same reference numerals.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, 1 ', 1 ", 1'"

contraption

2, 2 ', 2 ", 2"'

container

4

derivation

6, 6 ', 6 ", 6'"

Pumping / mixing device

8th

supply

10

inlet

12

container bottom

14

outlet

16

Side wall

18, 18 '

Flow direction mixture

20, 22

driving means

24

outlet opening

25

inlet port

26

outlet

28

circulation line

30

casing

32, 32 ', 32 "

first rotor element

34, 34 ', 34 "

second rotor element

36, 38

drive shaft

39

Flow direction addition substance

40, 40 '

conveying wings

42, 42 '

impeller blade

44, 44 '

mixing blades

46, 46 '

impellers

47

shear gap

48, 48 '

agitator

50, 52, 52 '

agitating

54, 54 '

displacement

56, 56 '

agitating

58, 58 '

displacement

60

addition line

60 '

feed opening

61

wall section

62

Flow range

64, 64 '

chamber

66

stator

68, 68 '

stator

70

ring part

72

slot

74

bypass line

76

partial flow

78

spacer

80, 80 '

surfaces

Claims (15)

Apparatus for homogenizing and / or dispersing flowable products, in particular emulsions or dispersions
at least one container (2, 2 ', 2 ", 2'") for receiving a product, and
a pumping and / or mixing device (6, 6 ', 6 ", 6"') for conveying, homogenizing and / or dispersing flowable products, with
a rotatably mounted about a first axis of rotation first rotor element (32, 32 ', 32 "), which is drivable by means of a drive device (20), and
a second rotor element (34, 34 ', 34 ") rotatably mounted about a second axis of rotation and which is drivable by means of a drive device (22),
wherein the first rotor element (32, 32 ', 32 ") and the second rotor element (34, 34', 34") have an axial offset with respect to their axes of rotation,
characterized,
that the pumping and / or mixing device (6, 6 ') in a portion of one of the container (2, 2' connected) circulation line (28) is arranged,
wherein the rotor elements (32, 34) in a housing (30) are accommodated, wherein the housing (30) has an inlet opening (25) for flowing the product into the interior of the housing and an outlet opening (26) for discharging the product from the interior and in which the housing (30) has a feed line (60) or feed opening (60 ') for a substance to be introduced into the product and / or additionally a discharge opening of a bypass line (74) in a preferably cylindrical wall section (61) bounding the inner space which is preferably arranged in the axial direction adjacent to the first rotor element (32) or axially between the first and second rotor element (32, 34) is / are. Device according to the preamble of claim 1,
characterized in that the pumping and / or mixing device (6 ", 6 '") is arranged in the inner region of the container above the container bottom (12), wherein the offset between the rotor elements (32 ", 34") designed as mixing parts selected such in that a shearing gap (47) extending in one plane is formed. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that the axes of rotation of the first and second rotor elements (32, 32 ', 32 ", 34, 34', 34") are substantially parallel to each other, preferably are coaxially arranged, wherein preferably the first rotor element (32, 32 ', 32 ") with a first drive shaft (36) and the second rotor element (34, 34', 34") are coupled to a second drive shaft (38) which by means of various drive means (20, 22) are drivable, wherein preferably one of the drive shafts (38) is designed as a hollow shaft. Device according to at least one of claims 1 to 3,
characterized in that the axial offset between the first and second rotor element (32, 32 ', 32 ", 34, 34', 34") is variable. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the first rotor element (32, 32 ', 32 ") as the axial pumping wheel and / or the second rotor element (34, 34', 34") is designed as a radial pumping wheel. Device according to at least one of the claims,
characterized in that the first rotor element (32, 32 ') has a plurality of substantially radially to the axis of rotation projecting conveyor blades (40, 40') which are adapted, preferably a first conveying movement of the product in the direction of the second rotor element (34, 34 ' ) and / or
in that the second rotor element (34, 34 ') preferably has a plurality of conveying blades (42, 42') which are adapted to effect a second conveying movement of the product to the outside with a radial component of movement. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that associated with the second rotor element (34, 34 ') is a stator (66) having a plurality of stator elements (68, 68) through which the product moves during the second conveying movement produced by the second rotor element (34, 34') passes. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the interior of the housing (30) in the conveying direction between the first rotor element (32) and the second rotor element (34) has a flow area with a decreasing flow cross-section. Device according to at least one of claims 2 to 4,
characterized in that the first and second rotor elements (32 ", 34") designed as a mixing part each have two or more mixing vanes (44, 44 ', 46, 46'). Device according to claim 2,
characterized in that the shearing gap (47) has a gap width which lies in the range of about 2 to 25 mm. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the first and second rotor element (32 ", 34") each have two or more substantially radially to the axis of rotation extending mixing vanes (44, 44 '). Device according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the first rotor element (32 '') additionally has a plurality of inclined blades (46, 46 ') inclined at an angle to its axis of rotation, wherein preferably the inclined blades extend in a plane at a distance above the mixing blade (44, 44) defining the shear gap. 44 ') of first and second rotor element (32 ", 34") are arranged. Device according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the mixing vanes (44, 44 ') and the stirring vanes (46, 46') of the first and second rotor element (32 ", 34") are preferably designed as rod elements with a polygonal cross section, these preferably having a trapezoidal cross section , Device according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the pumping and / or mixing device (6 ') is arranged in a section of the circulation line (28) which is directly associated with an outlet opening (24) of the container (2') formed in the container bottom (12). Device according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that within the container (2 '"), a rotating agitator (48, 48') with a plurality of relatively movable agitator parts (50, 52, 52 ', 56, 56') is arranged.

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