EP1382381A1 - Horizontal mixer having a diameter greater than its length - Google Patents

Abstract

A mixing apparatus (1) comprises a container for the material to be mixed and having a cylindrical vessel (4), and mixing devices rotating about a mixer axis (6) for intensively mixing the material inside the cylindrical vessel. The longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel runs in a horizontal direction.

Description

Horizontal mixers and vertical mixers are known in the prior art. at A horizontal mixer runs the axis with the mixing tool is populated horizontally. With a vertical mixer, the above runs Axis vertical.

A horizontal mixer can mix substances better than one Vertical mixer. The reason for this is that the liquids to be mixed and solid components are thrown upwards by the mixing tool. This results in larger surfaces. An improved one Mixing behavior is the result. The product bed is in relation to Volume in the horizontal mixer larger.

In a mixer, the mixing tools must be at a distance from the wall adhere so they don't scrape the wall and avoid inaccuracies to balance the geometry of the wall or the mixing tool. at a vertical mixer, the distance is typically 2 mm.

With a horizontal mixer, the distance between one Mixer wall and a mixing tool estimated 3 - 5 mm. root cause the reason for this is that the axis deflects when the mixer is elongated. This results in the need for the aforementioned larger Keep distance. A larger distance is also due to the construction observed. In particular, the distance between the floor and Mixing tool in the vertical mixer the aforementioned few millimeters because it's a flat floor. From a technical point of view the precise distance is easier to realize. This distance is decisive about the remaining volume in a mixer when emptying.

In the case of a horizontal mixer, the bottom runs, i.e. H. an underlying one Section of the tubular mixer bowl, curved. So here is The larger distance must also be observed due to the design.

If a vertical mixer is emptied, the mixing tool scrapes over the Soil and thus contributes to complete or almost complete emptying. Typically, about 1 o / oo, for example 10 liters, remains with one Volume of 2,000 liters.

In the case of a horizontal mixer, the mixing tool worsens Emptying, since here the distance, as described above, is larger. Further the area of the floor is larger in relation to the volume, so that too for this reason, more goods remain in the mixer when it is emptied becomes.

The horizontal mixer also has the disadvantage of being elongated to be, so that a correspondingly elongated emptying vessel is required if the floor is to be opened to its full length. This is usually necessary to ensure good emptying.

If it is not feasible for technical reasons, a long one Provide soil that opens fully, so the mix is over Emptied nozzle. In such a case, typically there remains a maximum 2% based on the mixer volume, for example 30 liters based on a mixer volume of 2000 liters, as the residual material is also in the axial direction must drain off.

The emptying works very well with a horizontal mixer if the Bottom can be opened along the entire length of the mixer. The disadvantage is an elongated vessel, which is used to hold the Mixed goods must be used that are difficult to handle. In particular, it cannot be used as a means of transport. For this are Use compact, shorter vessels.

The horizontal mixer known from the prior art cannot then with a floor that can be opened over the entire length, when the products to be mixed need to be changed quickly. In In this case it is necessary to place the container below the Use the mixing vessel as a transport vessel. When using long vessels thus shifts the problem of cleaning from Mixer on the jar. The cleaning of a long container is more complex than a short one. Therefore short transport containers are necessary. It then mixers with sockets would have to be used. In this case, this occurs Problem of lack of emptying. Such a case is special problematic if, for example, a dark spice first must be mixed and then a light spice.

In the prior art, elongated horizontal mixers are preferred used with a comparatively small diameter in relation to the length, otherwise deviations from the cylinder shape could occur. It is then a vessel with a slightly oval diameter. The The distance between the mixing tools and the mixer wall should be wider be enlarged. This results in the aforementioned disadvantages.

The object of the invention is to provide a mixer in which a Complete emptying is ensured in the aforementioned sense, which in Food sector can be used and where products are mixed can be changed easily.

The object of the invention is achieved by a mixer with the features of Claim 1 solved. Advantageous configurations result from the Dependent claims.

An advantageous claim results from the subordinate claim Use way.

To solve the aforementioned problem, the mixer has a design which deviates from the state of the art.

Horizontal mixers are typically used in the prior art, whose diameter is 500 mm to 2,000 mm. The length of the mixer is typically two to three times the diameter. According to the invention, the diameter exceeds the length. The volume of the mixer according to the invention is typically at least 300 liters. A typical upper limit is 8000 liters.

To ensure that the mixer has a cylindrical shape provide the vessel with reinforcement rings. The reinforcement rings are out of volume so that they do not interfere with the mixing process and provide a dead space.

Especially in the food sector it is necessary to use the mixer from to inspect inside. In the case of rapid product changes, it is also necessary to be able to clean the mixer from the inside. The need for that In these cases, it is also possible to enter the mixer volume.

In the prior art, a flap is used for horizontal mixers provided, which is typically pivoted up or down to to get into the mixer volume. Is a very large diameter provided, the flap can only be kept relatively small. To the one for space reasons, since the flap is not higher than the ceiling is open. On the other hand, for reasons of handling, since accordingly large doors become very heavy and possibly only with hydraulic ones Support systems are to be opened. In the present case, a Embodiment of the invention uses a door that pivots laterally around a vertical axis. This makes the door better manageable, since no mass has to be lifted. The space leading to the Opening the door is necessary, can be kept small in the vertical direction become. The door can be chosen so large that an entry into the interior is easily possible.

Due to the large diameter provided, it is possible to put in place of a filler neck to apply a flat plate in the upper area. The The plate is screwed to the vessel or can be detached in other ways connected. Different sizes can be placed in the plate as required Diameter for filling the mix can be provided. This will the mixer according to the invention more variable compared to the state of the Technology. In the prior art, fixed sockets with the container welded in order to fill products into the mixer vessel from above.

The bottom plate, through which the mixer is emptied, has the same Curvature, i.e. the same radius as the mixer vessel, so that when closed, a round vessel with a uniform round Diameter results. The round course is necessary to the tools to be able to get close to the walls.

With the mixer according to the invention it is possible to change products quickly make. Typically 3 to 4 batches per hour in the Food sector, such as the spice mix, provided. A product change then takes place. As a result, this means that the product is changed several times every hour. The invention Mixer is designed so that this can be handled easily. The reason for this is that the mixer is door can be entered according to the invention. Can also comparatively short vessels according to the invention below the mixer Emptying can be used. These can be replaced quickly and Transport can be used.

Advantages of the invention are the easy accessibility for inspection, Cleaning and maintenance. This was achieved through the large inspection door.

In a mixer there is an axial transport as well as a for mixing purposes radial transport of the mix takes place, the radial transport path is through the scoops causes the mix to emerge from the product bed fling. In order to effect an axial transport path, for example the blades set at an angle. With additional slanted surfaces, As an alternative or in addition, sheets, etc. become an axial transport path brought about.

Transport route is not only understood to mean that the mix is in a certain direction is promoted, for example preferably to the right. It also means, in particular, that the mix is mixed into the one direction and sometimes transported in the other direction, so mixed becomes.

Transporting the mix axially is relatively time consuming in comparison for transport in the radial direction. The mixing times therefore increase, depending the mixer is elongated. This is particularly problematic if that Mix material at various points on the horizontal mixer through the Length of the mixer distributed filler neck is filled because each neck can add another ingredient.

According to the invention, the mix therefore becomes essentially central introduced due to the compact design. In addition, the Transport path in the axial direction relative to the transport path in the radial Direction greatly shortened. The mixer according to the invention therefore also shortens the mixing times.

Due to the elongated design, the state of the art typically up to twelve blades around the mixer tool axis are arranged around. In the mixer according to the invention the number of blades should be at least halved. This results in a lower number of installations and a reduction in wear and tear Spare Parts.

The end walls can be flat. However, the advantage is Use of a conical end face or the insert a domed disc, this way volume becomes sideways provided. This ensures that with the same total volume the Diameter can be advantageously reduced somewhat in relation to one Mixing vessel in which flat side walls or end walls are provided. The transition from the inner wall of the cylindrical vessel to the inner wall the end wall, should be steeper than 40 degrees (flow angle). This will ensures that the mix is back in the actual mixing area arrives and is mixed.

A dished bottom, which is used as a front wall, also comes into consideration becomes. However, this is relatively expensive and also less suitable, because the desired steep angle is missing here.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention is an end wall Movable designed to clean the inside of the person To enable mixer volume. The front wall can, for example be hinged and so release the inside of the housing. Since the Front wall is the size of the cylindrical vessel, is the inside of the Mixer, as well as the mixing agent, easily and comfortably accessible, also at Repairs to the mixing agents. Because of the compact size of the Mixer with its relatively short length according to the invention, it is partial no need for people to enter the mixer, since all internal Areas can be easily reached from the outside. If the Mixer axis is only permanently connected to one of the end walls other end wall can be swung open. The short design enables one mixer axis only supported on one side, which projects freely into the container. Conventional horizontal mixers need to deflect the Mixer axis to prevent storage on both sides. Preferably it is intended that the mixer axis with the movable end wall, the serves as a door, releasably connected, i.e. is stored to the mixing agent to be able to lead more precisely in relation to the inner walls of the mixer. The Bearing this end wall thus acts essentially in the vertical direction and the mixer axis can be pulled axially out of the bearing.

The blade shape, which results from the Document DE 197 06 364 A1 is known. On the axis of this Mixing tool surfaces are provided that are T-shaped are trained. It has been shown that these are particularly good work if the T-shape is particularly long. Below is too understand that the letter "T" is particularly high. The Mixing tool surface 17 according to the aforementioned document can then be particularly pronounced. This results in improved mixing times.

Also considered is the mixing tool, which is from the publication DE 197 43 923 C2 is known. So it's not the use of a special one Mixing tool required to use the mixer according to the invention to be able to mix. For the aforementioned reasons, however, that is Mixing tool to be preferred from the first-mentioned publication.

The product residue after emptying was minimized by using the Emptying opening to the size or the entire length of the Drum bottom has expanded. However, the opening did not become that way great that there is an immediate total emptying, some under it would require standing bunkers with the same volume. A Appropriate measure is that the width of the opening is appropriate and can be reduced in size flexibly while the length remains constant. This allows flexible and appropriate to the different bulk or Flowability of different mixes can be reacted to.

The mixer is coordinated in the design and the selection of the components to the needs of the food and pharmaceutical industries. This can be in the Value can also be adjusted in terms of cost.

For example, cheaper materials such as steel can be found in the feed industry be used. Stainless steels are used in the pharmaceutical industry. Steels with tool numbers 4571 and 4541 are preferred used.

Fig. 1

den erfindungsgemäßen Horizontalmischer schematisch in der Seitenansicht,

Fig. 2

den Horizontalmischer aus Fig. 1 in der Seitenansicht von rechts und

Fig. 3

den Mischer aus Fig. 1 in der Aufsicht.

In the following the invention will be explained with reference to drawings, namely

Fig. 1

the horizontal mixer according to the invention schematically in side view,

Fig. 2

1 in the side view from the right and

Fig. 3

the mixer of Fig. 1 in supervision.

1 is an embodiment of the invention Horizontal mixer shown schematically. The mixer volume of the Mixer 1 comprises a container 2 for mixed material, not shown. This essentially comprises a cylindrical vessel 4, the central axis 6 lies horizontally and two from the right and left closing the vessel 4 arched end walls 3. At their outer ends have the arched End walls two bearings 7a, 7b for the axis 6 of the not shown Mixing agent or mixer tools. Known mixer tools exist from blades and baffles, which radially around the axis 6 of the Mixer tool are arranged. The drive 8 of the mixer tool is arranged outside the container 2 in the area of the left bearing 7a.

The mixer 1 is on foundations over two feet 5 with the floor attached.

According to the invention, the diameter of the mixer exceeds its length, in the embodiment, the inner diameter of the cylindrical Vessel 1,600 mm and its width is 700 mm. Preferably applies this also applies to the width, measured between the curved end faces 3.

It may also be sufficient if the not shown Mixing tools only in one area within the cylindrical vessel 4 act, i.e. not within that of the arched Rotate end walls 3 created volume. It can also be seen that the curved end wall 3 at the transition to the cylindrical vessel 4th is formed at an angle a of 40 °. Mixed material from Mixer tool thrown into the volume of the curved end walls 3 in this area can mix and fall due to gravity along the curved end wall 3, the angle of which is greater than at each point Is 40 °, reliably in the direction of the drum bottom of the vessel 4, where it from Mixing tool can be detected again.

In the cylindrical wall of the vessel 4, a door 13 is provided, which on the contour of the inner wall 4a of the cylindrical container 4 is adapted. According to the invention, the door 13 can be moved horizontally around hinges 14 swing open so that they do not go up or as in the prior art must be opened below using force. In contrast to The state of the art is, for example, an entry opening of 600 x 1000 mm provided, which enables easy boarding. smaller Entry holes are little accepted by employees, so one Cleaning the mixer volume sometimes for convenience omitted.

The mixer volume is filled and emptied via an upper connection piece 1 and an emptying nozzle 10, the geometry of which is shown in FIG. 2 is explained.

The side view in Fig. 2 shows that the cylindrical vessel 4 in the upper Area contains a rectangular recess that has a vertical Connector 11 is extended upwards. The connector 11 is completed at the top by a rectangular flat plate 9. The Plate 9 has the openings 16a, 16b shown in Fig. 3, which are not the filler neck shown are connected for introducing the mix, for example by welding.

An emptying nozzle 10 is in the area of the bottom 15 of the mixer intended. The bottom is in the area of a section 17 for the purpose of Open emptying, the lower door 17 to the inner geometry of the cylindrical vessel 4 is adapted such that the mixing tool normal along the inner wall 4a of the vessel or the lower door can work.

The mixed mix finally leaves via the outlet 12 Mixing device, with transport or collecting vessels below the Horizontal mixer or the outlet 12 are provided.

The reinforcement ring 9 is connected to the outer wall of the cylindrical container 4 connected and ensures a round shape of the vessel. A providence outside is preferred so as not to reduce the mixer volume. Without Reinforcement ring could deform the vessel, for example assume an oval shape due to its own weight.

The top view in Fig. 3 finally explains the advantages of the upper levels Plate 9, the connector 11 in the embodiment only screwed or otherwise detachably connected. This has the advantage that the plate 9 can be replaced if necessary, for example if due to other tasks no longer two openings 16a, 16b for Filler neck, but three such openings are required. At the booth In technology, the filler neck is often directly connected to the outer wall of the cylindrical vessel 4 welded, so that a very special is complex, since the lower edge of the nozzle does not go down into the Mixer volume may survive. It can also be seen that the two adjacent filler neck openings 16 are so close together that the incoming mix in the axial direction of the mixer axis largely mixed by itself. So it doesn't form initially Concentrations of different mix after filling, such as in the prior art for horizontal mixers with a long design, at where the mix has to be mixed in the axial direction.

Claims (32)

Mixing device (1)
with a container (3, 4) which can hold the mixture, the container (3, 4) comprising a cylindrical vessel (4), and
with mixing means which are able to mix the material to be mixed inside the cylindrical vessel (4), the mixing means being arranged rotating about a mixer axis (6),
characterized in that
the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel (4) runs horizontally. Mixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel (4) and the mixer axis (6) run coaxially. Mixing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the inner diameter (4A) of the container (3,4) is greater than the inner length of the container (3,4) Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner diameter of the cylindrical vessel (4) is greater than the length of the vessel (4) Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that reinforcing rings (18) are provided on the container (3, 4) or on the vessel (4). Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcing rings (18) are provided outside the volume of the container (3, 4). Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cylindrical vessel (4) has an entry opening which can be closed by an inserted door (13), the door being pivotable laterally, in particular about an essentially vertical axis. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the entry opening has dimensions such that an entry into the interior of the container (3, 4) is easily possible for people. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a flat plate (9) is provided on the upper region of the vessel (4), which can be provided with filler neck for the mixture. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flat plate (9) is detachably connected, in particular screwed, to the vessel. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that openings (16a, 1 6b) with different diameters are provided in the flat plate (9) for filling the mixed material. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vessel in the lower region can be emptied through a lower opening (at 17). Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower opening (at 17) can be closed by one or more plates, the plates having the same curvature, that is to say the same radius, as the mixer vessel. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower opening extends substantially over the entire length of the cylindrical vessel (4). Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cross-section of the opening is dimensioned such that no immediate total emptying of the container can take place, which would require an underlying bunker with the same volume as the volume of the mix. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cross section of the opening is variable. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mixing means are capable of conveying the material to be mixed in the axial direction. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mixing means are able to convey the material to be mixed in the radial direction. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that inclined surfaces are provided on the mixing means, which can alternatively or additionally bring about an axial conveyance of the mixed material. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mixing means have blades which are designed such that they can hurl the mixture upwards. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mixing means are arranged in the manner of a screw, in such a way that they can bring about an axial transport path of the mixed material. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mixing means are designed such that the material to be mixed can be conveyed in the direction of a common point. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mixing means has at least two, a maximum of six, preferably three to five, optimally four blades. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cylindrical vessel (4) is closed at the end by end walls (3), the vessel and the end walls forming the mixer volume. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end walls (3) have a circular cross section. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end walls (3) are conically shaped outwards. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end walls (3) are designed in the manner of a curved disc. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end walls (3) are designed in the manner of a dished bottom. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transition from the inner wall of the cylindrical vessel (4) to the inner wall of the end wall (3) at an angle greater than 30 degrees and less than 90 degrees, preferably greater than 40 degrees and less than 60 Degrees, runs. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an end wall (3) is designed such that it can be moved in two positions, namely, in a first position in which the container (3, 4) is closed and in one second position in which the interior of the container (3, 4) is accessible to people Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that only one end wall (3) is fixedly connected to the mixing means and the other end wall is movable. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable end wall (3) is connected to the mixing means in the first position and is separated from the mixing means in the second position.

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