EP4789775A1

EP4789775A1 - Nozzle arrangement and batch mixer with a nozzle arrangement

Info

Publication number: EP4789775A1
Application number: EP25157222.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Peter Hansen; Jesper Blok; Mikkel PEDERSEN
Original assignee: Andritz Feed and Biofuel AS
Current assignee: Andritz Feed and Biofuel AS
Priority date: 2025-02-11
Filing date: 2025-02-11
Publication date: 2026-08-12

Abstract

The invention concerns a nozzle arrangement (1), the nozzle arrangement (1) comprising a nozzle housing (3). The invention is characterized in that the nozzle arrangement further comprises a nozzle holder (4) with a nozzle (9), where the nozzle housing (3) comprises an inlet (6) and an opening (8), which opening (8) is distinct from the inlet (6); where the nozzle holder (4) can be introduced through the opening (8) of the nozzle housing (3); and where the inlet (6) of the nozzle housing (3) is in fluid communication with the nozzle (9) through the nozzle holder (4). The invention also concerns a batch mixer (18) for mixing materials comprising the nozzle arrangement (1). The invention allows an easy cleaning of the nozzle (9), where disturbance of operation and effort for servicing are minimized.

Description

The invention concerns a nozzle arrangement for injecting fluid to a mixing chamber and a batch mixer for mixing materials comprising the nozzle arrangement.
Batch mixers are well known in the art and for instance disclosed in EP 3200906 A1 . As such a batch mixer allows for mixing of materials such as corn, maize, soybeans and other materials. Batch mixers are for instance part of a process for production of animal feeds, but also to produce pellets made from the material.
A state-of-the-art batch mixer comprises a preferably cylindrical mixing chamber for mixing the material, where the inlet for the material to be mixed is arranged in an upper area of the batch mixer. Typically, a batch mixer also comprises a number of nozzle arrangements for injecting fluid - such as water, steam, oils, molasses or other fluids - to the mixing chamber. The nozzle arrangements are typically arranged on hatches, which allow access to the interior of the mixing chamber from the outside of the batch mixer. Hatches typically are pivotable about an axis of rotation, providing access to the batch mixer and the nozzles attached and protruding from the hatch, where during opening the hatch - the batch mixer operation is typically down.
For mixing, the batch mixer comprises a drivable mixer shaft arranged in the mixing chamber and mixing means for mixing the materials in the mixing chamber, where the mixing means are connected with the mixer shaft and are preferably configured in the form of paddles connected with and radially extending from the mixer shaft. Finally, the material mixed is removed from the batch mixer via an outlet at the bottom of the batch mixer.
A batch mixer needs to provide an effective mixing of the material, where deposits from the materials on any parts of the batch mixer must be minimized. Deposits may especially be formed where fluid is injected, whereby the nozzle introducing the fluid is prone to deposits as such, potentially effecting the mixing efficiency and / or resulting in clogging of the nozzles. Therefore, there is a need for cleaning the batch mixer on a regular basis, typically resulting in a disturbance of the batch mixer operation and non-effective downtime of the process. Depending on the application, for instance feed application, cleaning is mandatory for hygienic reasons, where cross contamination between differing batches must also be avoided.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a nozzle arrangement allowing to minimize the effort for cleaning and removal of deposits, safeguarding minimum disturbance of the batch mixer operation and overall minimum effort for servicing.
According to the invention, this is achieved by a nozzle arrangement for injecting fluid to a mixing chamber, the nozzle arrangement comprising a nozzle housing for fixing the nozzle arrangement to the mixing chamber and a nozzle holder;

the nozzle housing comprising a cavity, an inlet for introducing the fluid to the nozzle housing - especially to the cavity of the nozzle housing - and which inlet is configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid supply, an outlet and an opening, which opening is distinct from the inlet;
the nozzle holder comprising a nozzle for injecting the fluid;
where the nozzle holder can be introduced through the opening of the nozzle housing such that the nozzle holder extends through the cavity of the nozzle housing, and such that the nozzle of the nozzle holder is arranged in the outlet of the nozzle housing; where the inlet of the nozzle housing is in fluid communication with the nozzle through the cavity of the nozzle housing and through the nozzle holder.

So according to the invention the nozzle holder is a separate component of the nozzle arrangement and detachably connected to the nozzle housing. On the other hand, the nozzle housing is configured for fixing the nozzle arrangement to the mixing chamber, where the nozzle housing is in fluid communication with the fluid supply via the inlet of the nozzle housing.
This gives the advantage, that the nozzle holder comprising the nozzle can easily be removed from the nozzle housing, by withdrawing the nozzle holder through the opening of the nozzle housing, where the nozzle housing may remain fixed to the mixing chamber and where the connection of the fluid supply to the nozzle housing is unaffected, thereby minimizing the effort as neither the nozzle arrangement as such nor any connections with a fluid supply need to be disconnected. This said, the nozzle holder can be removed from the nozzle arrangement, allowing for easy cleaning of the nozzle holder and / or the nozzle - but also for replacement of the nozzle - without any need to remove any pipe work connected to the nozzle arrangement. Advantageously this can be done during operation of the batch mixer, safeguarding the safety of the operating personal and the batch mixer operation at the same time. When withdrawing and removing the nozzle holder, the nozzle housing remains fixed to the batch mixer, ensuring that neither external pollutants can enter the batch mixer, nor the operating personal be affected by the batch mixer operation. Especially any risk arising from the rotating mixing means, such as the preferred paddles connected and radially extending from the drivable mixer shaft, is avoided, as interaction of the operating personal with the nozzle is only done at the exterior of the batch mixer. Additionally, the opening of any hatches - in order to have access to the nozzle for cleaning - is avoided.
In a preferred embodiment of the nozzle arrangement, each of the nozzle holder and the nozzle housing comprise a respective flange; where the introduced nozzle holder and the nozzle housing are in contact via the respective flanges forming a flange connection. Such flange connection allows for a reliable and liquid-tight connection of the nozzle holder and the nozzle housing, where the expert of the field is aware of various options to realize such flange connection.
An equally favorable embodiment of the nozzle arrangement, comprises a fixing mean, for instance screws, the fixing mean being configured for securely fixing the introduced nozzle holder to the nozzle housing, for instance via a flange connection, where the fixing mean is preferentially configured as a quick-fastener allowing fixing and/or unfixing without additional tools.
Using a quick-fastener - for instance a bracket or clamp - is especially attractive, as the nozzle holder can easily and quickly be withdrawn and separated from the nozzle housing manually by hand without application of tools, allowing for quickest possible servicing and cleaning of the nozzle.
In a particularly preferred embodiment of the nozzle arrangement, the nozzle holder comprises at least one passage, the at least one passage being configured to allow a fluid communication of the nozzle with an exterior of the nozzle holder, especially with the inlet of the nozzle housing. Such fluid communication is then given from the inlet, via the cavity of the nozzle housing, through the at least one passage of the nozzle holder into the nozzle holder and further on to the nozzle. So, the nozzle holder allows withdrawal and removal of the nozzle from the nozzle housing, whereas any pipe work connecting the fluid supply and the inlet is connected to the nozzle housing, and where fluid communication between the fluid supply and the nozzle is given via the at least one passage of the nozzle holder.
In a further favorable embodiment of the nozzle arrangement, the nozzle holder comprises a check valve, the check valve being configured to block the at least one passage and / or the nozzle in case the pressure of the fluid in the nozzle holder falls under a pressure-threshold.
The inventors realized that one reason for the forming of deposits, is fluid dripping from the nozzle, after the injection of fluid actually is intended to stop. That is, although no more pressurized fluid being delivered from the fluid supply - resulting in an essentially non pressurized fluid remaining in the nozzle arrangement and related pipe work - an essential amount of liquid will continue to drip from the nozzle into the batch mixer, promoting a buildup of deposits especially in the surrounding area of the nozzle. By providing the nozzle holder with a check valve, the check valve will safeguard to block the at least one passage and / or the nozzle, as the pressure of the fluid in the nozzle holder falls below a certain pressure-threshold. This will allow to minimize dripping of fluid from the nozzle as soon as the injection of fluid is intended to stop. Additionally, by arranging the check valve in the nozzle holder, the nozzle can be blocked directly by the check valve, advantageously minimizing fluid dripping from a dead space between nozzle and check valve. And, as the nozzle holder can be withdrawn and removed from the nozzle housing, the check valve can easily be checked, cleaned or replaced.
In a further advantageous embodiment of the nozzle arrangement, the nozzle holder comprises an opening for cleaning, especially arranged opposite to the nozzle on the opposite end of the nozzle holder, for allowing cleaning of the interior of the nozzle holder and the nozzle, where the opening for cleaning is capped with a detachable closure. Preferably the nozzle holder is separated from the nozzle housing, and by removing the detachable closure from the opening for cleaning of the nozzle holder, the interior of the nozzle holder is accessible for further cleaning. A cleaning fluid may also be introduced via the opening for cleaning for cleaning the nozzle, where the cleaning fluid is introduced to the nozzle holder and through the nozzle under over-pressure.
In an equally favorable embodiment of the nozzle arrangement, the nozzle holder comprises a sealing, especially a sealing ring, where the sealing allows for sealing an area between the nozzle holder and the nozzle housing such that the only fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet is via the nozzle. The sealing comprised by the nozzle holder safeguards, that all liquid delivered through the outlet of the nozzle housing will be delivered through the nozzle of the nozzle holder arranged in the outlet of the nozzle housing. By implementing the sealing to the nozzle holder, the sealing can very easily be checked and / or replaced, as the sealing is well accessible when the nozzle holder is removed from the nozzle housing.
In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the nozzle arrangement, the nozzle housing comprises a sealing, the sealing of the nozzle housing being configured for contacting and sealing against the mixing chamber. The sealing of the nozzle housing safeguarding that no external pollutants can enter the batch mixer.
Corresponding to a favorable embodiment of the nozzle arrangement, the nozzle is detachably connected with the nozzle holder, especially via a threaded connection, allowing quick and easy replacement of the nozzle from the nozzle arrangement and the respective nozzle holder.
In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the outlet of the nozzle housing is configured protruding, such that - when introducing the protruding outlet through an opening of the mixing chamber and fixing the nozzle arrangement to the mixing chamber - the protruding outlet and the mixing chamber forming a level finish on an interior of the mixing chamber.
The inventors realized, that configuring the outlet of the nozzle housing protruding - where the nozzle is arranged in the outlet - such that the protruding outlet and the mixing chamber form a level finish in the interior of the mixing chamber - and respectively a level finish with the housing of the mixing chamber - forming of deposits in the surrounding area of the nozzle is prevented, due to the smooth and level finish arrangement of the nozzle with the mixing chamber, respectively with the housing of the mixing chamber.
The invention also concerns a batch mixer for mixing materials, the batch mixer comprising a preferably cylindrical mixing chamber, an inlet for introducing materials to be mixed into the mixing chamber, at least one nozzle arrangement for injecting fluid to the mixing chamber according to the invention, the at least one nozzle arrangement being fixed to the mixing chamber, a drivable mixer shaft arranged in the mixing chamber, mixing means for mixing the materials in the mixing chamber, the mixing means being connected with the mixer shaft - preferably paddles connected with and radially extending from the mixer shaft - and an outlet for removing the materials mixed in the batch mixer.
A batch mixer is particularly susceptible to deposits from the materials on different parts of the batch mixer, especially in the surrounding area of the nozzles where the fluid is injected. Providing the batch mixer with the nozzle arrangements according to the invention allows to minimize the effort for cleaning and removal of deposits, safeguarding minimum disturbance of the batch mixer operation and overall minimum effort for servicing, and additionally allows to minimize the buildup of deposits as such.
In a further advantageous embodiment of the batch mixer the at least one nozzle arrangement for injecting fluid is essentially disposed in the upper part of the mixing chamber and preferentially in a recess radially outwards of the preferably cylindrical mixing chamber, where optionally the outlet of the nozzle housing is configured protruding, such that - when introducing the protruding outlet through an opening of the mixing chamber and fixing the nozzle arrangement to the mixing chamber - the protruding outlet and the mixing chamber form a level finish on an interior of the mixing chamber. The material to be mixed in the batch mixer is intensively circulated in the mixing chamber, as the mixing means agitate the material. By disposing the nozzle arrangements in the upper part of the mixing chamber, preferentially in a recess radially outwards of the preferably cylindrical mixing chamber, direct contact of the materials to be mixed and the nozzles can be minimized, supporting to avoid a buildup of deposits surrounding area the nozzles. Additionally, by configuring the outlet of the nozzle housing protruding such that the protruding outlet and the mixing chamber form a level finish in the interior of the mixing chamber, forming of deposits in the surrounding area of the nozzle is prevented.
According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the batch mixer comprises at least a first nozzle arrangement configured for injecting a first fluid, and at least a second nozzle arrangement configured for injecting a second fluid.
This will allow to furnish the batch mixer with a plurality of different fluids to be injected in parallel.
In a further advantageous embodiment of the batch mixer, at least one shut-off valve is arranged upstream of the at least one nozzle arrangement, the at least one shut-off valve being configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid supply and with the inlet of the nozzle housing, where the shut-off valve is preferably connected directly with the inlet of the nozzle housing. By arranging a shut-off valve upstream of the at least one nozzle arrangement, the fluid communication between nozzle arrangement and fluid supply can be disconnected, allowing to remove the nozzle arrangement and especially the nozzle holder from the fluid supply. So the nozzle holder can be removed safely from the nozzle housing, without fluid being delivered from the fluid supply to the outlet of the nozzle housing.
Additional drainage options may be foreseen between the shut-off valve and the nozzle arrangement and / or additionally in the nozzle housing, allowing to remove redundant fluid from the nozzle arrangement and / or connected pipe work and safeguarding that no fluid is unintentionally introduced to the mixing chamber.
The invention will now be described by way of example based on the drawings.

Fig. 1 shows a cross section of the nozzle arrangement according to the invention.
Fig. 2 shows a nozzle arrangement according to the invention.
Fig. 3 shows a batch mixer as known in prior art.
Fig. 4 shows a batch mixer comprising a nozzle arrangement according to the invention.
Fig. 5 shows a batch mixer comprising several nozzle arrangements according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a cross section of the nozzle arrangement according to the invention. The nozzle arrangement 1 comprises a nozzle housing 3 for fixing the nozzle arrangement 1 to the mixing chamber 2 and a nozzle holder 4. The nozzle housing 3 comprises a cavity 5, an inlet 6 for introducing the fluid to the nozzle housing 3 - especially to the cavity 5 of the nozzle housing 3 - and which inlet 6 is configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid supply, an outlet 7 and an opening 8, which opening 8 is distinct from the inlet 6. The nozzle holder 4 comprises the nozzle 9 for injecting the fluid.
The nozzle holder 4 can be introduced through the opening 8 of the nozzle housing 3 such that the nozzle holder 4 extends through the cavity 5 of the nozzle housing 3, and such that the nozzle 9 of the nozzle holder 4 is arranged in the outlet 7 of the nozzle housing 3. Thereby the inlet 6 of the nozzle housing 3 is in fluid communication with the nozzle 9 through the cavity 5 of the nozzle housing 3 and through the nozzle holder 4. The nozzle holder 4 comprises at least one passage 12. The nozzle holder also comprises further passages 12, that are not shown in the cross section shown in Fig. 1.
The passages 12 being configured to allow a fluid communication of the nozzle 9 with an exterior of the nozzle holder 4, and especially with the inlet 6 of the nozzle housing 3. The nozzle holder 4 further comprises a check valve 17, where the check valve 17 is configured to at least block the nozzle 9 in case the pressure of the fluid in the nozzle holder 4 falls under a pressure-threshold.
The nozzle holder 4 and the nozzle housing 3 comprise respective flanges 10; and the introduced nozzle holder 4 and the nozzle housing 3 are in contact via the respective flanges 10 forming a flange connection. A fixing mean 11 allows securely fixing the introduced nozzle holder 4 to the nozzle housing 3, where the fixing mean 11 is configured as a quick-fastener - in Fig. 1 as a clamp - allowing fixing and/or unfixing without additional tools.
The nozzle holder 4 comprises an opening for cleaning 13, that is arranged opposite to the nozzle 9 on the opposite end of the nozzle holder 4, allowing cleaning of the interior of the nozzle holder 4 and the nozzle 9. The opening for cleaning 13 is capped with a detachable closure 14 during operation.
The nozzle holder 4 further comprises a sealing ring 15, where the sealing ring 15 allows for sealing an area between the nozzle holder 4 and the nozzle housing 3. The nozzle 9 is detachably connected with the nozzle holder 4, especially via a threaded connection.
Fig. 2 shows a nozzle arrangement according to the invention, which comprises all elements as discussed for the nozzle arrangement shown in Fig. 1.
The introduced nozzle holder 4 and the nozzle housing 3 are in contact via the flange connection. The fixing mean 11 allows securely fixing the nozzle holder 4 to the nozzle housing 3, where the fixing mean 11 is configured as clamp, which easily allows fixing and/or unfixing without additional tools.
Fig. 3 shows a batch mixer as known in the prior art. The batch mixer 18 comprises a cylindrical mixing chamber 2, an inlet for introducing materials to be mixed into the mixing chamber 2, an outlet for removing the materials mixed from the batch mixer 18 and a number of nozzle arrangements 1 for injecting fluid to the mixing chamber. As can be seen the prior art nozzles 9 protrude from the housing of the mixing chamber 2 into the mixing chamber 2. The nozzle arrangements 1 are arranged on a hatch, which allows to access the interior of the mixing chamber 2 from the outside of the batch mixer 1. The hatch is pivotable about an axis of rotation, providing access to the batch mixer 2. The batch mixer further comprises a drivable mixer shaft 19 arranged in the mixing chamber 2, mixing means 20 for mixing the materials in the mixing chamber 2, where the mixing means 20 are connected with the mixer shaft 19. In Fig. 3 the mixing means 20 are realized as paddles, which are connected with and radially extending from the mixer shaft 19.
Fig. 4 shows a batch mixer comprising a nozzle arrangement according to the invention. The batch mixer 18 shown in Fig. 4 comprises all elements as discussed for the batch mixer 18 shown in Fig. 3 but differs with respect to the nozzle arrangement 1 for injecting fluid to the mixing chamber 2. The nozzle arrangement 1 shown in Fig. 4 is configured according to the invention and is essentially disposed in the upper part of the mixing chamber 2, where the nozzle arrangement is disposed in a recess radially outwards of the preferably cylindrical mixing chamber. The outlet 7 of the nozzle housing 3 is configured protruding, such that - when the protruding outlet 7 is introduced through the opening of the mixing chamber - after fixing the nozzle arrangement 1 to the mixing chamber 2 - the protruding outlet 7 and the mixing chamber 2 form a level finish on an interior of the mixing chamber 2.
Fig. 5 shows a batch mixer comprising several nozzle arrangements according to the invention. Via a distributor, that may be additionally configured as a shut-off valve 21, several first nozzle arrangements 1, i.e. the respective inlets 6 of the respective nozzle housings 3, are in fluid communication with a first fluid supply. The batch mixer 18 may comprise a second distributor that may be additionally configured as a shut-off valve 21, several second nozzle arrangements 1, i.e. the respective inlets 6 of the respective nozzle housings 3, are in fluid communication with a second fluid supply. Providing nozzle arrangements 1 in parallel configured for injecting respective fluids - such as water, steam, oils, molasses or other fluids - allow to introduce a plurality of fluids to the mixing chamber 2 parallelly in time. By providing a shut-off valve 21 - arranged upstream of the respective nozzle arrangement 1, the fluid communication of the respective fluid supply and the respective inlet 6 can be disconnecting, allowing subsequent servicing of the respective nozzle arrangement 1. Preferably the shut-off valve 21 is connected directly with a single nozzle arrangement 1 via the inlet 6 of the nozzle housing 3, allowing to minimize the amount of redundant fluid comprised by the nozzle arrangement when being shut-off.
The present invention offers numerous advantages. The nozzle arrangement allows an easy, quick and safe removal of the nozzle from the nozzle housing, without any need for removing pipework connected to the nozzle housing. Therefore, the effort for cleaning or replacing the nozzle as such is minimized, where deposits can be removed easily. Additionally, all service work can be done with minimum disturbance of the batch mixer operation, while safeguarding the safety of the operating personal performing the servicing. Preferred embodiments of the invention additionally allow for reduction of buildup of deposits, especially in the surrounding area of the nozzle, for instance by implementing a check valve with the nozzle holder, or by configuring the outlet of the nozzle housing protruding, such that a level finish with the housing of the mixing chamber is realized.

Reference numbers

1. nozzle arrangement
2. mixing chamber
3. nozzle housing
4. nozzle holder
5. cavity
6. inlet
7. outlet
8. opening
9. nozzle
10. flange
11. fixing mean
12. passage
13. opening for cleaning
14. closure
15. sealing
16. sealing
17. check valve
18. batch mixer
19. mixer shaft
20. mixing means
21. external shut-off valve

Claims

A nozzle arrangement (1) for injecting fluid to a mixing chamber (2),
the nozzle arrangement (1) comprising a nozzle housing (3) for fixing the nozzle arrangement (1) to the mixing chamber (2) and a nozzle holder (4);

the nozzle housing (3) comprising a cavity (5), an inlet (6) for introducing the fluid to the nozzle housing (3) - especially to the cavity (5) of the nozzle housing (3) - and which inlet (6) is configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid supply, an outlet (7) and an opening (8), which opening (8) is distinct from the inlet (6);

the nozzle holder (4) comprising a nozzle (9) for injecting the fluid;

where the nozzle holder (4) can be introduced through the opening (8) of the nozzle housing (3) such that the nozzle holder (4) extends through the cavity (5) of the nozzle housing (3), and such that the nozzle (9) of the nozzle holder (4) is arranged in the outlet (7) of the nozzle housing (3);

where the inlet (6) of the nozzle housing (3) is in fluid communication with the nozzle (9) through the cavity (5) of the nozzle housing (3) and through the nozzle holder (4).
A nozzle arrangement (1) according to claim 1, where each of the nozzle holder (4) and the nozzle housing (3) comprise a respective flange (10); and where the introduced nozzle holder (4) and the nozzle housing (3) are in contact via the respective flanges (10) forming a flange connection.
A nozzle arrangement (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 2 comprising a fixing mean (11) (screw or clamp), the fixing mean (11) being configured for securely fixing the introduced nozzle holder (4) to the nozzle housing (3), where the fixing mean (11) is preferentially configured as a quick-fastener allowing fixing and/or unfixing without additional tools.
A nozzle arrangement (1) according to claim 3, where the fixing mean (11) is a bracket or clamp.
A nozzle arrangement (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 4, where the nozzle holder (4) comprises at least one passage (12), the at least one passage (12) being configured to allow a fluid communication of the nozzle (9) with an exterior of the nozzle holder (4), especially with the inlet (6) of the nozzle housing (3).
A nozzle arrangement (1) according to claim 5, where the nozzle holder (4) comprises a check valve (17), the check valve (17) being configured to block the at least one passage and / or the nozzle (9) in case the pressure of the fluid in the nozzle holder (4) falls under a pressure-threshold.
A nozzle arrangement (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 6, where the nozzle holder (4) comprises an opening for cleaning (13), especially arranged opposite to the nozzle (9) on the opposite end of the nozzle holder (4), for allowing cleaning of the interior of the nozzle holder (4) and the nozzle (9), where the opening for cleaning (13) is capped with a detachable closure (14).
A nozzle arrangement (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 7, where the nozzle holder (4) comprises a sealing (15), especially a sealing ring, where the sealing (15) allows for sealing an area between the nozzle holder (4) and the nozzle housing (3) such that the only fluid communication between the inlet (6) and the outlet (7) is via the nozzle (9).
A nozzle arrangement (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 8, where the nozzle housing (3) comprises a sealing (16), the sealing (16) of the nozzle housing (3) being configured for contacting and sealing against the mixing chamber (2).
A nozzle arrangement (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 9, where the nozzle (9) is detachably connected with the nozzle holder (4), especially via a threaded connection.
A nozzle arrangement (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 10, where the outlet (7) of the nozzle housing (3) is configured protruding, such that - when introducing the protruding outlet (7) through an opening of the mixing chamber and fixing the nozzle arrangement (1) to the mixing chamber (2) - the protruding outlet (7) and the mixing chamber (2) form a level finish on an interior of the mixing chamber (2).
A batch mixer (18) for mixing materials, the batch mixer (18) comprising a preferably cylindrical mixing chamber (2), an inlet for introducing materials to be mixed into the mixing chamber (2), at least one nozzle arrangement (1) for injecting fluid to the mixing chamber (2) according to one of the claims 1 to 11, the at least one nozzle arrangement (1) being fixed to the mixing chamber (2), a drivable mixer shaft (19) arranged in the mixing chamber (2), mixing means (20) for mixing the materials in the mixing chamber (2), the mixing means (20) being connected with the mixer shaft (19) - preferably paddles connected with and radially extending from the mixer shaft (19) - and an outlet for removing the materials mixed in the batch mixer (18).
A batch mixer (18) according to claim 12, where the at least one nozzle arrangement (1) for injecting fluid is essentially disposed in the upper part of the mixing chamber (2) and preferentially in a recess radially outwards of the preferably cylindrical mixing chamber (2), where optionally the outlet (7) of the nozzle housing (3) is configured protruding, such that - when introducing the protruding outlet (7) through an opening of the mixing chamber (2) and fixing the nozzle arrangement (1) to the mixing chamber (2) - the protruding outlet (7) and the mixing chamber (2) form a level finish on an interior of the mixing chamber (2).
A batch mixer (18) according to one of the claims 12 to 13, comprising at least a first nozzle arrangement (1) configured for injecting a first fluid, and at least a second nozzle arrangement (1) configured for injecting a second fluid.
A batch mixer(19) according to one of the claims 12 to 14, where at least one shut-off valve (21) is arranged upstream of the at least one nozzle arrangement (1), the at least one shut-off valve (21) being configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid supply and with the inlet (6) of the nozzle housing (3), where the shut-off valve (21) is preferably connected directly with the inlet (6) of the nozzle housing (3).