FR3002462A1 - Method for mixing of raw materials e.g. solid in revolving tank for dilution in perfumery industry, involves entirely immersing machine element in tank for shearing and separation of mass of raw materials into multiple streams - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves putting a tank (1) into rotation and putting consequently a bar-shaped machine element (2) into rotation, where the machine element is fixed with regard to the tank in one direction. A set of currents of various flows is created in a mass of raw materials e.g. solid, by pumping effect. The rotation of the tank is interrupted as soon as the rotational movement of the mass of raw materials exceeds a predetermined level. The machine element is entirely immersed in the tank for shearing and separation of the mass of raw materials into multiple streams. An independent claim is also included for a device for mixing of raw materials.

Description

The present invention relates to a method and a device for mixing with at least one rotating bowl incorporating at least one stationary mechanical element. The present invention is in the field of stirring and mixing operations for the dilution, dispersion, dissolution, homogenization, heat transfer or firing of at least two raw materials. These raw materials may be liquid, solid or a mixture of at least one liquid and at least one solid. The present invention finds, for example, a non-limiting application in the industries of chemistry, pharmacy, perfumery, the aromatic industry, agri-food, glues or paints. According to the state of the art, mixing devices are known for which the raw materials to be mixed are introduced into a mixing tank equipped with a stirring element. Three types of mixing device are proposed: a first type with a fixed bowl and a rotating stirring element; a second type with a rotating bowl and a fixed stirring element; a third type with a rotating bowl and a stirring element; rotating agitation. The first solution uses a mechanical stirring element immersed in a container of raw materials to be mixed, this container being generally a tank. This element is mounted at the end of a shaft which is itself fixed on a motor. It has been imagined for this stirring element of many shapes, for example blades, propellers, sawtooth, anchor etc ..., as well as different dimensions and several positioning modes with respect to the container, for example centered shaft, shaft 30 off-center or inclined. The second solution uses a rotating bowl on its axis in which is immersed a fixed element relative to the tank. It has been imagined for this mechanical element several forms for example bar, pierced tube, anchor, etc ..., as well as different positions and dimensions, including a centric positioning, off center fixed or rotating on its axis.

The third solution combines a rotating stirring element with a rotating bowl. This element is mounted at the end of a shaft which is itself fixed on a motor. Such a mixing device of the third type is known from FR-A-2 788 935, the stirring element being in this document a kneading arm disposed on an inclined shaft, this shaft can also be centered or off-center. The aforementioned solutions face several major drawbacks. The first disadvantage is the obligation to replace or wash the stirring element after each mixing operation to avoid cross-contamination between the different mixtures. The second disadvantage is a high energy consumption, especially for the third solution providing two rotating elements, namely the tank and the stirring element. A third drawback is the creation of a Vortex effect at the expense of creating turbulence and therefore unfavorable to the mixture. A fourth disadvantage is the size of the mixing device and the complexity of its implementation, the stirring element to be introduced from above the tank. The present invention aims to overcome the disadvantages mentioned above.

For this purpose, it is provided, according to the invention, a method of mixing at least two raw materials in a rotating tank, the tank having at least one mechanical element at least temporarily fixed relative to the tank, the process comprising the following steps: - rotation of the vessel and consequently of said at least one mechanical element then fixed relative to the vessel in a first direction, inducing first effects, on the one hand, shearing the mass of the raw materials and, secondly, creating currents for various flows in the mass, the latter effect being said pumping effect, the rotation in a first direction gradually initiating a rotational movement to the streams of raw materials thus created, - interrupting the rotation of the vessel as soon as the rotational movement of the mass of raw materials exceeds a predetermined level, the reaction on said at least one mechanical element of s flows of raw materials then in rotation causing second effects of shearing and pumping of the mass.

The method and the mixing device according to the present invention allow a shearing action of the mass of raw materials ensuring a turbulence action flows thus created, which promotes the mixing of the mass of raw materials. In addition, the mixing device according to the present invention provides a so-called pumping action giving the several streams created different flow currents in the tank. Thus, it is possible to have currents creating axial and / or radial flows with respect to the mechanical element as well as currents combining these two components and possibly having a tangential component. By arranging at least one mechanical element that is at least temporarily fixed in a tank and by following a mixing method according to the present invention, the mixing is done in an economical manner by first driving the rotating bowl, this without training. a stirring element.

Then, in a second step, it is taken advantage of the inertia of the mass of raw materials set in motion to allow this mass to rotate without entrainment of the tank and thus of the mechanical element then fixed relative to the tank. In this second time, parts of this mass come into contact with the mechanical element still held fixed, new shearing and pumping effects of the mass as mentioned above being obtained during this contact. In addition, since the mechanical element is fixed relative to the vessel, there is no creation in the mass of raw materials circular currents currents leading to the formation of a Vortex effect that would be detrimental to the effectiveness of the mixed. Thus, in addition to obtaining excellent mixing with a relatively short working time, this being mainly due to the combination of a shear effect with a pumping effect on the different flows of the mass of raw materials, one of the advantages of the present invention is to use the mass of raw materials rotated to obtain these two effects of shearing and pumping, which reduces the energy consumption required for mixing for the rotation of the tank.

Advantageously, during the rotational movement of the flows of the mass of raw materials still effective after stopping the tank, it is proceeded to the rotation of the vessel in a second direction opposite to the first. This makes it possible to prolong the mixing time and thus to perform a better mixing, the rotation in the second direction, thus in the opposite direction to the rotational movement of the flows of the then still effective mass, increasing the effects of shearing and shearing. pumping on the mass of raw materials. Advantageously, the unitary control is carried out or in combination with one or more of the following parameters: the number of revolutions made by the vessel, the rotation speed of the vessel, the acceleration or deceleration of the vessel, the temperature of the vessel, the mass of raw materials inside the tank, the viscosity of the mass, the duration of at least one resting phase after rotation of the tank in the first direction. The control of these parameters makes it possible to increase the effectiveness of the mixing action on the raw materials to be mixed, the rest phase also allowing a modification of the parameters of the mixture or a regulation of some of its parameters, such as viscosity. . This furthermore makes it possible to optimize the energy recovery by exploiting the inertia of the mass of raw materials while allowing its rotational movement to continue until it stops. Advantageously, several consecutive mixing cycles are carried out, said at least one mechanical element being able to be changed between two cycles, a resting phase being intercalated after at least one of the cycles. This may be appropriate because, in a mixture of raw materials, different mixing stages are carried out which do not have the same characteristics. For example, during certain phases, it is advantageous to ensure the macromixture or the pumping effect while in others it is advantageous to ensure the micromixing or the shearing effect. Advantageously, it can be used a mechanical element ensuring a pumping effect during a macromixture phase while it can be used another mechanical element ensuring a shearing effect during a micromixing phase. It is also possible to use these two mechanical elements for the macromixture and the micromixture in combination in the same tank. In addition, when more than two raw materials are mixed, a second material is advantageously added to the first before the addition of the other materials so as to ensure a gradual mixing of the materials. The different phases of addition of materials will therefore have different characteristics which, according to the invention, can be taken into consideration for the choice of the parameters of the corresponding mixing cycle. The invention also relates to a device for mixing at least two materials for the implementation of such a method, this device comprising at least one rotating bowl and at least one mechanical element at least temporarily fixed relative to the tank. This device is remarkable in that said at least one mechanical element is immersed entirely in the tank by having a shape or means of shearing and separation of the mass of raw materials in several streams. For such a device, no mechanical element is introduced into the tank just before mixing, said at least one mechanical element being already present in the vessel and then fixed in this vessel. This provides the possibility of making the mixture tank closed and sealed to avoid any risk of projection or emanation.

This mechanical element which is then fixed relative to the tank does not create stray currents in the mass of raw materials, as is the case for a movable mechanical element relative to the tank. Such a movable mechanical element can induce a vortex effect in the mass of raw materials, this effect being detrimental to the mixture. According to the present invention, it is thus possible to carry out successive mixtures in the tank on the same mixing station while keeping the same mechanical element in the tank without any mechanical adjustment. With such mechanical elements at least temporarily fixed in the tank and may have different shapes, it can be adapted a mixing mode typically adapted to the mass of raw materials to be mixed, some mechanical elements being more conducive to a shearing effect while others are more suited to a pumping effect. Advantageously, said at least one mechanical element is in the form of a turbine having pallets as shearing means and separation of the mass of raw materials in several streams. Such a turbine, having many slits for the flow passage of the mass of raw materials, has a high shear effect and applies particularly well but not exclusively to emulsified product mixtures. Advantageously, said at least one mechanical element is in the form of a bar. Advantageously, said at least one mechanical element is in the form of a flat iron, the flat iron being disposed at the bottom of the tank. The fact of arranging the mechanical element at the bottom of the tank, in particular but not only when it is a flat iron, makes it possible to create currents in the mass of raw materials that pass through the mass inside the bottom tank. up. This provides an optimized effect of mixing the mass.

Advantageously, the flat iron is bent forming at least one attack surface of the mass of the raw materials.

Advantageously, the flat iron has two attack surfaces of the mass of the raw materials, these two attack surfaces being opposite on the flat iron. Advantageously, said at least one mechanical element is in the form of a helix having at least two blades. The propellers make it possible to obtain a large pumping effect and are therefore used when it is desired to reinforce the macromixture of the raw materials. Advantageously, the helix has an S shape with two blades, the tip of each blade being adjacent to a point on the inner wall of the tank. Advantageously, the mixing device comprises a control system having means for monitoring at least one parameter of the device as well as means for controlling the various parameters of the device and means for storing at least one mixing cycle at 15. perform by the device according to the type of raw materials to mix. Thus, the mixing process may be fully automated depending on the raw materials to be mixed, the control system may for example contain maps giving the mixing conditions according to raw materials to be mixed data, in order to best adapt the process of mixing. mix with such raw materials. Advantageously, the device comprises means for driving said at least one tank disposed below the tank, these drive means comprising a drive shaft whose one end is connected to a motorization means for its drive 25 and the other end is connected to a turntable supporting the tank, the turntable being supported on a support base by means of rollers. In a first embodiment with multiple tanks, the device comprises at least two tanks superimposed at a vertical distance from each other, each of the tanks being supported by a base secured to a substantially vertical stem, a handling system. , each vessel being further provided, the system consisting of a substantially vertical handling column and at least one handling member of each vessel provided, on the one hand, translational displacement means making the member movable along the column and, secondly, locking means in position at each vessel, the handling member comprising gripping means of an individual vessel for extracting the vessel from its supported position by the gallows. Advantageously, the gripping means are in the form of at least one arm, one end of which is integral with the handling column and the other free end, the arm being provided towards its free end with removable securing means that can cooperate with additional removable securing means provided on each tank, the column and / or the handling member being provided with additional displacement means that can place the arm in the prior extraction position of the tank, in which position the arm is in contact with a tank to be extracted, the removable connection means of the arm then cooperating with the complementary removable fastening means of the tank, the tank being extracted from its position supported by the stem during the resumption of the action of the additional displacement means. Advantageously, the device comprises means for driving the tank arranged at a lower level with respect to the tank, these drive means comprising a drive shaft whose one end carries a driven pinion or a pulley around which a belt passes. or a transmission chain and the other end is connected to a turntable supporting the tank resting on a support base by means of rollers, the belt or the transmission chain being driven by a motorization means arranged laterally with respect to the turntable and having at least one driving pinion of the belt or chain. In a second embodiment with multiple tanks, the device comprises at least two tanks succeeding each other horizontally, the two tanks having drive means including a first portion, comprising the drive shaft and its driven pinion cooperating with the belt. or the chain, is specific to each tank and a second part consisting of the motorization means is common to said at least two tanks. In a third embodiment with multiple tanks, the device comprises at least three tanks aligned horizontally with two tanks adjacent to the motorization means surrounding it, the belt or the chain of each of the adjacent tanks connecting it to the motorization means, a respective drive gear for each of the adjacent tanks being provided on the drive means, the belt or the chain of each of the other non-adjacent tanks connecting them to the next tank in the direction of the drive means, a relay gear being provided on each tank next for the indirect drive of each of the other tanks by the motorization means, the relay gear cooperating with the belt or the chain of the other tank, each relay gear being driven by the drive shaft of the tank next.

Other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows and with reference to the appended drawings given by way of non-limiting examples and in which: FIGS. 1 and 1a are a respective schematic representation of a sectional view in the direction of its height and a top view of a rotating bowl forming part of a mixing device according to the present invention, this rotating bowl comprising in a first embodiment a vane turbine as a means for shearing and pumping the mass of raw materials, - Figures 2 and 2a are a respective schematic representation of a sectional view in the direction of its height and a top view of a rotating vat forming part of a mixing device according to the present invention, said rotating vat comprising in a second embodiment a flat iron as shearing means and pom page 3 of the mass of raw materials, - Figures 3 and 3a are a respective schematic representation of a sectional view in the direction of its height and a top view of a rotating bowl forming part of a device. mixture according to the present invention, this rotating vessel comprising in a third embodiment a helix as shearing means and pumping the mass of raw materials, - Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a sectional view in the direction of its height of a rotating bowl forming part of a mixing device according to the present invention in its embodiment comprising only one tank, with a first embodiment of its means of motorization of its rotation arranged below the FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a view from above of a part of the rotation means showing in particular the support plate of the tank in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the rotating bowl having been removed from its support plate in this figure; FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a sectional view in the direction of its height of a rotating bowl forming part of a mixing device; according to the present invention in its embodiment comprising only one tank, with a second embodiment of its means of rotation with a drive by pinions or pulleys and chain or belt, the means for transmitting the rotation to the tank being arranged below this while motorization means is arranged laterally to the tank, - Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a top view of a portion of the rotation means according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the rotating bowl and its support plate having been removed from this figure; FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a sectional view in the direction of its height of a horizontal succession; of two rotating vessels forming part of a mixing device according to the present invention according to an embodiment of the multi-tank device, a motorization means being arranged laterally between the two tanks and being common to the two tanks, FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic representation of a view from above of a part of the rotation means according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the rotating tanks and their individually supporting plate having been removed from this figure; FIG. schematic representation of a sectional view in the direction of its height of a horizontal succession of a set of four rotating vessels forming part of a mixing device according to the present invention according to an embodiment of the multi-pot device , the motorization means being disposed between the tanks 10 in the middle part of the assembly and being common to the four tanks, - the 11 is a diagrammatic representation of a view from above of a part of the rotation means according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the rotating tanks and their individually supporting plate having been removed from this figure, FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic representation of a side view of a vertical succession of a set of four rotating vessels forming part of a mixing device according to the present invention in accordance with another embodiment of the multiple cell device, the four rotating tanks being carried by a bracket, handling means being further provided for the individual extraction of each tank of the stem. With reference to Figures 1 to 3 and 1 to 3a, the present invention relates to a mixing device comprising at least one tank 1 rotated to effect the mixing of at least two raw materials contained in the tank 1. These Raw materials can be liquid, solid or a mixture of both. When the raw materials are solid, they are advantageously in the form of particles or aggregates in order to be able to follow a rotational movement by forming different flows, which effects a stirring and mixing action of the mass of the raw materials.

Advantageously, such a tank 1 may be provided with two handles 7 to facilitate its handling. The tank 1 may also take a different shape than that shown in these figures. According to the present invention, the tank 1 intended to be rotated to achieve mixing is equipped with one or more mechanical elements 2, 2a, 2b fixed at least temporarily in it. In Figures 1 to 3 and 3a, it is shown that a mechanical element 2, 2a, 2b per tank 1 but this is not limiting. Similarly to these figures, the mechanical element 2, 2a, 2b is shown disposed at the bottom of the tank 1, which is not limiting either but only advantageous, the mechanical element or the mechanical elements 2, 2a, 2b provided in the tank 1 may be arranged at another location within the tank 1. This or these mechanical elements 2, 2a, 2b are at least temporarily fixed relative to the vessel 1, that is to say during operation of the vessel 1 for mixing at least two raw materials, the mechanical element or elements 2, 2a, 2b are then integral with the vessel 1, this at least temporarily. The mixing method according to the present invention comprises the following steps.

The first step is the rotation of the vessel 1 and consequently of its mechanical element 2, 2a, 2b in a first direction inducing first effects, on the one hand, of shearing the mass of raw materials and, on the other hand, on the other hand, creating currents for various flows in the mass. This last effect is called pumping effect, the rotation in a first direction gradually initiating a rotational movement to the flows of raw materials thus created. Indeed, when the mass of raw materials not yet mixed is stopped while the vessel 1 is rotated, the reaction of the mechanical element 2, 2a, 2b on the mass of raw materials then still static performs a separation of the mass of raw materials into several parts. It is thus created flows separating the mass, these flows in currents different from each other being advantageously turbulent, which is called pumping effect in the present invention. Advantageously, one or more turbulent updrafts can be created. In addition, due to the shearing effect of the mechanical element 2, 2a, 2b on the mass, turbulence is created in the mass of raw materials.

In parallel with these first two actions of the element or mechanical elements 2, 2a, 2b on the mass of raw materials, creating a pumping effect and a shearing effect of this mass, the rotation of the vessel 1 rotates this mass and therefore its different flows. The second step of the mixing method according to the present invention provides for the interruption of the rotation of the vessel 1 as soon as the rotational movement that it has transmitted to the mass of raw materials exceeds a predetermined level. The reaction on the mechanical element (s) 2, 2a, 2b, which are then fixed, flows of raw materials, then rotated, causes second effects of shearing and pumping of the mass. This optimizes the mixing of the mass of the raw materials in the tank 1. The predetermined level may advantageously be that for which the mass of raw materials substantially reaches the rotational speed of the tank 1. It may however be other, given the cycle stirring provided for the mixing of the raw materials. Thus, for raw materials having a high inertia, it can be provided a second step of the process stopping before obtaining a rotation of the mass equal to the rotation of the vessel 1. In this case, the first and second steps are repeated a predetermined number of times on a mass of raw materials better and better mixed. The effectiveness of this mixture can be accentuated by the rotation of the vessel 1 and thus of the element or the mechanical elements 2, 2a, 2b in a second direction opposite to that of the mass of moving raw materials and therefore the first direction of rotation of the vessel 1.

Before this is done, the rotational movement of the raw material streams is then advantageously still effective while the rotation of the vessel in a first direction has been previously stopped.

Advantageously, the rotation of the tank 1 can be controlled so as to achieve an optimized stirring cycle which is a function of the physical characteristics of the raw materials to be mixed. It can thus be carried out unitarily or in combination with one or more of the following parameters: the number of revolutions of the vessel 1 carried out, the rotation speed of the vessel 1, the acceleration or deceleration of the vessel 1 by means of specific acceleration or deceleration ramps, the insertion of at least one rest phase and its duration, this during the rotation of the tank 1 in a first direction and, if necessary, during the rotation of the tank 1 in the second sense.

It may also be taken into account parameters of the mass of raw materials, for example, without being limiting, its temperature or its viscosity. These parameters can be adjusted and recorded by a control system of the control device according to the present invention in order to assign to each type of mass of raw materials to mix a cycle and the most effective mixing parameters. Advantageously, several consecutive mixing cycles are carried out, said at least one mechanical element being able to be changed between two cycles, a resting phase being intercalated after at least one cycle. Still with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and 3a, the present invention also relates to a device for mixing at least two raw materials for carrying out such a mixing process. This device comprises a rotating tank 1 and at least one mechanical element 2, 2a, 2b, at least temporarily fixed with respect to the vessel 1. This mixing device has said at least one fixed element 2, 2a, 2b immersed entirely in the vessel 1 having a shape or means of shear 3, 4, 4a, 5, 6 and separation of the mass of raw materials in several streams. Several embodiments for such a mechanical element 2, 2a, 2b are possible. Three non-limiting embodiments are shown in Figures 1 to 3 and 1 to 3a which all illustrate a mixing device according to the present invention with a mechanical element 2, 2a, 2b serving for shearing and separation of the mass of materials. first. This element 2, 2a, 2b is completely immersed in the tank 1 while resting on the internal bottom of the tank 1 while being then at least temporarily fixed with respect to the tank 1, the latter being advantageously cylindrical. All these characteristics relating to the location and number of mechanical elements 2, 2a, 2b and the shape of the tank 1 are not limiting. Said at least one mechanical element 2, 2a, 2b is described as at least temporarily fixed with respect to the vessel 1 in the sense that it undergoes no movement relative to the vessel 1 and follows the rotation of the vessel 1. L However, the mechanical element 2, 2a, 2b may comprise moving parts and a main part that is fixed relative to the vessel 1, but this is not preferred.

This mechanical element 2, 2a, 2b can be fixed to the tank 1 by means of attachment advantageously removable. However, when this element 2, 2a, 2b has a sufficient weight and when the rotational speed of the vessel 1 does not exceed a speed which causes it to move by centrifugal force, this mechanical element 2, 2a, 2b can also advantageously be based on the inner base of the tank 1 without particular attachment with it. In Figures 1 and 1a, the mechanical element for shearing and separation of the mass of raw materials is in the form of a turbine 2. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 1a, the turbine 2 is substantially cylindrical with the axis of the cylinder substantially vertical. The turbine 2 has an upper disk and a lower disk between which radial pallets 3 are arranged as shearing means and separation of the mass of raw materials in several streams. These pallets 3 thus advantageously extend substantially vertically or in the direction of the height of the vessel 1. The pallets 3 can be twisted or have a curved profile. The turbine 2 is disposed on the base of the tank 1 being eccentric with respect to the axis of rotation thereof, which is not limiting. Initially, raw material streams are formed by the pallets 3 by their penetration into the mass of the raw materials, during the rotation of the turbine 2 following the rotation of the vessel 1. In a second step, other flow of raw materials are formed by penetration of the mass in the turbine 2 through the pallets 3, the turbine 2 no longer rotating as the tank 1. The flows enter the turbine 2 by pallets 3 and come out, after having passed through the turbine 2, by pallets 3 provided on the other side of the turbine 2, the flows being deflected and separated by the pallets 3 at the inlet as well as at the turbine outlet 2. As soon as the tank 1, the passage of the mass of raw materials through the paddles 3 of the turbine 2 causes its shear while creating at least turbulent currents advantageously upstream of separate streams of mass of raw materials. The mixture operates efficiently until the mass has reached a speed of rotation equal to that of the tank. The rotation of the tank is then interrupted and the mixture continues to operate, the inertia of the mass of raw materials, first moved firstly by the tank 1 and continuing only the rotational movement, making it pass through the turbine 2. This cycle can be repeated until a homogeneous mixture is obtained according to the orders of the control system which applies the most effective cycle according to the raw materials and the expected result. This is also valid for one or more mechanical elements fixed in the tank 1 other than a turbine 2.

The control system may have means for monitoring at least one parameter of the mixing device as well as means for controlling the various parameters of the device and means for storing at least one mixing cycle to be performed by the device according to the type of raw materials to mix.

Other forms of turbine can also be used. In Figures 1 and 1a, the pallets 3 form a cage of some shape but it is possible to use turbines with other forms of cages.

It is also possible to use a disc provided with teeth at its periphery, the teeth being oriented in different directions. Such disks may be effective in deflocculating the raw materials, so in the case of incorporation of small solid particles, in particular granules or powders into a liquid to ensure their dispersion by breaking the solid particles, the teeth. hitting the particles during the rotation of the vessel 1 and thus the fixed disk or disks relative to the vessel 1 or the teeth are struck by the particles during the stopping of the tank 1, the mass of raw materials being only in rotation in the tank 1. Figures 2 and 2a show a mechanical element for shearing and separation of the mass of raw materials in various streams which is in the form of a flat iron 2a. This flat iron 2a is disposed in the middle part of the tank 1, advantageously resting on the base of the tank 1. The flat iron 2a extends between two opposite points of the wall of the tank 1, advantageously diametrically opposed when the tank 1 is of circular section. Advantageously, the flat iron 2a has two driving surfaces 4, 4a of the mass of the raw materials, these two surfaces 4, 4a of attack being opposite on the flat iron. These leading surfaces are used for shearing and separating the mass of raw materials into various streams firstly when these driving surfaces 4, 4a pass through the mass, during the rotation of the vessel 1, and then when they are traversed by the mass of raw materials in rotational movement when the vessel 1 is no longer rotating. In Figures 2 and 2a, the flat iron 2a has a lunate shape with its longitudinal sides forming driving surfaces 4, 4a. The first driving surface 4 is advantageously rounded and preferably curved while the second driving surface 4a can be substantially straight by extending diametrically to the vessel 1. FIGS. 3 and 3a show a mechanical element serving for shearing and to the separation of the mass of raw materials in flow which is in the form of a helix 2b. The propellers form a large group of mechanical elements according to the present invention and can take a number of forms. It is thus possible to use a propeller with several blades and not just two blades as shown in Figures 3 and 3a. For example, it may be possible to use a propeller with at least three blades, the blades being profiled by being able to have several working facets extending in the length of the blades. In FIGS. 3 and 3a, the propeller 2b has two blades 5, 6 forming substantially one S. This helix 2b extends with each of the tips of its blades 5, 6 adjacent to an opposite point of the wall of the tank 1 , the propeller 2b extending advantageously from an inner edge to the other opposite inner edge of the vessel 1, so diametrically opposed when the vessel 1 is of circular section. Advantageously, the propeller 2b is disposed at the bottom of the tank 1 on the inner base of the tank 1. The two blades 5, 6 of the propeller 2b have two driving surfaces 8, 8a of the mass of raw materials formed by the slices of the blades 5, 6. The slices 8, 8a of each blade 5, 6 are advantageously bevelled with the edge protruding outwardly arranged above when the propeller 2b is positioned in the tank 1. The blades 5, 6 may also be twisted or faceted.

Other shapes not shown in the figures may also be possible, for example a mechanical element in the form of a bar. In addition, the dimensions, shapes and positions of the element or the mechanical elements integrated in the tank 1 can be adapted to the type of raw materials to be mixed, in particular to the physical properties of these raw materials as well as to the dimensions of the tank 1 Figures 4 and 5 show a first embodiment of the drive of the tank 1 of the mixing device while Figures 6 and 7 show a second embodiment of this drive. In both cases, the mixing device according to the invention is in its embodiment with a single tank 1. Referring to these figures, for these two embodiments of the drive of a tank 1 of a mixing device according to the present invention, the tank 1 advantageously rests on a turntable 11. The turntable 11 is driven in rotation by a drive shaft 10 fixed at one of its ends to the turntable and disposed substantially vertically. The other end of the drive shaft 10 is fixed directly, this in the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, or indirectly, this in the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, to a motorization means referenced 9. in FIG. 4 while it is referenced 9bis in FIGS. 6 and 7. The turntable 11 rests on a base 13 via rollers 12 which make it mobile in rotation with respect to this base 13.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the turntable 11 is illustrated, without limitation, having a square configuration and having four rollers 12 arranged individually on each of its sides in their middle part. The motorization means 9, advantageously an electric motor, rests under the base 13 and thus the tank 1. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the turntable 11 is illustrated, in a nonlimiting manner, having a circular configuration and having eight rollers 12 disposed at its periphery, only one of which is referenced in FIG. 7. The drive shaft 10, which is substantially vertical, has at its lower end a driven pinion 14 or a pulley which cooperates with a chain or a belt 15 driven by the motorization means 9bis, preferably an electric motor. This is done by means of a driving pinion 16 disposed at the end of the drive shaft of the drive means 9a.

In this configuration, the drive means 9a is disposed laterally to the mixing tank 1 being offset from the underside of the tank 1, the driving pinion 16 of the drive means 9a being substantially at the same height as the driven pinion 14 of the drive shaft 10 of the tank 1. The lateral size of the mixing device is therefore greater than in the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, but this configuration has the advantage of providing better access by means of motorization. 9a while being able to reduce the overall height of the mixing device. This configuration is also very advantageous for a multiple tank mixing device. It is indeed possible to provide a mixing device according to the present invention comprising several tanks. These multiple tanks may, for example, be arranged horizontally, in particular by being aligned horizontally. It is also possible to vertically stack the tanks to each other. Three nonlimiting and purely illustrative embodiments will now be described. With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, two rotating tanks 1, 1a are shown forming part of a mixing device according to the present invention. The rotation drive in this embodiment substantially incorporates the embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7 with a motorization means 9bis disposed laterally between the two tanks 1, la and a level below these two tanks 1, 1a. What has been described with regard to the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7 remains valid for the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. According to the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, the motorization means 9bis is common to both vats 1, 1 a. Thus, the device comprises two tanks 1, the succeeding one horizontally, the two tanks 1, 1a having drive means 9a, 10, 10a, 14, 14a, 15, 15a. A first part of these means comprises the drive shaft 10, 10a and its driven pinion 14, 14a cooperating with the belt or the chain 15, 15a. This first part is specific to each tank 1, 1 a. A second part of these means consists of the motorization means 9a and is common to both tanks 1, 1a. The motorization means 9bis advantageously comprises two driving gears 16, 16a, each of the driving gears 16, 16a being dedicated to driving a respective vessel 1, 1 a, via the belt or belt. chain 15, 15a associated the driven pinion 14, 14a under each of the tanks 1, 1 a.

A smaller footprint of a mixing device with two tanks 1, the is thus obtained by using only one motorization means 9bis for two tanks 1, 1a. The drive shaft of the motorization means 9a thus advantageously carries two driving gears 16 for driving the respective belt or chain 15, 15a. These two driving gears 16 are advantageously coaxial. With reference to Figures 10 and 11, there is shown more than two rotating vessels forming part of a mixing device according to the present invention in its multi-tank embodiment. In Figures 10 and 11, there is shown four rotating tanks 1, 1a to 1c but this number is not limiting as long as it is greater than three. For this embodiment, the tanks 1, 1a to 1c are horizontally aligned with a motorization means 9a common to all the tanks 1, the 1c and intercalated between two tanks 1, the alignment, preferably in the middle portion of the bowl alignment 1, 1a to 1c. The tanks 1, 1a surrounding the motorization means 9bis will be hereinafter referred to as adjacent tanks, while the non-adjacent tanks 1b, 1c by means of engine 9bis will be called other tanks.

The drive means provided between the tanks 1, the 1 c substantially repeat the drive means described above with respect to Figures 6 and 7 respectively and Figures 8 and 9. The drive means of the other tanks 1 b, 1 c are, however, to adapt to those shown in these previous figures, given their distance by means of motorization 9bis. For adjacent tanks 1, surrounding the motorization means 9a, the belt or chain 15, 15a of each of these adjacent tanks 1, 1a connects to the motorization means 9a. As shown in FIG. 10 and similarly to FIG. 8, a respective drive pinion 16, 16a for each of the adjacent tanks 1, 1a is provided on the drive means 9a, in particular on the drive shaft of the drive means. 9a. The other tanks 1b, 1c have a belt or chain 15c, 15d respectively but this belt or chain is not directly connected to the motorization means 9a. Each of the belts or chains 15c, 15d of the other tanks 1b, 1c is connected to the following vessel 1, 1a towards the motorization means 9a and therefore closer to the motorization means 9aa than the other tank 1b, 1 C. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the following vessels 1, 1a are the tanks adjacent to the engine 9a but this is not necessarily the case when the mixing device comprises more than four tanks 1, the 1 C. A relay gear 14d, 14e is provided on each following vessel 1, 1a for the indirect drive of each of the other tanks 1b, 1c by the motorization means 9a. The relay gear 14d, 14e cooperates with the belt or chain 15c, 15d of the other tank 1b, 1c associated with it In analogy with the driving gears 16, 16a carried by the motorization means 9a rotating around the same axis, that is to say the output shaft of the motorization means, advantageously, each relay gear 14d, 14e rotates about the same axis as the driven pinion 14, 14a carried by the tank 1, said tank next. This axis is advantageously the drive shaft 10, 10a of the tank 1, 1 a. Through the relay gear 14d, 14e, the drive by the motorization means 9a is indirectly communicated to the tanks 1b, 1c not adjacent to the motorization means 9a, this via the tanks 1, 1a. interposed between the non-adjacent tanks 1b, 1c and the motorization means 9a. Figure 12 shows another embodiment of a mixing device according to the present invention consisting of an assembly of at least two rotating vessels 21, 21a to 21c superimposed and at a vertical distance from one another. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, four tanks are shown, but this number is in no way limiting. Each of the tanks 21, 21a to 21c is supported by a base 17, 17a to 17c secured to a substantially vertical stem 18. For example, each base 17, 17a to 17c can be substantially flat extending perpendicularly to the bracket 18, so substantially horizontally. There is provided a handling system 19, 20 of each tank 21, 21a to 21c. This system 19, 20 consists of at least one handling column 19 extending substantially vertically and a handling member 20 of each tank 21, 21a to 21c. The member 20 is provided, on the one hand, displacement means in translation making the member 20 movable along the handling column 19 and, secondly, locking means in position on the column 19 to level of each tank 21, 21a to 21c. The handling member 20 also comprises gripping means 22 of a tank 21, 21a to 21c individual to extract the tank 21, 21a to 21c out of its position supported by the bracket 18. The gripping means can be advantageously under the shape of at least one arm 22, one end of which is integral with the handling column 19. The arm 22 may be provided towards its other free end with removable fastening means 23 which can cooperate with complementary removable fastening means provided on each tank 21, 21a to 21c.

In order to carry out the extraction of a tank 21, 21a to 21c from its base 17, 17a to 17c, the column 19 and / or the handling member 20 are provided with additional displacement means. These additional displacement means can be carried by the handling member 20 being in the form of rotation means of the member 20 around the column 19. These means of rotation allow a rotation of the member 20 in both direction of rotation indicated by the arrows Fr. Such a rotation can place the arm 22 in the prior extraction position of the tank 21, 21a to 21c. In this prior extraction position, the arm 22 is in contact with a tank 21, 21a to 21c to extract. The detachable fastening means 23 of the arm 22 then cooperate with the complementary removable fastening means of the tank 21, 21a to 21c. During the following rotation of the member 20, the tank 21, 21a to 21c is extracted from its position supported by the bracket 18 under the action of the rotation means of the member 20 performing the following rotation of the member 20 Handling. The member 20 can then be lowered or raised along the column 19. The tank 21, 21a to 21c can, for example, be deposited on the ground or on a support at any height, this after a new rotation of the organ or not. The tank 21, 21a to 21c can also be replaced on the bracket 18 on a base 17, 17a to 17c different. In an alternative embodiment, the column 19 carrying the handling member 20 is movable relative to the ground or a horizontal platform being for example mounted on wheels which form the additional displacement means. This makes it possible first of all to position the column 19 at a distance from the tank 21, 21a to 21c and then to bring the column 19 closer to the bracket 18 so that the at least one arm 22 comes into contact with the tank 21, 21a to 21c and that the removable fastening means 23 of the arm 22 cooperate with the complementary removable fastening means of the tank 21, 21a to 21c, this for the extraction of the tank 21, 21a to 21c out of the stem 18. In another mode embodiment, it is possible to combine the means of rotation of the member 20 with means for moving the column 19 so that these different means constitute the additional means of displacement. Advantageously, the member 20 may comprise at least two arms 22 which enclose the tank 21, 21a to 21c to extract. When the member 20 is rotatable and this is the only additional means of displacement, one of the arms 22 is advantageously retractable to allow the positioning of the member 20 at the prepositioning prior extraction. Then, the retractable arm 22 is placed in the working position so that its detachable fastening means 23 of this arm 22 can cooperate with the complementary removable fastening means of the tank 21, 21a to 21c.

Claims (19)

CLAIMS 1. A process for mixing at least two raw materials in at least one rotating tank (1, la 1c, 21 to 21c), the tank (1, la 1c, 21 to 21c) having in its interior at least one mechanical element (2, 2a, 2b) at least temporarily fixed with respect to the vessel (1, 1a, 1c, 21 to 21c), the method comprising the following steps: - rotating the vessel (1 , at 1c, 21 to 21c) and accordingly of said at least one mechanical element (2, 2a, 2b) then fixed relative to the vessel (1, 1a to 1c, 21 to 21c) in a first sense , inducing first effects, on the one hand, shearing the mass of the raw materials and, on the other hand, creating currents for various flows in the mass, the latter effect being said to be a pumping effect, the rotation in a first direction gradually initiating a rotational movement to the flows of raw materials thus created, - interruption of the rotation of the vessel (1, la to 1c, 21 to 21c) from that the rotational movement of the mass of raw materials exceeds a predetermined level, the reaction on said at least one mechanical element (2, 2a, 2b) of the raw material streams then in rotation causing second effects of shearing and pumping of the mass. 2. A mixing method according to the preceding claim, wherein during the rotational movement of the flow of the mass of raw material still effective after stopping the vessel (1, la 1 c, 21 to 21c), it is carried out the rotation of the vessel (1, 1 a to 1 c, 21 to 21c) in a second direction opposite to the first. 3. A mixing method according to claim 1 or 2, during which the unitary control is carried out or in combination with one or more of the following parameters: the number of revolutions of the vessel (1, la to 1c, 21 to 21c), the rotational speed of the vessel (1, the 1c, 21 to 21c), the acceleration or deceleration of the vessel (1, 1a to 1c, 21 to 21c), the temperature of the mass raw materials inside the tank (1, la to 1c, 21 to 21c), the viscosity of the mass, the duration of at least one rest phase after rotation of the tank (1, 1 a to 1 c, 21 to 21c) in the first sense. 4. A mixing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, for which it is carried out several consecutive cycles of mixing, said at least one mechanical element (2, 2a, 2b) can be changed between two cycles, a rest phase that can be inserted after at least one of the cycles. 5.- Device for mixing at least two materials for the implementation of a method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, this device comprising at least one tank (1, la 1 c, 21 to 21c ) and at least one mechanical element (2, 2a, 2b) at least temporarily fixed relative to the vessel (1, 1 a to 1 c, 21 to 21c), characterized in that said at least one mechanical element (2 , 2a, 2b) is immersed entirely in the vessel (1, la 1c, 21 to 21c) having a form or means of shearing and separation of the mass of raw materials in several streams. 6.- Device according to claim 5, characterized in that said at least one mechanical element (2, 2a, 2b) is in the form of a turbine (2) having pallets (3) as shearing means and separation from the mass of raw materials into several streams. 7.- Device according to claim 5, characterized in that said at least one mechanical element (2, 2a, 2b) is in the form of a bar. 8.- Device according to claim 5, characterized in that said at least one mechanical element (2, 2a, 2b) is in the form of a flat iron (2a), the flat iron (2a) being arranged in the bottom of tank (1, 1 a to 1 c, 21 to 21c). 9.- Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the flat iron (2a) is bent forming at least one attack surface of the mass of raw materials. 10.- Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the flat iron (2a) has two driving surfaces (4, 4a) of the mass of raw materials, these two attack surfaces (4, 4a) being opposite on the flat iron (2a). 11.- Device according to claim 5, characterized in that said at least one mechanical element (2, 2a, 2b) is in the form of a helix (2b) having at least two blades (5, 6). 12.- Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the propeller (2b) has an S shape with two blades (5, 6), the tip of each blade (5, 6) being adjacent to a point of the internal wall of the vessel (1, 1a to 1c, 21 to 21c). 13.- Device according to any one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a control system having tracking means of at least one parameter of the device and means for controlling the various parameters of the device and means for memorizing at least one mixing cycle to be performed by the device according to the type of raw materials to be mixed. 14.- Device according to any one of claims 5 to 13, characterized in that it comprises drive means (9, 9a to 9c, 10, 10a to 10c) of said at least one tank (1, 21 21a to 21c) arranged below the tank (1, 21, 21a to 21c), these drive means (9, 9a to 9c, 10, 10a to 10c) comprising a drive shaft (10, 10a to 10c), one end of which is connected to a drive means (9, 9a to 9c) for its drive and the other end is connected to a turntable (11) supporting the tank (1, 21, 21a to 21c), the rotary table (11) being supported on a base (13, 13a to 13c) of support by means of rollers (12, 12a to 12c). 15.- Device according to claim 14, characterized in that it comprises at least two tanks (21, 21a to 21c) superimposed at a vertical distance from one another, each of the tanks (21, 21a to 21c) being supported by a base (17, 17a to 17c) integral with a substantially vertical bracket (18), a handling system (19, 20) of each tank (21, 21a to 21c) being further provided, the system (19 20) consisting of a substantially vertical handling column (19) and at least one handling member (20) for each tank (21, 21a-21c) provided with, on the one hand, displacement means translation making the member (20) movable along the column (19) and, secondly, locking means in position at each tank (21, 21a to 21c), the member (20) of handling comprising means (22) for gripping an individual tank (21, 21a to 21c) to extract the tank (21, 21a to 21c) from its position supported by the bracket (18). 16- Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the gripping means are in the form of at least one arm (22), one end of which is integral with the handling column (19) and the other free end, the arm (22) being provided at its free end with removable fastening means (23) engageable with complementary removable fastening means provided on each tank (21, 21a to 21c), the column (19) and / or the body (20) being provided with additional displacement means for placing the arm (22) in the prior extraction position of the vessel (21, 21a to 21c), wherein the position of the arm (22) is in contact with a tank (21, 21a to 21c) to be extracted, the removable fastening means (23) of the arm (22) then cooperating with the complementary removable fastening means of the tank (21, 21a to 21c), the tank (21, 21a). at 21c) being then extracted from its position supported by the stem (18) l when the action of the additional movement means resumes. 17- Device according to any one of claims 5 to 13, characterized in that it comprises drive means (9a, 10 to 10c, 14 to 14c, 15 to 15c) of the vessel (1, 1 a to 1c) arranged at a lower level relative to the tank (1, 1 a to 1c), these drive means (9a, 10 to 10c, 14 to 14c, 15 to 15c) comprising a drive shaft (10, 10a to 10c), one end carrying a driven pinion (14, 14a to 14c) or a pulley around which a transmission belt or chain (15, 15a to 15c) passes and the other end is connected to a turntable ( 11) supporting the tank (1, 1 a to 1c) supported on a base (13, 13a to 13c) of support by means of rollers (12, 12a to 12c), the belt or the chain (15 , 15a to 15c) being driven by a drive means (9a) arranged laterally with respect to the turntable (11) and comprising at least one driving gear (16, 16a) for driving the transmission. belt or chain (15, 15a). 18.- Device according to claim 17, characterized in that it comprises at least two tanks (1, la to 1c) succeeding one another horizontally, the two tanks (1, la to 1c) having drive means (9a, 10 to 10c, 14 to 14c, 15 to 15c) of which a first part, comprising the drive shaft (10, 10a to 10c) and its driven gear (14, 14a to 14c) cooperating with the belt or chain ( 15, 15a to 15c), is specific to each tank (1, 1 a to 1c) and a second portion consisting of the motorization means (9a) is common to said at least two tanks (1, 1a to 1c). 19.- Device according to claim 18, characterized in that it comprises at least three tanks (1, la to 1c) aligned horizontally with two adjacent tanks (1, 1a) by motorization means (9a) surrounding it, the belt or chain (15, 15a) of each of the adjacent vessels (1, 1 a) connecting it to the drive means (9a), a respective driving gear (16, 16a) for each of the adjacent vessels (1, 1a) being provided on the motorization means (9a), the belt or chain (15c, 15d) of each of the other non-adjacent tanks (1b, 1c) connecting them to the next bowl (1, 1a) in the direction of the motorization (9a), a relay gear (14d, 14e) being provided on each following vessel (1, 1a) for the indirect drive of each of the other tanks (1b, 1c) by the motorization means (9a) , the relay gear (14d, 14e) cooperating with the belt or the chain (15c, 15d) of the other tank (1b, 1c), each relay gear (14d, 14e) being driven by the drive shaft (10, 10a) of the next vessel (1, 1 a).