EP3334519B1 - Device and method for dispersing at least one substance in a fluid - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for dispersing at least one substance in a fluid.

State of the art

The invention relates to a device for dispersing a substance in a fluid, in particular in a suitable liquid.

Dispersion is understood to mean the mixing of at least two substances that do not or hardly dissolve in one another or that combine chemically with one another. When dispersing, one substance (disperse phase) is divided into another substance (continuous phase), creating an emulsion or a suspension. In the case of an emulsion, the disperse phase is also liquid, while in the case of a suspension solid particles are finely distributed in a liquid.

Many devices for dispersing are based on the so-called rotor-stator principle. A rotor is moved at a high peripheral speed. This rotation causes a suction that sucks the medium into the rotor and presses it out through the openings, teeth or the like of the stator, whereby the disperse phase is dispersed in the continuous phase.

DE 4118870 A1 describes a device for wetting and dispersing powders in liquids. In the case of low concentrations, the powder substances are entered in a single pass. At high concentrations, work is carried out in circulation until the final concentration is reached. This device uses a classic rotor-stator system that is subject to high wear. In addition, the built-in stator creates a flow resistance that limits the pumping action of the device.

DE 3002429 C2 discloses a device for mixing at least one substance with a liquid. The substances to be mixed in are introduced into a pipe surrounding the rotor shaft via lateral connecting pipes. The liquid enters an annular space between the stator and the tube surrounding the rotor shaft at the open-top end of the stator, reaches the blades of the rotor and then exits again at the lower open end of the stator. The substances to be dispersed are introduced through the connecting pipes below the level of the liquid. It is possible to mix the substances to be mixed in below the liquid level in such a way that they do not come into contact with the surrounding atmosphere before mixing. According to the description, grinding media can also be used in the first process area in this machine. However, this leads to a flow resistance which negatively affects the pumping effect. The use of grinding media inside the machine also leads to increased wear, in particular on the cutting device.

The EP2676725 describes a device for mixing, in particular for dispersing. This comprises a housing, a separating device and a rotor unit. The separating device divides the housing into a first process area and a second process area. A first section of the rotor unit is arranged in the first process area and a second section of the rotor unit is arranged in the second process area. The materials to be mixed are fed to the first process area at a distance from the rotor unit. As a result, there is a risk of the powder feed being contaminated by liquid or a liquid-powder mixture.

The DE2004143 discloses an apparatus for the production of emulsions and suspensions in the form of a centrifugal homogenizer. This uses a rotor-stator system in a multi-row design. A multi-part structure usually means increased maintenance costs. In addition, more parts can wear out and have to be replaced accordingly, which leads to increased costs. The powder intake pipe and the pipe that feeds the liquid each end at the end face of the rotor, whereby the gap between the mouth of the inlet pipes and the rotor can be adjusted and thus changed.

The US 2006/0268657 A1 describes an apparatus and a method for mixing a solid with a liquid. A rotor is provided in the housing, which is composed of several rotor sections. The first rotor section faces a pulse conveying device and is arranged in the solids supply space. The first rotor section comprises a pretreatment head for the coarse comminution of the powder agglomerates fed in. The second rotor section has a plurality of atomizing knives extending perpendicularly to the rotor axis A for fine atomizing of the previously comminuted powder agglomerates. The third rotor section comprises a plurality of conveyor webs. Liquid is introduced into the acceleration chamber via a supply line and a tangentially arranged inlet nozzle, which liquid is set in a rotary movement in the acceleration chamber and accelerated to a predetermined speed. In the acceleration space, the liquid flows at a constant rotational speed into the mixing space, where it is mixed with the solid particles. The powder particles are transported by the centrifugal movement resulting from the rotary movement in the direction of the liquid layer flowing along the housing wall.

The NL 39146 C describes a method and an apparatus for producing fire-fighting foam. A liquid ring pump with an eccentric is disclosed here. A centrifugal pump is provided in front of the liquid ring pump in order to draw in extinguishing water from a storage tank. An impeller with radially directed paddles is arranged in the housing. The foam-forming liquid is fed into the interior of the housing via the feed line and water is introduced into the interior of the housing via the nozzle, from where it is conveyed radially by means of the impeller.

The U.S. 3,503,846 A discloses an apparatus for treating pulp pastes with oxidizing reagents. An impeller is provided inside the housing of the device. The impeller is sunk upwards and connects to a tapered, pointed part. The pointed part comprises a large number of spiral blades, which ensure that the high-consistency material sinks evenly into the chamber of the rotor and that the pressed paste masses and agglomerates are roughly broken up for the first time. The rotor includes a plurality of centrifugal blades as well on the recessed part Ledges. Additional blades are provided on the outer edge of the disk, which complete the centrifugal effect of the air volume flow and the particles in suspension in it when it passes through the outlet. The mouths of the inlet passages for the reagents and steam are arranged and oriented in such a way that the supplied reagents and vapors are supplied directly to the action of the centrifugal blades.

The U.S. 3,606,270 A discloses a power mixer for continuously mixing powders or other particulate materials with a liquid. The power mixer includes a housing with an impeller having curved impeller blades. The housing further comprises an axial inlet extension with an adjoining tube. A feed tube for particulate material is provided in the tube. Liquid inlets are also provided. The liquid and material can then be mixed by means of the impeller in a mixing zone a. Rotation of the impeller moves the mixed material towards the outlet pipes.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved device for dispersing at least one substance in a fluid, in particular a device for dispersing at least one powdery substance in a liquid. The device should preferably be designed to be more compact and thus more space-saving than devices known from the prior art, and the device should also be of a technically simple design and thus be inexpensive to manufacture and require little maintenance.

The above object is achieved by an apparatus and a method for dispersing a substance in a fluid which comprise the features in claims 1 and 11. Further advantageous refinements are described by the subclaims.

description

The invention relates to a device for dispersing at least one substance in a fluid. Such a device comprises a process housing with a rotor, a fluid feed, a feed line for the at least one dispersing substance with at least one outlet opening and a product outlet. The rotor is operated, for example, via an electric motor drive which is arranged outside the process housing. In particular, the rotor is arranged on a drive shaft which, for example, is guided through one of the housing walls of the process housing with a mechanical seal and sealed and is rotatably mounted by means of a bearing.

The rotor is designed in such a way that an axial conveyance of a supplied fluid can be generated with the rotor at least in some areas. Furthermore, a radial conveyance of the supplied fluid can be generated with the rotor at least in some areas.

The rotor preferably comprises at least one first means for generating the at least regionally axial conveyance and at least one second means for generating the at least regionally radial conveying of the supplied fluid.

According to one embodiment of the invention it is provided that the areas of axial conveyance and radial conveyance do not overlap, that is, a first area is provided in which predominantly or completely axial conveyance takes place and a second area is provided in the predominantly or completely radial funding takes place. If necessary, an intermediate area can exist in which both axial and radial conveyance takes place. Embodiments are therefore also conceivable in which the areas of the axial and radial conveyance at least partially overlap.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the supplied fluid is predominantly conveyed axially in a first region. Furthermore, a slight radial conveyance already takes place in this first area, which turns into a completely radial conveyance of the fluid in the direction of the product outlet of the device.

In order to prevent fluid from getting into or to the at least one outlet opening, a preferred embodiment provides that the feed line for the substance to be dispersed is at least partially enclosed by the rotor. In particular, the at least one outlet opening of the supply line is assigned to a region of the rotor in which the fluid is predominantly conveyed axially.

In order to achieve this, the rotor preferably has guide structures that generate the axial conveying effect of the rotor. The guide structures are designed in particular in such a way that, on the one hand, they represent the at least one first means for generating the at least regionally axial conveyance and, on the other hand, they form the at least one second means for generating the at least regionally radial conveyance.

Furthermore, the rotor has a widening cross section, in particular the cross section of the rotor widens on the drive side, that is, in the direction of the rotor side facing away from the feed line for the substance to be dispersed. As a result of this widening of the rotor cross-section in the direction of the product outlet, in particular in combination with the guide structures of the rotor, the axial conveyance of the fluid in the area of the at least one outlet opening changes into a radial conveying effect as the rotor cross-section increases. Furthermore causes The rotation of the rotor generated by the drive means that the fluid is set into rotation.

The guide structures are formed on the side of the rotor facing the feed line for the substance to be dispersed. The rotor has a massive rotor core, the cross section of which - as already described - widens at least in some areas in the direction of the product outlet. At least one of the guide structures is extended beyond a solid core of the rotor in the axial direction in the direction of the feed line for the substance to be dispersed. A plurality of guide structures is preferably extended beyond a solid core of the rotor in the axial direction in the direction of the feed line for the substance to be dispersed. According to the invention it is provided that the at least one outlet opening of the feed line for the substance to be dispersed is at least partially enclosed by the at least one elongated guide structure, so that the substance to be dispersed is released from the feed line within structural elements of the rotor.

According to one embodiment, it is provided that the number of elongated conductive structures is variable in relation to the number of total conductive structures. For example, a rotor can have such a high density of conductive structures that it is sufficient for the functionality of the conductive structures if only every second conductive structure has an extension beyond the rotor core.

The feed line for the substance to be dispersed is in particular arranged in such a way that the at least one outlet opening for the substance to be dispersed is at least partially enclosed by the elongated guide structures outside the solid rotor core. As a result of the centrifugal forces occurring during the rotation of the rotor and acting on the fluid and / or the substance exiting via the at least one outlet opening, the fluid is effectively kept away from the at least one outlet opening of the feed line for the substance to be dispersed, so that the to dispersing substance can be effectively prevented in or on the at least one outlet opening of the feed line for the substance to be dispersed.

According to the invention, the rotor has a plurality of guide structures which are formed in the area of the rotor surface. It is It is conceivable to extend only one guide structure beyond the rotor core and to design the extension in such a way that it at least partially or largely all-encompasses the outlet opening for the substance to be dispersed. For example, the extension of one conductive structure could be guided helically around the longitudinal axis of the feed line for the substance to be dispersed.

In the area of their extension beyond the solid rotor core in the middle area of the rotor, that is, in the area of the axis of rotation of the rotor, the guide structures are designed as a receptacle for the feed line for the substance to be dispersed. In particular, the guide structures have a central recess in the area of their extension, which is designed to correspond to the feed line for the substance to be dispersed.

According to a preferred embodiment, the guide structures are aligned coaxially to the axis of rotation of the rotor in the area of their extension beyond the solid rotor core. The extension of the guide structures in particular forms the first means for generating the at least regionally axial conveyance. Furthermore, the guide structures in the area of the massive rotor core are curved. The curved sub-area of the guide structures in particular forms the second means for generating the at least regionally radial conveyance. The curvature of the guide structures results in a high outlet pressure and a good conveying effect. In particular, the curved guide structures support the radial conveyance when the rotor rotates.

The elongated guide structures have the effect that an axial conveyance of the fluid towards the massive rotor core or in the direction of the product outlet is achieved already in the area of the at least one outlet opening, although it is arranged outside the solid rotor core. The rotation of the rotor also has centrifugal forces that prevent fluid from getting inside. In particular, the centrifugal forces prevent fluid from being able to penetrate into the receiving area between the elongated guide structures in which the at least one outlet opening is arranged.

According to one embodiment of the invention it is provided that the feed line for the substance to be dispersed has a first longitudinal axis. In particular, the feed line for the substance to be dispersed is a pipe with a formed first longitudinal axis. The rotor is mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation, for example the axis of rotation is formed by the drive shaft. According to one embodiment, the longitudinal axis of the feed line for the substance to be dispersed and the axis of rotation of the rotor can preferably be aligned coaxially or parallel to one another. According to one embodiment, the outlet opening of the feed line for the substance to be dispersed can be arranged in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the feed line for the substance to be dispersed and the axis of rotation of the rotor.

According to a further embodiment it is provided that the feed line for the substance to be dispersed is arranged at an angle to the axis of rotation of the rotor. In this embodiment too, the feed line for the substance to be dispersed ends in the center of the rotor. In particular, the feed line for the substance to be dispersed, which is angled to the rotor axis of rotation, is also arranged in this embodiment in such a way that the at least one outlet opening of the feed line for the substance to be dispersed is at least partially enclosed by the elongated guide structures outside the solid rotor core. This prevents fluid from entering the feed line for the substance to be dispersed. Instead, the fluid is diverted to the outside via the centrifugal forces that occur due to the rotation of the rotor, directly via the guide structures of the rotor.

Due to the angled entry of the feed line for the substance to be dispersed into the rotor, the recess formed by the elongated guide structures must be open. This leads to the fact that in the lower area there is a greater distance between the outlet opening of the feed line for the substance to be dispersed and the rotor, while in the upper area the desired small distance between the outlet opening of the feed line and the elongated guide structures of the rotor results. The lower, increased distance is not a problem, however, since the fluid does not tend to flow into the supply line from below.

An essential advantage of this further embodiment with an angled arrangement of the supply line is that the fluid does not enter the supply line for the closed, especially when the device is switched off dispersing substance can flow in. Thus, even when the device is in the idle state, it is reliably ensured that no fluid gets into the feed line and thus no substance to be dispersed can stick inside the feed line. Furthermore, it can be provided that the fluid supply is arranged largely orthogonally to the supply line for the substance to be dispersed. For example, the fluid supply can have a second longitudinal axis. In particular, the fluid supply is designed as a tube with a second longitudinal axis. The fluid feed is arranged on the process housing at a distance from the rotor, in particular on the side of the feed line for the substance to be dispersed, so that the filled fluid flows around the feed line for the substance to be dispersed at least in some areas.

According to a further embodiment, provision is made for the fluid supply to be arranged largely at an angle to the supply line for the substance to be dispersed, in particular at an angle between 0 degrees and 90 degrees.

The fluid is directed outwards from the center of the rotor via the guide structures of the rotor and due to the centrifugal forces that occur when the rotor rotates, so that the fluid cannot reach the central area in which the at least one outlet opening of the feed line for the to dispersing substance is arranged. In particular, the fluid thus does not enter the area of the axis of rotation of the rotor.

According to one embodiment of the invention it is provided that the feed line for the substance to be dispersed can be adjusted axially, in particular the feed line for the substance to be dispersed can be moved axially and / or parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor relative to the process housing along its longitudinal axis. As a result, the immersion depth of an end area of the feed line for the substance to be dispersed into the elongated guide structures of the rotor and thus the distance between the at least the end area of the feed line for the substance to be dispersed and the solid core of the rotor, which includes the at least one outlet opening, and the solid core of the rotor can added substance can be changed.

A radial distance is preferably formed between the elongated guide structures of the rotor and the feed line for the substance to be dispersed. The

Distance is necessary so that the substance can emerge from the at least one outlet opening and pass through between the guide structures into the fluid. There is preferably a distance of approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 10 mm in the radial direction between the elongated guide structures of the rotor and the feed line for the substance to be dispersed. Furthermore, it is provided that a gap is formed between the feed line for the substance to be dispersed and the rotor in the axial direction through which the substance passes radially into the fluid.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the rotor has a plurality of guide structures, only some of the guide structures having axial extensions as first means for generating the at least regionally axial conveyance. For example, the rotor has an even number of guide structures, only every second guide structure being extended axially beyond the solid rotor core. This can be particularly useful when there is a high density of conductive structures on the rotor core. In particular, this prevents the extensions from forming such a tight ring around the axis of rotation that a passage of the substance from the supply line into the fluid could be hindered.

The feed line for the substance to be dispersed can have an increased diameter in the region of the at least one outlet opening, for example in the form of a crank, which serves as an additional deflecting element. This also ensures that no fluid can get into and / or to the at least one outlet opening of the feed line.

The at least one outlet opening does not have to be designed as an open end of the feed line for the substance to be dispersed. According to one embodiment of the invention, the feed line for the substance to be dispersed is formed by a tube, the end of which is closed in the direction of the solid rotor core between the guide structures and which has a plurality of lateral openings in this end area as outlet openings for the substance in the radial direction .

The substance is also conveyed outwards by the centrifugal forces, that is, in the direction of the outer rotor edge. In doing so, the substance is in the fluid dispersed. This takes place in particular on the outer edge area of the rotor in an interspace between the rotating rotor and the static process housing.

According to a further embodiment it can be provided that the inner diameter of the feed line for the substance to be dispersed is variable and can thus be adapted to the requirements of the feed line for the substance to be dispersed. In particular, the delivery rate and the flow rate can be adjusted. For example, it can be provided that format parts reducing the cross section can be pushed into the feed line for the substance to be dispersed in order to vary the diameter and thus the cross-sectional area of the feed line for the substance to be dispersed. The variable setting takes place, for example, by using additional inner tubes with smaller diameters for the powder feed tube. The inner tubes can for example consist of PTFE or another suitable plastic. Alternatively, the rotor and feed tube are exchanged, whereby, for example, several different sizes of rotor and powder feed tube can be available for selection as format parts.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first longitudinal axis of the feed line for the substance to be dispersed is oriented horizontally and the second longitudinal axis of the fluid feed is arranged vertically. In particular, it can be provided that the fluid is supplied from above.

The fluid enters the process housing via the fluid supply and is captured by the rotor, which accelerates the fluid in the axial and radial directions. This creates a pumping action which pumps the fluid through the product outlet into a container. The high pumping effect creates a negative pressure in the process housing. As soon as the feed line for the substance to be dispersed is opened, suction is created due to the negative pressure in the process housing. As a result, the substance is sucked through the feed line for the substance to be dispersed. The substance exits via the at least one outlet opening arranged between the elongated guide structures and merges radially into the fluid. The resulting dispersion or suspension is discharged by the rotor from the process housing via the product outlet. Due to the narrow gap between the conductive structures and the feed line for the substance to be dispersed the fluid is prevented by centrifugal forces from flowing into the feed line for the substance to be dispersed.

Alternatively, the substance to be dispersed can also be fed in gravimetrically. In this case, the feed line for the substance to be dispersed is positioned vertically or at an angle less than or equal to 70 ° to the vertical.

The invention further relates to a method for dispersing at least one substance in a fluid, in particular in a liquid, by means of a device comprising a process housing with rotor, a fluid supply, a feed line for the at least one substance to be dispersed with an outlet opening, and a product outlet . The rotor brings about an axial conveyance of a supplied fluid, at least in some areas. Furthermore, the rotor brings about a radial conveyance of the supplied fluid, at least in some areas.

As an alternative or in addition to the features described, the method can comprise one or more features and / or properties of the device described above.

The device and the method are suitable for dispersing a substance in a fluid, in particular in a liquid. In particular, with the device according to the invention and / or the method according to the invention, it is possible to wet and / or disperse a powdery solid largely without the aid of mechanical forces such as those generated, for example, by a classic rotor-stator system or by the use of grinding media . Instead of mechanical forces, physical effects are used in the device or in the process, for example pressure differences and the associated expansion and compression of air contained in the powder.

The device is more compact than conventionally known devices. Since the device has a technically simpler structure than known devices, it can be produced more cost-effectively. The technically simplified structure facilitates cleaning and maintenance of the device. The simplified cleaning makes the device particularly interesting for small and medium-sized product batches and frequent product changes.

The device does not use a classic rotor-stator principle to disperse the substance to be dispersed in a fluid. In particular, this means that the product does not have to be pumped through a stator. A lower shear of the product is advantageous here. Furthermore, the device and the method are distinguished by a lower energy input, as a result of which the temperature rise is also lower than in the case of conventionally known devices. Furthermore, the device is less prone to failure and / or less prone to wear. In particular, the device is less sensitive to foreign bodies contained in the powdery substance to be dispersed or in the fluid.

Figure description

• Figur 1 zeigt einen schematischen Querschnitt einer erfindungsgemäßen Dispersionsvorrichtung.
• Figur 2 zeigt eine perspektivische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Dispersionsvorrichtung.
• Figur 3 zeigt eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Prozessgehäuses einer Dispersionsvorrichtung.
• Figur 4 zeigt eine schematische Schnittdarstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines Prozessgehäuses in seitlicher Darstellung.
• Figur 5 zeigt eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Rotors mit Lagerung.
• Figur 6 zeigt eine Draufsicht auf den Rotor mit Lagerung.
• Figur 7 stellt einen ersten Arbeitsmodus dar.
• Figur 8 stellt einen zweiten Arbeitsmodus dar.
• Figur 9 zeigt eine seitliche Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Dispersionsvorrichtung.
• Figur 10 zeigt eine Schnittdarstellung durch eine seitliche Darstellung einer Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Dispersionsvorrichtung gemäß Figur 9.
• Figur 11 zeigt eine schematische Schnittdarstellung der Prozessgehäuses der Ausführungsform gemäß Figur 9.
• Figur 12 zeigt einen Detailausschnitt aus Figur 11.
• Figur 13 zeigt eine perspektivische Darstellung der Prozessgehäuses der Dispersionsvorrichtung gemäß Figur 9.
• Figur 14 zeigt eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Rotors mit Lagerung der Ausführungsform gemäß Figur 9.

In the following, exemplary embodiments are intended to explain the invention and its advantages in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The proportions of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the real proportions, since some forms are simplified and other forms are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

• Figure 1 shows a schematic cross section of a dispersion device according to the invention.
• Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a dispersion device according to the invention.
• Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a process housing of a dispersion device.
• Figure 4 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a further embodiment of a process housing in a lateral illustration.
• Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a rotor with a bearing.
• Figure 6 shows a plan view of the rotor with storage.
• Figure 7 represents a first working mode.
• Figure 8 represents a second working mode.
• Figure 9 shows a side view of a further embodiment of a dispersion device according to the invention.
• Figure 10 shows a sectional view through a side view of an embodiment of a dispersion device according to the invention according to FIG Figure 9 .
• Figure 11 FIG. 11 shows a schematic sectional illustration of the process housing of the embodiment according to FIG Figure 9 .
• Figure 12 shows a detail from Figure 11 .
• Figure 13 FIG. 11 shows a perspective illustration of the process housing of the dispersion device according to FIG Figure 9 .
• Figure 14 FIG. 11 shows a perspective illustration of a rotor with a mounting of the embodiment according to FIG Figure 9 .

Identical reference symbols are used for identical or identically acting elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments merely represent examples of how the device according to the invention or the method according to the invention can be designed and do not represent a final limitation.

Figure 1 shows a schematic cross section of a dispersion device 1 and 1 according to the invention Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a dispersion device 1 according to the invention. The dispersion device 1 is used in particular to disperse a powdery substance P in a fluid F, in particular a liquid, and to produce a dispersion D in the process. The dispersion device 1 comprises a drive motor (not shown), a bearing 9 in which the drive shaft 2 is mounted and a coupling lantern with an internal shaft coupling and drive motor (not shown) for power transmission from the motor shaft to the drive shaft 2. The drive shaft 2 is used for the drive of the rotor 3. Furthermore, the dispersion device 1 comprises a rotating bearing of the drive shaft 2, which is guided through a mechanical seal 4 into a process housing 5.

A rotor 3 and a product outlet 8 for discharging the product, in particular the dispersion D, are arranged in the process housing 5 in which the dispersion takes place. The process housing 5 is also assigned a supply line for the powdery substance P to be dispersed, in particular a powder supply 6 for supplying powder P, and also a fluid supply 7 for supplying fluid F (cf. Figure 2 ).

Figure 3 shows a perspective view and Figure 4 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a process housing 5 with powder feed 6, fluid feed 7 and product outlet 8. Figures 5 and 6 show different representations of an embodiment of the rotor 3.

The rotor 3 is rotatable about an axis of rotation R and has a solid rotor core 10. The rotor 3 has a cross-sectional area Q which increases at least in regions towards the drive side. In other words, the cross-sectional area Q of the rotor 3 decreases in the direction of the powder supply 6. In particular, the rotor 3 has a first cross-sectional area Q1 in an area adjacent to the powder supply 6, which is smaller than a second cross-sectional area Q2 in an area of the rotor 3 close to the drive (compare in particular Figure 4 ).

Guide structures 11 are arranged on the rotor core 10, which guide the fluid F or the powder P in a directional manner. Each guide structure 11 essentially comprises two sub-areas 12, 13, the first sub-area 12 being arranged and attached to the solid rotor core 10 and the second sub-area 13 representing an axial extension 14 of the guide structure 11 beyond the solid rotor core 10. In particular, the guide structures 11 are inclined in the axial direction in the area of the extensions 14 so that they convey in particular axially. In contrast, the guide structures 11 in the first sub-area 12 are additionally curved backwards in order to achieve a high outlet pressure and a good conveying effect.

The extensions 14 of the guide structures 11 are cut out in the area of the axis of rotation R of the rotor 3 and form an axial opening 15. This opening 15 serves in particular as a receptacle 16 for an end area 20 of the powder feed 6 (cf. Figures 1 and 4th ). In particular, within the receptacle 16, the at least one powder outlet opening 21 of the powder feed 6 is enclosed by the guide structures 11 of the rotor 3 (cf. Figures 1 and 4th ). At Rotation of the rotor 3 about the axis of rotation R generates centrifugal forces which lead to the fluid F being conducted to the outside and thus being kept away from the powder outlet opening 21. Thus, penetration of the fluid F into the powder feeder 6 can be effectively prevented.

In particular, the immersion area EB (compare Figures 1 and 4th ), in which the powder feed 6 dips at least in some areas into the rotor 3, in particular the dipping area EB, in which the powder feed 6 dips into the extensions 14 of the guide structures of the rotor 3, thus also the exit area AB, in which the powder P from the at least a powder outlet opening 21 of the powder feed 6 exits and in particular passes over into the fluid F.

The rotor 3 is preferably shaped in such a way that an axial conveying effect of the fluid F in the direction of the solid rotor core 10 or in the direction of the product outlet 8 is achieved already in the area around the end area 20 of the powder feed 6. As the diameter of the rotor 3 increases, that is, as the cross-sectional area Q of the rotor 3 increases in the direction of the product outlet 8, this axial conveyance changes into a radial conveying effect, up to an area in which the fluid F is only conveyed radially. In addition to the axial or radial conveying effect, the fluid F is set in rotation by the rotation of the rotor 3 about the axis of rotation R.

The powder feed 6 can be closed in the end region 20 and have lateral openings as powder outlet openings 21, via which the powder preferably emerges from the powder feed 6 in the radial direction.

It can be provided that the powder feed 6 can be axially displaced along a longitudinal axis L6. The longitudinal axis L6 can preferably be aligned coaxially or parallel to the axis of rotation R of the rotor 2. Via the axial displacement of the powder feed 6, in particular the depth that the end region 20 of the powder feed 6 dips into the extensions 14 of the guide structures 11 can be set. In the radial direction, a spacing is formed between the extensions 14 of the guide structures 11 and the powder feed 6. This distance ensures, in particular, an undisturbed rotation of the rotor 3 around the powder feed 6 and furthermore enables the unimpeded exit of the powder P from the at least one powder outlet opening 21. The radial distance between the extensions 14 of the guide structures 11 and the powder feed 6 is preferably between 0.1 mm and 10 mm. It is clear to a person skilled in the art that the spacing is especially tailored to the size of the overall device or to the substances and / or products to be processed.

Furthermore, there is a gap S in the axial direction between the powder supply 6 and the solid rotor core 10, through which the powder P supplied via the powder supply 6 passes radially into the fluid F.

A distance A between rotor 3 and process housing 5 (compare Figures 1 and 4th ) is between 0.1 mm and 10 mm. The smaller the distance A, the higher the shear forces act within the fluid F, which can promote the dispersing effect.

The powder feed 6 can have an enlarged outer diameter in the end region 20, in particular in the region of the at least one powder outlet opening 21. The increased diameter serves as an additional deflecting element which additionally prevents fluid F from penetrating into the area of the powder outlet opening 21.

The supply of the fluid F, the powder P or a product suspension or dispersion D takes place via relatively large pipe cross-sections of the powder supply 6 and fluid supply 7. This in particular keeps flow resistances low and products up to medium viscosities can be processed without a pump. If, for example, a product is passed through in the circuit in order to add powder P successively until the desired final concentration is reached, then the addition of the product already containing powder usually takes place via the feed line of the fluid feed 7.

In order to be able to optimally process products with different viscosities, a valve or the like can be installed at the product inlet of the fluid feed 7 to throttle the flow for products with low viscosities (not shown).

In the case of the dispersion device 1 according to the invention, the supply of fluid F can take place as a function of the respective fluid F or circulating dispersion product D with or without a pump.

The fluid F enters the process housing 5 in the product inlet of the fluid supply 7, is captured by the rotating rotor 3 and accelerated in the axial and radial directions. This creates a pumping action which pumps the fluid F through the product outlet 8 back into a container (not shown). This creates a negative pressure in the process housing 5. As soon as the powder feed 6, which is usually regulated by a valve (not shown), is opened, suction occurs in the process housing 5 due to the negative pressure. The powder P is sucked in in the direction of the rotor 3. The powder P emerges from the powder feed 6 via the at least one powder outlet opening 21 and merges radially into the fluid F. The resulting dispersion D is discharged by the rotor 3 from the process housing 5 via the product outlet 8. The narrow gap between the conductive structures 11 and the powder feed 6 prevents the fluid from flowing into the powder feed 6 by means of centrifugal forces.

The valves on the fluid feed 7 or on the powder feed 6 are provided in particular to either open the feed completely or to close it completely in order to prevent the dispersion device 1 from flooding.

The dispersion device 1 according to the invention can be used without additional machines. All that is required is a product or batch container (not shown) and a suitable powder feed system (not shown). Conventionally known systems are suitable as the powder feed system, for example a suction lance, a bag feed station, a BigBag feed station, a silo, etc. With the dispersion device 1, powder P can be sucked in and finely dispersed in fluids F, in particular in liquids.

Figure 7 represents a first working mode AM1 and Figure 8 shows a second working mode AM2. In the first working mode AM1 according to FIG Figure 7 the powder feed 6 is open. In particular, a valve (not shown) regulating the powder feed 6 is open. In this first working mode AM1, the fluid F or the dispersion product D consisting of powder P dispersed in the fluid F circulates between a product or batch container and the dispersion device 1 (in Figures 7 and 8 only the process housing 5 with the supply and discharge lines 6, 7, 8 is shown in each case, with powder P being continuously supplied, in particular sucked in, via the powder supply 6. The powder can be fed in via a funnel, a BigBag station, a silo, a suction lance or the like, for example.

In a second working mode AM2 according to Figure 8 the powder supply 6 is closed by means of a valve (not shown). Instead, the dispersion product D circulates continuously between the product or batch container and the process housing 5 of the dispersion device 1. A strong negative pressure arises in the process housing 5, which leads to (micro) cavitation within the dispersion D. Furthermore, the dispersion product D, that is to say the powder P dispersed in the fluid F, is subjected to a shear effect between the conductive structures 11 and the process housing 5 (cf. Figures 1 and 4th ). In order to achieve a higher pressure and a longer residence time of the dispersion product D or the powder P dispersed in the fluid F in the process housing 5, a further valve (not shown) can be arranged at the product outlet 8 or the product flow is throttled with a corresponding pipeline. These measures or effects have a positive effect on the dispersion quality.

Figure 9 shows a side view of a further embodiment of a dispersion device 1 according to the invention. Figure 10 shows a sectional illustration through the dispersion device 1 according to FIG Figure 9 . Figure 11 shows a schematic sectional view and Figure 13 FIG. 13 shows a perspective illustration of the process housing of the embodiment according to FIG Figure 9 . Figure 12 provides a detail section Figure 11 dar and Figure 14 FIG. 11 shows a perspective illustration of a rotor with mounting of the embodiment of the dispersion device 1 according to FIG Figure 9 . Identical components are provided with the same reference numbers as in Figures 1 to 8 , to the description of which reference is hereby made.

The dispersion device 1 comprises a drive motor (not shown), a bearing 9 in which the drive shaft 2 is mounted and a coupling lantern with an internal shaft coupling. The dispersion device 1 further comprises a drive motor (not shown) for transmitting power from the motor shaft to the drive shaft 2, which is used to drive the rotor 3. There is also a rotating one Support of the drive shaft 2 is provided, which is guided through a mechanical seal 4 into a process housing 5. In the process housing 5, in which a powdery substance P is dispersed in a fluid F, a rotor 3 and a product outlet 8 for discharging the product, in particular the dispersion D, are arranged. The process housing 5 is also assigned a supply line for the powdery substance P to be dispersed, in particular a powder supply 6 *, and also a fluid supply 7 * for supplying fluid F.

In contrast to the one in the Figures 1 to 8 The embodiment shown is in the Figures 9 to 14 The illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal axis L6 * of the powder feed 6 * is arranged at an angle α to the axis of rotation R of the rotor 3. In particular, the powdery substance P is thus fed to the rotor 3 obliquely from above to below. The powder feed 6 * ends analogously to the powder feed 6 according to FIG Figures 1 and 4th in the center of the rotor 3, in particular, the end region 20 of the powder feed 6 * with the powder outlet opening 21 dips between the axial extensions 14 * of the guide structures 11 of the rotor 3. Analogous to those related to the Figures 5 and 6 The guide structures 11 described in detail, the extensions 14 * of the guide structures 11 are also cut out in the area of the axis of rotation R of the rotor 3 and form an axial opening 15 *. This opening 15 * serves in particular as a receptacle 16 * for an end region 20 of the powder feed 6 * (compare in particular Figures 12 and 14th ). In particular, the at least one powder outlet opening 21 of the powder feed 6 * is enclosed within the receptacle 16 * by the extensions 14 * of the guide structures 11 of the rotor 3 (cf. Figure 10 to 12 ). When the rotor 3 rotates about the axis of rotation R, centrifugal forces arise which lead to the fluid F being diverted to the outside and thus kept away from the powder outlet opening 21. Thus, the penetration of fluid F into the powder feeder 6 * can be effectively prevented.

In particular, the immersion area EB, in which the powder feed 6 * dips into the rotor 3 at least in some areas, in particular the immersion area EB, in which the powder feed 6 * dips into the extensions 14 * of the guide structures 11 of the rotor 3, thus also corresponds to the exit area AB, in which the powder P emerges from the at least one powder outlet opening 21 of the powder feed 6 * and in particular passes into the fluid F.

In this embodiment too, the powdery substance P is thus supplied in the center of the rotor 3, as in particular in the enlarged detailed illustration of FIG Figure 12 can be clearly seen. The rotor blades or guide structures 11 enclose the end region 20 of the powder feed 6 * and thereby effectively prevent fluid F from getting into the powder feed 6 *. The fluid F is centrifuged to the outside through the guide structures 11, in particular via the first partial area 12 of the guide structures 11. The special design of the powder feed 6 *, which dips into the rotor blades or guide structures 11, thus forms a dynamic barrier between the powdery substance P and the fluid F.

The end area 20 of the powder feed 6 * can be cut off in the entry area EB, in which it dips into the rotor 3, such that the end area 20 forms a surface perpendicular to the axis of rotation R of the rotor 3. Alternatively, the end region 20 can be cut off at any desired angle to the longitudinal axis L6 * of the powder feed 6 *.

The angle a at which the powder feed 6 * is arranged to the axis of rotation R of the rotor 3 can be between 0 ° and 90 °. The distance between the powder feed 6 * and the rotor 3 can be between 0.5 mm and 100 mm. The coverage of the rotor blades or the coverage of the extensions 14 * of the guide structures 11 beyond the powder feed 6 *, in particular the enclosure of the powder feed 6 * by the extensions 14 * of the guide structures 11, can preferably be between 1mm and 100mm.

Due to the angled entry of the powder feed 6 * into the axial opening 15 * or receptacle 16 * between the axial extensions 14 * of the guide structures 11, the recess between the extensions 14 *, which forms the opening 15 * or receptacle 16 *, is designed to be open in order to enable an unhindered rotation of the rotor 3 (cf. Figure 12 ). This results in a first distance A1 between the powder feed 6 * and the extensions 14 * in the lower region and a second distance A2 between the powder feed 6 * and the extensions 14 * in the upper region. The first distance A1 is greater than the second distance A2. The larger first distance A1 im However, the lower area is not a problem, since no fluid F flows into the powder feed 6 * from below.

This embodiment has proven to be particularly advantageous when the dispersion device 1 is at a standstill, when residual fluid may still be present in it. In the embodiment according to Figures 1 to 7 In exceptional cases, residual fluid can flow into the powder feed 6 in the idle state, which can then lead to the powdery substance P sticking inside the powder feed 6.

In an embodiment with one according to the Figures 9 to 14 The illustrated and described inlet geometry of the powder feed 6 * between the extensions 14 * of the guide structures 11 of the rotor 3, this residual risk is completely excluded. In this embodiment, even when the dispersion device 1 is switched off, there is no undesired flow of fluid F into the powder feed 6 *.

The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it is conceivable for a person skilled in the art that modifications or changes can be made to the invention without departing from the scope of protection of the claims below.

Reference list

1

Dispersing device

2

drive shaft

3

rotor

4th

Mechanical seal

5

Process housing

6th

Powder feed / supply line

7th

Fluid supply / supply line

8th

Product outlet / discharge

9

storage

10

Rotor core

11

Lead structure

12th

first part

13th

second sub-area

14th

axial extension

15th

opening

16

admission

20th

End area

21

Powder outlet

A.

distance

FROM

Exit area

AT THE

Working mode

D.

Dispersion / dispersion product

EB

Immersion area

F.

Fluid

L.

Longitudinal axis

P

powder

R.

Axis of rotation

S.

gap

Q

Cross sectional area

Claims (11)

1. A device (1) for dispersing at least one powdery substance (P) in a fluid (F), comprising a process housing (5) comprising a rotor (3) comprising a rotor surface, a fluid supply (7), a feed line (6) for the at least one powdery substance to be dispersed, comprising at least one outlet opening (21), as well as a product outlet (8), wherein an axial delivery of s supplied fluid (F) can be generated by the rotor (3) at least area by area, and wherein a radial delivery of the supplied fluid (F) can be generated by the rotor (3) at least area by area,
   wherein the rotor (3) has guide structures (11) for generating the axial delivery effect in the region of the rotor surface, and wherein a radial delivery effect can be generated by a widening of a rotor cross section (Q) and/or by a rotation of the rotor (3),
   wherein the guide structures (11) are formed on the side of the rotor (3) facing the feed line (6) for the substance to be dispersed, and wherein at least one of the guide structures (11) is extended beyond a solid core (10) of the rotor (3) axially in the direction of the feed line (6) for the powdery substance to be dispersed,
   characterized in that
   the at least one outlet opening (21) of the feed line (6) for the powdery substance to be dispersed is surrounded at least partially by the at least one extended guide structure (11) outside of the solid rotor core, wherein
   centrifugal forces , which result in that the fluid (F) is guided to the outside and is thus kept away from the powder outlet opening (21), can be generated in response to the rotation of the rotor (3) around the axis of rotation (R), wherein a penetration of fluid (F) into the powder supply (6) is effectively prevented.
2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the rotor (3) comprises at least one first means for generating the axial delivery at least area by area, and wherein the rotor (3) comprises at least one second means for generating the radial delivery at least area by area.
3. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the feed line (6) for the substance to be dispersed is at least partially surrounded by the rotor (3), and wherein the at least one outlet opening (21) is arranged in a region of the rotor (3), in which the fluid (F) can be delivered axially.
4. The device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the feed line (6) for the substance to be dispersed has a first longitudinal axis (L6), and wherein the rotor (3) is mounted rotatably around an axis of rotation (R), wherein the longitudinal axis (L6) of the feed line (6) for the substance to be dispersed and the axis of rotation (R) of the rotor (3) are aligned coaxially or parallel, and wherein an outlet opening (21) of the feed line (6) for the substance to be dispersed is aligned with the first longitudinal axis (L6) of the feed line (6) for the substance to be dispersed and the axis of rotation (R) of the rotor (3), or wherein the longitudinal axis (L6*) of the feed line (6*) for the substance to be dispersed and the axis of rotation (R) of the rotor (3) are arranged at a defined angle (a) to one another.
5. The device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid supply (7) is arranged largely orthogonally to the feed line (6) for the substance to be dispersed, or wherein the fluid supply (7) is arranged at an angle of between 0 degrees and 90 degrees to the feed line (6) for the substance to be dispersed.
6. The device (1) according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the fluid supply (7) has a second longitudinal axis, which is arranged orthogonally or at an angle to the first longitudinal axis (L6) of the feed line (6) for the substance to be dispersed, and wherein the fluid supply (7) is arranged spaced apart from the rotor (3), so that introduced fluid (F) flows at least area by area around the feed line (6) for the substance to be dispersed.
7. The device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the fluid (F) can be guided to the outside from a center of the rotor (3) by means of the guide structures (11) of the rotor (3) and the centrifugal forces occurring in response to the rotation of the rotor (3).
8. The device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the feed line (6) for the substance to be dispersed can be axially adjusted, in particular wherein the feed line (6) for the substance to be dispersed can be displaced parallel to the axis of rotation (R) of the rotor.
9. The device (1) according to one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the insertion depth of an end region (20) of the feed line (6) for the substance to be dispersed, in particular the insertion depth of the end region (20) comprising the at least one outlet opening (21), can be adjusted in the extended guide structures (11) of the rotor (3).
10. The device (1) according to one of claims 5 to 9, wherein a radial distance, in particular a radial distance of between 0.1 mm and 10 mm, is formed between the extended guide structures (11) of the rotor (3) and the feed line (6) for the substance to be dispersed.
11. A method for dispersing at least one substance (P) in a fluid (F), in particular in a liquid, by means of a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a process housing (5) comprising a rotor (3) comprising a rotor surface, a fluid supply (7), a feed line (6) for the at least one substance to be dispersed, comprising at least one outlet opening (21), as well as a product outlet (8), wherein the rotor (3) effects an axial delivery of a supplied fluid (F) at least area by area, and wherein the rotor (3) effects a radial delivery of the supplied fluid (F) at least area by area.

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