Vorrichtung, Anlage und Verfahren zur Herstellung einer mit Granulat vermengten Masse

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[...][...][...][...][...][...] Haas Food Equipment GmbH

Apparatus, system and method for manufacturing

The invention relates to a device, a process and a plant for producing a blended mass with granules. In particular, the invention relates to a device, in which a granulate can be introduced in a pressurized mass. Moreover, the invention relates to a plant for the production of edible products or for the preparation of intermediates for producing edible products.

The Field of the Invention concerns installations, where solid components are introduced in pumpable masses. Examples are devices, such as where a granulate [...], cracknel, solid edible pieces, candy, fruit pieces, pieces of grain, are introduced into a pumpable mass frozen pieces or similar granules. Pumpable masses are, for example, viscous, viscous pasty substances with a pasty consistency to. Examples of this are as [...][...] fat-containing creams, [...], [...] or similar creams.

Such creams are made in batches, for example, in large mixer tank State of the Art Pursuant. This a mass is filled, for example a spreadable chocolate cream, into a container. Retrospectively the granulate is added, for example, nuts, and mixed by a stirrer with the cream. In another consequence that the mixture is pumped or poured granulate/the mass in a further device, in which said mass is metered output. In this method all the steps happen at ambient pressure. However, I or a lowering or driving with granules often an adverse anti-caking agent.

However, there are process, in which the mass must be pressurized and consequently has an overpressure. Masses are mixed with air in a gassing device, for example, gasified. By mass volume or the decrease in density at constant the increase of the pressure in the pipeline system increases the pipe volume. It is extremely important for the quality of the products to be formed that this pressure until the output, in other words before the preparation of the final products is upright [...] obtained. Pressure drops, pressure fluctuations, etc. mean that the consistency changes in an undesired way. Foamy consistency can be lost, for example, the masses fumigated For.

Such fumigated masses it is needed that the granulated material, after gassing is supplied. The aeration devicesmixer devices formed as are usually. nut fragment A granular material such as, for example, would adversely affect the consistency of the mass in the gassing, on the one hand, and, in addition, are crushed or ground by the gassing device. Therefore after the gassing the granules must, at elevated pressure are introduced into the mass.

Solving this technical problem exists, there are complicated pressure chamber systems, where a large tank for the granules is set completely under pressure, so as to prevent a pressure loss when filling the granulate into the ground line. This tank Is for the granular material, however, empty, so the system must be stopped, the pressure must be discharged from the tank can be refilled and to subsequently the granules.

One problem of the invention is, to improve efficiency-moderately this method, in particular to allow a continuous supply of the granules, so that the plant has to be stopped for refill.

Also it is known, for example, powdered components such as flour, via a screw conveyor into a mass to introduce dust sugar or any other similar substance. Fine powder such as flour or dust sugar fill substantially sealingly from an extrusion screw or their chambers, escaping of the mass against the conveying direction of the powder in the extruder screw is prevented. The powder in the extruder screw is said sealing printing resistance, however, limited. In particular two bar can not be exceeded mass printing, as otherwise there is the risk of printing withdrawal of the mass through the extruder screw.

Unlike fine powders is in the feeding of a certain air space present between the individual granules also granules. Through this coarse Sky the pressure could escape of the mass by an extrusion screw.

As Granules is an aggregate of several rigid loads denotes in particular, the 1 mm up to a size of about 14 mm, preferably about 2 mm to 7 mm have. Through the form stability is also formed by a screw conveyor in promoting no sealing homogeneous block. Rather, it is a free-flowing or at least into its individual parts accumulation of granulatesdividable.

Now the purpose of the invention is, a device, a system and a method to create, the offers a powerful way overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and in particular, to a granulate to mix distributed uniformly output and, where appropriate, to an overpressure mass in particular as a product.

The according to the invention is particularly adapted and arranged Appendix, "in-line" in an industrial production plant for the production of food products

to be inserted.

The according to the invention by the element combination of the independent claims in particular problem is solved.

The invention particular, it relates to a device for feeding granules, [...] PARTICULAR EDIBLE Granules as, in a pressurized pumpable mass, in particular a gasified edible cream as a spreadable chocolate cream, comprising: a ground line, in which the mass in motion and is conveyed under a mass printing standing in particular continuously, in the ground line is greater than the ambient pressure wherein the mass printing ; a fill-in for receiving the granulate at ambient pressure; a connected with the ground line in the ground line moving mass of the granules in the outputting section for outputting, wherein the pressure in the output section mass printing corresponds to substantially the; an intermediate portion having a variable intermediate pressure, in particular, between the surrounding pressure and the is variable mass printing ; a first shut-off element having an open position, in which the fill-in is opened towards the intermediate portion, so that the granules in the intermediate portion and having a closed position by the fill-in is movable, in the fill-in is separated from the intermediate portion; a second shut-off element having an open position, in which the intermediate portion is opened for output section, so that the granules from the intermediate portion into the output section is movable and with a closed position, in which the intermediate portion is separated from the output section and/or in the intermediate portion a intermediate pressureprinting change device for varying the.

Optionally is provided that the device has a filling position, in which the first shut-off element is in its open position, in which the second obturator is located in the closed position, and in the ambient pressure prevails in the intermediate section and in the fill-in in the output section mass printing prevails.

Optionally is provided that the device comprises a dispensing position, in

which the first shut-off element is located in the closed position, in which said second gate member is in the open position and in the intermediate section and in the same and in particular in the output section mass printing prevails Duck.

Optionally is provided that in the output section is provided a conveyor device for conveying the pellets in the ground line, wherein the conveying device is suitable in particular for continuous feeding or admixture of the granulated material is formed and preferably as a worm conveyor.

Optionally is provided that the granules by the conveying device in the outfeed position and in the filling position and in the mass is introduced into the ground line at or is mass printing.

Optionally is provided that a mixing device is provided in the output section, wherein the mixing device in particular as a mixing head with moving mixing elements and preferably as a mixing head for the continuous admixture of the granules is formed in the continuously moving mass.

Optionally is provided, with the intermediate portion and the output portion via a printing change devicefeeder line system that the is controllable or regulable valves are provided and in that in the connected feeder line system that the pressure in the output section and that is adapted or adaptable to the in the ground line mass printing the intermediate pressure in the intermediate section to the mass printing /or, to the pressure in the output section or the ambient pressure is adapted or adaptable.

Optionally is provided that the device comprises a shaft-like or tubular granulates pit, which extends from a feed opening for the granular material in the conveying device of the output section extends until or and that in the course of the conveying direction of the granules from the filling opening to the or in the conveying device in succession to the fill-in, the first shut-off element, the intermediate portion, the second shut-off element are arranged and the output section.

Optionally is provided that the is formed as a down pipe granulates pit, in

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the granulate is driven by the force of gravity is moved or from the filling opening to the conveyor device.

The invention concerns in particular a plant for producing a mass provided with a granulate, in which optionally is provided that in the course of the conveying path of the mass are provided successively the following components:

a bulk storage tank or a device for the continuous production, such as in particular a source of mass the mass, the mass of the through the equipment source of massplant promotion device for conveying a is designed in particular as a pump wherein the plant promotion device ; optionally a chocolate creambulk updating station such as in particular a crystallizer or a [...] for a, a for increasing the pressure of the mass on the mass pressure build-up devicemass printing and optionally for gassing of the mass, wherein the gassing device is designed in particular as mass pressure build-up device ; a device for feeding granules in the mass, and an output device for outputting the provided with granules such as in particular a nozzle or a nozzle beam mass.

Optionally is provided, in the interest of promoting mass and a piping system is provided for connecting the components of the installation.

The invention concerns in particular a method for forming a blended mass with granules, such as in particular a gasified with spreadable chocolate cream [...], comprising the steps of: filling the granulate in the feed section of a device, the apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims is formed; conveying of the granules in the intermediate portion, wherein the pressure in the intermediate portion corresponds to this basically the ambient pressure, and wherein in this connection the second obturator is closed; then closing the first shut-off means, so that the filled by the intermediate portion of the granules are in a and the two shut-off elements is enclosed granulates pitgranulates chamber formed; followed by increasing the pressure in the intermediate portion or to the pressure of the output section granulates chambermass printing or in the on the, subsequently opening the second shut-off means, so that the granules in the output section Haas Food Equipment GmbH

is, and conveying the pellets in the moving mass located in the output section.

Optionally is provided that the pressure in the output section during each step corresponds to substantially the mass printing.

Optionally is provided that during each step of the process is carried out a promotion of the granules in the mass, wherein the promotion preferably continuously or continuously-is intermittent.

Optionally is provided that after conveying said granules Closing the second obturator in the output section, so that both shut-off elements are closed that subsequently the pressure in the intermediate portion is adapted to the ambient pressure that subsequently the first shut-off element is opened, so that further passes into the intermediate portion and thereafter according to claim 1 at ambient pressure Granules in the output section can be, falls below a defined lower limit granulates level in the output section when the.

Optionally is provided that the mass of the granules is from a before the supply is brought to the mass pressure build-up devicemass printing, mass printing is greater than the ambient pressure and wherein the wherein the gassing device is designed in particular as mass pressure build-up device.

Optionally is provided that the blended mass is conveyed to an output device with granules, and blended with granules in the output device is the output that the mass, so that an edible product or an intermediate product for the preparation of an edible product is formed.

When according to the invention can efficiently an overpressure device a granulate may be blended slurry. In particular, the invention can be carried out when the refilling of the granules during ongoing production device. An installation for the continuous production of an apparatus of the present invention can, for example, the part provided with granules be mass.

The invention particular, it relates to a device, with which a granulate a pressurized mass can be supplied. The mass has a mass printing on, which is greater than the ambient pressure. This means that the pressure prevailing in the ground line is greater than the ambient pressure. In order to influence the pressure in the supply is proposed preferably corresponds to the supply of granules does not negatively by ground line, according to the invention, the supplied granulate under a pressure, which is substantially the same as mass printing.

This the granulated material is filled into the apparatus of the present invention in a first step under ambient pressure, in particular poured in. The dumping it can be done manually or via an automatic supply. In another consequence the granules is set under pressure in the device. This occurs preferably in a sealed granulates chamber. This granulates chamber between a first shut-off element and a second shut-off element provided is in particular. By closing of the shut-off elements is formed a chamber. granulates chamber for compressing the granules to this is connected a printing change device. This gas buffer memory can include, for example, a compressor or a. Technically is not compressed or not only the granules themselves viewed, but the gas or the air, the is located in the and in particular also between the individual is provided granulates chambergranulates bodies. A specific embodiment of the device in the technical sense thus a pressure lock. The granulates chamber corresponds to the intermediate portion in the closed state of said shut-off elements..

The pressure in the to the mass printing adapted granulates chamber Is, or the pressure in the intermediate portion corresponds to substantially the mass printing, such a shut-off element can be opened, so that the chamber opens and said granules are substantially operates isobarically, with identical pressures can be introduced into the mass.

To control and/or regulation of the pressure sensors can be provided and pressure lines and a plurality of valves. mass pressure sensor is provided a, for example, the measures and transmits the pressure directly or indirectly in the ground line as the measurement variable [...][...] regulating means to a controlled variable. Also is provided a printing change device, whose ducts preferably open out into the intermediate portion and/or the output section of the device according to the invention. ambient pressure sensor may also optionally be provided a. The controller or is Preferably,. Regulation of the device designed in such a way that there is at all times substantially mass printing in the output section. Therefore, escapes avoided that the mass counter to the conveying direction of the granules by the conveying apparatus in the output section. Also opens the duct printing change device preferably into the intermediate portion of the. In that the pressure can variably be changed. In particular, the pressure can be adapted the mass printing, the there is also in the output section and/or in the ground line. Moreover, the pressure can be adapted to the ambient pressure. Therefore the pressure can be changed substantially between said mass printing and the ambient pressure. To control the pressure may, in particular, controllable or regulable valves be provided in the respective lines leading to the sections. The valve can be opened outwardly For matching the ambient pressure, so that the excess pressure escapes and is effected an automatic adaptation to the ambient pressure. The increase of the pressure is performed preferably through a compressor, a pressure tank or a similar device.

Moreover, preferably two closure provided, the limit for compression of the granules in particular the granulates chamber. This occluding elements can be carried out, for example, as valves or slide. These shut-off elements are of gastight design Prefers, so that an escape of the pressure is prevented when the shut-off element. In the open state are opened such that this that the granules of the fill-in in the intermediate portion and/or can be conveyed from the intermediate portion into the output section.

In the output section is preferably provided a conveyor device. This is, for example, in the form of a screw conveyor. In mass printing prevails preferably said feeding apparatus. The Conveyor device is set up, the granules of the output portion in the ground line, into the mass or direction to promote ground line.

Optionally is a stirring device provided in the output section. This can include, for example, movable mixing elements, the forms prevent that optionally bridges formed and that the granules are agglutinated or lumps in the output section, the clogging of the device are liable to cause to subsequently. The particular stirring device serves to loosen the granular material is in the output section.

Also the invention relates to a plant for producing a mass provided with granules. This source of mass is preferably provided a. This source of mass can be, for example, a tank or a reservoir. Moreover, an installation for the continuous production and source of mass can also the mixture be a mass. The Appendix plant promotion device preferably comprises a, through which a mass flow through the plant is effected. The plant promotion devicesource of mass the mass of the transported to an output device, where the mass, with the pellets provided is the output. Connected the individual components are preferably through a piping system of the plant. In particular mass pressure build-up device said plant comprising a. This can, for example, as a gassing device, Aerator or aerator be formed. Optionally the installation comprises a mixing device for the continuous admixture of the granules in the mass. Optionally the mixing device is formed by the ground line and/or the conveying device. Optionally the conveying device opens into a mixing chamber, in which the granulate is added to the mass. Optionally the conveying device opens directly into the ground line. Optionally the granular material is supplied to the mass, wherein the mass is moved or is in delivery.

The according to the invention are preferably the apparatus of the present invention is method and characterized in that the granules of the ambient pressure is brought substantially to a mass printing, to enable the mass of the granules in an isobaric supply. This is, as further described above, an intermediate portion preferably provided in the apparatus, in which the pressure is variable mass printing between the surrounding pressure and the. By varying the pressure in the intermediate portion the granules may be made to

mass printing be brought, so as to supply it to subsequently operates isobarically of the mass.

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In another consequence that the invention is described further with reference to the figures.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic apparatus according to the invention the construction of the schematic diagram.

Fig. 2 shows a possible embodiment of a plant according to the invention.

Fig. 3 shows another embodiment of a possible according to the invention apparatus.

Fig. 4,5 and 6 show three positions of varying the pressure in the intermediate section of the novel device.

Fig. 1 shows an apparatus of the present invention. This comprises a filling opening 14 for supplying the granules. The filling opening 4 to 14 is situated at the edge of the feed section. Also the apparatus of the present invention comprises an intermediate portion 6 and an output section 4 and the intermediate portion 5.6 is a first shut-off element between the fill-in 7 provided. This shut-off element has at least two positions on. In 6 connected with the intermediate portion 4 is an open position of the fill-in. In particular, the fill-in is for intermediate portion 6 opened 4, so that the granular material can pass from the feed section in the intermediate portion.

Between the intermediate portion and the output portion 8 provided 5 is a second shut-off element. This element has also to an open position, wherein in the open position from the intermediate portion into the output section 5 can be promoted granules.

7 or 8 in the closed position of the first closing element ranges is a promotion the granules via the shut-off element of the second closing element ranges prevents of time. Even printing exchange is not possible in the closed position of a shut off element a.

In output section 22 provided 5 is optionally a stirring device. This stirring device 22 comprises Agitator, the actuated by an actuator or are driven. This stirring device is adapted and/or arranged, in the

Output section as to move and in particular 5 contained [...] granules.

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Also in the output section 5 in particular is provided a conveyor device 10. This Conveyor device 10 is preferably constructed as a worm conveyor and the granules are conveyed from the output section 3 to and from the 5 ground line in the ground line in the or direction and moving mass 3 contained 2.

The Conveyor device is preferably driven via a drive. 9 is provided also a printing change device. Opens into the intermediate portion 12 comprises a. This feeder line systemprinting change device This 6. also opens printing change deviceprinting change devicefeeder line system in the output section 5 or their. The the 9 comprises, for example, a compressor and/or a pressure tank. Also the printing change device comprises one or more valves 13, which preferably are formed as a controllable and/or regulatable valves. Moreover, 23 may be provided pressure sensors, whose measured variables for regulating and/or controlling the printing change device 9 may be used. In particular, a pressure sensor is provided in the ground line 23 mass printing for measuring the 3. Based on this pressure the pressure in the output section 5 and optionally the pressure in the intermediate portion 6 will be adapted. Even 7 and the second shut-off element 8 are the first shut-off element can be controlled and/or regulated. In particular the occluding elements comprise a drive for movement of the respective closing element ranges, from the open position to the closed position or vice versa by the the shut-off element can change.

The apparatus is adapted and/or arranged, a granulate regulated to introduce into the mass. About 0.5 to 2.5 bar can commitment is The pressure of mass. Also the pressure can be up to 5 bar. C0_2- gassed [...] on, for example, enter pressures Such.

The granules are introduced manually or automatically in the feed section 4 is preferred. A filling-level sensor in the intermediate section 6 emits a signal, as soon as the granular material can be introduced in the feed section. In particular, this is then the case, when the intermediate portion is empty. In another consequence is adapted to the ambient pressure or the pressure is of the intermediate portion, so that, when the first

Shut-off element 7 opens, it comes at no pressure swing. 53105 Will/GP/FI the first

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Shut-off element 7 opened, so the granular material is conveyed from the feed section 4 in the intermediate portion 6. Preferably, by gravity alone this is done. In the present embodiment is provided a granulates pit, along the course of which the feed section, the intermediate portion and the output portion are disposed. The granulates pit is formed in the present case as a downpipe. The granules in the intermediate portion conveyed from the fill-in actual, a signal is given by a level sensor, so that the first shut-off element and will close again. In another consequence that the Activating printing change device, so that the pressure in the intermediate portion of the ambient pressure is increased on the mass printing. The mass printing is measured in particular by a sensor 23 in the ground line.

Pneumatically or hydraulically operated are Preferably, the occluding elements. An electrical actuation by, for example, a linear drive is also conceivable, however.

The printing change device are preferably regulated and in particular the intermediate pressure in the intermediate section 9, wherein the intermediate pressure is adjusted or adapted optionally regulated the mass printing.

Also in the output section 5 is preferably provided a level sensor. The filling level Is a defined value corresponding to low and the intermediate pressure of the intermediate portion is equal to the pressure of the output section and/or the mass printing, so the second obturator is opened. This the granules can be transported at elevated pressure from the intermediate portion into the output section. The pressure in the output section 5 is here preferably always mass printing the ground line substantially equal to the. detected to subsequently the filling-level sensor of the intermediate portion that said intermediate portion is emptied, so the second obturator closes. In another consequence of the intermediate portion and in particular the intermediate pressure can be adapted to the ambient pressure, so as to allow a new filling with granules.

The granulate is transported from the conveyor device 10 from the output section 5 in the ground line 3. In the inlet region into the ground line a is

Bypass line 24 provided. This bypass line is a safety line, in the

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the mass flow of the mass is diverted, happens when no promotion of the granules by the conveying device. This will prevent that during emptying the conveyor device the mass in the conveying device, in particular into the conveyor screw penetrates.

For example, the device has a capacitance of about 10 to 200k g/hr on. That capacity refers to the mass flow of the granules. The according to the invention has a capacitance of about 1500 kg/hr under a premise, for example, 10% to 16% granulates portion of, for example,.

Zur into the apparatus of the present invention may, where appropriate, an automatic filling of the granulate Filler device be provided.

By according to the invention is in particular a fully automatic configuration allows the mass of the granules in automatic feeding. Via the level sensors, the regulated pressure valves and the controllable or regulatable shut-off elements happens automatically applying the granules.

Fig. 2 shows an embodiment according to the invention a plant. source of mass This comprises a 16, the is formed, for example, as a buffer tank with a stirrer provided therein. source of massplant promotion device 16 a 17 is provided the Following. This plant promotion device 17 is, for example, and designed as a pump carried out, the mass of the to pump 16 through the equipment and to promote/or source of mass. Also the system can comprise a bulk updating station 18. This can, for example, a thermal conditioning device, a ^ crystallize[...] etc. be a. In this embodiment the mass 18 is passed from this bulk updating stationpressure build-up device 19 further into a. The pressure build-up device is in the present design embodiment as gassing device, Aerator and/or aerator formed. In pressure build-up device the pressure is increased the mass this. In particular, the pressure is built up by supplying gas such as C02, air, nitrogen or the like and/or by an increase of the volume. In mass pressure build-up device 19 or in their mixing device 11 opens in the the: 53ios/gp/fi

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this embodiment 10 of the device according to the invention the conveyor.

Also provided by this line is conveyed to an output device 20 with granulate mass. In this representation is represented only schematically as arrow 20 The material feeder.

Fig. 3 shows another embodiment of a the invention installation. 16 a is, for example, as a bulk storage tank comprises The Appendix source of mass. This formed. Also the installation has optionally a bulk updating station 18, such as a crystallizer, a [...] or, for example, a thermal conditioning device. Also the installation has a plant promotion device 17, the in particular as a pump is formed. The plant promotion device is preferably adapted, to promote the mass through the equipment.

Also according to the invention comprises 19 is in a preferred manner a mass pressure build-up device. This Appendix in this form of construction as a gassing device, Aerator or as aerator formed. The mass Will mass pressure build-up device pumped by the, so it is brought on by the inflation pressure from the ambient pressure or after the source of massmass printing. The mass is to subsequently conveyed under mass printing for the invention device. There the granules is set under pressure and via the conveying device 10 in the described manner above into the ground line 2 introduced into the mass or 3. In the present embodiment, the conveyor device 10 opens directly into the ground line comprises in this embodiment a bypass line 3 3. The ground line, through which a promotion of mass can be circumvented by the region of discharge of the conveying device 10.

In another consequence that the mass will be promoted into a dispenser 20. There the mass can, for example, are output through nozzles, whereby an edible product or an edible intermediate is formed. Also the ground line 3 can comprise a return line 25, by which the mass can be pumped back to the 16 source of mass. This is used when starting up the system, where appropriate.

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The source of mass 16 can, for example, be constructed as a reservoir. The reservoir can, for example, at the sides and in the bottom region to be jacketed-in particular. Also can be provided and scraper agitator, the can be moved via a drive, so that the contained therein may or may not be deposited, for example, not unmixed mass. Also preferably provided is a level sensor. This can, for example, be used, or, where appropriate, the system or display a necessary refill of the mass stopping the installation, if the fill level falls below critical levels. Also a is preferably conically designed bottom provided, so that the mass flows automatically direction pump. The reservoir Preferably, a insulation on, for example is formed as a cold insulating [...]. Preferably, source of mass has a valve on the, the can be closed and opened automatically or manually, so that a separation or a compound of the remainder of the installation can be done for source of mass. Also the tank is equipped with a closable cover or a lid, for example, wherein a safety switch is provided optionally, so that the installation can be operated only with the cover closed or closed cover. Moreover, a CIP preferably-Port source of mass comprises the, through which a cleaning method is made possible, and in which no substantial disassembly requires State of the Art product-affected in accordance with all surfaces are cleaned.

The plant promotion device is formed in particular as a pump, wherein the pump has special arrangements for sealing with respect to the mass, so that it is not contaminated by oil, for example. The pump may be driven by a direct drive, for example, and have a silicone stator. The drive is in particular frequency-controlled. The bulk updating station is formed, for example, as a crystallizer. This is preferably configured to be insulated and comprises at the inside and/or on the outside of the optionally water-cooling cylinder. The water cooling is preferably temperature controlled. Also a scraper can be provided or a stirrer. Even this element is preferably CIP-can be cleaned.

The mass pressure build-up device is in particular as aerator, Aerator or gassing device formed. This comprises a mixing head preferably of stainless steel. Optionally mass pressure build-up device comprises a cooling or a heating which, in particular, for example, in a vessel or in the stirrer by medium-flowed through channels is formed. The Mixing head can, for example, pneumatically, hydraulically or electrically be driven. Optionally a different temperature control is of different parts is enabled.

The mass pressure build-up device is preferably frequency-controlled and, if appropriate, directly driven driving the. Also with a measuring tube can comprise a manual metering of gas, however the mass pressure build-up device. Even gas mass flow measurer an automatic metering of gas, however it can be provided with a. In all embodiments a pressure sensor is provided at or in the mass pressure build-up device Prefers, for example, for controlling the installation and/or may be formed to output and triggering a positive pressure alarm.

Also it can be provided an electronic back pressure control. Am mass temperaturemass pressure build-up device may, where appropriate, a temperature sensor for measuring the exit of the be provided. mass pressure build-up devicemedium temperature for cooling or heating of the can also be regulated or controlled.

The apparatus of the present invention comprises a screw conveyor for feeding the granules preferably. This is preferably frequency-controlled. Also optionally provided is a regulated accumulator. This is formed and the pressure regulation serves in particular as a cylinder chamber with piston or equalizing vessel, the compression stabilisation and/or the timely volume delivery in the system or in the plant.

Also according to the invention comprises in the present embodiment, an output device 20 is. This Appendix, for example, for the metered output of the with

Granulate mass formed provided. [...][...] with * ft can, for example, dispensing piston " _AOE280A2AO> _AOE280A2AO> _AOE280A2AO> _AOE280A2AO> [...]

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a rate of 0.01 to 145g/cylinder be provided. The cylinder size Product size is in particular from the function. Is also preferably the output device temperature controlled. The output device can include, for example, forms is introduced into the the mass. Optionally is a conveyor belt or a conveyor chain present is laid on the the mass. Optionally forms are moved on a conveyor belt for receiving the composition. Optionally a Nozzle bar is provided, comprises a plurality of nozzle openings, wherein optionally this Nozzle bar is movable formed. This movement is regulated and/or controlled, for example, by means of servo motors in particular. Optionally a output frequency can of 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50 expenditure/min up to arrival. Also intermediate values of these values are also possible.

Optionally back pressure control valve is provided a. This positive pressure automatic controller and/or as a negative pressure switch is formed and in particular as the regulation serves the pressure in predetermined limits or to a predetermined value.

Optionally melting back device provided a melting apparatus is or a. This is used, in particular, the system start-up, in which no granulates supply preferably takes place. A solidified cream can, for instance, are heated, so that the resulting crystals melt.

Figures 4,5 and 6 show the apparatus of the present invention in three different positions.

In Fig. 4 the device is represented in a filling position. In this filling position the second obturator 8 is closed or is located in a closed position the second obturator 8. The first shut-off element 7 is located in an open position. This the granules can be transported from the feed section 6 1 4 in the intermediate portion. In the representation of the fill-in the intermediate portion and 4 are complete with a granulate Fig. 1 filled. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, however is only one part filled. Only the intermediate portion is preferably filled with granules in the filling position, so that a closing the first shut-off means is not hampered by the granules 7.

In the position of the 4 Fig., in particular in the filling position, in the intermediate section 4 and 6, exhaust gas velocities in fill-in ambient pressure. In the output section 5, on the other hand, an elevated pressure, in particular the mass printing, the 3 or in the mass 2 there is also in the ground line. Also in the filling position is preferably conveyed by the conveying device 1 from the discharge portion 5 granules 10 direction or in the ground line 3.

The intermediate portion 6 Is sufficiently filled with granules 1, so the position changes of the first shut-off means 5 shows the apparatus of the present invention in an intermediate position. 7 Fig.. In this intermediate position both the first shut-off element 7 and the second shut-off element 8 are closed. Initially, prevails in the intermediate portion 6 ambient pressure. Both shut-off elements Are 7,8 closed, the pressure of the intermediate section 9 is not shown in this way can the printing change devicemass printing be adapted to the and in particular to the pressure in the output section. The intermediate pressure in the output section 6 of the intermediate section 5 and/or the output pressure Requirements mass printing in the ground line 3 the, optionally the second obturator may change its position.

Fig. 6 shows the apparatus of the present invention in the dispensing position. In this the second obturator 8 is opened or is located in an open position the second obturator. By the opening of the second closing element ranges from the intermediate portion into the output section 8 can be the granules. By adjusting intermediate pressure happens before the opening of the second closing element ranges to the output pressure of this step substantially operates isobarically. Also the supply of the granules by the conveying apparatus 10 in the ground line substantially operates isobarically 3 is happening.

The intermediate portion Is emptied, so the second obturator 8 optionally can change back into the closed position. In another sequence prevails initially in the intermediate portion or output pressure. mass printing. Both shut-off elements Are 7,8 closed, so the pressure can be discharged from the intermediate portion be adapted and especially at the ambient pressure.

ln can subsequently be reopened the first shut-off element 7, in the intermediate portion to receive further granules of the fill-in. In another sequence can optionally be pressurized under the above-mentioned steps the intermediate portion, so as to be able to feed the output section operates isobarically Granules.

In all three positions of Figures 4 is Preferably, , 5 and 6 the pressure in the output section kept constant. Preferably, this pressure essentially corresponds with the mass printing, the prevails in the ground line 3.

In all three positions of Figures 4 is promoted Preferably, , 5 and 10 in the ground line from the conveyor device 3 1 6 granulate 3 ground line or direction.

Despite the gradual refilling of the granules in the output section a continuous and can take place in the ground line/or continuously-intermittent promotion of the granules.

Optionally is provided that in all embodiments throughout the processing steps the pressure in the fill-in corresponds to the ambient pressure.

Granules

Mass

Ground Line

Fill-In

Output Section

Intermediate Portion

First Shut-Off Element

Second Shut-Off Element

printing change device Conveyor device of the output section mixing device

feeder line system (for intermediate section and output section) valve

Filling Opening

source of mass conveying direction of the granules

plant promotion device

bulk updating station

mass pressure build-up device Output Device

Piping system of the plant stirring device

Pressure Sensor

Bypass Line

Return Line