EP3325354B1 - Method and device for separating out and transferring pellets - Google Patents

Method and device for separating out and transferring pellets Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3325354B1
EP3325354B1 EP15739179.8A EP15739179A EP3325354B1 EP 3325354 B1 EP3325354 B1 EP 3325354B1 EP 15739179 A EP15739179 A EP 15739179A EP 3325354 B1 EP3325354 B1 EP 3325354B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
passage
pellets
pellet
channel
pressure differential
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EP15739179.8A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3325354A1 (en
Inventor
Achim Wolf
Stefan Wolf
Karlheinz Seyfang
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Harro Hofliger Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH
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Harro Hofliger Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B37/00—Supplying or feeding fluent-solid, plastic, or liquid material, or loose masses of small articles, to be packaged
    • B65B37/16—Separating measured quantities from supply
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B37/00—Supplying or feeding fluent-solid, plastic, or liquid material, or loose masses of small articles, to be packaged
    • B65B37/14—Supplying or feeding fluent-solid, plastic, or liquid material, or loose masses of small articles, to be packaged by pneumatic feeders

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for delimiting and transferring pellets, in particular cryopellets, into a target container, as well as to a separating device for carrying out this method.
  • active pharmaceutical ingredients are applied as a solution, but are unstable in dissolved form. As a freeze-dried formulation, however, they can be stably stored and reconstituted immediately before use. Examples include biotechnological products, peptides, vaccines and certain reagents.
  • cryopellets are also produced in the form of more or less spherical multiparticulate preparations as so-called cryopellets.
  • the starting solution is brought into drop form, wherein drops can be produced with a precisely defined volume.
  • these drops are frozen in liquid nitrogen and then dried by sublimation.
  • the dry cryopellets produced in this way have at least approximately a spherical shape with a defined mean diameter. If necessary, they can be brought back into solution in a suitable amount. It is desirable to produce only such a limited amount of solution as is necessary to meet the immediate needs, for which appropriate amounts of Cryopellets are kept in appropriate packaging units.
  • a metering device and a method for metering dry urea pellets are known.
  • a supply of pellets is provided in a storage room.
  • the pellets are directed from the storage space into two downwardly leading and upwardly oriented metering channels in such a way that in each case a column of superimposed pellets forms in both metering channels.
  • the lowest pellet of such a column is located in each case in a connection point, in which engages a slide element with two receiving spaces.
  • the two receiving chambers are alternately filled and emptied one at a time into a discharge channel running parallel downwards.
  • Sensitive pellets can be mechanically damaged by the slider element and its shearing motion.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a method for the delimitation and the transfer of pellets in a target container, which allows a reliable and economical implementation even with difficult materials such as Cryopellets.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide a separating device suitable for this purpose.
  • a supply of pellets is provided in a storage space.
  • the pellets are then passed out of the storage space into a downwardly out of the storage space and upwardly oriented metering channel such that forms a column of stacked pellets in the metering.
  • the lowest pellet of this column of pellets is located in a connection point, wherein an outlet channel is connected to the dosing channel at the connection point and continues transversely from the dosing channel.
  • a first pressure difference channel which opens into the dosing channel above the connection point by means of a first channel opening, is subjected to negative pressure, wherein a pellet is sucked to the first channel opening and consequently fixed locally there. This sucked pellet acts as a barrier for the pellets above it.
  • a second pressure difference channel which opens into the connection point by means of a second channel opening, subjected to overpressure, wherein the pellet located in the connection point is blown through the outlet channel and fed to the target container.
  • the holding negative pressure in the first, upper differential pressure channel is switched off, so that the pellet held at the first channel mouth moves towards the connection point and a new lowermost pellet is in the connection point.
  • one or more pellets can be separated from the large pellet supply and fed in the limited number to the target container, wherein the delimitation and also the feeding is carried out solely by the targeted application of negative pressure and overpressure. Due to the purely pneumatic handling, the mechanical effect on the pellets is very low. Even mechanically critical pellets such as Cryopellets can be reliably handled without that mechanical damage of the pellets such as abrasion or the like can be recorded. In the context of the invention, the density of the pellets, which is too low for delivery under weight, proves to be an advantage because the suction and fixing of the pellets as well as the transport by blow-out function effectively at the very low material densities typical here. Friction and other mechanical effects are reduced to a minimum, so that electrostatic charges or their possible effects are largely avoided or meaningless.
  • the first and the second channel mouth are arranged in a height difference from one another.
  • said height difference is an integer multiple of a mean diameter of the pellets. This ensures that below the barrier acting pellets a defined number of pellets is collected, which is then blown in exactly this number in the target container.
  • the integer multiple may be two, three, four or more, and specifies the number of pellets to be blown out into each target container.
  • the integer multiple is one, as a result of which exactly one pellet is blown out with each working cycle. However, this does not necessarily mean that even just one pellet is fed to the target container. Rather, a certain number of individual pellets can be blown by a certain number of cycles in the target container, whereby a high process reliability is given.
  • an embodiment of the separating device may also be expedient in which a plurality of first pressure difference channels open into the dosing channel by means of their associated first channel openings. Depending on requirements, then a more or less highly positioned channel mouth can be activated with negative pressure and serve as a barrier, in which case depending on the selected altitude, a more or less large number of pellets is collected below and ejected into the target container.
  • the demarcation of a certain number of pellets is based on the fact that negative pressure is built up in the first, upper pressure difference channel, as a result of which a pellet is sucked in and held on the associated first channel mouth, this sucked-in and held-on pellet being a barrier for the one above Pellets works. In this way, it is achieved that the one or more pellets collected underneath can be blown out in the intended number, without further pellets advancing prematurely from above and falsifying the previously delimited quantity.
  • the lowermost pellet simply rests on the bottom of the transverse outlet channel and lies in the area of action of the second pressure difference channel. As soon as a blast of compressed air is blown out through this second pressure difference channel, this and possibly also the subsequent pellets are carried away together with the compressed air or the compressed gas to the target container.
  • the lowest pellet is not simply allowed to stand up on the ground. Rather, the lowermost pellet is sucked before blowing to the second channel mouth by the negative pressure is temporarily applied to the second pressure difference channel.
  • a reliable tracking of the pellets is favored from top to bottom, especially taking into account the effect of low weight forces.
  • the lowermost pellet is reliably fixed at the channel mouth of the lower pressure difference channel with suction force and thereby accurately positioned. This favors a precise counting process as well as a later reproducible blow-out process.
  • the suction of the pellets acting as a barrier to the first channel mouth and the suction of the lowermost pellets to the second channel mouth occurs in temporal change. There may be temporal overlaps. In any case, however, it should be ensured that there are timeslots in which only one of the two pressure difference channels is subjected to negative pressure. This ensures that the intake at one of the two channel openings is not influenced in detail by the intake at the respective other channel opening.
  • the holding negative pressure in the first pressure difference channel is switched off. It may be sufficient that there remains ambient pressure or a slight, but no longer holding negative pressure.
  • the first pressure difference channel is subjected to overpressure. Even with only a slight overpressure, a back-up is supported or promoted downwards by the pellet initially held at the first channel mouth.
  • a protective gas is suitably used, wherein such a protective gas is advantageously introduced at an overpressurization of the first and / or the second pressure difference channel in the metering or in the outlet channel.
  • cryopellets are usually extremely hygroscopic.
  • the inert gas of the inerting of the pellets serve.
  • a pressure monitoring and / or a flow rate monitoring of the first and / or the second pressure difference channel is made.
  • the simple method according to the invention also requires a correspondingly simple held separating device, the essential Elements in the form of channels and the like can be readily incorporated into a body.
  • This makes it possible for a plurality of separating devices to be connected to one another in a modular manner and therefore to be flexibly constructed in the desired number and configuration. It may be expedient to design the required channels and the like as holes in such a body.
  • the storage space, the metering channel, the outlet channel, the first pressure difference channel and / or the second pressure difference channel are incorporated into the surface of such a body and closed by the main body of an adjacent separating device. On the one hand, this minimizes production costs. On the other hand, by disassembly good accessibility of all channels can be achieved, so that disturbances of any kind can be easily resolved.
  • Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a first embodiment of a separating device 3 according to the invention for the transfer of pellets 1, 1 ', 1 "in a schematically indicated target container 2.
  • the separating device 3 shown here and described below, thus executed inventive method are suitable for demarcation and the transfer of almost any pellets, but here are the most critical in handling Cryopellets and as an example of the pellets 1, 1 ', 1 "apply.
  • the separating device 3 comprises a storage space 4 for the pellets 1 and a downwardly out of the storage space 4 leading and upwardly oriented metering 5.
  • the storage space 4 is configured here as a funnel, which tapers in relation to the weighting direction down into the metering 5 inside.
  • the upright orientation of the metering 5 does not necessarily mean a precise vertical orientation. It can also be an inclined embodiment appropriate in which at least proportionately there is a significant vertical extent.
  • the scale used is a first longitudinal axis 28 of the dosing 5, which is in the usual operating position in the embodiment shown parallel to the direction of gravity, but also against the weight direction of gravity may have an inclination of not more than 45 ° and in particular of not more than 30 °.
  • the separating device 3 further comprises an outlet channel 6 which is connected to the dosing channel 5 at a connection point 7 and which continues transversely from the dosing channel 5.
  • the outlet channel 6 is arranged horizontally in the embodiment shown.
  • a second longitudinal axis 29 of the outlet channel 6 is therefore in the normal operating position perpendicular to the direction of the weight force or parallel to the horizontal.
  • it can also have an inclination of preferably not more than 45 ° and in particular of not more than 30 ° relative to the horizontal.
  • the separating device 3 comprises at least one, here exactly a first pressure difference channel 8 and a second pressure difference channel 10.
  • the first pressure difference channel 8 opens into the dosing channel 5 via a first channel opening 9 above the connection point 7.
  • the second pressure difference channel 10 opens into the connection point 7 by means of a second channel opening 11 below the first channel opening 9.
  • the first pressure difference channel 8 has a first channel axis 12
  • the second pressure difference channel 10 has a second channel axis 13.
  • the first channel axis 12 lies in the region of the associated channel opening 9 transversely to the first longitudinal axis 28 of the metering channel 5, while the second channel axis 13 of the second pressure difference channel 10 in the region of the associated channel mouth 11 is substantially parallel, here even coaxial with the second longitudinal axis 29 of the outlet channel 6 ,
  • the two pressure difference channels 8, 10 are provided at their associated channel openings 9, 11, each with a retaining means 18, 19, which prevent the penetration of foreign bodies and in particular of the pellets 1, 1 ', 1 "into the respective pressure difference channels 8, 10 the retaining means 18, 19, however, are gas-permeable, suitable in particular for this purpose are fine-pored filter materials such as sintered filters, membrane filters or the like.
  • both pressure difference channels 8, 10 can be acted upon alternately with negative pressure or with overpressure.
  • a negative pressure source 14 and also an overpressure source 15 are provided for both pressure difference channels 8, 10, wherein the first pressure difference channel 8 and the second pressure difference channel 10 are selectively connected by means of a respectively assigned changeover valve 16 with the associated vacuum source 14 or the associated overpressure source 15 can.
  • a position of the respective switching valve 16 is possible in which ambient pressure in each pressure difference channel 8, 10 sets.
  • protective gas containers 17 are provided as overpressure sources 15, in which protective gas is kept available under overpressure.
  • the protective gas under pressure from the respective protective gas container 17 by means of the first pressure difference channel 8 and / or the second pressure difference channel 10 through the respective associated channel mouth 9, 11 in the metering 5 and in the outlet. 6 initiated.
  • Fig. 1 two protective gas tank 17 located.
  • Fig. 1 initially provided a larger supply of several pellets 1 in the storage space 4.
  • the pellets 1 together with the separating device 3 form a self-tuned system, according to which the free passage cross section of the metering channel 5 and also the free passage cross section of the outlet channel 6 are slightly larger than a mean diameter D (FIG. Fig. 2 ) of the pellets 1.
  • the passage cross-section, in particular of the upright metering channel 5 is much greater than the average diameter D (FIG. Fig. 2 ), that although the pellets 1 can pass unhindered from top to bottom through the metering channel 5, but on the other hand pass two pellets simultaneously next to each other.
  • the free passage cross section of the dosing channel 5 is dimensioned such that the pellets 1 fall down from the storage space 4 into the dosing channel 5 and thereby form a column of pellets 1, 1 ', 1 "lying one above the other the in Fig. 1 shown initial position a bottom pellet 1 'in the junction 7 of the outlet channel 6 with the dosing 5. It may be appropriate that the bottom pellet 1' rests on the bottom of the outlet channel 6.
  • the second pressure difference channel 10 is initially subjected to negative pressure by being connected by means of the associated switching valve 16 with the associated vacuum source 14. As a result, the lowest pellet becomes 1 'to the second Channel mouth 11 sucked and pressed against the retaining means 19, whereby the lowest pellet 1 'is held in place.
  • the first, upper pressure difference channel 8 is acted upon by negative pressure, for which purpose the first pressure difference channel 8 is likewise connected by means of its changeover valve 16 to its associated negative pressure source 14.
  • the pellet 1 "is sucked from the column of pellets 1, which is closest to the associated channel mouth 9.
  • This pellet 1" is pressed against the retaining means 18 and fixed locally as long as the holding negative pressure in the upper pressure difference channel 8 is maintained becomes. On the one hand, this prevents the sucked-in pellet 1 "from slipping down into the connection point 7.
  • the sucked-in pellet 1" acts as a barrier for the pellets 1 above and thus prevents them from moving downward.
  • FIGS. 2 and 3 show a detail of the arrangement Fig. 1 in the execution of subsequent process steps.
  • a blow-out of those lower pellets 1 ' which are collected below the pellet 1 "fixed at the first channel mouth 9 as a barrier, is collected, this step being shown schematically in the sectional view Fig. 2 shown.
  • the second pressure difference channel 10 is acted upon over a defined period of time with overpressure, for which purpose it is connected by means of the associated changeover valve 16 with its associated overpressure source 15.
  • a gas pressure surge arises, as a result of which gas is injected according to an arrow 22 through the channel mouth 11 into the outlet channel 6 along its fourth channel axis 29.
  • the injected gas carries the previously sucked at the lower channel mouth 11 lowest pellet 1 'according to an arrow 23 through the outlet channel 6 in the ready target container 2.
  • a single gas shock for the blowing of a single lower pellet 1' or more simultaneously collected lower pellets 1 'ranges usually a single gas shock.
  • the next step is carried out according to Fig. 3
  • the holding negative pressure in the first pressure difference channel 8 is switched off so that the pellet 1 "held at the first channel mouth 9 (FIG. Fig. 2 ) moves towards the junction 7 and a new lowermost pellet 1 '( Fig. 3 ) is located in the connection point 7.
  • This move can take place solely as a result of the acting weight forces.
  • this is the lower, second pressure difference channel 10 again subjected to negative pressure, whereby again the respective lowest pellet 1 'is sucked before the later blowing to the second channel mouth 11.
  • the above-described pellet transfer from the upper, first channel opening 9 to the lower, second channel opening 11 according to an arrow 25 can also be supported by the fact that the first pressure difference channel 8 is briefly subjected to overpressure by means of its associated switching valve 16 with the associated overpressure source 15 is connected.
  • a pressure surge is formed, by means of which gas is introduced according to an arrow 24 through the channel mouth 9 in the metering channel 5 and thereby the advancement of the previously held at the first channel mouth 9 pellet 1 "( Fig. 2 ) is supported according to the arrow 25.
  • this overpressure surge prevents premature upward movement of the column of pellets 1 located above it.
  • a protective gas container 17 is provided as an overpressure source 15
  • the protective gas is introduced from the respective protective gas container 17 into the metering channel 5 or into the outlet channel 6 in the above-described pressure surges by the first and / or the second pressure difference channel 8, 10.
  • a protective gas atmosphere can be maintained in all regions of the separating device according to the invention which interact with the pellets 1, 1 ', 1 ", which allows the handling of very pronounced hygroscopic cryopellets and, if required, also enables inerting of the pellets 1, 1 ', 1".
  • the negative pressure of the two pressure difference channels 8, 10 may overlap in time by a certain amount.
  • the temporary negative pressure in the lower, second pressure difference channel 10 also supports the advancement of the pellets 1 from the target container 2 into the metering channel 5. This can also be done for the initial filling of the metering channel 5 with pellets 1, 1 ', 1 "to achieve the starting position Fig. 1 be used.
  • first pressure difference channel 8 is again subjected to negative pressure, as a result of which a new, serving as a barrier pellet 1 "is sucked in and fixed Fig. 1 is again restored, and the process cycle described above may begin again.
  • Fig. 1 The representation after Fig. 1 is still removable, that in the region of the first and / or the second pressure difference channel 8, 10 monitoring means are arranged, which are configured here for example as a pressure sensor 26 and / or as a flow sensor 27 and connected to a suitable, not shown here for simplicity monitoring unit. In this way, a pressure monitoring and / or a flow rate monitoring can be made and errors are detected in the process flow.
  • Fig. 4 shows a schematic sectional view of a variant of the arrangement according to the Fig. 1 to 3 , wherein several, here exemplarily three first pressure difference channels 8, 8 ', 8 "open into the dosing channel 5 by means of their associated first channel openings 9, 9', 9".
  • the uppermost first channel opening 9 lies in a height difference ⁇ H above the second channel opening 11, where analogous to the embodiment of the Fig. 1 to 3 this height difference .DELTA.H is at least approximately an integer multiple of the mean diameter D. In the exemplary embodiment shown, this integer multiple 3.
  • first pressure difference channels 8, 8 ', 8 " If, therefore, the top of the plurality of first pressure difference channels 8, 8 ', 8 ", so here the pressure difference channel 8 is subjected to negative pressure, formed at the associated channel mouth 9 a lock by an adhesive or sucked Pellet 1 ", below which exactly three lower pellets 1 'collected and according to the procedure of the Fig. 1 to 3 be blown into the respective target container 2.
  • one of the other first pressure difference channels 8 ', 8 " can also be subjected to negative pressure, which then results in a delimitation of exactly one or exactly two lower pellets 1.
  • the embodiment is correct Fig. 4 with the one after the Fig. 1 to 3 match.
  • Fig. 5 shows in a perspective view a cuboid base body 20 for forming a single separating device 3 after the Fig. 1 to 3 and 6 , It may be expedient to introduce bores, openings or the like in such a base body 20 in order to thereby form the various channels described above. By two such holes, the two pressure difference channels 8, 10 are formed in the illustrated embodiment. Deviating from this, the storage space 4, the metering channel 5 and the outlet channel 6 are incorporated into a surface 21 of the main body 20 as a channel-like recess and initially open to the outside. But it may also be expedient to additionally form the two pressure difference channels 8, 10 or another part of the aforementioned elements in this one surface 21.
  • Several such basic body 20 can be according to the perspective view Fig. 6 connect in a linear series, the said channel-like depressions in a base body 20 are closed by the adjacent base body 20 ', and whereby modularly connected singulating devices 3, 3' are formed.
  • Fig. 8 Deviating from this shows Fig. 8 in a plan view of a base body 20 whose plan is circular segment. Again, the various channels on a side surface 21 analogous to Fig. 5 be educated. By way of example, however, the storage space 4, the metering channel 5 and also the other elements are incorporated centrally in the base body 20 here.
  • Fig. 9 shows in a perspective bottom view a group of several basic bodies 20, 20 ' Fig. 8 , which are connected to each other in a modular manner adjacent to each other and form a total of a circularly arranged group of separating devices 3, 3 'due to the circular segment shape of a single body 20.
  • individual separating devices 3 ' may be missing, which are shown here only by dashed lines for the sake of simplicity, resulting in a total circular segment shape of the group of separating devices 3 results.
  • outlet openings 30 of the outlet channels 6 are arranged on the underside of the base body 20. Details of this can be found in the schematic sectional view of the main body 20 Fig. 7 : In deviation from the embodiment according to Fig. 1 only the immediately adjacent to the junction 7 part of the outlet channel 6 extends transversely to the metering 5 and transverse to the direction of gravity, while an adjoining channel segment 6 'of the outlet channel 6 is angled down and leads by means of the lower outlet opening 30 to the target container 2 positioned underneath ,

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Filling Or Emptying Of Bunkers, Hoppers, And Tanks (AREA)
  • Processing And Handling Of Plastics And Other Materials For Molding In General (AREA)
  • Air Transport Of Granular Materials (AREA)
  • Feeding, Discharge, Calcimining, Fusing, And Gas-Generation Devices (AREA)
  • External Artificial Organs (AREA)
  • Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zur Abgrenzung und zur Übergabe von Pellets, insbesondere von Cryopellets in einen Zielbehälter, sowie eine Vereinzelungsvorrichtung zur Durchführung dieses Verfahrens.The invention relates to a method for delimiting and transferring pellets, in particular cryopellets, into a target container, as well as to a separating device for carrying out this method.

Zahlreiche pharmazeutische Wirkstoffe werden als Lösung appliziert, sind aber in gelöster Form instabil. Als gefriergetrocknete Formulierung können sie jedoch stabil gelagert und unmittelbar vor Gebrauch wieder in Lösung gebracht werden. Als Beispiele hierfür seien biotechnologische Produkte, Peptide, Impfstoffe sowie bestimmte Reagenzien genannt.Numerous active pharmaceutical ingredients are applied as a solution, but are unstable in dissolved form. As a freeze-dried formulation, however, they can be stably stored and reconstituted immediately before use. Examples include biotechnological products, peptides, vaccines and certain reagents.

Neuerdings werden solche Formulierungen auch in Form von mehr oder weniger sphärischen multipartikulären Zubereitungen als sogenannte Cryopellets hergestellt. Hierzu wird die Ausgangslösung in Tropfenform gebracht, wobei Tropfen mit genau definiertem Volumen herstellbar sind. Diese Tropfen werden beispielsweise in flüssigem Stickstoff gefroren und dann durch Sublimation getrocknet. Die auf diese Weise hergestellten trockenen Cryopellets haben zumindest näherungsweise eine Kugelgestalt mit einem definierten mittleren Durchmesser. Bei Bedarf können sie in geeigneter Menge wieder in Lösung gebracht werden. Dabei ist angestrebt, nur eine solche begrenzte Lösungsmenge zu erzeugen, wie sie zur Deckung des unmittelbaren Bedarfs erforderlich ist, wofür entsprechende Mengen von Cryopellets in geeigneten Verpackungseinheiten bereitgehalten werden.Recently, such formulations are also produced in the form of more or less spherical multiparticulate preparations as so-called cryopellets. For this purpose, the starting solution is brought into drop form, wherein drops can be produced with a precisely defined volume. For example, these drops are frozen in liquid nitrogen and then dried by sublimation. The dry cryopellets produced in this way have at least approximately a spherical shape with a defined mean diameter. If necessary, they can be brought back into solution in a suitable amount. It is desirable to produce only such a limited amount of solution as is necessary to meet the immediate needs, for which appropriate amounts of Cryopellets are kept in appropriate packaging units.

Typischerweise ist die Anzahl von für das Ansetzen einer Lösung erforderlichen Cryopellets sehr gering. Mitunter sind nur ein einziges Pellet oder einige wenige Pellets er forderlich, weshalb sich eine volumetrische Dosierung bei der Befüllung von entsprechenden Verpackungseinheiten verbietet. Vielmehr wird eine Befüllung der Verpackungseinheiten mit einer bestimmten geeigneten Stückzahl von Pellets angestrebt, wozu die Pellets aus einer größeren Vorratsmenge in eben dieser Stückzahl abgegrenzt und dann in den Zielbehälter übergeben werden müssen. Der Stand der Technik hält jedoch kein geeignetes Verfahren zur Abgrenzung und zur Übergabe und auch keine hierfür geeignete Vorrichtung bereit, was unter anderem auf folgende Aspekte zurückzuführen ist:

  • Cryopellets sind extrem fragil und abriebempfindlich. Bestehende Zuführtechnologien (z.B. Schieber, Vibrationszuführung) führen zu mechanischer Beschädigung der Pellets.
  • Die Dichte der Pellets ist mit typischerweise ρ < 0,2 g/ml so gering, dass allein deren Gewichtskraft für eine gezielte Zuführung kaum ausreicht.
  • Die Pellets haben bei häufigem Kontakt untereinander sowie mit anderen Oberflächen eine ausgeprägte Neigung zu elektrostatischer Aufladung, was insbesondere bei einer Vibrationszuführung kritisch ist.
  • Die Abfüllung muss meist bei sehr geringer relativer Feuchte oder unter Schutzgasatmosphäre erfolgen.
Typically, the number of cryopellets required to prepare a solution is very small. Sometimes he is just a single pellet or a few pellets which is why a volumetric dosing is prohibited when filling corresponding packaging units. Rather, a filling of the packaging units with a certain suitable number of pellets is desired, for which purpose the pellets must be delimited from a larger stock quantity in just this quantity and then transferred to the target container. The prior art, however, does not provide a suitable method of demarcation and handover, nor any apparatus suitable therefor, due, inter alia, to the following aspects:
  • Cryopellets are extremely fragile and sensitive to abrasion. Existing feed technologies (eg slide, vibratory feed) lead to mechanical damage of the pellets.
  • The density of the pellets is typically so small with typically ρ <0.2 g / ml that their weight alone is scarcely sufficient for targeted delivery.
  • The pellets have frequent contact with each other and with other surfaces a pronounced tendency to electrostatic charge, which is critical especially in a vibratory feeder.
  • The filling usually has to be carried out at a very low relative humidity or under a protective gas atmosphere.

Aus der EP 1 882 833 A1 sind eine Dosiervorrichtung und ein Verfahren zum Dosieren von trockenen Harnstoffpellets bekannt. Hierbei wird ein Vorrat von Pellets in einem Vorratsraum bereitgestellt. Die Pellets werden aus dem Vorratsraum in zwei nach unten herausführenden und aufrecht orientierten Dosierkanälen derart geleitet, dass sich in beiden Dosierkanälen jeweils eine Säule von übereinanderliegenden Pellets bildet. Das unterste Pellet einer solchen Säule befindet sich jeweils in einer Verbindungsstelle, in die ein Schieberelement mit zwei Aufnahmeräumen eingreift. Durch zyklisches hin und her Bewegen werden die beiden Aufnahmeräume wechselseitig befüllt und in einen parallel nach unten fortführenden Auslasskanal einzeln entleert. Empfindliche Pellets können durch das Schieberelement und dessen Scherbewegung mechanisch beschädigt werden.From the EP 1 882 833 A1 For example, a metering device and a method for metering dry urea pellets are known. Here, a supply of pellets is provided in a storage room. The pellets are directed from the storage space into two downwardly leading and upwardly oriented metering channels in such a way that in each case a column of superimposed pellets forms in both metering channels. The lowest pellet of such a column is located in each case in a connection point, in which engages a slide element with two receiving spaces. Through cyclic down and The two receiving chambers are alternately filled and emptied one at a time into a discharge channel running parallel downwards. Sensitive pellets can be mechanically damaged by the slider element and its shearing motion.

Der Erfindung liegt deshalb die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Verfahren zur Abgrenzung und zur Übergabe von Pellets in einen Zielbehälter anzugeben, welches eine zuverlässige und wirtschaftliche Durchführung auch bei schwierigen Materialien wie bei Cryopellets ermöglicht.The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a method for the delimitation and the transfer of pellets in a target container, which allows a reliable and economical implementation even with difficult materials such as Cryopellets.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch ein Verfahren mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 gelöst.This object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1.

Der Erfindung liegt des Weiteren die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine hierfür geeignete Vereinzelungsvorrichtung anzugeben.A further object of the invention is to provide a separating device suitable for this purpose.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch eine Vereinzelungsvorrichtung mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 7 gelöst.This object is achieved by a separating device with the features of claim 7.

Nach der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass zunächst ein Vorrat von Pellets in einem Vorratsraum bereitgestellt wird. Die Pellets werden dann aus dem Vorratsraum in einen nach unten aus dem Vorratsraum herausführenden und aufrecht orientierten Dosierkanal derart geleitet, dass sich im Dosierkanal eine Säule von übereinander liegenden Pellets bildet. Das unterste Pellet dieser Säule von Pellets befindet sich in einer Verbindungsstelle, wobei an der Verbindungsstelle ein Auslasskanal mit dem Dosierkanal verbunden ist und quer vom Dosierkanal fortführt. Ein erster Druckdifferenzkanal, der mittels einer ersten Kanalmündung oberhalb der Verbindungsstelle in den Dosierkanal mündet, wird mit Unterdruck beaufschlagt, wobei ein Pellet an die erste Kanalmündung angesaugt und folglich dort örtlich fixiert wird. Dieses angesaugte Pellet wirkt dabei als Sperre für die darüber befindlichen Pellets.According to the invention it is provided that initially a supply of pellets is provided in a storage space. The pellets are then passed out of the storage space into a downwardly out of the storage space and upwardly oriented metering channel such that forms a column of stacked pellets in the metering. The lowest pellet of this column of pellets is located in a connection point, wherein an outlet channel is connected to the dosing channel at the connection point and continues transversely from the dosing channel. A first pressure difference channel, which opens into the dosing channel above the connection point by means of a first channel opening, is subjected to negative pressure, wherein a pellet is sucked to the first channel opening and consequently fixed locally there. This sucked pellet acts as a barrier for the pellets above it.

Hiervon ausgehend wird ein zweiter Druckdifferenzkanal, der mittels einer zweiten Kanalmündung in die Verbindungsstelle mündet, mit Überdruck beaufschlagt, wobei das in der Verbindungsstelle befindliche Pellet durch den Auslasskanal ausgeblasen und dem Zielbehälter zugeführt wird. Nach dem Ausblasen des untersten Pellets wird der haltende Unterdruck im ersten, oberen Druckdifferenzkanal abgeschaltet, so dass das an der ersten Kanalmündung gehaltene Pellet zur Verbindungsstelle hin nachrückt und sich ein neues unterstes Pellet in der Verbindungsstelle befindet.On this basis, a second pressure difference channel, which opens into the connection point by means of a second channel opening, subjected to overpressure, wherein the pellet located in the connection point is blown through the outlet channel and fed to the target container. After blowing out the lowermost pellet, the holding negative pressure in the first, upper differential pressure channel is switched off, so that the pellet held at the first channel mouth moves towards the connection point and a new lowermost pellet is in the connection point.

Mit dem vorstehend beschriebenen erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren und der zugehörigen erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung können ein oder mehrere Pellets aus dem großen Pelletvorrat abgegrenzt und in der abgegrenzten Anzahl dem Zielbehälter zugeführt werden, wobei das Abgrenzen und auch das Zuführen allein durch die gezielte Anwendung von Unterdruck und Überdruck vorgenommen wird. Durch die rein pneumatische Handhabung ist die mechanische Einwirkung auf die Pellets sehr gering. Selbst mechanisch kritische Pellets wie Cryopellets können zuverlässig gehandhabt werden, ohne dass mechanische Schädigungen der Pellets wie Abrieb oder dergleichen zu verzeichnen sind. Die für eine Förderung unter Gewichtskraft zu geringe Dichte der Pellets erweist sich im Rahmen der Erfindung als Vorteil, weil gleichermaßen das Ansaugen und Fixieren der Pellets wie auch der Transport durch Ausblasen gerade bei den hier typischen sehr geringen Materialdichten wirkungsvoll funktionieren. Reibung und andere mechanische Einwirkungen sind auf ein Minimum reduziert, so dass elektrostatische Aufladungen bzw. deren mögliche Auswirkungen weitestgehend vermieden bzw. bedeutungslos sind.With the above-described method according to the invention and the associated device according to the invention, one or more pellets can be separated from the large pellet supply and fed in the limited number to the target container, wherein the delimitation and also the feeding is carried out solely by the targeted application of negative pressure and overpressure. Due to the purely pneumatic handling, the mechanical effect on the pellets is very low. Even mechanically critical pellets such as Cryopellets can be reliably handled without that mechanical damage of the pellets such as abrasion or the like can be recorded. In the context of the invention, the density of the pellets, which is too low for delivery under weight, proves to be an advantage because the suction and fixing of the pellets as well as the transport by blow-out function effectively at the very low material densities typical here. Friction and other mechanical effects are reduced to a minimum, so that electrostatic charges or their possible effects are largely avoided or meaningless.

Die erste und die zweite Kanalmündung sind in einer Höhendifferenz zueinander angeordnet. In vorteilhafter Weiterbildung der Vereinzelungsvorrichtung beträgt die genannte Höhendifferenz ein ganzzahliges Vielfaches eines mittleren Durchmessers der Pellets. Hierdurch ist sichergestellt, dass unterhalb des als Sperre wirkenden Pellets eine definierte Anzahl von Pellets gesammelt wird, die dann in genau dieser Anzahl in den Zielbehälter geblasen wird. Das ganzzahlige Vielfache kann zwei, drei, vier oder mehr sein und gibt die Anzahl der in jeweils einen Zielbehälter auszublasenden Pellets vor. In einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform beträgt das ganzzahlige Vielfache eins, in dessen Folge mit jedem Arbeitstakt genau ein Pellet ausgeblasen wird. Dies bedeutet aber nicht notwendig, dass auch nur genau ein Pellet dem Zielbehälter zugeführt wird. Vielmehr kann eine bestimmte Anzahl von einzelnen Pellets durch eine bestimmte Taktzahl in den Zielbehälter geblasen werden, wodurch eine hohe Prozesssicherheit gegeben ist.The first and the second channel mouth are arranged in a height difference from one another. In an advantageous embodiment of the separating device, said height difference is an integer multiple of a mean diameter of the pellets. This ensures that below the barrier acting pellets a defined number of pellets is collected, which is then blown in exactly this number in the target container. The integer multiple may be two, three, four or more, and specifies the number of pellets to be blown out into each target container. In an advantageous embodiment, the integer multiple is one, as a result of which exactly one pellet is blown out with each working cycle. However, this does not necessarily mean that even just one pellet is fed to the target container. Rather, a certain number of individual pellets can be blown by a certain number of cycles in the target container, whereby a high process reliability is given.

Um die Anzahl der auszublasenden Pellets variieren zu können, kann auch eine Ausgestaltung der Vereinzelungsvorrichtung zweckmäßig sein, bei der mehrere erste Druckdifferenzkanäle mittels ihrer zugeordneten ersten Kanalmündungen in den Dosierkanal münden. Je nach Bedarf kann dann eine mehr oder weniger hoch positionierte Kanalmündung mit Unterdruck aktiviert werden und als Sperre dienen, wobei dann abhängig von der gewählten Höhenlage eine mehr oder weniger große Anzahl von Pellets darunter gesammelt und in den Zielbehälter ausgestoßen wird.In order to be able to vary the number of pellets to be discharged, an embodiment of the separating device may also be expedient in which a plurality of first pressure difference channels open into the dosing channel by means of their associated first channel openings. Depending on requirements, then a more or less highly positioned channel mouth can be activated with negative pressure and serve as a barrier, in which case depending on the selected altitude, a more or less large number of pellets is collected below and ejected into the target container.

In allen Fällen liegt der Abgrenzung einer bestimmten Anzahl von Pellets zugrunde, dass im ersten, oberen Druckdifferenzkanal Unterdruck aufgebaut wird, in dessen Folge ein Pellet an der zugeordneten ersten Kanalmündung angesaugt und festgehalten wird, wobei dieses angesaugte und festgehaltene Pellet als Sperre für die darüber befindlichen Pellets wirkt. Hierdurch wird erreicht, dass das eine oder die mehreren darunter gesammelten Pellets in der vorgesehenen Anzahl ausgeblasen werden können, ohne dass von oben vorzeitig weitere Pellets nachrücken und die zuvor abgegrenzte Menge verfälschen.In all cases, the demarcation of a certain number of pellets is based on the fact that negative pressure is built up in the first, upper pressure difference channel, as a result of which a pellet is sucked in and held on the associated first channel mouth, this sucked-in and held-on pellet being a barrier for the one above Pellets works. In this way, it is achieved that the one or more pellets collected underneath can be blown out in the intended number, without further pellets advancing prematurely from above and falsifying the previously delimited quantity.

Für die unterhalb des Sperrpellets gesammelten Pellets kommen verschiedene Handhabungen in Betracht. Es kann beispielsweise ausreichen, dass das unterste Pellet einfach nur auf dem Boden des quer verlaufenden Auslasskanals aufsteht und dabei im Wirkungsbereich des zweiten Druckdifferenzkanals liegt. Sobald durch diesen zweiten Druckdifferenzkanal ein Druckluftstoß ausgeblasen wird, wird dieses und ggf. auch die nachfolgenden Pellets gemeinsam mit der Druckluft oder dem Druckgas zum Zielbehälter fortgetragen. In vorteilhafter Weiterbildung lässt man jedoch das unterste Pellet nicht einfach nur auf dem Boden aufstehen. Vielmehr wird das unterste Pellet vor dem Ausblasen an die zweite Kanalmündung angesaugt, indem der zweite Druckdifferenzkanal zeitweilig mit Unterdruck beaufschlagt wird. Hierdurch wird vor allem unter Berücksichtigung der wirkenden geringen Gewichtskräfte eine zuverlässige Nachführung der Pellets von oben nach unten begünstigt. Außerdem wird das unterste Pellet zuverlässig an der Kanalmündung des unteren Druckdifferenzkanals mit Saugkraft fixiert und dadurch lagegenau positioniert. Dies begünstigt einen genauen Abzählprozess sowie einen späteren reproduzierbaren Ausblasvorgang.For the pellets collected below the barrier pellets, various manipulations are possible. It may be sufficient, for example, that the lowermost pellet simply rests on the bottom of the transverse outlet channel and lies in the area of action of the second pressure difference channel. As soon as a blast of compressed air is blown out through this second pressure difference channel, this and possibly also the subsequent pellets are carried away together with the compressed air or the compressed gas to the target container. In an advantageous development, however, the lowest pellet is not simply allowed to stand up on the ground. Rather, the lowermost pellet is sucked before blowing to the second channel mouth by the negative pressure is temporarily applied to the second pressure difference channel. As a result, a reliable tracking of the pellets is favored from top to bottom, especially taking into account the effect of low weight forces. In addition, the lowermost pellet is reliably fixed at the channel mouth of the lower pressure difference channel with suction force and thereby accurately positioned. This favors a precise counting process as well as a later reproducible blow-out process.

Für das Ansaugen der Pellets an die beiden Kanalmündungen kommen verschiedene zeitliche Abläufe in Betracht. Bevorzugt erfolgt jedoch das Ansaugen des als Sperre wirkenden Pellets an die erste Kanalmündung und das Ansaugen des untersten Pellets an die zweite Kanalmündung im zeitlichen Wechsel. Dabei darf es zwar zeitliche Überlappungen geben. In jedem Fall sollte jedoch sichergestellt sein, dass es Zeitfenster gibt, in denen nur einer der beiden Druckdifferenzkanäle mit Unterdruck beaufschlagt ist. Hierdurch ist sichergestellt, dass die Ansaugung an einer der beiden Kanalmündungen nicht nahteilig durch die Ansaugung an der jeweils anderen Kanalmündung beeinflusst wird.For the suction of the pellets to the two channel mouths different timing processes come into consideration. Preferably, however, the suction of the pellets acting as a barrier to the first channel mouth and the suction of the lowermost pellets to the second channel mouth occurs in temporal change. There may be temporal overlaps. In any case, however, it should be ensured that there are timeslots in which only one of the two pressure difference channels is subjected to negative pressure. This ensures that the intake at one of the two channel openings is not influenced in detail by the intake at the respective other channel opening.

Sobald die gewünschte Anzahl von Pellets ausgeblasen worden ist, muss eine entsprechende Anzahl von Pellets von oben nachrücken. Hierzu wird der haltende Unterdruck im ersten Druckdifferenzkanal abgeschaltet. Es kann ausreichen, dass dort dann Umgebungsdruck oder ein leichter, jedoch nicht mehr haltender Unterdruck verbleibt. In vorteilhafter Weiterbildung wird zumindest kurzzeitig im Sinne eines Gasdruckstoßes der erste Druckdifferenzkanal mit Überdruck beaufschlagt. Selbst bei nur geringem Überdruck wird ein Nachrücken von dem zunächst an der ersten Kanalmündung haltenden Pellet nach unten unterstützt bzw. begünstigt.Once the desired number of pellets has been blown out, a corresponding number of pellets must move up from above. For this purpose, the holding negative pressure in the first pressure difference channel is switched off. It may be sufficient that there remains ambient pressure or a slight, but no longer holding negative pressure. In an advantageous development, at least for a short time in the sense of a gas pressure surge, the first pressure difference channel is subjected to overpressure. Even with only a slight overpressure, a back-up is supported or promoted downwards by the pellet initially held at the first channel mouth.

Es kann ausreichen, die gesamte Prozessführung mit Luft als Druck- und Unterdruckmedium durchzuführen. Für empfindliche Pellets wie Cryopellets wird zweckmäßig ein Schutzgas eingesetzt, wobei ein solches Schutzgas vorteilhaft bei einer Überdruckbeaufschlagung des ersten und/oder des zweiten Druckdifferenzkanals in den Dosierkanal bzw. in den Auslasskanal eingeleitet wird. Hierdurch wird berücksichtigt, dass Cryopellets in der Regel extrem hygroskopisch sind. Außerdem kann das Schutzgas der Inertisierung der Pellets dienen.It may be sufficient to perform the entire process control with air as the pressure and vacuum medium. For sensitive pellets such as Cryopellets a protective gas is suitably used, wherein such a protective gas is advantageously introduced at an overpressurization of the first and / or the second pressure difference channel in the metering or in the outlet channel. This takes into account that cryopellets are usually extremely hygroscopic. In addition, the inert gas of the inerting of the pellets serve.

In vorteilhafter Weiterbildung wird eine Drucküberwachung und/oder eine Durchflussmengenüberwachung des ersten und/oder des zweiten Druckdifferenzkanals vorgenommen. Durch Identifizierung von Unregelmäßigkeiten im Druck- bzw. Durchflussmengenverlauf können Störungen im Prozess erkannt und Gegenmaßnahmen eingeleitet werden.In an advantageous embodiment, a pressure monitoring and / or a flow rate monitoring of the first and / or the second pressure difference channel is made. By identifying irregularities in the pressure or flow rate process, malfunctions in the process can be detected and countermeasures initiated.

Insgesamt erfordert das einfach gehaltene erfindungsgemäße Verfahren auch eine entsprechend nur einfach gehaltene Vereinzelungsvorrichtung, wobei die wesentlichen Elemente in Form von Kanälen und dergleichen ohne weiteres in einen Grundkörper eingearbeitet werden können. Dies erlaubt es, dass mehrere Vereinzelungsvorrichtungen modulartig miteinander verbunden sind und deshalb in gewünschter Anzahl und Konfiguration flexibel aufgebaut werden können. Es kann zweckmäßig sein, die erforderlichen Kanäle und dergleichen als Bohrungen in einem solchen Grundkörper auszubilden. In einer bevorzugten Variante sind jedoch der Vorratsraum, der Dosierkanal, der Auslasskanal, der erste Druckdifferenzkanal und/oder der zweite Druckdifferenzkanal in die Oberfläche eines solchen Grundkörpers eingearbeitet und durch den Grundkörper einer benachbarten Vereinzelungsvorrichtung verschlossen. Einerseits ist hierdurch der Fertigungsaufwand minimiert. Andererseits kann durch Demontage eine gute Zugänglichkeit aller Kanäle erzielt werden, so dass Störungen jedweder Art ohne weiteres behoben werden können.Overall, the simple method according to the invention also requires a correspondingly simple held separating device, the essential Elements in the form of channels and the like can be readily incorporated into a body. This makes it possible for a plurality of separating devices to be connected to one another in a modular manner and therefore to be flexibly constructed in the desired number and configuration. It may be expedient to design the required channels and the like as holes in such a body. In a preferred variant, however, the storage space, the metering channel, the outlet channel, the first pressure difference channel and / or the second pressure difference channel are incorporated into the surface of such a body and closed by the main body of an adjacent separating device. On the one hand, this minimizes production costs. On the other hand, by disassembly good accessibility of all channels can be achieved, so that disturbances of any kind can be easily resolved.

Je nach Bedarf kann es zweckmäßig sein, quaderförmige Grundkörper in einer linearen Reihe miteinander zu verbinden. Alternativ kann es zweckmäßig sein, im Grundriss kreissegmentförmige Grundkörper in Kreisform oder in Kreissegmentform miteinander zu verbinden, so dass insgesamt kompakte Systeme von mehreren Vereinzelungsvorrichtungen aufgebaut sind, und wobei einzelne solcher Grundkörper modulartig ausgetauscht, weggenommen oder hinzugefügt werden können.Depending on requirements, it may be expedient to connect cuboidal basic body in a linear series with each other. Alternatively, it may be expedient to connect a circular-segment-shaped basic body in circular or circular segmental shape to one another so that a total of compact systems are constructed by a plurality of separating devices, and wherein individual such basic bodies can be exchanged, removed or added in a modular manner.

Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung sind nachfolgend anhand der Zeichnung näher erläutert. Es zeigen

Fig. 1
in einer schematischen Schnittdarstellung ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Vereinzelungsvorrichtung zur Abgrenzung von Cryopellets aus einem größeren Vorrat und zur Übergabe der abgegrenzten Pellets in einen Zielbehälter mittels eines aufrecht orientierten Dosierkanals, eines quer dazu verlaufenden Auslasskanals sowie zweier Druckdifferenzkanäle, wobei an den Kanalmündungen beider Druckdifferenzkanäle je ein Pellet angesaugt und fixiert ist,
Fig. 2
die Anordnung nach Fig. 1 beim Ausblasen des unteren Pellets bei gleichzeitig angesaugtem und fixiertem oberen Pellet,
Fig. 3
die Anordnung nach den Fig. 1 und 2 bei der Übergabe des oberen Pellets zur unteren Kanalmündung,
Fig. 4
eine Variante der Anordnung nach den Fig. 1 bis 3 mit mehreren, hier beispielhaft drei oberen Druckdifferenzkanälen für die gleichzeitige Abgrenzung von mehreren Pellets,
Fig. 5
in einer perspektivischen Ansicht einen quaderförmigen Grundkörper zur Bildung der Vereinzelungsvorrichtung nach den Fig. 1 bis 3, wobei ein Vorratsraum, der Dosierkanal, der Auslasskanal, der erste Druckdifferenzkanal und der zweite Druckdifferenzkanal in die Oberfläche des Grundkörpers eingearbeitet sind,
Fig. 6
in einer perspektivischen Ansicht ein Ausführungsbeispiel, bei dem mehrere quaderförmige Grundkörper nach Fig. 5 in einer linearen Reihe aneinander angrenzend positioniert sind und eine lineare Reihe von mehreren Vereinzelungsvorrichtungen bilden,
Fig. 7
in einer Schnittdarstellung eine Variante des Ausführungsbeispiels nach Fig. 1 mit einem nach unten abführenden Auslasskanal,
Fig. 8
in einer Draufsicht den Grundkörper nach Fig. 7 mit einem kreissegmentförmigen Grundriss, und
Fig. 9
in einer perspektivischen Unteransicht eine Gruppe von mehreren in Kreisform angeordneten Grundkörpern nach den Fig. 7 und 8.
Embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the drawing. Show it
Fig. 1
in a schematic sectional view of a first embodiment of a separating device according to the invention for delimiting Cryopellets from a larger supply and transferring the demarcated pellets in a target container by means of an upright dosing, a transverse thereto outlet channel and two pressure difference channels, wherein at the channel mouths of both pressure difference channels each one Pellet is sucked in and fixed,
Fig. 2
the arrangement after Fig. 1 during the blowing out of the lower pellet with simultaneously sucked in and fixed upper pellet,
Fig. 3
the arrangement after the Fig. 1 and 2 at the transfer of the upper pellet to the lower channel mouth,
Fig. 4
a variant of the arrangement according to the Fig. 1 to 3 with several, here by way of example three upper pressure difference channels for the simultaneous delimitation of several pellets,
Fig. 5
in a perspective view of a cuboid base body for forming the separating device according to the Fig. 1 to 3 wherein a storage space, the metering channel, the outlet channel, the first pressure difference channel and the second pressure difference channel are incorporated into the surface of the base body,
Fig. 6
in a perspective view of an embodiment in which a plurality of cuboid base body after Fig. 5 are positioned adjacent to each other in a linear array and form a linear array of a plurality of singulation devices,
Fig. 7
in a sectional view of a variant of the embodiment according to Fig. 1 with a downwardly discharging outlet channel,
Fig. 8
in a plan view of the body after Fig. 7 with a circular segmental plan, and
Fig. 9
in a perspective bottom view of a group of several arranged in a circular shape of the basic bodies according to the FIGS. 7 and 8 ,

Fig. 1 zeigt in einer schematischen Schnittdarstellung ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Vereinzelungsvorrichtung 3 für die Übergabe von Pellets 1, 1', 1" in einen schematisch angedeuteten Zielbehälter 2. Die hier gezeigte Vereinzelungsvorrichtung 3 und das nachfolgend beschriebene, damit ausgeführte erfindungsgemäße Verfahren eignen sich für die Abgrenzung und die Übergabe von nahezu beliebigen Pellets, wobei hier jedoch die in der Handhabung besonders kritischen Cryopellets im Mittelpunkt stehen und als Beispiel für die Pellets 1, 1', 1" gelten. Die Vereinzelungsvorrichtung 3 umfasst einen Vorratsraum 4 für die Pellets 1 sowie einen nach unten aus dem Vorratsraum 4 herausführenden und aufrecht orientierten Dosierkanal 5. Der Vorratsraum 4 ist hier als Trichter ausgestaltet, der sich bezogen auf die Gewichtskraftrichtung nach unten in den Dosierkanal 5 hinein verjüngt. Die aufrechte Orientierung des Dosierkanals 5 bedeutet nicht notwendig eine exakt vertikale Ausrichtung. Es kann auch eine geneigte Ausführung zweckmäßig sein, bei der jedenfalls anteilig eine signifikante vertikale Erstreckung vorliegt. Als Maßstab dient eine erste Längsachse 28 des Dosierkanals 5, die in gewöhnlicher Betriebsposition zwar im gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel parallel zur Gewichtskraftrichtung liegt, jedoch auch gegenüber der Gewichtskraftrichtung eine Neigung von nicht mehr als 45 ° und insbesondere von nicht mehr als 30° aufweisen darf. Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a first embodiment of a separating device 3 according to the invention for the transfer of pellets 1, 1 ', 1 "in a schematically indicated target container 2. The separating device 3 shown here and described below, thus executed inventive method are suitable for demarcation and the transfer of almost any pellets, but here are the most critical in handling Cryopellets and as an example of the pellets 1, 1 ', 1 "apply. The separating device 3 comprises a storage space 4 for the pellets 1 and a downwardly out of the storage space 4 leading and upwardly oriented metering 5. The storage space 4 is configured here as a funnel, which tapers in relation to the weighting direction down into the metering 5 inside. The upright orientation of the metering 5 does not necessarily mean a precise vertical orientation. It can also be an inclined embodiment appropriate in which at least proportionately there is a significant vertical extent. The scale used is a first longitudinal axis 28 of the dosing 5, which is in the usual operating position in the embodiment shown parallel to the direction of gravity, but also against the weight direction of gravity may have an inclination of not more than 45 ° and in particular of not more than 30 °.

Die Vereinzelungsvorrichtung 3 umfasst des Weiteren einen Auslasskanal 6, der an einer Verbindungsstelle 7 mit dem Dosierkanal 5 verbunden ist, und der quer vom Dosierkanal 5 fortführt. Hierzu ist der Auslasskanal 6 im gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel horizontal angeordnet. Eine zweite Längsachse 29 des Auslasskanals 6 liegt also in gewöhnlicher Betriebsposition senkrecht zur Gewichtskraftrichtung bzw. parallel zur Horizontalen. Sie kann aber auch gegenüber der Horizontalen eine Neigung von bevorzugt nicht mehr als 45° und insbesondere von nicht mehr als 30° aufweisen.The separating device 3 further comprises an outlet channel 6 which is connected to the dosing channel 5 at a connection point 7 and which continues transversely from the dosing channel 5. For this purpose, the outlet channel 6 is arranged horizontally in the embodiment shown. A second longitudinal axis 29 of the outlet channel 6 is therefore in the normal operating position perpendicular to the direction of the weight force or parallel to the horizontal. However, it can also have an inclination of preferably not more than 45 ° and in particular of not more than 30 ° relative to the horizontal.

Darüber hinaus umfasst die Vereinzelungsvorrichtung 3 mindestens einen, hier genau einen ersten Druckdifferenzkanal 8 sowie einen zweiten Druckdifferenzkanal 10. Der erste Druckdifferenzkanal 8 mündet mittels einer ersten Kanalmündung 9 oberhalb der Verbindungsstelle 7 in den Dosierkanal 5. Der zweite Druckdifferenzkanal 10 mündet mittels einer zweiten Kanalmündung 11 unterhalb der ersten Kanalmündung 9 in die Verbindungsstelle 7. Der erste Druckdifferenzkanal 8 weist eine erste Kanalachse 12 auf, während der zweite Druckdifferenzkanal 10 eine zweite Kanalachse 13 aufweist. Die erste Kanalachse 12 liegt im Bereich der zugehörigen Kanalmündung 9 quer zur ersten Längsachse 28 des Dosierkanals 5, während die zweite Kanalachse 13 des zweiten Druckdifferenzkanals 10 im Bereich der zugeordneten Kanalmündung 11 im Wesentlichen parallel, hier sogar koaxial zur zweiten Längsachse 29 des Auslasskanals 6 verläuft. Die beiden Druckdifferenzkanäle 8, 10 sind an ihren zugeordneten Kanalmündungen 9, 11 mit jeweils einem Rückhaltemittel 18, 19 versehen, die ein Eindringen von Fremdkörpern und insbesondere der Pellets 1, 1', 1" in die jeweiligen Druckdifferenzkanäle 8, 10 verhindern. Gleichzeitig sind die Rückhaltemittel 18, 19 jedoch gasdurchlässig. Geeignet sind hierfür insbesondere feinporige Filtermaterialien wir Sinterfilter, Membranfilter oder dergleichen.In addition, the separating device 3 comprises at least one, here exactly a first pressure difference channel 8 and a second pressure difference channel 10. Der The first pressure difference channel 8 opens into the dosing channel 5 via a first channel opening 9 above the connection point 7. The second pressure difference channel 10 opens into the connection point 7 by means of a second channel opening 11 below the first channel opening 9. The first pressure difference channel 8 has a first channel axis 12 the second pressure difference channel 10 has a second channel axis 13. The first channel axis 12 lies in the region of the associated channel opening 9 transversely to the first longitudinal axis 28 of the metering channel 5, while the second channel axis 13 of the second pressure difference channel 10 in the region of the associated channel mouth 11 is substantially parallel, here even coaxial with the second longitudinal axis 29 of the outlet channel 6 , The two pressure difference channels 8, 10 are provided at their associated channel openings 9, 11, each with a retaining means 18, 19, which prevent the penetration of foreign bodies and in particular of the pellets 1, 1 ', 1 "into the respective pressure difference channels 8, 10 the retaining means 18, 19, however, are gas-permeable, suitable in particular for this purpose are fine-pored filter materials such as sintered filters, membrane filters or the like.

Für die Ausführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens ist es erforderlich, dass der erste, obere Druckdifferenzkanal 8 bei Bedarf mit Unterdruck beaufschlagt werden kann, während der zweite, untere Druckdifferenzkanal 10 bei Bedarf mit Überdruck beaufschlagt werden kann. Im gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel sind jedoch beide Druckdifferenzkanäle 8, 10 wechselseitig mit Unterdruck oder auch mit Überdruck beaufschlagbar. Hierzu sind für beide Druckdifferenzkanäle 8, 10 jeweils eine Unterdruckquelle 14 sowie auch jeweils eine Überdruckquelle 15 vorgesehen, wobei der erste Druckdifferenzkanal 8 bzw. der zweite Druckdifferenzkanal 10 mittels eines jeweils zugeordneten Umschaltventil 16 wahlweise mit der zugehörigen Unterdruckquelle 14 oder der zugehörigen Überdruckquelle 15 verbunden werden kann. Natürlich ist auch eine Stellung des jeweiligen Umschaltventils 16 möglich, bei der sich Umgebungsdruck im jeweiligen Druckdifferenzkanal 8, 10 einstellt. Der Betrieb der gezeigten Vereinzelungsvorrichtung 3 kann unter atmosphärischen Bedingungen erfolgen, wobei mittels der Unterdruckquelle 14 Druckluft über den jeweiligen Druckdifferenzkanal 8, 10 in das System eingespeist wird. Im gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel sind Schutzgasbehälter 17 als Überdruckquellen 15 vorgesehen, in denen Schutzgas unter Überdruck bereitgehalten wird. Im Rahmen einzelner, weiter unten noch beschriebener Verfahrensschritte wird das unter Druck stehende Schutzgas aus dem jeweiligen Schutzgasbehälter 17 mittels des ersten Druckdifferenzkanals 8 und/oder des zweiten Druckdifferenzkanals 10 durch die jeweils zugeordnete Kanalmündung 9, 11 in den Dosierkanal 5 bzw. in den Auslasskanal 6 eingeleitet. Der Einfachheit halber sind nach Fig. 1 zwei Schutzgasbehälter 17 eingezeichnet. Es kann jedoch auch zweckmäßig sein, beide Druckdifferenzkanäle 8, 10 aus einem gemeinsamen Schutzgasbehälter 17 zu speisen.For the execution of the method according to the invention, it is necessary that the first, upper pressure difference channel 8 can be acted upon if necessary with negative pressure, while the second, lower pressure difference channel 10 can be acted upon if necessary with overpressure. In the illustrated embodiment, however, both pressure difference channels 8, 10 can be acted upon alternately with negative pressure or with overpressure. For this purpose, a negative pressure source 14 and also an overpressure source 15 are provided for both pressure difference channels 8, 10, wherein the first pressure difference channel 8 and the second pressure difference channel 10 are selectively connected by means of a respectively assigned changeover valve 16 with the associated vacuum source 14 or the associated overpressure source 15 can. Of course, a position of the respective switching valve 16 is possible in which ambient pressure in each pressure difference channel 8, 10 sets. The operation of the separating device 3 shown can be carried out under atmospheric conditions, wherein by means of the vacuum source 14 compressed air via the respective pressure difference channel 8, 10 is fed into the system. In the illustrated embodiment, protective gas containers 17 are provided as overpressure sources 15, in which protective gas is kept available under overpressure. In the context of individual process steps described below, the protective gas under pressure from the respective protective gas container 17 by means of the first pressure difference channel 8 and / or the second pressure difference channel 10 through the respective associated channel mouth 9, 11 in the metering 5 and in the outlet. 6 initiated. For the sake of simplicity are after Fig. 1 two protective gas tank 17 located. However, it may also be expedient to feed both pressure difference channels 8, 10 from a common protective gas container 17.

Gemäß einer beispielhaften und vorteilhaften Ausführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens wird gemäß Fig. 1 zunächst ein größerer Vorrat von mehreren Pellets 1 im Vorratsraum 4 bereitgestellt. Die Pellets 1 bilden zusammen mit der Vereinzelungsvorrichtung 3 ein in sich abgestimmtes System, demnach der freie Durchlassquerschnitt des Dosierkanals 5 und auch der freie Durchlassquerschnitt des Auslasskanals 6 geringfügig größer sind als ein mittlerer Durchmesser D (Fig. 2) der Pellets 1. In genauerer Definition ist der Durchlassquerschnitt insbesondere des aufrecht stehenden Dosierkanals 5 um so viel größer als der mittlere Durchmesser D (Fig. 2), dass zwar die Pellets 1 ungehindert von oben nach unten durch den Dosierkanal 5 hindurchtreten können, ohne aber andererseits zwei Pellets gleichzeitig nebeneinander durchzulassen. Vielmehr ist der freie Durchlassquerschnitt des Dosierkanals 5 derart bemessen, dass die Pellets 1 aus dem Vorratsraum 4 nach unten in den Dosierkanal 5 fallen und dabei eine Säule von übereinander liegenden Pellets 1, 1', 1" bilden. Als Teil dieser Säule befindet sich in der in Fig. 1 gezeigten Ausgangsposition ein unterstes Pellet 1' in der Verbindungsstelle 7 des Auslasskanals 6 mit dem Dosierkanal 5. Dabei kann es zweckmäßig sein, dass das unterste Pellet 1' auf dem Boden des Auslasskanals 6 aufsteht. Im gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel ist der zweite Druckdifferenzkanal 10 zunächst mit Unterdruck beaufschlagt, indem er mittels des zugeordneten Umschaltventils 16 mit der zugehörigen Unterdruckquelle 14 verbunden ist. In der Folge wird das unterste Pellet 1' an die zweite Kanalmündung 11 angesaugt und gegen das Rückhaltemittel 19 gedrückt, wodurch das unterste Pellet 1' an Ort und Stelle gehalten wird.According to an exemplary and advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention is according to Fig. 1 initially provided a larger supply of several pellets 1 in the storage space 4. The pellets 1 together with the separating device 3 form a self-tuned system, according to which the free passage cross section of the metering channel 5 and also the free passage cross section of the outlet channel 6 are slightly larger than a mean diameter D (FIG. Fig. 2 ) of the pellets 1. In a more specific definition, the passage cross-section, in particular of the upright metering channel 5, is much greater than the average diameter D (FIG. Fig. 2 ), that although the pellets 1 can pass unhindered from top to bottom through the metering channel 5, but on the other hand pass two pellets simultaneously next to each other. Rather, the free passage cross section of the dosing channel 5 is dimensioned such that the pellets 1 fall down from the storage space 4 into the dosing channel 5 and thereby form a column of pellets 1, 1 ', 1 "lying one above the other the in Fig. 1 shown initial position a bottom pellet 1 'in the junction 7 of the outlet channel 6 with the dosing 5. It may be appropriate that the bottom pellet 1' rests on the bottom of the outlet channel 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the second pressure difference channel 10 is initially subjected to negative pressure by being connected by means of the associated switching valve 16 with the associated vacuum source 14. As a result, the lowest pellet becomes 1 'to the second Channel mouth 11 sucked and pressed against the retaining means 19, whereby the lowest pellet 1 'is held in place.

Zeitgleich ist auch in der genannten Ausgangsposition gemäß Fig. 1 der erste, obere Druckdifferenzkanal 8 mit Unterdruck beaufschlagt, wozu der erste Druckdifferenzkanal 8 ebenfalls mittels seines Umschaltventils 16 mit seiner zughörigen Unterdruckquelle 14 verbunden ist. In dessen Folge wird aus der Säule von Pellets 1 dasjenige Pellet 1" angesaugt, welches der zugeordneten Kanalmündung 9 am nächsten liegt. Dieses Pellet 1" wird gegen das Rückhaltemittel 18 gedrückt und dabei örtlich fixiert, solange der haltende Unterdruck im oberen Druckdifferenzkanal 8 aufrecht erhalten wird. Einerseits wird dadurch verhindert, dass das angesaugte Pellet 1" nach unten in die Verbindungsstelle 7 durchrutscht. Andererseits wirkt das angesaugte Pellet 1" als Sperre für die darüber befindlichen Pellets 1 und hindert folglich diese am Nachrücken nach unten.At the same time is also in the above starting position according to Fig. 1 the first, upper pressure difference channel 8 is acted upon by negative pressure, for which purpose the first pressure difference channel 8 is likewise connected by means of its changeover valve 16 to its associated negative pressure source 14. As a result, the pellet 1 "is sucked from the column of pellets 1, which is closest to the associated channel mouth 9. This pellet 1" is pressed against the retaining means 18 and fixed locally as long as the holding negative pressure in the upper pressure difference channel 8 is maintained becomes. On the one hand, this prevents the sucked-in pellet 1 "from slipping down into the connection point 7. On the other hand, the sucked-in pellet 1" acts as a barrier for the pellets 1 above and thus prevents them from moving downward.

Aus der Zusammenschau der Fig. 1 und 2 wird noch deutlich, dass die erste Kanalmündung 9 des ersten, oberen Druckdifferenzkanals 8 um einen Höhendifferenz ΔH oberhalb der zweiten Kanalmündung 11 des zweiten, unteren Druckdifferenzkanals 10 positioniert ist. Diese Höhendifferenz ΔH beträgt zumindest näherungsweise ein ganzzahliges Vielfaches des mittleren Durchmessers D der Pellets 1. Weiter unten wird noch deutlich, dass es auf eine mathematisch exakte Einhaltung des ganzzahligen Vielfachen nicht ankommt, was hier durch die Formulierung "zumindest näherungsweise" zum Ausdruck gebracht ist. Jedenfalls beträgt im Ausführungsbeispiel nach den Fig. 1 bis 3 dieses ganzzahlige Vielfache im Rahmen bestimmter Toleranzen eins. Dies und die Einhaltung der genannten Toleranzen führt dazu, dass unter dem an der oberen Kanalmündung 9 angesaugten, als Sperre dienenden Pellet 1" nur Platz für genau ein unterstes Pellet 1 verbleibt. Analog dazu verbliebt unterhalb des genannten, als Sperre dienenden Pellets 1" bei einem größeren ganzzahligen Vielfachen Platz für eine korrespondierende Anzahl von unteren Pellets 1'. Der letztgenannte Fall ist beispielhaft in Fig. 4 dargestellt, worauf weiter unten noch näher eingegangen wird.From the synopsis of Fig. 1 and 2 It is still clear that the first channel mouth 9 of the first, upper pressure difference channel 8 is positioned above the second channel mouth 11 of the second, lower pressure difference channel 10 by a height difference ΔH. This height difference .DELTA.H is at least approximately an integer multiple of the average diameter D of the pellets 1. It will be clear below that it does not depend on a mathematically exact compliance with the integer multiple, which is expressed here by the phrase "at least approximately". Anyway, in the embodiment according to the Fig. 1 to 3 this integer multiple within certain tolerances one. This and the compliance with said tolerances results in that under the pellet 1 "serving as a barrier, which is sucked in at the upper channel mouth 9, there remains only room for exactly one lowermost pellet 1. Analogously, below below the mentioned barrier pellet 1" remains a larger integer multiple space for a corresponding number of lower pellets 1 '. The latter case is exemplary in Fig. 4 which will be discussed in more detail below.

Die Fig. 2 und 3 zeigen ausschnittsweise die Anordnung nach Fig. 1 bei der Ausführung von nachfolgenden Verfahrensschritten. Ausgehend von der Ausgangsposition nach Fig. 1 erfolgt im nächsten Verfahrensschritt ein Ausblasen derjenigen unteren Pellets 1', die unterhalb des als Sperre dienenden, an der ersten Kanalmündung 9 fixierten Pellets 1" gesammelt sind. Dieser Verfahrensschritt ist in der schematischen Schnittdarstellung nach Fig. 2 gezeigt. Hierzu wird der zweite Druckdifferenzkanal 10 über einen definierten Zeitraum mit Überdruck beaufschlagt, wozu er mittels des zugeordneten Umschaltventils 16 mit seiner zugeordneten Überdruckquelle 15 verbunden wird. Im unteren Druckdifferenzkanal 10 entsteht ein Gasdruckstoß, in dessen Folge Gas entsprechend einem Pfeil 22 durch die Kanalmündung 11 in den Auslasskanal 6 entlang seiner vierten Kanalachse 29 eingeblasen wird. Das eingeblasene Gas trägt das zuvor an der unteren Kanalmündung 11 angesaugte unterste Pellet 1' entsprechend einem Pfeil 23 durch den Auslasskanal 6 in den bereit gestellten Zielbehälter 2. Für das Ausblasen eines einzelnen unteren Pellets 1' oder von mehreren gleichzeitig gesammelten unteren Pellets 1' reicht im Regelfall ein einzelner Gasdruckstoß aus. Falls unterhalb des als Sperre dienenden Pellets 1" mehrere untere Pellets 1' abgegrenzt sind, kann alternativ auch ein Ausblasen mit einer korrespondierenden Anzahl von Gasdruckstößen erfolgen. Jedenfalls bleibt während des Ausblasens der obere, erste Druckdifferenzkanal 8 mit dem oben beschriebenen haltenden Unterdruck beaufschlagt, so dass trotz des unten eingeleiteten Druckstoßes das als Sperre dienende Pellet 1" sowie alle darüber befindlichen Pellets 1 an Ort und Stelle bleiben. Sie werden also weder zurück in den Vorratsraum 4 geblasen, noch können sie vorzeitig nach unten in die zwischenzeitlich frei gewordene Verbindungsstelle 7 nachrücken.The FIGS. 2 and 3 show a detail of the arrangement Fig. 1 in the execution of subsequent process steps. Starting from the starting position after Fig. 1 In the next method step, a blow-out of those lower pellets 1 ', which are collected below the pellet 1 "fixed at the first channel mouth 9 as a barrier, is collected, this step being shown schematically in the sectional view Fig. 2 shown. For this purpose, the second pressure difference channel 10 is acted upon over a defined period of time with overpressure, for which purpose it is connected by means of the associated changeover valve 16 with its associated overpressure source 15. In the lower pressure difference channel 10, a gas pressure surge arises, as a result of which gas is injected according to an arrow 22 through the channel mouth 11 into the outlet channel 6 along its fourth channel axis 29. The injected gas carries the previously sucked at the lower channel mouth 11 lowest pellet 1 'according to an arrow 23 through the outlet channel 6 in the ready target container 2. For the blowing of a single lower pellet 1' or more simultaneously collected lower pellets 1 'ranges usually a single gas shock. If a plurality of lower pellets 1 'are delimited below the barrier pellet 1 ", alternatively a blow-out with a corresponding number of gas pressure surges can take place in spite of the pressure surge introduced below, the pellet 1 "serving as a barrier and all the pellets 1 located above it remain in place. They are therefore neither blown back into the storage space 4, nor can they advance prematurely down in the meantime become vacant junction 7.

Nachdem das eine oder die mehreren unteren Pellets 1' gemäß Fig. 2 ausgeblasen sind, erfolgt der nächste Verfahrensschritt gemäß Fig. 3: Der haltende Unterdruck im ersten Druckdifferenzkanal 8 wird abgeschaltet, so dass das an der ersten Kanalmündung 9 gehaltene Pellet 1" (Fig. 2) zur Verbindungsstelle 7 hin nachrückt und sich ein neues unterstes Pellet 1' (Fig. 3) in der Verbindungsstelle 7 befindet. Dieses Nachrücken kann allein infolge der wirkenden Gewichtskräfte stattfinden. Im gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel wird hierfür der untere, zweite Druckdifferenzkanal 10 erneut mit Unterdruck beaufschlagt, wodurch erneut das jeweils unterste Pellet 1' vor dem späteren Ausblasen an die zweite Kanalmündung 11 angesaugt wird. Die vorstehend beschriebene Pellet-Übergabe von der oberen, ersten Kanalmündung 9 zur unteren, zweiten Kanalmündung 11 gemäß einem Pfeil 25 kann auch noch dadurch unterstützt werden, dass der erste Druckdifferenzkanal 8 kurzzeitig mit Überdruck beaufschlagt wird, indem er mittels seines zugeordneten Umschaltventils 16 mit der zugeordneten Überdruckquelle 15 verbunden wird. Hierdurch bildet sich ein Druckstoß aus, mittels dessen Gas entsprechend einem Pfeil 24 durch die Kanalmündung 9 in den Dosierkanal 5 eingeleitet wird und dabei das Nachrücken von dem zuvor an der ersten Kanalmündung 9 gehaltenen Pellet 1" (Fig. 2) entsprechend dem Pfeil 25 unterstützt. Gleichzeitig verhindert dieser Überdruckstoß ein vorzeitiges Nachrücken der darüber befindlichen Säule von Pellets 1 nach unten.After the one or more lower pellets 1 'according to Fig. 2 blown out, the next step is carried out according to Fig. 3 The holding negative pressure in the first pressure difference channel 8 is switched off so that the pellet 1 "held at the first channel mouth 9 (FIG. Fig. 2 ) moves towards the junction 7 and a new lowermost pellet 1 '( Fig. 3 ) is located in the connection point 7. This move can take place solely as a result of the acting weight forces. In the illustrated embodiment, this is the lower, second pressure difference channel 10 again subjected to negative pressure, whereby again the respective lowest pellet 1 'is sucked before the later blowing to the second channel mouth 11. The above-described pellet transfer from the upper, first channel opening 9 to the lower, second channel opening 11 according to an arrow 25 can also be supported by the fact that the first pressure difference channel 8 is briefly subjected to overpressure by means of its associated switching valve 16 with the associated overpressure source 15 is connected. In this way, a pressure surge is formed, by means of which gas is introduced according to an arrow 24 through the channel mouth 9 in the metering channel 5 and thereby the advancement of the previously held at the first channel mouth 9 pellet 1 "( Fig. 2 ) is supported according to the arrow 25. At the same time, this overpressure surge prevents premature upward movement of the column of pellets 1 located above it.

Als Prozess- und Überdruckmedium kann Luft bzw. Druckluft eingesetzt werden. Sofern gemäß dem Ausführungsbeispiel nach den Fig. 1 bis 3 als Überdruckquelle 15 ein Schutzgasbehälter 17 vorgesehen ist, wird bei den vorstehend beschriebenen Druckstößen durch den ersten und/oder den zweiten Druckdifferenzkanal 8, 10 das Schutzgas aus dem jeweiligen Schutzgasbehälter 17 in den Dosierkanal 5 bzw. in den Auslasskanal 6 eingeleitet. Hierdurch lässt sich in allen Bereichen der erfindungsgemäßen Vereinzelungsvorrichtung, die mit den Pellets 1, 1', 1" in Wechselwirkung treten, eine Schutzgasatmosphäre aufrechterhalten. Dies erlaubt die Handhabung von sehr ausgeprägt hygroskopischen Cryopellets und ermöglicht bei Bedarf auch eine Inertisierung der Pellets 1, 1', 1".As process and overpressure medium air or compressed air can be used. If according to the embodiment of the Fig. 1 to 3 When a protective gas container 17 is provided as an overpressure source 15, the protective gas is introduced from the respective protective gas container 17 into the metering channel 5 or into the outlet channel 6 in the above-described pressure surges by the first and / or the second pressure difference channel 8, 10. As a result, a protective gas atmosphere can be maintained in all regions of the separating device according to the invention which interact with the pellets 1, 1 ', 1 ", which allows the handling of very pronounced hygroscopic cryopellets and, if required, also enables inerting of the pellets 1, 1 ', 1".

Die Unterdruckbeaufschlagung der beiden Druckdifferenzkanäle 8, 10 kann sich zeitlich um ein bestimmtes Maß überlappen. Vorteilhaft erfolgt aber das Ansaugen des als Sperre wirkenden Pellets 1" an die erste Kanalmündung 9 und das Ansaugen des Untersten Pellets 1' an die zweite Kanalmündung 11 im zeitlichen Wechsel derart, dass der haltende Unterdruck an der oberen Kanalmündung 9 zumindest zeitweilig dann abgeschaltet ist, wenn Übergabe und Nachrücken der untersten Pellets 1' mittels Unterdruck an der unteren, zweiten Kanalmündung 11 vorgenommen werden. Jedenfalls unterstützt der temporäre Unterdruck im unteren, zweiten Druckdifferenzkanal 10 auch das Nachrücken der Pellets 1 aus dem Zielbehälter 2 in den Dosierkanal 5. Dies kann auch für die Erstbefüllung des Dosierkanals 5 mit Pellets 1, 1', 1" zur Erzielung der Ausgangsposition nach Fig. 1 genutzt werden.The negative pressure of the two pressure difference channels 8, 10 may overlap in time by a certain amount. Advantageously, however, the suction of the pellet acting as a barrier 1 "to the first channel mouth 9 and the suction of the lowest pellet 1 'to the second channel mouth 11 in a temporal change such that the holding negative pressure at the upper channel mouth 9 is at least temporarily switched off when transfer and advancement of the lowermost pellets 1 'are carried out by means of negative pressure at the lower, second channel opening 11. In any case, the temporary negative pressure in the lower, second pressure difference channel 10 also supports the advancement of the pellets 1 from the target container 2 into the metering channel 5. This can also be done for the initial filling of the metering channel 5 with pellets 1, 1 ', 1 "to achieve the starting position Fig. 1 be used.

Im Anschluss an den Verfahrensschritt gemäß Fig. 3 wird der obere, erste Druckdifferenzkanal 8 erneut mit Unterdruck beaufschlagt, wodurch in der Folge ein neues, als Sperre dienendes Pellet 1" angesaugt und fixiert wird. Die Ausgangsposition nach Fig. 1 ist erneut wiederhergestellt, und der vorstehend beschriebene Verfahrenszyklus kann erneut beginnen.Following the process step according to Fig. 3 the upper, first pressure difference channel 8 is again subjected to negative pressure, as a result of which a new, serving as a barrier pellet 1 "is sucked in and fixed Fig. 1 is again restored, and the process cycle described above may begin again.

Der Darstellung nach Fig. 1 ist noch entnehmbar, dass im Bereich des ersten und/oder des zweiten Druckdifferenzkanals 8, 10 Überwachungsmittel angeordnet sind, die hier beispielhaft als Drucksensor 26 und/oder als Durchflusssensor 27 ausgestaltet und mit einer geeigneten, der Einfachheit halber hier nicht dargestellten Überwachungseinheit verbunden sind. Hierdurch können eine Drucküberwachung und/oder eine Durchflussmengenüberwachung vorgenommen und Fehler im Verfahrensablauf erkannt werden.The representation after Fig. 1 is still removable, that in the region of the first and / or the second pressure difference channel 8, 10 monitoring means are arranged, which are configured here for example as a pressure sensor 26 and / or as a flow sensor 27 and connected to a suitable, not shown here for simplicity monitoring unit. In this way, a pressure monitoring and / or a flow rate monitoring can be made and errors are detected in the process flow.

Fig. 4 zeigt in einer schematischen Schnittdarstellung eine Variante der Anordnung nach den Fig. 1 bis 3, wobei mehrere, hier beispielhaft drei erste Druckdifferenzkanäle 8, 8', 8" mittels ihrer zugeordneten ersten Kanalmündungen 9, 9', 9" in den Dosierkanal 5 münden. Die Höhendifferenz zwischen den einzelnen Kanalmündungen 9, 9', 9" beträgt hier erneut ein ganzzahliges Vielfaches des mittleren Durchmessers D der Pellets 1, wobei hier das ganzzahlige Vielfache 1 beträgt. Damit liegt die oberste erste Kanalmündung 9 in einer Höhendifferenz ΔH oberhalb der zweiten Kanalmündung 11, wobei analog zum Ausführungsbeispiel nach den Fig. 1 bis 3 diese Höhendifferenz ΔH ein zumindest näherungsweise ein ganzzahliges Vielfaches des mittleren Durchmessers D beträgt. Im gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel beträgt dieses ganzzahlige Vielfache 3. Sofern also der oberste der mehreren ersten Druckdifferenzkanäle 8, 8', 8", hier also der Druckdifferenzkanal 8 mit Unterdruck beaufschlagt wird, bildet sich an der zugeordneten Kanalmündung 9 eine Sperre durch ein anhaftendes bzw. angesaugtes Pellet 1" aus, unterhalb dessen genau drei untere Pellets 1' gesammelt und gemäß dem Verfahrensablauf nach den Fig. 1 bis 3 in den jeweiligen Zielbehälter 2 ausgeblasen werden. Je nach Bedarf kann aber auch einer der anderen ersten Druckdifferenzkanäle 8', 8" mit Unterdruck beaufschlagt werden, woraus sich dann eine Abgrenzung von genau einem oder genau zwei unteren Pellets 1' ergibt. Analog das gleiche gilt natürlich auch für eine abweichende Anzahl oder Positionierung von ersten Kanalmündungen 9, 9', 9". In den übrigen Merkmalen und Bezugszeichen sowie auch Verfahrensschritten stimmt das Ausführungsbeispiel nach Fig. 4 mit demjenigen nach den Fig. 1 bis 3 überein. Fig. 4 shows a schematic sectional view of a variant of the arrangement according to the Fig. 1 to 3 , wherein several, here exemplarily three first pressure difference channels 8, 8 ', 8 "open into the dosing channel 5 by means of their associated first channel openings 9, 9', 9". The height difference between the individual channel openings 9, 9 ', 9 "is again an integer multiple of the mean diameter D of the pellets 1, in which case the integer multiple is 1. Thus, the uppermost first channel opening 9 lies in a height difference ΔH above the second channel opening 11, where analogous to the embodiment of the Fig. 1 to 3 this height difference .DELTA.H is at least approximately an integer multiple of the mean diameter D. In the exemplary embodiment shown, this integer multiple 3. If, therefore, the top of the plurality of first pressure difference channels 8, 8 ', 8 ", so here the pressure difference channel 8 is subjected to negative pressure, formed at the associated channel mouth 9 a lock by an adhesive or sucked Pellet 1 ", below which exactly three lower pellets 1 'collected and according to the procedure of the Fig. 1 to 3 be blown into the respective target container 2. Depending on the requirements, however, one of the other first pressure difference channels 8 ', 8 "can also be subjected to negative pressure, which then results in a delimitation of exactly one or exactly two lower pellets 1. The same applies analogously to a different number or positioning of first channel mouths 9, 9 ', 9 ". In the remaining features and reference numerals and method steps, the embodiment is correct Fig. 4 with the one after the Fig. 1 to 3 match.

Fig. 5 zeigt in einer perspektivischen Ansicht einen quaderförmigen Grundkörper 20 zur Bildung einer einzelnen Vereinzelungsvorrichtung 3 nach den Fig. 1 bis 3 und 6. Es kann zweckmäßig sein, in einem solchen Grundkörper 20 Bohrungen, Öffnungen oder dergleichen einzubringen, um damit die verschiedenen oben beschriebenen Kanäle auszubilden. Durch zwei solcher Bohrungen sind im gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel die beiden Druckdifferenzkanäle 8, 10 gebildet. Abweichend davon sind der Vorratsraum 4, der Dosierkanal 5 und der Auslasskanal 6 in eine Oberfläche 21 des Grundkörpers 20 als kanalartige Vertiefung eingearbeitet und zunächst nach außen offen. Es kann aber auch zweckmäßig sein, zusätzlich auch die beiden Druckdifferenzkanäle 8, 10 oder einen anderen Teil der vorgenannten Elemente in dieser einen Oberfläche 21 auszubilden. Mehrere solcher Grundkörper 20 lassen sich gemäß der perspektivischen Darstellung nach Fig. 6 in einer linearen Reihe miteinander verbinden, wobei die genannten kanalartigen Vertiefungen in einem Grundkörper 20 durch den benachbarten Grundkörper 20' verschlossen sind, und wodurch modulartig miteinander verbundene Vereinzelungsvorrichtungen 3, 3' gebildet sind. Fig. 5 shows in a perspective view a cuboid base body 20 for forming a single separating device 3 after the Fig. 1 to 3 and 6 , It may be expedient to introduce bores, openings or the like in such a base body 20 in order to thereby form the various channels described above. By two such holes, the two pressure difference channels 8, 10 are formed in the illustrated embodiment. Deviating from this, the storage space 4, the metering channel 5 and the outlet channel 6 are incorporated into a surface 21 of the main body 20 as a channel-like recess and initially open to the outside. But it may also be expedient to additionally form the two pressure difference channels 8, 10 or another part of the aforementioned elements in this one surface 21. Several such basic body 20 can be according to the perspective view Fig. 6 connect in a linear series, the said channel-like depressions in a base body 20 are closed by the adjacent base body 20 ', and whereby modularly connected singulating devices 3, 3' are formed.

In Abweichung hiervon zeigt Fig. 8 in einer Draufsicht einen Grundkörper 20, dessen Grundriss kreissegmentförmig ist. auch hier können die verschiedenen Kanäle an einer seitlichen Oberfläche 21 analog zu Fig. 5 ausgebildet sein. Beispielhaft sind hier jedoch der Vorratsraum 4, der Dosierkanal 5 und auch die übrigen Elemente mittig in den Grundkörper 20 eingearbeitet.Deviating from this shows Fig. 8 in a plan view of a base body 20 whose plan is circular segment. Again, the various channels on a side surface 21 analogous to Fig. 5 be educated. By way of example, however, the storage space 4, the metering channel 5 and also the other elements are incorporated centrally in the base body 20 here.

Fig. 9 zeigt in einer perspektivischen Unteransicht eine Gruppe von mehreren Grundkörpern 20, 20' nach Fig. 8, welche modulartig aneinander angrenzend miteinander verbunden sind und aufgrund der Kreissegmentform eines einzelnen Grundkörpers 20 insgesamt eine in Kreisform angeordnete Gruppe von Vereinzelungsvorrichtungen 3, 3' bilden. Natürlich können auch einzelne Vereinzelungsvorrichtungen 3' fehlen, die hier der Einfachheit halber nur gestrichelt dargestellt sind, woraus sich dann insgesamt eine Kreissegmentform der Gruppe von Vereinzelungsvorrichtungen 3 ergibt. Fig. 9 shows in a perspective bottom view a group of several basic bodies 20, 20 ' Fig. 8 , which are connected to each other in a modular manner adjacent to each other and form a total of a circularly arranged group of separating devices 3, 3 'due to the circular segment shape of a single body 20. Of course, individual separating devices 3 'may be missing, which are shown here only by dashed lines for the sake of simplicity, resulting in a total circular segment shape of the group of separating devices 3 results.

Aus der perspektivischen Darstellung nach Fig. 9 ergibt sich noch, dass aus der gewählten Kreis- oder Kreissegmentform wenig Platz im radial inneren Bereich verbleibt. In Rücksichtnahme hierauf sind Austrittsöffnungen 30 der Auslasskanäle 6 (Fig. 7) auf der Unterseite der Grundkörper 20 angeordnet. Einzelheiten hierzu ergeben sich aus der schematischen Schnittdarstellung des Grundkörpers 20 nach Fig. 7: In Abweichung vom Ausführungsbeispiel nach Fig. 1 verläuft nur der unmittelbar an die Verbindungsstelle 7 angrenzende Teil des Auslasskanals 6 quer zum Dosierkanal 5 bzw. quer zur Gewichtskraftrichtung, während ein sich daran anschließendes Kanalsegment 6' des Auslasskanals 6 nach unten abgewinkelt ist und mittels der unteren Austrittsöffnung 30 zum darunter positionierten Zielbehälter 2 führt.From the perspective view Fig. 9 it also follows that little space remains in the radially inner region of the selected circular or circular segment shape. In consideration of this are outlet openings 30 of the outlet channels 6 (FIG. Fig. 7 ) are arranged on the underside of the base body 20. Details of this can be found in the schematic sectional view of the main body 20 Fig. 7 : In deviation from the embodiment according to Fig. 1 only the immediately adjacent to the junction 7 part of the outlet channel 6 extends transversely to the metering 5 and transverse to the direction of gravity, while an adjoining channel segment 6 'of the outlet channel 6 is angled down and leads by means of the lower outlet opening 30 to the target container 2 positioned underneath ,

Sofern nicht ausdrücklich abweichend beschrieben oder zeichnerisch dargestellt, stimmen in den übrigen Merkmalen und Bezugszeichen die Ausführungsbeispiele nach den Fig. 5 und 6 sowie nach den Fig. 7 bis 9 untereinander sowie auch mit dem Ausführungsbeispiel nach den Fig. 1 bis 3 überein. Das gleiche gilt auch für die zugeordneten Verfahrensschritte. Im Übrigen können aber auch Merkmale des einen Ausführungsbeispiels mit einem jeweils anderen Ausführungsbeispiel im Rahmen der Erfindung gekoppelt werden.Unless otherwise expressly described or illustrated in the drawing, in the other features and reference numerals, the embodiments according to the FIGS. 5 and 6 as well as after Fig. 7 to 9 with each other as well as with the embodiment of the Fig. 1 to 3 match. The same applies to the assigned process steps. Incidentally, however, features of one embodiment can be coupled with a respective other embodiment within the scope of the invention.

Claims (14)

  1. Method for separating out and transferring pellets (1), in particular cryopellets, into a target container (2), wherein a store of pellets (1) is provided in a storage space (4),
    wherein the pellets (1) are directed from the storage space (4) into a metering passage (5) leading downwards from the storage space (4) and upright-oriented in such a way that a column of pellets (1) lying on top of one another is formed in the metering passage (5), and wherein the lowermost pellet (1') of the column of pellets (1) is at a connecting point (7),
    characterised in that at the connecting point (7) an outlet passage (6) is connected to the metering passage (5) and leads away at a right angle from the metering passage (5), the method comprising the following additional steps:
    - a vacuum is applied to a first pressure differential passage (8), which terminates into the metering passage (5) by means of a first passage orifice (9) above the connecting point (7), wherein a pellet (1") is drawn onto the first passage orifice (9) and thereby locally fixed there, and wherein the drawn-on pellet (1") acts as a barrier for the pellets (1) located above,
    - an excess pressure is applied to a second pressure differential passage (10), which terminates into the connecting point (7) by means of a second passage orifice (11), wherein the pellet (1") at the connecting point (7) is blown out through the outlet passage (6) and conveyed to the target container (2),
    - following the blowing-out of the lowermost pellet (1'), the holding vacuum in the first pressure differential passage (8) is shut off, so that the pellet (1") held at the first passage orifice (9) moves up towards the connecting point (7) and a new lowermost pellet (1') is located at the connecting point (7).
  2. Method according to claim 1,
    characterised in that the lowermost pellet (1') is drawn onto the second passage orifice (11) before blowing-out by applying a vacuum to the second pressure differential passage (10).
  3. Method according to claim 2,
    characterised in that the drawing-on of the pellet (1") acting as a barrier alternates in time with the drawing of the lowermost pellet (1') onto the second passage orifice (11).
  4. Method according to any of claims 1 to 3,
    characterised in that an excess pressure is applied to the first pressure differential passage (8) to support the moving-up of the pellet (1") held at the first passage orifice (9).
  5. Method according to any of claims 1 to 4,
    characterised in that, if an excess pressure is applied to the first and/or the second pressure differential passage (8, 10), an inert gas is introduced into the metering passage (5) or the outlet passage (6) respectively.
  6. Method according to any of claims 1 to 5,
    characterised in that the pressure and/or the flow rate of the first and/or the second pressure differential passage (8, 10) is/are monitored.
  7. Separating device (3) for carrying out the method according to any of claims 1 to 6,
    comprising a storage space (4) for the pellets, a metering passage (5) leading downwards from the storage space (4) and upright-oriented, an outlet passage (6) connected to the metering passage (5) at a connecting point (7) and leading away at a right angle from the metering passage (5), at least one first pressure differential passage (8), which terminates into the metering passage (5) by means of a first passage orifice (9) above the connecting point (7), and a second pressure differential passage (10), which terminates into the connecting point (7) by means of a second passage orifice (11), wherein a vacuum can be applied to the first pressure differential passage (8) and an excess pressure can be applied to the second pressure differential passage (10).
  8. Separating device according to claim 7,
    characterised in that the first and the second passage orifice (9, 11) are arranged at a height difference (ΔH) relative to each other, the height difference (ΔH) being an integral multiple of an average diameter (D) of the pellets (1).
  9. Separating device according to claim 8,
    characterised in that the integral multiple is one.
  10. Separating device according to any of claims 7 to 9,
    characterised in that several first pressure differential passages (8, 8', 8") terminate into the metering passage (5) by means of their associated first passage orifices (9, 9', 9").
  11. Separating device according to any of claims 7 to 10,
    characterised in that several separating devices (3, 3') are connected to one another in a modular manner.
  12. Separating device according to claim 11,
    characterised in that the separating device (3) has a base body (20) with an outer surface (21), wherein the storage space (4), the metering passage (5), the outlet passage (6), the first pressure differential passage (8) and/or the second pressure differential passage (10) are worked into the surface (21) of the base body (20) and closed off by the base body (20') of the adjacent separating device (3').
  13. Separating device according to claim 11 or 12,
    characterised in that the separating devices (3, 3') have cuboid base bodies (20, 20') and are connected to one another in a linear row.
  14. Separating device according to claim 11 or 12,
    characterised in that the separating devices (3, 3') have base bodies (20, 20') with a circular segment outline and are connected to one another in a circular or circular segment form.
EP15739179.8A 2015-07-18 2015-07-18 Method and device for separating out and transferring pellets Active EP3325354B1 (en)

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PCT/EP2015/001484 WO2017012628A1 (en) 2015-07-18 2015-07-18 Method and device for separating out and transferring pellets

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CN108025823A (en) 2018-05-11
EP3325354A1 (en) 2018-05-30
US20180141689A1 (en) 2018-05-24
WO2017012628A1 (en) 2017-01-26
US10556712B2 (en) 2020-02-11
CA2992325C (en) 2022-04-19
CN108025823B (en) 2019-12-27
ES2742148T3 (en) 2020-02-13

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