Patent Application
20160303529
The invention relates to a device for intermixing a mass such as a dispersion, comprising a container, particularly a large-volume container, and a mixing unit arranged on the container.
Furthermore, the invention relates to a use of a device of the type named above.
Additionally, the device relates to a method for intermixing a mass such as dispersion in a container, particularly a large-volume container, with a mixing unit arranged on the container by means of a movement of the mixing unit.
An intermixing of a mass can involve both a homogenization or a circulation of a heterogeneous mass and also, for example, a stirring of an already homogeneous mass. Typical intermixing processes are used, among other things, in a production of articles of daily use. For example, blending or intermixing processes are necessary in a production of diverse cosmetics or in food production, for example in the treatment of mashes.
Various devices and methods for intermixing a mass are known from the prior art. In common devices, one or more propellers are arranged in a container, wherein the mass which is to be intermixed is also located in the container. By means of a high rotational speed of the propeller, an intermixing of the mass is attempted. In large-volume containers with correspondingly large masses, a propeller is not sufficient; an array of multiple propellers is necessary in order to guarantee a complete intermixing. In order to allow the propellers to be operated at a sufficiently high rotational speed, a correspondingly large energy expenditure is required. Furthermore a time expenditure until a mass is completely intermixed should not be underestimated. In the case of heterogeneous masses, in which a solid phase predominates or which are very viscous, an intermixing using propellers is sometimes not possible. In a mass or in highly viscous media of this type, the propellers sooner or later come to a standstill, or they become damaged and can no longer be used. Even for masses in a large-volume container with a correspondingly large volume, a complete intermixing is not possible. The mass is thereby intermixed only locally, or it is only moved by the propeller without an intermixing occurring.
Furthermore, from the prior art, devices for equalizing the temperature of a mass in a usually large-volume container are known. The mass or parts thereof are thereby circulated on a recurring or continuous basis. This process is technically complicated and cost-intensive.
Another device known from the prior art for intermixing masses comprises a grid that can be inserted into a container and is arranged vertically relative to container walls. A grid of this type is primarily used in the production of red wine. The distances between the individual grid bars are thereby relatively large, so that large-area holes are created. With a device of this type, an intermixing of heterogeneous masses or a circulation of a large mass is not possible to a satisfactory extent. This type of device thus can only be used for red wine production, but cannot be used universally.
Other different mixing devices with a piston-cylinder unit are known from the prior art, which devices dip various types of immersion systems into a container with a mass that is to be intermixed. The immersion elements used thereby can have a wide variety of different forms. One type of these immersion elements is designed similarly to a propeller and thus has the disadvantages discussed above. Other immersion elements have a relatively small design and are arranged close to the piston. These immersion elements have the disadvantage that it is thus difficult to completely intermix a mass in the container.
Multiple types of devices for intermixing a mass each fulfill their purpose for a specific type of mass. However, from the prior art, no device is known which can intermix or bring to a specific temperature the largest possible number of heterogeneous and also homogeneous masses, the latter in relation to a temperature equalization within the mass, with a result that is roughly equally satisfactory.
Accordingly, the object of the invention is to specify a device of the type named at the outset with which a simple and efficient intermixing of a mass is possible and which can be used as universally as possible.
A further object of the invention is to specify a use of a device of this type.
Furthermore, it is also an object of the invention to specify a method of the type named at the outset with which a mass is easily and efficiently intermixed and which can be used for intermixing different types of masses.
According to the invention, the first object is attained in that, for a device of the type named at the outset, the mixing unit comprises at least one piston that is positioned in the container and can be moved linearly and has at least one mixing element, wherein the mixing element extends in a planar manner around the piston for the purpose of intermixing the mass.
One advantage attained by the invention can in particular be seen in that, with the linear movement of the piston, a power or energy consumption is less than for a rotating movement of a propeller or the like. As a result of the linear movement of the piston with the mixing element, the mass that is to be intermixed is moved with locally varying flow rates. The suction effect consequently restores an equilibrium of forces, and the mass is thus intermixed. The planar mixing element thus achieves both a complete and also a rapid intermixing of the mass. A speed of the linear movement can thereby be set as needed, depending on which type of mass is to be intermixed. By means of the planar extension of the mixing element around the piston, a large circulation and thus a quick intermixing is ensured. Even in the case of, for example, viscous masses, there is no problem of a rapid deterioration of the mixing element, since there is no risk of the planar mixing element remaining stuck in the mass. Furthermore, the device according to the invention allows an intermixing of masses with different viscosities, since the suction effect is present for all viscosities of masses. In addition, the device allows a specific temperature to be set for a homogeneous mass. The different local flow rates result not only in pressure differences, but also in temperature differences, which also compensates the force of the suction effect. An equalization of temperature differences also counteracts a demixing of a mass, which frequently occurs particularly in large-volume containers. The device according to the invention is particularly suitable for intermixing a free-flowing mass.
A device according to the invention can be used in all areas in which a mass is to be homogenized with respect to individual components and/or an equalized temperature in a container with a larger volume, particularly of more than five liters. A device according to the invention has proven particularly effective primarily for the circulation of mashes in beer production, especially strong beers, which require an extremely thick or viscous mash as a basis. Furthermore, a device according to the invention has proven suitable for the purpose of homogenizing masses with different pH values, e.g. for acidification.
It is preferably provided that the mixing element is positioned at a first end of the piston. In this manner it is achieved that the mixing element can be moved from one end to an opposite end of the container. The first end of the piston is thereby located in the container, whereas a second end of the piston normally remains outside of the container over the entire stroke and is connected to a drive. It is further advantageous if the mixing element constantly remains below a fill level during the intermixing process in order to keep an introduction of air as low as possible.
It is advantageous if the piston is positioned such that it can be rotated around a longitudinal axis, in order to ensure an even quicker or more effective intermixing of a mass. Furthermore, this second possibility of a movement of the piston with the mixing element creates an even wider scope of application. In particular, this enables an extremely individual adaptation to different types of masses and/or the same device can be used for different types of masses, wherein mixing processes can be optimized by activating a simultaneous rotational movement during a stroke. Additionally, as a result of the rotational movement, a stability of the piston with the mixing element is increased during a linear movement.
It is advantageous if, roughly in a geometric center of the mixing element, the piston is connected to said element, wherein the mixing element extends roughly on a plane around the piston. The central arrangement of the mixing element provides a complete and even intermixing of the mass.
Expediently, it is provided that the mixing element comprises recesses. In combination with a linear movement of the piston and of the mixing element, the recesses achieve an even more efficient and quicker intermixing of a mass. A suction effect can thereby occur in both directions during the linear movement of the piston. However, a dominant effect in the intermixing process occurs when the piston with the mixing element is pulled out. As a result of the recesses in the mixing element, more numerous and more finely separated local flow rates occur during the movement. In this manner it is thus ensured that the entire mass is completely intermixed or brought to the same temperature following an intermixing process. A geometry of the recesses and the number thereof can be freely selected thereby, but are dependent on a thickness or height of the mixing element. The thinner or flatter the design of a mixing element, the fewer or smaller the recesses that can be provided. Furthermore, the dimensions of the mixing element depend on a mass that is to be mixed or on a viscosity and a temperature of the mass, and on a speed of the linear movement of the piston. In addition, a movement or an intermixing of the mass takes place as a function of the different parameters, which also interact with one another.
It can also be provided that the mixing element comprises on a planar side cone-shaped and/or cylindrical extensions. The cone-shaped extensions facilitate an intermixing during a linear movement of the piston. The cylindrical extensions, which extend starting from the mixing element against a rotation direction of the piston, produce a slight rotation of the piston in order to better handle turbulences in the container. It can be provided that the extensions are arranged on a mixing element with recesses. The cone-shaped extensions can thereby be embodied in a flexible or bendable manner, so that they can change their position depending on the direction of movement of the piston.
It can also be preferably provided that the mixing element is embodied in a curved manner. The curvature of the mixing element can thereby be embodied in the two different linear movement directions of the piston, depending on a type of intermixing process. Depending on which type of mass is to be intermixed, the mixing element is embodied in either a flat or curved manner. It is also possible that the mixing element is embodied in a flexible manner and is thus, depending on the movement direction of the piston, curved in one direction for one movement direction and in an opposite direction for an opposite movement direction.
The piston can be positioned in any desired locations on the container. It is possible that the piston can be moved or displaced horizontally. Typically, however, the piston is positioned in a vertically moveable manner in a container. In this case, the mass that is to be intermixed does not come into contact with the bearing of the piston, as a result of which there is no need to provide special measures for sealing the container.
Furthermore, for the same reasons, it is advantageous if the mixing unit is fixed to an upper end of the container. In this arrangement, the container need not necessarily be completely sealed against the mixing unit. However, it can also be provided that the container can be or is closed in a pressure-tight manner.
It is expedient if a ratio of a diameter of the container to the mixing element is at least 1.2:1. Preferably, it is provided that the mixing element is arranged at a distance from a container wall. The diameter of the mixing element is preferably between 10% and 90%, in particular between 20% and 70%, and ideally between 25% and 40% of the diameter of the base of the container. It is thus ensured that the force to be applied for the intermixing is as small as possible, but the success of the intermixing is as great as possible. It is presumed that, during a movement of the mixing element upwards, mass flows through the recesses in the mixing element in the direction of the base. The resulting pressure difference can be equalized in that mass flows upwards between the mixing element and walls of the container and the mass is thus intermixed. According to the invention, it can be provided that, in a top view, a geometry of the mixing element corresponds to a cross section of the container transverse to the axis of movement of the piston. For example, in the case of a container with a round cross section, a mixing element that is round in a top view is advantageously provided. Exact flow directions and turbulences of the mass in the container during a movement of the mixing element are, in turn, dependent on different parameters, such as on the thickness and diameter of the mixing element, the size and arrangement of the recesses in the mixing element, the viscosity and temperature of the mass, and the speed and type of movement of the mixing element.
It can be provided that at least one additional agitator distanced from the piston is provided. Such an agitator can, for example, be a propeller known from the prior art. This propeller assists the mixing element with masses that are costly to intermix. The propeller, which is typically arranged on the base of the container, thereby lifts the mass off of the base and the mixing element performs the remaining intermixing.
For particularly large-volume containers, it can be provided that at least one additional mixing element is arranged, wherein the additional mixing element is fixed at a distance from the first mixing element. By means of the additional mixing element, a path of the vertical movement of the piston is reduced and, as a result, a duration and an energy expenditure of an intermixing process for a mass are lowered, which ultimately also results in a cost reduction.
A use of a device according to the invention is, as illustrated, particularly suitable for producing mash.
The method-related object is attained according to the invention in that, for a method of the type named at the outset, the mixing unit comprises at least one piston and at least one mixing element, wherein the mixing element is positioned in a planar manner around the piston and the piston is moved linearly for the purpose of intermixing the mass.
An advantage of the method according to the invention can in particular be seen in that, by means of the planar mixing element and the linear movement, a very large amount of mass can be intermixed at one time and, as a result, a mixing time and an amount of energy that is to be expended are consequently reduced. Through the linear movement of the piston with the mixing element, varying local flow rates and therefore different pressures and temperatures can be set in the mass. This disequilibrium of forces is compensated by a suction effect, and the mass is intermixed or brought to an equal temperature for the entire mass. Furthermore, as a result of the linear movement, shearing forces that can damage the mass are kept to minimum. In contrast to the intermixing by means of one or more propellers, a mass can be intermixed using a lower number of movement steps. Preferably, it can be provided that the mixing unit is connected to a boundary surface of the container and that the mixing element is permanently movably positioned in the container. Through this measure, the entire device is closed off to the outside, and the method can be performed without a loss of mass, for example, due to sloshing. As a result of the permanent positioning of the mixing element in the container, the mixing element hardly comes into contact with the surrounding air and is thus protected against corrosion or the like. Particularly preferably, it is provided that the mixing element is permanently covered by the mass that is to be intermixed, in order to keep an introduction of air to a minimum.
It is advantageous for an effective circulation if the mixing unit comprises recesses and the mass is circulated while flowing through the recesses. Particularly for mashes in alcohol production, where solids are deposited on a container base, this has proven to be an advantageous variant. Through a lifting of the piston with a vertical positioning of the same, the solids are also lifted off of the base and must then escape downwards through the recesses, which produces a turbulence and thus promotes the desired intermixing.
It can be provided that the piston with the mixing element is rotated around a longitudinal axis of the piston and the linear movement of the piston is thus facilitated. An intermixing time is thus subsequently reduced, or the effectiveness of an intermixing process is further increased. A stability of the piston and of the mixing element is thus also achieved.
Additional features, advantages and effects of the invention follow from the exemplary embodiments described below. The drawings which are thereby referenced show:
The mixing element 5 extends in a planar manner around the piston 4 and can be arranged at any desired location of the piston 4. However, it is preferably provided that the mixing element 5 is positioned at an end of the piston 4 and that the piston 4 is fixed roughly centrally on the mixing element 5 for the purpose of optimizing a stability. The mixing element 5 can thus be moved linearly from a first end of the container 2 to a second end of the container 2 in order to completely intermix the mass. It can be provided that the mixing element 5 is detachably positioned on the piston 4. The mixing element 5 can thus be exchanged as required. In addition to the linear movement, it can be provided according to the invention that the piston 4 with the mixing element 5 is positioned such as to be rotatable around a longitudinal axis of the piston 4. With these two possibilities for moving the piston 4 and the mixing element 5, an effective and time-saving intermixing of the mass is ensured. At the same time, a stability of the piston 4 with the mixing element 5 is increased. The planar extension of the mixing element 5 is also critical for the complete intermixing of the mass. In this case, planar is to be understood as essentially two-dimensional, or the mixing element 5 is essentially wider than it is high or thick, wherein a width side is arranged roughly perpendicular to the piston 4. A geometric shape of the mixing element 5 can on the other hand be selected as desired, but this shape also depends on which mass is to be intermixed. However, it is advantageous if, in a top view, a geometry of the mixing element 5 corresponds to a cross section of the container transverse to the axis of movement of the piston. For example, in the case of a container with a round cross section, a mixing element that is round in a top view is advantageously provided. Other shapes disclosed by the invention for the mixing element 5 can be, for example, square, polygonal or undulating. It is thereby advantageous that the mixing element 5 is arranged at a distance from a wall of the container 2.
The piston 4 is used with two or more mixing elements 5 arranged thereon for the intermixing of masses in tall containers 2. Any desired number of mixing elements 5 can be arranged on the piston 4, and these elements can respectively have different shapes. It is expedient to maintain a certain distance between the individual mixing elements 5 in order to prevent deposits thereon from parts of the mass. Furthermore, the mixing elements 5 should comprise recesses 6 in order to ensure a complete intermixing of the mass.
The container 2 can, for example, be a silo, a tank or a melting vessel. This container can thereby also be embodied with heat transfer surfaces in order to accelerate a heat exchange of the mass. Even though the indicated types of containers 2 all have a relatively large capacity, the device 1 according to the invention can already be used for containers 2 with a capacity of approximately five liters or more. The mixing unit 3, in particular the mixing element 5 and the piston 4, can be produced from a wide range of different materials, for example, from steel, stainless steel, metal, or from concrete, plastic, wood, ceramic or glass. The material selection used must be matched to requirements of the mass that is to be intermixed. If necessary, the mixing element 5 can be embodied in a fireproof manner, for example, for applications in the metal producing industry. Materials for producing the container 2 are known from the prior art.
Optionally, a seal can be provided between the container 2 and the mixing unit 3, depending on where the mixing unit 3 is arranged on the container 2. The seal can, for example, be a static, translational or dynamic seal. The device can be controlled manually, electrically or mechanically, for example by a spring, and is individually adaptable.
At the present time, the exact manner in which the mass is intermixed in the container 2 has not yet been conclusively resolved.
The device 1 for intermixing masses can be used universally; masses with viscosities in the range from 1 mPas up to 500 Pas can be intermixed. Thus, for example, dispersions, suspensions, mashes, sludge, waste water, fluidized substance mixtures and melts can be intermixed and/or heated and/or cooled and/or pH homogenized using the device 1. An embodiment of the mixing device 5 must thereby be adapted to the viscosity and the temperature of the mass that is to be intermixed. A device 1 according to the invention is also used in fermentation tanks. Particularly in large-volume fermentation tanks, a demixing of the mass often occurs due to temperature differences. This undesired process can be counteracted by the device 1. This results in an applicability in a wide range of different areas, for example in the food industry, in chemistry, in materials engineering, in cosmetics, in pharmaceutical production, in biotechnology, in brewing, in distilling, in casting or in tank logistics. Especially for an application in casting, the mixing element 5 should be embodied in a fireproof manner. The mixing unit 3 can be used with any type of a container 2, if necessary, the unit can also be arranged on a container 2 at a later point in time. Furthermore, the mixing unit can also be used in a supporting role, for example, in combination with a propeller known from the prior art. It can be provided that the mixing unit 5 is detachably arranged on the piston 4 so that it can be exchanged for different masses. For this purpose, a connector can be provided at an upper end of the mixing element 5, into which connector the piston 4 can be inserted and attached. Alternatively, the connector can also be arranged on the piston 4, in order to be connected to the mixing element 5.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| A 50048/2014 | Jan 2014 | AT | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/AT2014/050290 | 12/2/2014 | WO | 00 |
