EP3519703A1

EP3519703A1 - Device for controlling the flow direction of fluids

Info

Publication number: EP3519703A1
Application number: EP17771994.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Johannes Hortmanns; Christian Rabe
Original assignee: SIG Technology AG
Current assignee: SIG Services AG
Priority date: 2016-09-30
Filing date: 2017-09-06
Publication date: 2019-08-07
Also published as: DE102016118579A1; JP2020502433A; CN109790861A; WO2018059893A1; US20190277316A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1') for controlling the flow direction of fluids, in particular of flowable foodstuffs, comprising: a housing (2) having at least three connections (3A, 3B, 3C), wherein the connections (3A, 3B, 3C) are inlets and/or outlets for the fluids, wherein the first connection (3A) is disposed on a first axis (A), the second connection (3B) is disposed on a second axis (B), and the third connection (3C) is disposed on a third axis (C), which extends at an angle to the first axis (A) and the second axis (B). In order to alter the flow direction of the fluid flowing into the device (1') and simultaneously avoid specific disadvantages, a guide element (5) for dividing the flow (S) flowing into the housing (2) into at least two partial flows (S1, S2) is provided. The invention further relates to the use of such a device (1') for filling foodstuffs and to a system (8) for filling foodstuffs with such a device (1').

Description

Device for controlling the flow direction of fluids

The invention relates to a device for controlling the flow direction of fluids, in particular flowable food, comprising: a housing having at least three ports, wherein the ports are inlets and / or outlets for the fluids, wherein the first port on a first Axis is disposed, wherein the second terminal is disposed on a second axis, and wherein the third terminal is disposed on a third axis which is at an angle to the first axis and the second axis. The invention also relates to the use of such a device in the filling of food.

Finally, the invention relates to a plant for filling foodstuffs with such a device.

Flowing fluids - gases or liquids - can be influenced in different ways. The aim of this influencing can be, for example, in a control or regulation of the flow rate or the flow direction of the fluids. The flow direction of fluids, for example, by

Multiway valves are influenced, which are characterized in that they have three or more fluid connections and are switchable. In this way, for example, two inlets can be alternately connected to the same outlet and thus the flow can be directed in different directions. In addition, both inlets can be closed, so that the flow is completely interrupted.

Particularly high hygienic demands on the control of fluids are made in the filling of food. At the food MIL For example, to liquid foods such as milk or juice act. Likewise, it may be liquid food with lumpy ingredients,

For example, soup, rice pudding, juices with pieces of fruit or the like. A hygienic requirement is that the lines and valves must be easy to clean. This requirement arises from the fact that regularly several different foods are filled one after the other at the same plant. For a product change, therefore, the system must be cleaned very thoroughly. To ensure this, the pipes and valves should be designed in such a way that as far as possible no food is deposited and set there. Many designs - such as valves with movable inner parts - are therefore usually unsuitable for the filling of food.

For example, the one known from the prior art is that shown in FIG

Device for controlling the flow direction of fluids. The device comprises a housing of two opposite terminals and with a third connection arranged between these two terminals. The third port is angled at approximately 90 ° with respect to the other two ports, which is why such a device is also referred to as a "tee." For example, the device shown in Figure 1 is used to deliver food to be dispensed from a container into multiple product tanks The container is connected to the inlet (left in Fig. 1) and the product tanks are connected to the outlets (top and right in Fig. 1).

The device shown in Fig. 1 can be used as an "intermediate piece" or as an "end piece": When used as an intermediate piece, all three ports are open, with one port serving as an inlet and two ports serving as outlets; when used as an end piece, however, a connection is shut off, so that one of the remaining connections serves as an inlet and the other

remaining port serves as an outlet. The use as an intermediate piece serves to supply several product tanks and thus also several filling strands at the same time. To achieve this, one becomes

Container with food to be filled connected to the inlet of the device, while the first outlet leads to a product tank and the second outlet leads to the inlet of another device. There is again a division into a product tank and another device. Because the

For a variety of reasons (e.g. avoidance of foaming, self-evacuation) of product tanks from below, the outlet connected to the product tank must be directed vertically upwards. In order to divert the flow accordingly, the housing is shaped such that some inner walls are curved. However, this design has the disadvantage that the device in its lower region no continuous straight connection between the two

Guaranteed opposite connections more. This makes the use of the device in self-emptying systems impossible because, for example

Detergent can not drain because the curved inner walls as

Obstacles are in the way.

On the other hand, the use as an end piece serves to guide the food into the last product tank. Again, the flow must be directed vertically upwards. The third connection has - at least during filling - no function and is locked; This connection can be opened, for example, during cleaning of the system or for other purposes. The obstruction of one of the connections of the device, however, has the disadvantage that the food passed through the device almost comes to a standstill in the area in front of the shut-off connection. The area in front of the closed connection is therefore not sufficiently flushed. This has the disadvantage, in particular in the case of lumpy foods (for example rice, peas, fruit pieces, etc.), that the lumpy constituents are deposited in front of the closed connection and this

Could clog connection. The deposits or blockages obstruct those steps (eg cleaning) in which this connection must be opened again. Against this background, the present invention seeks to design the device mentioned above and previously described in such a way and further that the flow direction of the fluid flowing into the device is changed without the aforementioned disadvantages occur.

This object is achieved in a device according to the preamble of patent claim 1 by a guide element for dividing the inflowing into the housing flow in at least two partial flows.

The device according to the invention serves to control the direction of flow of fluids, in particular flowable foodstuffs. Fluids mean both gaseous and liquid media. Flowable foodstuffs are foodstuffs which either have exclusively flowable, in particular liquid constituents or - in addition to solid, lumpy constituents - in any case also have flowable, in particular liquid constituents. The device is initially characterized by a housing having at least three ports, which are inlets and / or outlets for the fluids. The connections are preferably circular, so that tubes with a circular cross section can be easily connected thereto. The housing is preferably hollow, so that it can be flowed through by the fluids. In addition, the entire

Inner surface of the housing preferably non-porous and thus very hygienic. The first terminal is arranged on a first axis and the second terminal is arranged on a second axis. The third terminal is disposed on a third axis that is angled to the first axis and the second axis. The straight axes run through the centers of the cross-sectional areas of the connections, ie in the case of circular cross sections through the center points of the connections

Cross-sectional areas of the connections. The straight axes are also perpendicular to the cross-sectional areas of the connections. The fluids flowing through the housing therefore have to change their flow direction as they flow from the first port or from the second port to the third port or when they flow from the third port to the first port or to the second port.

By the invention is proposed, a guide element for dividing the inflowing into the housing flow in at least two partial flows

Provide, on the one hand (by the first partial flow), a continuous delivery of the fluid reaches the outlet of the device and on the other hand (through the second partial flow), a flushing of the housing in the closed inlet reaches (use as tail) or forwarding to other equipment parts allows (use as an intermediate piece). The baffle is shaped to divide the fluid flowing into the housing into two

Partial flows with different flow directions divides. Around

to achieve different flow directions are either both

Partial flows passed through the guide element in different directions or one of the partial flows is diverted through the guide element while the other partial flow can pass through the guide element without changing their flow direction. Preferably, the entire surface of the guide element is free of pores and thus particularly hygienic. An embodiment of the device provides that the housing and the guide element are designed such that a first partial flow is directed in the direction of a port and that a second partial flow in the direction of another

Connection as the first partial flow is passed. This design ensures that both partial flows are directed to different ports. When used as an end piece, one of the partial flows is preferably directed from the open inlet to the open outlet while the other partial flow is directed from the open inlet to the closed inlet. This allows, on the one hand, a continuous flow of the device (from the open inlet to the open outlet) while purging the area in front of the closed inlet. In this way it is prevented that in the area of the closed inlet due to low flow deposits or Form blockages. When used as an intermediate piece, it is also preferable to direct one of the partial flows from the open inlet to the first open outlet while directing the other partial flow from the open inlet to the other open outlet. This allows the passage of some of the flow to other devices (eg, to achieve a series connection of product tanks).

According to a further embodiment of the device, it is provided that the first axis and the second axis run parallel to each other, in particular collinear. This embodiment provides that two connections of the device are arranged on parallel or in particular collinear axes. Preferably, the first axis and the second axis are continuous within the housing. The arrangement of two ports on collinear axes or on the same axis has the advantage that the partial flow flowing between these two ports does not need to change its flow direction. This facilitates use in a self-draining system. In addition, the collinear arrangement simplifies the

Production through the use of pipe sections. An arrangement of two

Connections on parallel - but not collinear - axes may be desired at different diameters of the first terminal and the second terminal, in spite of the offset between the two axes an in

Flow direction seen to reach straight bottom of the housing.

In a further embodiment of the device is provided that the third terminal opposite bottom of the housing between the first

Terminal and the second terminal is straight. Although the

However, the underside of the housing can be curved in the circumferential direction, it should still be straight in the direction of a flow which flows from the first port to the second port. Due to the straight design of the bottom, a free flow is achieved, which is important, for example, for use in self-emptying systems. The underside of the housing should be straight at least in the region of the guide element; Preferably, however, the bottom of the housing is formed straight straight. According to a further embodiment of the device is provided that the third axis is inclined at an angle of at least 45 °, in particular of at least 60 ° relative to the first axis and / or relative to the second axis. By this configuration it is achieved that the fluid undergoes a significant change in direction. This has the advantage that food in a vertical direction can be passed from bottom to top in a product tank.

In a further embodiment of the device it is provided that the angle between the third axis and the first axis and / or the second axis is in the range between 80 ° and 100 °. This configuration also ensures that the fluid experiences a significant change in direction. In addition, an angle of about 90 ° has the advantage that the flow direction can be changed from a horizontal direction to a vertical direction.

According to a further embodiment of the device is provided that the

Guide element is integrally formed with the housing. On the one hand, a one-piece design has the advantage of a reliable connection between the guide element and the housing and, moreover, is distinguished by a great degree of robustness, in contrast to separate components. Another advantage is that the one-piece design a non-porous and therefore very hygienic connection can be achieved. It may be provided, for example, that the entire - preferably polished - inner surface of the housing has a center line Ra of 0.1 or finer, in particular of 0.05 or finer. The one-piece design can be achieved, for example, by a casting process or by a generative manufacturing process. For example, the device can be manufactured by laser melting, laser sintering or 3D printing.

In a further embodiment of the device it is provided that the guide element is designed as an insert which is connected to the housing. In this embodiment, initially a plurality of separate components are provided, which subsequently be joined together. One of these components is the (one-piece or multi-part housing), another of these components is the (one-piece or multi-part)

Vane. The assembly of several components has the advantage that complex geometries can be achieved even with cost-effective manufacturing processes. For example, the housing of two with each other

welded half-shells are joined together, which are made for example by means of forming of a metal sheet. The multi-part structure also has the advantage that the guide element can be retrofitted in existing housing or can be replaced. Preferably, the connection between the guide element and the housing is free of pores and thus particularly hygienic. It can be provided, for example, that all surfaces in contact with the fluid (preferably polished) (inner surface of the housing, surface of the guide element, connecting surfaces between housing and guide element) have a mean roughness Ra of 0.1 or finer, in particular 0.05 or have finer. Preferably, in a multi-part construction, all parts (in particular the housing and the guide element) are made of the same material, which simplifies the welding.

With regard to the guide element is provided according to a further embodiment, that the guide element is connected via at least one web, in particular via two webs with the housing. By the connection between the guide element and the housing is produced by at least one narrow web, the

As little as possible increases the flow resistance and influences the flow as little as possible. It may be provided a single bridge; Alternatively, two or more webs may be provided. In a design with two webs, for example, one of the two sub-streams could laterally be bounded by the two webs, that is to say run between the two webs, while the other sub-stream runs alongside the two webs or outside the two webs. With respect to the web is provided according to a further embodiment that the web has a length of at least 3 mm, in particular of at least 5 mm, so that a corresponding minimum distance between the guide element and the

Housing is maintained. By setting a minimum distance between the baffle and the inner wall of the housing, clogging is prevented, particularly in the case of lumpy food items (e.g., rice, peas, fruit pieces, etc.). The length of the bridge can be adjusted to the size of this

Components are set. Preferably, the length of the web is at most 0.25 times the inner diameter of the housing, in particular at most 0.15 times the inner diameter of the housing (for example in the region of

Connections).

According to a further embodiment of the device is provided that the

Guide element divides the two partial flows in a ratio of at least 3: 1, in particular of at least 4: 1. The distribution ratio determines how large the volume flow of the first partial flow is in relation to the volume flow of the second partial flow. A ratio of 4: 1 thus means that about 80% of the flow is supplied to the first partial flow while about 20% of the flow is supplied to the second partial flow. The size of the partial flows is determined by the size of the "channels" within the housing intended for the partial flows Therefore, the ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the "channels" of the two partial flows should be at least 3: 1, in particular at least 4: 1.

According to a further embodiment of the device, it is finally provided that the housing and / or the guide element is made of stainless steel / are.

Preferably, the housing and the guide element are made of the same material. The use of stainless steel in particular has hygienic advantages, since even with the use of cleaning agents no corrosion is to be feared. As a material, for example, a stainless steel with the material number 1.4404, 1.4435, 1.4157 or a higher grade stainless steel can be used, wherein

"Superior", for example, a higher resistance to salt can be understood. The device described above is particularly well suited for filling foodstuffs in all illustrated embodiments. This is due in particular to the ability to continuously flush the entire interior of the housing, including the area in front of a shut-off connection, and thus

Prevent deposits. This is particularly due to the ability to be used in a self-draining system.

The object described above is also achieved by a system for filling food, comprising: at least one device according to one of claims 1 to 11, at least one container for filling food, wherein the

Container is connectable to the first port of the device, at least one product tank which is connected to the third port of the device, at least one valve which is arranged between the third port of the device and the product tank, and a plurality of connected to the product tank outlets for filling of food in packaging. By using the device described above, the advantages already discussed above are also achieved in the system: On the one hand, a continuous delivery of the fluid in the vertical direction to the product tank is achieved (by the first partial flow) and, on the other hand, a flushing of the housing in the area of the shut-off Inlet or forwarding to another device achieved (by the second partial flow).

According to one embodiment of the system, provision is finally made for the third connection of the device to be located above the first connection and the second connection

Connection is arranged. In other words, one of the terminals should be located further above the floor in the vertical direction than the other two terminals. Preferably, this connection is directed vertically upwards. This allows the connection of a bottom to be filled

Product tanks. This is achieved by a part of the flow in the device changes its flow direction. The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing showing only a preferred embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a device known from the prior art for controlling the flow direction of fluids in a side view, a device according to the invention for controlling the flow rate

The flow direction of fluids in a side view, the device of FIG. 2 in longitudinal section, the device of FIG. 2 in cross section along the section plane IV-IV, and a plant according to the invention for filling food with a device of FIG .. 2

1 shows a device 1 known from the prior art for controlling the flow direction of fluids in a side view. The device 1 comprises a housing 2 with three terminals 3A, 3B, 3C. The first terminal 3A is arranged on a first axis A and the second terminal 3B is arranged on a second axis B, wherein the axes A and B are collinear with each other. However, the first axis A and the second axis B extend partially outside the housing 2. The third terminal 3C is disposed on a third axis C. The angle α between the third axis C and the first axis A, as well as the angle β between the first axis C and the second axis B is about 90 °. Because of this design, such a device is sometimes referred to as a "tee." Device 1 shown in Figure 1 is used, for example, to deliver fluids from one source (to port 3A) to two different destinations (to be connected to terminals 3B, 3C). For this purpose, the housing 2 has curved regions 4A, 4B, which change the flow direction of the fluid flowing through the connection 3A in the direction of the second connection 3C. The change in the flow direction is required to direct the incoming fluid against gravity vertically upward. The fluid may be

to be filled with food or - in the cleaning operation - to act a detergent. However, the curved portions 4A, 4B conduct only a portion of the fluid toward the port 3C, while another portion of the fluid is directed towards the port 3B. The flow direction of the fluid is shown schematically by arrows. A disadvantage of this design is the fact that the two curved portions 4A, 4B constitute an obstacle, which results in that in the lower region of the housing 2 (in particular in the region in which the first axis A and the second axis B outside the Housing 2 run) no straight connection between the two terminals 3A and 3B exists. As a result, the device 1 can not be used in a self-draining installation in most of the positions, since the cleaning agent can not flow off completely from the connection 3B to the connection 3A. Another disadvantage occurs when one of the connections is shut off (eg when the device is used as an "end piece"). In the area of the shut-off connection (eg connection 3B), then almost no flow occurs, so that in this area deposits of form lumpy components of the fluid.

In Fig. 2 is a device according to the invention for controlling the

Flow direction of fluids shown in a side view. For those parts of the device which have already been described in connection with FIG. 1, corresponding reference numerals are used in FIG. Also the

Device 1 'comprises a housing 2 with three terminals 3A, 3B, 3C. The first terminal 3A is arranged on a first axis A and the second terminal 3B is arranged on a second axis B, wherein the axes A and B are collinear with each other. The third terminal 3C is disposed on a third axis C. Of the Angle α between the third axis C and the first axis A, like the angle β between the first axis C and the second axis B, is about 90 °.

In contrast to the device 1 shown in FIG. 1, the device shown in FIG. 2 has a guide element 5. The guide element 5 serves to divide the flow flowing into the housing 2 into two partial flows and nevertheless to ensure a straight connection between the two opposite connections. For this purpose, the guide element 5 has two curved surfaces 4A ', 4B' and a straight surface 4C. For example, a flow S flowing through the first port 3A can be divided by the guide element 5 into a first partial flow S1 and into a second partial flow S2, which are illustrated schematically by arrows in FIG. The guide element 5 changes the flow direction of the first partial flow Sl in the direction of the third port 3 C, while the

Flow direction of the second partial flow S2 is not changed and continues to point in the direction of the second terminal 3B. An advantage of dividing the flow S into two partial flows S1, S2 is that the fluid remains in motion in the region of a shut-off port (eg port 3B) due to the partial flow S2, so that no deposits of lumpy constituents of the fluid are to be feared. Partial flow S2 thus also serves, among other things, to continuously purge the area in front of a shut-off connection. The housing 2 and the guide element 5 are thus designed such that the first partial flow Sl is directed in the direction of the terminal 3C and that the second partial flow S2 is directed in the direction of another terminal than the first partial flow Sl, namely in the direction of the terminal 3B. A further advantage is that the area provided for the second partial flow S2 ensures that in the lower area of the housing 2 there is a straight connection between the two connections 3A, 3B, which ensures that the device 1 'does not constitute an obstacle and can be used in a self-draining plant. This is advantageous, for example, after cleaning in order to allow run-off detergent to run through the device 1 '. In the apparatus shown in Fig. 2, the guide element 5 is connected via two webs 6 with the housing 2 (the rear of the two webs is hidden in Fig. 2 by the guide element 5). The webs 6 have for example a length in the range between 3 mm and 5 mm, so that a corresponding distance 7 between the guide element 5 and the housing 2 is maintained. On the one hand, the size of the gap 7 determines the size of the partial flow S2 and, on the other hand, has an influence on the maximum size of the particles which can pass through the guide element 5 with the partial flow S2. In the apparatus shown in FIG. 2 that is

Ratio of the partial flow Sl to the partial flow S2 about 4: 1. Both the housing 2 and the guide element 5 are preferably made of stainless steel. The

For example, ports 3A, 3B, 3C of the housing 2 have a nominal diameter ranging between DN 25 (for pipe threads 1 inch) and DN 125 (for pipe threads 5 inches). The guide element 5 has a height Hi in the vertical direction and the housing 2 has (in particular in the region of the connections 3A, 3B, 3C) a

Diameter Di on. The height Hi of the guide element 5 is greater than that

Diameter of the housing 2, whereby a reliable change in the particular low-viscosity products or lumpy proportions

Flow direction is achieved in the direction of the third outlet 3C. Fig. 3 shows the device of Fig. 2 in longitudinal section. Here, too, corresponding reference numerals are used for those areas of the device 1 'which have already been described in connection with FIG. 1 or FIG. 2. In longitudinal section, the guide element 5 and provided for the partial flows Sl, S2 areas inside the hollow housing 2 is particularly clearly visible.

In Fig. 4, the device of Fig. 2 is shown in cross section along the section plane IV-IV. Here too, corresponding ones are described for those areas of the device which have already been described in connection with FIGS. 1 to 3

Reference numeral used. In cross section, the position of the two webs 6 of the

Guide element 5 particularly clearly visible. Under the two bars 6 - so

"Within" the two webs 6 - forms a channel for the partial flow S2 and over the two webs 6 - ie "outside" of the two webs 6, a channel for the partial flow Sl is formed.

FIG. 5 shows a plant 8 according to the invention for filling foodstuffs with two devices from FIG. 2. The plant 8 initially comprises two of the previously described devices which are of identical design. In addition, the plant 8 comprises a container 9 for food to be filled, which is connected to the first terminal 3A of the first (shown in Fig. 5 left) device.

Furthermore, the plant 8 comprises two product tanks 10, which are each connected to the third terminal 3C of the two devices. In this way, the food from the two devices 1 'can enter the product tanks 10. The system 8 also has two valves 11, which are also called "product inlet valves" and are each arranged between the connection 3C of the device 1 'and the product tank 10 associated with it Valves 11 are connected.

Finally, the plant 8 comprises outlets 14A, 14B connected to the product tank 10 for filling the food in packages 15.

The operation of the system 8 shown in FIG. 5 will be described below

described: The food to be filled are in the container. 9

provided. From the container 9, the foodstuffs are introduced into the first device 1 '(shown on the left in FIG. 5). There, the flow is divided in the manner already described above in two partial flows Sl, S2, of which the first partial flow Sl is directed vertically upward in the direction of the terminal 3C and of which the second partial flow S2 is approximately horizontal to the second (in Fig. 5 right) device 1 'is forwarded. Also in the second device 1 ', the flow in the manner already described above in two

Partial flows S3, S4 divided, of which the first partial flow S3 is directed in the direction of the terminal 3C vertically upward. However, the second partial flow S4 is not forwarded to a further device 1 '; instead, it flows to the outlet 3C of the second device 1 'shut off by a shutter 16 is. Instead of the closure 16 could also be provided (not shown in Fig. 5) return to form a circuit. The food leaves the two devices vertically through the upper outlets 3C and flows through the there arranged valves 11 (and through the valve housing 13) in the product tanks 10. The product tanks 10 serve as reservoirs from which the food through with the product tanks 10th connected outlets 14A, 14B are filled in packages 15.

In the first device (shown on the left in FIG. 5), the division of the flow into two partial flows S 1, S 2 serves the purpose of guiding the first partial flow S 1 vertically upwards to the first product tank 10 and with the second partial flow S 2 in Fig. 5 right) device (and possibly further

Devices). In the second device, however, the division of the flow into two partial flows S3, S4 serves a different purpose: the first partial flow S3 is in turn directed vertically upwards to a product tank 10; However, the second partial flow S4 supplies no other devices, but serves to flush the area in front of the closed off by the shutter 16 port 3C, to prevent there the formation of deposits. From the structure of the system 8 shown in FIG. 5, a further advantage, already mentioned above, becomes clear: owing to the design of the guide elements 5, the system 8 is self-draining. For example, after cleaning the system 8, cleaning agent from the right-hand part of the system 8 can flow completely through the second (right-hand) device and subsequently through the first (left) device and leave the system 8 in the region of the container 9 (which is to be removed). This is possible since the guide elements 5 in the devices 1 'are designed in such a way that - unlike the device 1 shown in FIG. 1 - there is a straight connection between the two opposite connections 3A, 3B. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, V: device

2: housing

3A, 3B, 3C: connection

4A, 4B: curved area

4A ', 4B': curved surface

4C: straight area

5: guide element

6: Footbridge

7: distance

8: Plant

9: container

10: product tank

11: valve

12: drive

13: valve housing

14A, 14B: spout

15: packaging

16: closure

A, B, C: axis

S: flow

Sl, S2, S3, S4: partial flow

a, ß: angle

Hi: height (of the guide 5)

Di: inside diameter (of the housing 2)

Claims

claims

Apparatus (10) for controlling the flow direction of fluids, in particular fluid foodstuffs, comprising:

a housing (2) having at least three terminals (3A, 3B, 3C),

- It is at the terminals (3A, 3B, 3C) to inlets and / or

Outlets for the fluids,

wherein the first terminal (3A) is arranged on a first axis (A),

- Wherein the second terminal (3B) on a second axis (B) is arranged, and

- wherein the third terminal (3C) is disposed on a third axis (C) which is angled to the first axis (A) and the second axis (B), characterized by

a guide element (5) for dividing the into the housing (2) inflowing

Flow (S) in at least two partial flows (Sl, S2).

Device according to claim 1,

characterized in that

the housing (2) and the guide element (5) are designed such that a first partial flow (Sl) is directed in the direction of a port (3C) and that a second partial flow (S2) toward a different port (3B) than the first Partial flow (Sl) is passed.

Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2,

characterized in that

the first axis (A) and the second axis (B) parallel, in particular run collinear to each other. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3,

characterized in that

the underside of the housing (2) opposite the third terminal (3C) is straight between the first terminal (3A) and the second terminal (3C).

Device according to one of claims 1 to 4,

characterized in that

the third axis (C) at an angle (a, ß) of at least 45 °, in particular of at least 60 ° relative to the first axis (A) and / or relative to the second axis (B) is inclined.

Device according to one of claims 1 to 5,

characterized in that

the angle (α, β) between the third axis (C) and the first axis (A) and / or the second axis (B) is in the range between 80 ° and 100 °.

Device according to one of claims 1 to 6,

characterized in that

the guide element (5) is formed integrally with the housing (2).

Device according to one of claims 1 to 6,

characterized in that

the guide element (5) is designed as an insert, which is connected to the housing (2).

Apparatus according to claim 7 or claim 8,

characterized in that

the guide element (5) is connected to the housing (2) via at least one web (6), in particular via two webs (6).

10. Apparatus according to claim 9,

characterized in that

the web (6) has a length of at least 3 mm, in particular of at least 5 mm, so that a corresponding minimum distance between the

Guide element (5) and the housing (2) is maintained.

11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10,

characterized in that

the guide element (5) divides the two partial flows (Sl, S2) in a ratio of at least 3: 1, in particular of at least 4: 1.

12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11,

characterized in that

the housing (2) and / or the guide element (5) is made of stainless steel / are.

13. Use of a device () according to one of claims 1 to 12 for

Filling of food.

14. Plant (8) for filling food, comprising:

at least one device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12,

at least one container (9) for foods to be filled, the container (9) being connectable to the first connection (3A) of the device (12),

at least one product tank (10) connected to the third port (3C) of the device (12),

- At least one valve (11) which is arranged between the third terminal (3C) of the device () and the product tank (10), and

- Several associated with the product tank (10) outlets (14A, 14B) for filling the food in packaging (15).

15. Plant (8) according to claim 14, characterized in that

the third terminal (3C) of the device (12) is disposed above the first terminal (3A) and the second terminal (3B).