EP3386619B1 - Mixing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

State of the art

The invention relates to a stirring device, in particular a guide tube stirring device, according to the preamble of claim 1.

Guide tube mixers with a stirring element arranged in a guide tube are already known from the prior art.

The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic stirring device with improved fluidic properties. The object is achieved according to the invention by the characterizing features of patent claim 1, while advantageous refinements and developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims. EP0664155A1 discloses a stirring device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Advantages of the invention

The invention according to claim 1 is based on a stirring device, in particular a guide tube stirring device, with at least one stirring unit which can be rotated about an axis of rotation, which is provided for conveying a fluid in an axial conveying direction and which has at least one rotor blade element, the projection of which is perpendicular to a plane the axis of rotation comprises an at least substantially circular arc-shaped outer contour.

The rotor blade element comprises at least an at least substantially flat first region lying in a blade plane and a second region curved out of the blade plane.

The term “intended” is intended to mean, in particular, specifically programmed, designed and/or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and/or executes this specific function in at least one application and/or operating state. A “stirring device” should in particular mean a component, in particular a functional component, in particular a structural and/or functional component, of a mixer and/or an agitator, in particular for a fluid, in particular at a maximum speed of 500 rpm, advantageously of 200 rpm, particularly advantageously 100 rpm, preferably 50 rpm. In particular, the stirring device can also include the entire mixer and/or the entire agitator. The stirring device is preferably designed as a guide tube stirring device. A “guide tube stirring device” is intended to be understood in particular as a construction and/or functional component, of a draft tube mixer and/or a draft tube agitator, in particular for a fluid. In particular, the draft tube stirring device can also include the entire draft tube mixer and/or the entire draft tube agitator. In this context, a fluid should be understood to mean in particular a liquid or a suspension or a dispersion, in particular with a liquid carrier medium. Particularly preferably, the guide tube mixer and/or the guide tube agitator has at least one, in particular vertical, guide tube and/or at least one stirring container. A “guide tube” is to be understood here in particular as a hollow cylinder which is intended to guide a fluid, in particular in a vertical direction, in particular at least essentially parallel to a surface normal of a subsurface. “At least substantially parallel” here is intended to mean, in particular, an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, with the direction having a deviation from the reference direction, in particular less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously smaller than 2°. In particular, a main extension direction of the guide tube runs in a vertical direction. Under one “Main direction of extension” of an object should be understood to mean in particular a direction which runs parallel to a longest edge of a smallest imaginary cuboid, which just completely encloses the object.

Advantageously, in at least one normal operating state of the stirring device, the axis of rotation runs at least substantially parallel to a vertical direction, in particular parallel to the surface normal of a substrate. The stirring unit is preferably designed as a stirring element, in particular as a guide tube propeller. Particularly preferably, the stirring unit has at least one, in particular centrally arranged, hub element. The axis of rotation particularly preferably runs through the hub element. The stirring unit, in particular the hub element of the stirring unit, is advantageously intended to be mounted on at least one drive shaft. The hub element is particularly advantageously connected to the drive shaft by means of a force and/or positive connection, for example by means of clamps and/or screws and/or a tongue and groove connection. However, it is also conceivable that the stirring unit, in particular the hub element of the stirring unit, is connected in one piece to the drive shaft. “In one piece” should in particular be understood to be at least materially connected, for example by a welding process, an adhesive process, a molding process and/or another process that appears sensible to the person skilled in the art, and/or advantageously understood to be formed in one piece, such as for example by a Production from a single casting and/or by production in a single or multi-component injection molding process and advantageously from a single blank. In particular, the stirring unit is intended for stirring at a maximum speed of 500 rpm, advantageously 200 rpm, particularly advantageously 100 rpm, preferably 50 rpm. The stirring unit is preferably made to at least a large extent from a material that is resistant to, in particular organic, solvents and/or acids and/or bases, in particular from a ceramic or a ceramic composite material.

Particularly preferably, the stirring unit is made at least largely from a metal and/or a metal alloy, in particular from steel and/or stainless steel. However, it is also conceivable that the stirring unit is made at least largely from a plastic. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the stirring unit has a, in particular additional, at least partial coating, for example with a metal oxide and/or a, in particular corrosion-resistant, polymer, and/or is rubberized. The expression “to at least a large part” should be understood to mean in particular at least 55%, advantageously at least 65%, preferably at least 75%, particularly preferably at least 85% and particularly advantageously at least 95%. Preferably, the conveying direction runs at least substantially parallel to the axis of rotation.

In this context, the fact that an object is "at least essentially circular arc-shaped" should be understood in particular to mean that a smallest circular ring piece surrounding the object has an inner radius and an outer radius that differ by a maximum of 20%, advantageously by a maximum of 15%, particularly advantageously by a maximum of 10%, preferably by a maximum of 5% and particularly preferably by a maximum of 2%. Advantageously, a projection of the rotor blade element onto at least one plane containing the axis of rotation has at least one at least essentially rectilinear top or bottom. The rotor blade element is preferably made at least to a large extent from a material that is resistant to, in particular organic, solvents and/or acids and/or bases, in particular from a ceramic or a ceramic composite material. Particularly preferably, the rotor blade element is made at least largely from a metal and/or a metal alloy, in particular from steel and/or stainless steel. However, it is also conceivable that the rotor blade element is made at least largely from a plastic. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the rotor blade element has a, in particular additional, at least partial coating, for example with a metal oxide and/or a, in particular corrosion-resistant, polymer, and / or rubberized. The rotor blade element is advantageously connected in one piece to the hub element. However, it is also conceivable that the rotor blade element is connected to the hub element using screws and/or rivets.

In particular, the sheet plane corresponds to a main extension plane of the first area. A “main extension plane” of an object is to be understood in particular as a plane which is parallel to a largest side surface of the smallest imaginary cuboid, which just completely encloses the object, and in particular runs through the center of the cuboid. The first area and the second area advantageously form the rotor blade element. The second region particularly advantageously has an at least essentially constant radius of curvature. In this context, an “at least essentially constant value” should be understood to mean, in particular, a variation of the value of at most 20%, advantageously of at least 15%, particularly advantageously of at least 10% and preferably of at least 5%. Preferably, an imaginary boundary line between the first area and the second area has an at least essentially straight course. An “at least substantially straight course” of a line should be understood in particular to mean that a smallest cuboid enclosing the line has at least one longest side which is at least 10 times, advantageously at least 20 times, particularly advantageously at least 50 times, preferably at least 100 times and particularly preferably is at least 200 times as long as a second longest side of the cuboid and that for each point on the line, an angle between a tangent in the point and the longest side of the cuboid is at most 10°, advantageously at most 8°, especially advantageously at most 5°, preferably at most 3° and particularly preferably at most 2°. Particularly preferably, the second region comprises at least one corner, particularly preferably exactly two corners, of the rotor blade element. The first extends advantageously Area and/or the second area over an entire width of the rotor blade element.

The configuration according to the invention can in particular achieve an advantageous flow during mixing and/or stirring. Furthermore, a high level of efficiency can advantageously be achieved. A geometry can advantageously be adapted in a simple manner. In particular, a high homogeneity of a flow velocity can advantageously be achieved. Furthermore, an advantageous homogenization of a mixed fluid can be achieved. In particular, dead spaces and/or caking and/or incrustations can be avoided. Furthermore, a homogeneous flow can advantageously be achieved, especially in a guide tube. Furthermore, product-friendly conveying can advantageously be achieved and/or acting shear forces, for example on stirred and/or growing particles and/or crystals, can be reduced.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the second region is arranged radially further out than the first region. Preferably, the first region has an outer contour on at least one side, which is intended for a positive connection with the hub element. The second region preferably has the circular arc-shaped outer contour. This can advantageously achieve a high delivery rate. Furthermore, this can advantageously achieve homogeneous delivery of a fluid.

The rotor blade element has an inner edge facing the axis of rotation and an outer edge facing away from the axis of rotation, which is longer than the inner edge. The inner edge advantageously runs along the hub element over at least a large part of its length. The inner edge is at least essentially elliptical in shape. In this context, the fact that an object is “at least essentially elliptical-arc-shaped” should be understood in particular to mean that a smallest object surrounding the object Ellipse ring piece has an inner edge and an outer edge, which extend at a distance which corresponds to a maximum of 20%, advantageously a maximum of 15%, particularly advantageously a maximum of 10%, preferably a maximum of 5% and particularly preferably a maximum of 2% of a length of the outer edge. In this way, a rotor blade with a large conveying surface can advantageously be provided. Furthermore, this can advantageously achieve a geometry that is favorable in terms of flow technology and can, in particular, favorably influence a secondary flow and/or improve efficiency.

Preferably, at least a large part of the rotor blade element has an at least substantially constant blade thickness. In this context, “at least a majority” should be understood to mean in particular at least 60%, advantageously at least 70%, particularly advantageously at least 80%, preferably at least 90% and particularly preferably at least 95%. In particular, the rotor blade element can have a different blade thickness in a region of one or more edges. In this context, a “blade thickness” should be understood to mean in particular a thickness of the rotor blade element, in particular a thickness along a direction that runs at least substantially parallel to a surface normal of an upper side and/or an underside of the rotor blade element. The terms “top” and “bottom” refer in particular to a view of the rotor blade element in the direction of the axis of rotation. The rotor blade element is advantageously designed as an at least partially curved plate and/or as an at least partially curved sheet metal. This can advantageously result in cost and/or time savings during production. Furthermore, a high level of rigidity can advantageously be achieved in this way.

Particularly preferably, there is at least one projection of at least a large part of the rotor blade element onto at least one plane for which the projected blade thickness is constant. In particular, there is at least one viewing direction along which a thickness of the rotor blade element Sheet thickness corresponds. This can advantageously reduce the complexity of production.

In a further aspect, the invention is based on a stirring device, in particular a guide tube stirring device, with at least one stirring unit which can be rotated about an axis of rotation, which is provided for conveying a fluid in an axial conveying direction and which has at least one rotor blade element, the projection of which onto a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation comprises an at least substantially circular arc-shaped outer contour.

It is proposed that the stirring device has a casing unit which is intended to be connected to a guide tube, which has at least one front guide plate which is arranged in front of the stirring unit in the conveying direction, and which defines an interior in which, in an assembled state, the Stirring unit and at least a first area of the baffle are arranged.

The stirring device advantageously has at least one base unit, which is provided for a, in particular one-piece and/or non-positive and/or positive, connection to the casing unit, for example by means of welding and/or screws and/or clamps and/or rivets. Particularly advantageously, the stirring device comprises a container unit which is provided for a connection, in particular in one piece, with the base unit and/or with the casing unit. Preferably, the base unit has at least one circumferential flange which, in an assembled state, can be connected to the container unit, in particular to a circumferential flange of the container unit.

The sheathing unit can preferably be inserted into a guide tube. Particularly preferably, the casing unit has an outer cross section, at least in an upper region, which corresponds to an inner cross section of the guide tube. An outer diameter advantageously corresponds to the Sheathing unit in the upper region at least substantially an inner diameter of the guide tube. In this context, “at least substantially” is intended to mean in particular that a deviation from a predetermined value corresponds in particular to less than 15%, preferably less than 10% and particularly preferably less than 5% of the predetermined value. In particular, the upper region of the casing unit is located inside the guide tube in the assembled state.

Preferably, the casing unit encloses the interior at least on all sides parallel to the axis of rotation. Advantageously, a projection of the casing unit onto a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation completely encompasses a projection of the stirring unit onto the plane. In particular, an area of a differential surface of a smallest circle surrounding a projection of the stirring unit onto a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation and of an inner cross section of the casing unit perpendicular to the axis of rotation is at most 20%, advantageously at most 15%, particularly advantageously at most 10%, preferably at most 5% and particularly preferably at most 3% of an area of the inner cross section of the casing unit. Preferably, the casing unit is made at least to a large extent from a material that is resistant to, in particular organic, solvents and/or acids and/or bases, in particular from a ceramic or a ceramic composite material. Particularly preferably, the casing unit is made to at least a large extent from a metal and/or a metal alloy, in particular from steel and/or stainless steel. However, it is also conceivable that the casing unit is made at least largely from a plastic. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the rotor blade element has a, in particular additional, at least partial coating, for example with a metal oxide and / or a, in particular corrosion-resistant, polymer, and / or is rubberized. A projection of the casing unit onto a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation advantageously has an at least substantially circular inner one Cross section and/or an at least substantially circular outer cross section. An “at least essentially circular cross-section” of an object should be understood in particular to mean that for at least 60%, advantageously for at least 70%, particularly advantageously for at least 80% and preferably for at least 90% of all cross-sections of the object along at least one direction Area of a differential area of the cross section and a smallest circle surrounding the cross section is a maximum of 30%, advantageously a maximum of 20%, particularly advantageously a maximum of 10% and preferably a maximum of 5% of the area of the circle. Preferably, the casing unit has at least one rear baffle, which in the assembled state is arranged behind the stirring unit in the conveying direction. Particularly preferably, the rear baffle is arranged in the interior in the assembled state.

Advantageously, at least a large part of the guide plate has an at least essentially constant thickness. In particular, the guide plate can have a different thickness in a region of one or more edges. The guide plate is particularly advantageously formed from a plate and/or a sheet metal. The guide plate is preferably made at least to a large extent from a material that is resistant to, in particular organic, solvents and/or acids and/or bases, in particular from a ceramic or a ceramic composite material. Particularly preferably, the guide plate is made at least largely from a metal and/or a metal alloy, in particular from steel and/or stainless steel. However, it is also conceivable that the guide plate is made at least largely from a plastic. In particular, when viewed perpendicular to the axis of rotation, an area of the first region of the baffle corresponds to at least 10%, advantageously at least 20%, particularly advantageously at least 30% of a surface area of the baffle. Preferably, the first region of the baffle and/or at least one vertical projection of the baffle onto a plane parallel to the axis of rotation has at least a substantially rectangular cross section. An “at least substantially rectangular cross-section” of an object should be understood in particular to mean that for at least 60%, advantageously for at least 70%, particularly advantageously for at least 80% and preferably for at least 90% of all cross-sections of the object along at least one direction Area of a differential area of the cross section and a smallest rectangle surrounding the cross section is a maximum of 30%, advantageously a maximum of 20%, particularly advantageously a maximum of 10%, preferably a maximum of 5% and particularly advantageously a maximum of 5% of the area content of the rectangle. Preferably, in the assembled state, at least one side of the first region of the guide plate runs at least substantially parallel to the axis of rotation. In particular, it is also conceivable that the stirring device is mounted and/or designed to be operable in such a way that an alternative second delivery of a fluid takes place in an alternative second delivery direction, in particular opposite to the delivery direction. The guide plates can then be located behind the stirring device, in particular in the alternative second conveying direction. Furthermore, in this case, a geometry of the casing unit can in particular be designed unchanged and/or as described here and/or have at least a changed geometry of the guide plate.

The configuration according to the invention can in particular achieve an advantageous flow during mixing and/or stirring. Furthermore, a high level of efficiency can advantageously be achieved. A geometry can advantageously be adapted in a simple manner. Particularly advantageously, a size of the stirring unit can be precisely adapted to a size of a conveying and/or mixing space. In particular, a high homogeneity of a flow velocity can advantageously be achieved. Furthermore, an advantageous homogenization of a mixed fluid can be achieved. In particular, dead spaces and/or caking and/or incrustations can be avoided. Furthermore, a homogeneous flow can advantageously be achieved, especially in a guide tube. Furthermore, product-friendly conveying can advantageously be achieved and/or acting shear forces, for example on stirred and/or growing particles and/or crystals, can be reduced.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the interior is at least essentially cylindrical. An “at least essentially cylindrical object” should be understood in particular to mean that a difference volume of the object and a smallest cylinder surrounding the object is a maximum of 30%, advantageously a maximum of 20%, particularly advantageously a maximum of 10% and preferably a maximum of 5% of the volume of the cylinder amounts. In particular, a smallest circle surrounding a projection of the stirring unit onto a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation has a radius that is at most 20%, advantageously at most 10%, particularly advantageously at most 5% and preferably at most 3% smaller than a radius of a smallest interior space surrounding cylinder. The axis of rotation preferably forms a cylinder axis of the cylinder. In this way, a precisely coordinated geometry can advantageously be achieved. Furthermore, the casing unit can thereby advantageously be adapted to the stirring unit.

Furthermore, it is proposed that in the assembled state a main extension plane of the guide plate is arranged at least substantially parallel to the conveying direction. Advantageously, for at least a majority of all points of the guide plate, a surface normal runs through the respective point at least essentially perpendicular to the axis of rotation. In this way, a fluid can advantageously be supplied to the stirring unit and/or a mixing and/or conveying chamber. Furthermore, a favorable flow of the fluid can be achieved in this way. Furthermore, a largely homogeneous flow velocity can advantageously be achieved in this way.

Furthermore, it is proposed that a projection of the guide plate onto a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation follows a curved course. Preferably, a projection of the guide plate onto a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation has a thickness that is at least essentially a thickness of the Guide plate corresponds. Advantageously, a projection of the guide plate onto a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation has at least a first, flat region and at least a second, curved region. Particularly advantageously, the curved course has an at least essentially constant radius of curvature. In this way, high torsional rigidity and/or high strength can advantageously be achieved. Furthermore, this can advantageously achieve a favorable flow to the stirring unit.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the guide plate has at least a second region, which in the assembled state is arranged in front of the interior in the conveying direction and extends further in the radial direction than the interior. Preferably, a portion of the second region, which is located radially further out than the interior, has a curved region when the baffle is viewed along the axis of rotation. In particular, an extension of the second region along the axis of rotation corresponds to at least 10%, advantageously at least 20%, particularly advantageously at least 30%, preferably at least 40% and particularly preferably at least 50% of an extension of the guide plate along the axis of rotation. In this context, an “extension along a direction” of an object is intended to mean, in particular, a maximum distance between two points of a vertical projection of the object onto a plane that is parallel to the direction. In this way, a fluid can advantageously be supplied to the stirring unit from below. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the casing unit has a radial extension at a front end in the conveying direction, which corresponds to a distance from the rotation axis of a point of the guide plate that is furthest radially from the rotation axis. A radially furthest edge of a projection of the guide plate onto a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation advantageously lies on a smallest circle surrounding a projection of the casing unit onto the plane.

Particularly advantageously, a radially most distant edge of the guide plate runs at least essentially parallel to the axis of rotation. In this way, a geometry of the casing unit that is favorable in terms of flow technology can be provided, in particular in an inlet region of a fluid.

It is also proposed that the casing unit has an outer contour on a front side in the conveying direction, which is at least essentially in the form of a truncated cone shell. In particular, an extension of the outer contour along a direction parallel to the axis of rotation corresponds to at least 10%, advantageously at least 20%, particularly advantageously at least 30%, preferably at least 40% and particularly preferably at least 50% of an extension of the casing unit along the direction. Advantageously, an angle between the truncated cone shell and a cone axis is at most 45°, particularly advantageously at most 30°, preferably at most 20° and particularly preferably at least 15°. This can advantageously increase the stability of the casing unit.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the casing unit has an extension along the conveying direction that is at least twice as large, advantageously at least three times as large, particularly advantageously at least four times as large, preferably at least five times as large and particularly preferably at least six times as large as an extension of the Stirring unit along the conveying direction. This can advantageously achieve a homogeneous flow velocity.

Furthermore, a mixer, in particular a guide tube mixer, with at least one stirring device and with the guide tube, which has an inner cross section in a region of the connection to the casing unit, which at least substantially corresponds to an outer cross section of the casing unit in the region of the connection, is proposed.

In addition, a method for producing at least one transition and/or end product from at least one starting product, with which Stirring device proposed, whereby the starting product is stirred by means of the stirring unit. The starting product is preferably designed as a fluid. This can advantageously achieve high product quality and/or homogeneity. Furthermore, this can advantageously achieve time- and/or cost-efficient production.

The stirring device according to the invention should not be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the stirring device according to the invention can have a number of individual elements, components and units that deviate from the number mentioned herein in order to fulfill the functionality described herein.

drawings

Further advantages result from the following drawing description. Two exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. The drawings, description and claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into further sensible combinations.

Fig. 1

einen Mischer mit einer Rührvorrichtung in einer perspektivischen Schnittdarstellung,

Fig. 2

eine Anordnung von Leitblechen einer Ummantelungseinheit der Rührvorrichtung in einer schematischen Draufsicht,

Fig. 3

eine Rühreinheit der Rührvorrichtung in einer perspektivischen Darstellung,

Fig. 4

die Rühreinheit in einer schematischen Draufsicht,

Fig. 5

ein Rotorblattelement der Rühreinheit in einer perspektivischen Darstellung,

Fig. 6

das Rotorblattelement betrachtet entlang einer Richtung VI in Figur 5,

Fig. 7

das Rotorblattelement betrachtet entlang einer Richtung VII in Figur 5,

Fig. 8

ein beispielhaftes Ablaufdiagramm für ein Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Produkts aus einem Ausgangsprodukt mit der Rührvorrichtung und

Fig. 9

einen alternativen Mischer mit einer alternativen Rührvorrichtung in einer perspektivischen Schnittdarstellung.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a mixer with a stirring device in a perspective sectional view,

Fig. 2

an arrangement of baffles of a casing unit of the stirring device in a schematic top view,

Fig. 3

a stirring unit of the stirring device in a perspective view,

Fig. 4

the stirring unit in a schematic top view,

Fig. 5

a rotor blade element of the stirring unit in a perspective view,

Fig. 6

the rotor blade element viewed along a direction VI in Figure 5 ,

Fig. 7

the rotor blade element viewed along a direction VII in Figure 5 ,

Fig. 8

an exemplary flow chart for a method for producing a product from a starting product with the stirring device and

Fig. 9

an alternative mixer with an alternative stirring device in a perspective sectional view.

Description of the exemplary embodiments

In the exemplary embodiment described below, various structural units and/or components are present multiple times. Analogously designed components and/or structural units, which are provided with the same reference numerals in the drawings, are only described once in the following description of the drawings for the sake of simplicity.

Figure 1 shows a mixer 54a with a stirring device in a perspective sectional view. The mixer 54a has a guide tube 38a. In the present case, a main direction of extension of the guide tube 38a runs in a vertical direction. The stirring device is designed as a guide tube stirring device. The stirring device has a stirring unit 12a, which is designed to be rotatable about a rotation axis 10a. The stirring unit 12a has a centrally arranged hub element 62a. Furthermore, the stirring unit 12a in the present case has three rotor blade elements 18a. However, a different number of rotor blade elements is also conceivable, such as two or four or five or six or eight or ten. The stirring unit 12a is used to promote one in the Figure 1 fluid, not shown, is provided in a conveying direction 16a. In the present case, the conveying direction 16a runs at least essentially parallel to a vertical direction. In the present case, the conveying direction 16a runs parallel to the axis of rotation 10a. The conveying direction 16a in the present case runs upwards. However, it is also conceivable that a conveying direction runs downwards.

In the present case, the stirring device has a base unit 64a. The base unit 64a has a circumferential flange 68a. Furthermore, the stirring device has a container unit 66a. The container unit 66a has a circumferential flange 70a. The container unit 66a is connected to the flange 68a of the base unit 64a via the flange 70a of the container unit 66a.

The stirring device has a casing unit 36a. In the present case, the casing unit 36a has a wall element 76a. Furthermore, in the present case, the casing unit 36a is connected to the base unit 64a. The casing unit 36a defines an interior space 42a. In the present case, the wall element 76a defines the interior 42a. Furthermore, in the present case, the interior 42a is cylindrical. Furthermore, in the present case, the axis of rotation 10a forms a cylinder axis 72a of the interior 42a. The sheathing unit 36a is intended to be connected to the guide tube 38a. The guide tube 38a has an inner cross section 58a in a region 56a of the connection with the casing unit 36a, which at least substantially corresponds to an outer cross section 60a of the casing unit 36a in the region 56a of the connection.

The casing unit 36a has a guide plate 40a. A main extension plane of the guide plate 40a runs parallel to the conveying direction 16a. The guide plate 40a has a first region 44a, which is arranged within the interior 42a. A projection of the first region 44a onto a plane parallel to the axis of rotation 10a has an at least substantially rectangular cross section. The guide plate 40a has a second region 46a, which is arranged in front of the interior 42a in the conveying direction 16a. The second region 46a extends further in the radial direction than the interior 42a. The guide plate 40a is positively connected to the wall element 76a. In the present case, the Sheathing unit 36a has a total of five guide plates 40a, which are at least essentially identical (cf. Figure 2 ). In the event that a conveying direction runs in an opposite direction, at least one guide plate can have a different curvature than that described here and/or can be designed to adapt to a changed flow.

The casing unit 36a has a radial extension at a front end 74a in the conveying direction 16a, which corresponds to a distance from the rotation axis 10a of a point 48a of the guide plate 40a that is furthest radially from the rotation axis 10a. In the present case, the point 48a lies on a radially outer edge 77a of the guide plate 40a.

The casing unit 36a has an outer contour 52a on a front side 50a in the conveying direction 16a, which is at least essentially in the form of a truncated cone shell. In the present case, an angle between the truncated cone shell and a cone axis is approximately 18°. Furthermore, in the present case, the cone axis corresponds to the axis of rotation 10a. Furthermore, the casing unit 36a has an extension along the conveying direction 16a that is at least twice as large, in the present case approximately seven times as large, as an extension of the stirring unit 12a along the conveying direction 16a.

In the present case, the stirring unit 12a, the casing unit 36a, the base unit 64a, the container unit 66a and the guide tube 38a are at least largely made of stainless steel.

Figure 2 shows an arrangement of the guide plates 40a of the casing unit 36a in a schematic top view viewed in the direction of the axis of rotation 10a (cf. Figure 1 ). The baffles 40a are evenly distributed along a circumference of the base unit 64a. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 10a (cf. Figure 1 ), the guide plates 40a each have a radially inner first region 78a with a straight course and a radially outer second region 80a with a curved course. The second area 80a each has a constant radius of curvature. In the present case, all points of the first region 78a are located radially further inward with respect to the axis of rotation 10a than an inner wall 81a of the wall element 76a (cf. Figure 1 ).

Figure 3 shows the stirring unit 12a of the stirring device in a perspective view. In the present case, the rotor blade elements 18a of the stirring unit 12a are welded to the hub element 62a of the stirring unit 12a. In the present case, the stirring unit 12a has a diameter of approximately 500 mm. However, it is also conceivable that a stirring unit has a different diameter, such as a diameter of approximately 250 mm, or a diameter of approximately 1000 mm, or a diameter of approximately 1500 mm, or a diameter of approximately 2000 mm, or a diameter of about 3000 mm.

Figure 4 shows the stirring unit 12a in a schematic top view viewed along the axis of rotation 10a (cf. Figure 1 ). When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 10a (cf. Figure 1 ), each rotor blade element 18a has a circular arc-shaped outer contour 20a.

Figure 5 shows one of the rotor blade elements 18a of the stirring unit 12a in a perspective view. The rotor blade element 18a has a constant blade thickness 32a. In the present case, the blade thickness of the rotor blade element 18a is approximately 5 mm. However, it is also conceivable that a rotor blade has a different blade thickness, such as a blade thickness of approximately 2 mm, or a blade thickness of approximately 10 mm, or a blade thickness of approximately 20 mm, or a blade thickness of approximately 30 mm, or a blade thickness of about 50 mm, or a sheet thickness of about 70 mm. The rotor blade element 18a has a flat first region 24a lying in a blade plane 22a and a second region 26a curved out of the blade plane 22a. The first area 24a and the second area 26a together form the rotor blade element 18a. In the present case there are two corners 82a, 84a of the rotor blade element 18a curved out of the sheet plane 22a. Furthermore, in the present case, the second area 26a includes the two corners 82a, 84a. An imaginary boundary line 86a between the first area 24a and the second area 26 has a straight course. The first region 24a has an elliptical arc-shaped partial region 88a, which is intended for a positive connection with the hub element 62a of the stirring unit 12a. The second area 26a is relative to the axis of rotation 10a (cf. Figure 1 ) arranged radially further out than the first area 24a.

The rotor blade element 18a has one of the rotation axis 10a (cf. Figure 1 ) facing inner edge 28a and one from the axis of rotation 10a (cf. Figure 1 ) facing away outer edge 30a, which is longer than the inner edge 28a.

Figure 6 shows the rotor blade element 18a viewed along a direction VI in Figure 5 . A projection of the rotor blade element 18a onto a plane perpendicular to the direction VI in Figure 5 has a constant projected blade thickness 34a. In the present case, the projected blade thickness 34a corresponds to the blade thickness 32a.

Figure 7 shows the rotor blade element 18a viewed along a direction VII in Figure 5 . A projection of the inner edge 28a of the rotor blade element 18a onto a plane perpendicular to the direction VII in Figure 5 has a straight course.

Figure 8 shows an exemplary flow chart for a method for producing a product and/or a transition product from at least one starting product using the stirring device. In a first method step 90a, the starting product is provided. In a second process step 92a, the starting product is stirred using the stirring unit 12a of the stirring device. In a third method step 94a, further processing and/or completion of the product and/or the transition product takes place. It is conceivable that the method steps 90a, 92a, 94 are carried out iteratively. Furthermore, a constant supply of the starting product and/or a constant removal of the transition product and/or the product is conceivable.

In the Figure 9 Another embodiment of the invention is shown. The following descriptions and the drawings are essentially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, with regard to components with the same designation, in particular with regard to components with the same reference numerals, in principle also to the drawings and / or the description of the other exemplary embodiment, in particular the Figures 1 to 8 , can be referenced. To distinguish between the exemplary embodiments, the letter a is the reference number of the exemplary embodiment in the Figures 1 to 8 recreated. In the exemplary embodiment Figure 9 the letter a is replaced by the letter b.

Figure 9 shows an alternative mixer 54b with an alternative stirring device in a perspective sectional view. The stirring device has a stirring unit 12b, which is intended to convey a fluid, not shown, in a vertical conveying direction 16b. The alternative stirring device has a casing unit 36b. The casing unit 36b defines an interior 42b. The casing unit 36b has rear guide plates 96b, which are arranged behind the stirring unit 12b in the conveying direction 16b. The baffles 96b are arranged in the interior 42b.

Reference symbols

10

Axis of rotation

12

Stirring unit

16

Direction of conveyance

18

Rotor blade element

20

Outer contour

22

Leaf level

24

first area

26

second area

28

Inside edge

30

Outer edge

32

Leaf thickness

34

projected leaf thickness

36

Sheathing unit

38

guide tube

40

Baffle

42

inner space

44

first area

46

second area

48

Point

50

Page

52

contour

54

mixer

56

Area

58

cross-section

60

cross-section

62

Hub element

64

Ground unit

66

Container unit

68

flange

70

flange

72

Cylinder axis

74

front end

76

Wall element

77

edge

78

first area

80

second area

81

Wall

82

Corner

84

Corner

86

boundary line

88

Sub-area

90

Procedural step

92

Procedural step

94

Procedural step

96

Baffle

Claims (14)

1. Agitator device, in particular draft tube agitator device, with at least one stirring unit (12a; 12b) which is rotatable around a rotary axis (10a), which is configured for conveying a fluid in an axial conveying direction (16a; 16b) and which comprises at least one rotor blade element (18a),

   the rotor blade element (18a) comprising an inner edge (28a) that faces toward the rotary axis (10a) and an outer edge (30a) that faces away from the rotary axis (10a) and is longer than the inner edge (28a),

   the rotor blade element (18a) comprising at least one first region (24a), which is situated in a blade plane (22a) and is at least substantially planar, and comprises a second region (26a), which is curved out of the blade plane (22a),

   characterised in that the projection of the rotor blade element (18a) onto a plane that is perpendicular to the rotary axis (10a) has an at least substantially circular-arc-shaped outer contour (20a) and that the inner edge (28a) is realized at least substantially in an ellipse-arc shape.
2. Agitator device according to claim 1,
   characterised in that the second region (26a) is arranged radially farther outward than the first region (24a).
3. Agitator device according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that at least a large portion of the rotor blade element (18a) has an at least substantially constant blade thickness (32a).
4. Agitator device according to claim 3,
   characterised in that there is at least one projection at least of a large portion of the rotor blade element (18a) onto at least one plane, for which the projected blade thickness (34a) is constant.
5. Agitator device according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised by a sleeve unit (36a; 36b), which is configured for a connection to a draft tube (38a), which comprises at least one guide sheet (40a) that is arranged in the conveying direction (16a; 16b) upstream of the stirring unit (12a; 12b), and which defines an inner space (42a; 42b) which, in a mounted state, the stirring unit (12a; 12b) and at least one first region (44a) of the guide sheet (40a) are arranged in.
6. Agitator device according to claim 5,
   characterised in that the inner space (42a; 42b) is embodied at least substantially in a cylinder shape.
7. Agitator device according to one of claims 5 or 6,
   characterised in that in the mounted state, a main extension plane of the guide sheet (40a) is arranged at least substantially parallel to the conveying direction (16a; 16b).
8. Agitator device according to one of claims 5 to 7,
   characterised in that a projection of the guide sheet (40a) onto a plane that is perpendicular to the rotary axis (10a) follows a curved progression.
9. Agitator device according to one of claims 5 to 8,
   characterised in that the guide sheet (40a) comprises at least one second region (46a), which is in the mounted state arranged in the conveying direction (16a; 16b) upstream of the inner space (42a; 42b) and which extends in a radial direction farther than the inner space (42a; 42b).
10. Agitator device according to one of claims 5 to 9,
    characterised in that the sleeve unit (36a; 36b) has, on an in the conveying direction (16a; 16b) frontal end, a radial extension that corresponds to a distance between a point (48a) of the guide sheet (40a; 40b) which is radially the farthest away from the rotary axis (10a) and the rotary axis (10a).
11. Agitator device according to one of claims 5 to 10,
    characterised in that the sleeve unit (36a; 36b) has, on an in the conveying direction front side (50a), an outer contour (52a) realized at least substantially in the shape of a truncated-cone envelope.
12. Agitator device according to one of claims 5 to 11,
    characterised in that the sleeve unit (36a; 36b) has along the conveying direction (16a; 16b) an extension that is at least twice as large as an extension of the stirring unit (12a; 12b) along the conveying direction.
13. Mixer (54a), in particular draft tube mixer, with at least one agitator device according to one of claims 5 to 12, and with the draft tube (38a) having, in a region (56a) of the connection with the sleeve unit (36a; 36b), an inner cross section (58a) corresponding at least substantially to an outer cross section (60a) of the sleeve unit (36a; 36b) in the region (56a) of the connection.
14. Method for a production of at least one intermediate and/or end product from at least one initial product, by means of an agitator device according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the initial product is stirred by means of the stirring unit (12a; 12b).

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