Abstract
Devices and methods for the high-pressure treatment of bulk material by extraction and/or impregnation. The bulk material is arranged in the interior volume of a pressure vessel device and is treated at a high pressure while sealed off from the surroundings. The high-pressure treatment is performed batchwise in a closed system in the pressure vessel device in a pressure-tight fashion. The bulk material is fed batchwise to the interior volume with the pressure vessel device closed and being arranged on at least one treatment level and, after the high-pressure treatment has occurred, being discharged batchwise from the interior volume with the pressure vessel device closed. The invention furthermore relates to the use of a supporting tray module with at least one treatment level for the high-pressure treatment in a closed system.
Claims
1.-20. (canceled)
21. A method for the high-pressure treatment of bulk material by extraction and/or impregnation, comprising: arranging the bulk material in an interior volume of a pressure vessel device; sealing the pressure vessel; applying a high pressure level in the range from 40 to 1000 bar to the bulk material; performing, batchwise, the high-pressure treatment in a closed system in the pressure vessel device by feeding the bulk material batchwise to the interior volume with the pressure vessel device closed and being arranged on at least one treatment level; and discharging, batchwise, the treated bulk material, after the high-pressure treatment has occurred, from the interior volume with the pressure vessel device closed; wherein the high-pressure treatment is performed using a supporting tray module which is arranged in the interior volume of the pressure vessel device and which has a multiplicity of treatment levels arranged one above the other in the interior volume, wherein the treatment levels are, for the high-pressure treatment and/or for the passage of the bulk material, mounted and positioned in displaceably actuatable fashion in the interior volume.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein the batchwise feed of the bulk material comprises a feed of partial batches in each case to one of the treatment levels.
23. The method of claim 21 wherein, during the batchwise feed and/or during the batchwise discharge, at least one of the treatment levels arranged in the interior volume is displaced for the passage of the bulk material; and/or wherein the batchwise feed and the batchwise discharge occurs unidirectionally in a single direction through the interior volume.
24. The method of claim 23 wherein the batchwise discharge occurs downward in an axial gravitational force direction.
25. The method of claim 21 wherein the batchwise feed and/or the batchwise discharge is performed at a pressure level between ambient pressure and high pressure level.
26. The method of claim 21 wherein, during the batchwise feed and/or batchwise discharge, the bulk material quantity is detected.
27. The method of claim 21 wherein the high-pressure treatment comprises at least an extraction and/or wherein the high-pressure treatment comprises at least an impregnation.
28. The method of claim 21 wherein bulk material in the form of aerogels is subjected to high-pressure treatment by extraction and/or impregnation.
29. The method of claim 21 wherein the high-pressure treatment comprises a fluidization of the bulk material.
30. A control device configured to carry out the method of claim 21 wherein the control device is coupled to at least one sensor unit configured for detecting a throughflow of bulk material or a mass or a mass difference or a volume or a volume difference.
31. A pressure vessel device configured for the high-pressure treatment, at a high pressure level in the range from 40 to 1000 bar, of bulk material by extraction and/or impregnation, comprising: a cover; a high-pressure-resistant wall that encloses an interior volume; an inlet fitting coupled to the interior volume; and an outlet fitting, the inlet fitting and the outlet fitting respectively configured to permit the passage of the bulk material; a supporting tray module arranged in a suspended manner in the interior volume, the module having a multiplicity of actuatable treatment levels mounted and positioned in displaceably actuatable fashion, said treatment levels arranged one above the other, and which are configured in a substantially horizontally oriented plane in the interior volume and are configured to be loaded with bulk material in partial batches when the pressure vessel device is closed, and, after the high-pressure treatment has occurred at the high pressure level, unloadable in partial batches with the pressure vessel device closed, such that the high-pressure treatment is performed in a closed system which is sealed off with respect to the surroundings, and wherein the supporting tray module has at least one geometrically coupling intermediate element and multiple holding units for mechanical stability and support and a support unit for radial support in the lower region thereof.
32. The pressure vessel device of claim 31 wherein the inlet fitting is configured to actuate in an automated fashion for the batchwise feed of the bulk material.
33. The pressure vessel device of claim 31 wherein the at least one of the treatment levels is configured for the passage of bulk material and/or wherein at least one partial region of respective ones of the treatment levels is configured to displace from a corresponding high-pressure treatment position into at least one loading/unloading position.
34. The pressure vessel device of claim 31 wherein at least one of the treatment levels is defined by at least one gas-permeable plate and/or wherein each respective of the treatment levels is defined by at least one pivotably actuatable gas-permeable plate.
35. The pressure vessel device of claim 31 wherein each respective ones of the treatment levels is actuatable between at least two positions comprising a first position for the passage of bulk material and a second position for the accommodation and high-pressure treatment of bulk material.
36. The pressure vessel device of claim 31 wherein the supporting tray module is integrated into the cover or is supported in the interior volume by means of the cover and/or wherein the inlet fitting for bulk material is integrated into the cover.
37. The pressure vessel device of claim 31 wherein at least three treatment levels are provided.
38. The pressure vessel device of claim 31 wherein each respective treatment level is displaceable by means of at least one rotationally actuatable actuating member.
39. The pressure vessel device of claim 31 wherein each respective treatment level is displaceable by means of at least one translationally actuatable actuating member.
40. The pressure vessel device of claim 31 wherein the supporting tray module comprises both at least one translationally actuatable actuating member and at least one rotationally actuatable actuating member.
Description
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0078] Further features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the description of at least one exemplary embodiment with reference to drawings, and from the drawings themselves. In the drawings:
[0079] FIGS. 1, 4 show, in each case in a sectional side view, a schematic illustration of a closed pressure vessel device and a high-pressure treatment system according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0080] FIGS. 2, 3 show, in each case in a sectional side view, a schematic illustration of an open pressure vessel device (without supporting tray module) and the supporting tray module according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0081] FIG. 5 shows, in a plan view of a bottom side, a treatment level of a supporting tray module of a pressure vessel device according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0082] FIG. 6 shows, in a sectional side view, a schematic illustration of a pressure vessel device according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0083] FIGS. 7 to 15 show further exemplary embodiments in different views, in each case in a schematic illustration,
[0084] FIG. 16 shows, in a schematic illustration, method steps of a method for high-pressure treatment according to an embodiment;
[0085] FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C and FIG. 18 show, in a sectional side view and in perspective detail views, a schematic illustration of in each case one further exemplary embodiment of a pressure vessel device;
[0086] FIG. 19 shows, in a sectional side view, a schematic illustration of a concept for the use of translational actuating members in a pressure vessel device according to exemplary embodiments; and
[0087] FIGS. 20A, 20B and FIGS. 21A, 21B and FIGS. 22A, 22B show, in a sectional side view and in an exploded illustration, in each case a schematic illustration of further exemplary embodiments of a pressure vessel device with a combined supporting tray module for both translational and rotational actuating movements.
[0088] For reference numerals not described explicitly in respect of a single figure reference is made to the other figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0089] FIG. 1 shows a pressure vessel device 10 with a supporting tray module 20 integrated and fitted therein (illustrated in the installed state) for the accommodation and arrangement of bulk material 1 or granulate, wherein a bed or batch 2 in the form of multiple partial batches 2.1, 2.2, 2.n, which are arranged in each case on an individual treatment level 27, is formed in the interior volume Vi (or in the corresponding cavity) bordered by a high-pressure-resistant wall 12 of the pressure vessel device. By way of example, five treatment levels are illustrated. The respective treatment level 27 defines a height position z27 for the arrangement of bulk material 1.
[0090] A cover 11, which can be installed with high-pressure-resistant sealing action, of the pressure vessel device 10 is provided by a cover 21 of the supporting tray module 20, or vice versa. By means of the installation of the supporting tray module, the vessel 10 can be closed in high-pressure-tight fashion (integral construction). A high-pressure-resistant fastening can be realized by fastening means 11.5, in particular screw connections provided in an encircling manner, and a centering means 11.7. A cylindrical portion 12.1 of the wall 12 has corresponding fastening means.
[0091] The cover 11, 21 is denoted here by two reference designations in order to highlight that the cover 21 can be provided as a supporting component of the supporting tray module and can at the same time form the cover 11 of the pressure vessel device 10. It is the intention here for this type of construction to be described by the expression integral construction.
[0092] Fastening means 11.1 for at least one inlet fitting 13 are provided, in particular fixable by means of screw connections, on the cover 11, 21. Furthermore, in the cover 11, 21, there are formed multiple passages 11.2 for bulk material 1, in particular two passages in a symmetrical arrangement in relation to a central longitudinal axis M of the pressure vessel device 10 or of the supporting tray module 20.
[0093] On the cover 11, 21, there is optionally furthermore provided at least one leadthrough 11.3 for at least one actuating member (25), wherein a high-pressure-resistant seal 11.4 is provided in the leadthrough 11.3. Via the leadthrough 11.3, a drive unit (22) can be coupled to the respective actuating member. Alternatively, the drive unit may be arranged in the interior volume Vi.
[0094] Bulk material 1 is introduced into the interior volume Vi via one or more inlet lines 13.2 by means of inlet members 13.1, in particular valves and/or locks, and, for a high-pressure treatment, is arranged in the form of partial batches 2.1, 2.2, 2.n in a respective treatment level 27 at different height positions. For this purpose, the supporting tray module 20 has a kinematic mechanism which will be described in more detail in conjunction with FIGS. 3 and 5.
[0095] The high-pressure treatment comprises in particular extraction and/or impregnation. The high-pressure treatment may be performed under the action of heat. A heating device 14 which is situated around the wall 12 and which is in the form of a heating jacket can feed in the correspondingly desired heat energy, for example in addition to heat energy that is introduced by means of high-pressure medium M2.
[0096] Analogously to the material flow into the interior volume in partial batches, a discharge may be performed in partial batches. Below a conical portion 12.2 of the wall 12, there is provided an outlet fitting 15, in particular container base unit, with at least one outlet member 15.1, in particular base valve and/or lock. The outlet fitting 15 may be integrated into the conical portion 12.2 and/or fastened in high-pressure-tight fashion thereto, in particular by means of screw connections. The outlet member 15.1 has an inwardly opening closing element 15.2, in particular in the form of a cone, which can be actuated by means of an actuating member 15.3 (FIG. 4). The granulate 1 can be discharged from the interior volume via an outlet connector 15.4.
[0097] For the feed and discharge of high-pressure medium M2, inflow/outflow fittings 16, 17 are provided, in particular in the form of connectors.
[0098] The pressure vessel device 10 and the supporting tray module 20 together form, in the installed state, a high-pressure treatment system 30. The respective treatment level 27 may in particular be formed by one or more perforated plates and/or meshes.
[0099] The indicated coordinate system characterizes a width direction x, a transverse or depth direction y, and the vertical or gravitational force direction or height direction z.
[0100] In the arrangement shown in FIG. 1, the material flow (flowing bulk material) may occur unidirectionally in the gravitational force direction, that is to say logically downward in a manner driven by gravitational force, without diversion or deviation.
[0101] FIG. 2 shows the pressure vessel device 10 in an open state, without a supporting tray module 20 and without a batch. The interior volume Vi is not sealed off from the surroundings U. In this state, the supporting tray module 20 can be arranged in the interior volume Vi, in particular by installation of the cover 11, 21 on the wall 12. In particular in the case of very voluminous containers, this type of installation can provide great advantages.
[0102] FIGS. 3 and 5 illustrate the supporting tray module 20 in detail. At the outside on the cover 21, there is provided a drive unit 22, in particular with pneumatic cylinder, which is coupled to a kinematic mechanism 23. The kinematic mechanism 23 comprises in particular five actuating members 25, in particular each in the form of a thrust/tension rod, and multiple actuating levers 25.1, which are each mounted at both sides in rotary joints 25.2, 25.3. The kinematic mechanism is thus configured to individually actuate each treatment level. The kinematic mechanism may optionally be configured to actuate all treatment levels simultaneously or in a coupled-together manner.
[0103] In FIGS. 3 and 5, a first and a second part 27a, 27b of the respective treatment level 27 are visible, these being in the form of pivotably mounted gas-permeable plates. A transverse web 24 provides, for each treatment level 27, a respective pivot axis for the kinematic mechanism 23. The plates 27a, 27b may in particular be in the form of semicircular perforated plates. The entire construction may be of symmetrical form in relation to the transverse webs 24. The actuating members 25 are arranged preferably exactly in the plane of symmetry (yz).
[0104] FIGS. 1 and 6 illustrate a first pivot angle upward counter to the gravitational force direction and a second pivot angle downward in the gravitational force direction. For the feed of bulk material into the empty interior volume, all treatment levels, aside from the lowermost treatment level, are pivoted into a vertically upward orientation (angle up to) 90. The first partial batch can fall onto the lowermost treatment level, in particular until a desired loading (mass) has been attained. The second treatment level from the bottom is thereupon pivoted into the horizontal orientation, and the process of feeding a partial batch is repeated. In this way, it is easily possible for three, five or even a considerably greater number of treatment levels to be loaded. As soon as the uppermost treatment level has been loaded, the high-pressure treatment can occur. The unloading/discharge of bulk material thereupon preferably likewise occurs in partial batches, although it would also be possible for all treatment levels to be displaced downward more or less simultaneously. Firstly, the lowermost treatment level is displaced downward, and the partial batch then slides into the conical region 12.2. The closing element 15.2 can be inwardly opened (or is already open), and the partial batch can be discharged. The next-higher treatment level is thereupon displaced downward. Depending on the type of process, the closing element 15.2 may optionally remain in the open position, or may be closed in the intervening time. In the case of a closing element 15.2 which is closed and imparts a sealing action in the intervening time, the discharge of material can occur in a more controlled manner.
[0105] For the purposes of mechanical stability and support, it is possible for at least one geometrically coupling intermediate element 26 (only in FIG. 5), in particular a centering ring, and multiple holding units 29, in particular holding rod(s), to be provided. The intermediate element 26 can promote the material flow, for example with regard to an arrangement of granulates in the wall region. It is optionally possible for a support unit 28, in particular in the form of a (centering) ring, to be provided, for the purposes of radial support, in the lower region of the module 20. Axial support is not imperatively necessary, in particular because the entire module 20 can be arranged in a suspended manner in the interior volume Vi, supported on the cover 11 or on the upper end of the wall 12.
[0106] FIG. 4 furthermore shows a control device 31, a logic unit 33 and multiple sensor units 35 arranged at different measurement points in the system 30, in particular for temperature, pressure, force, travel, mass and/or throughflow. The feed, high-pressure treatment and discharge may, by means of the control device 31, occur in an at least partially automated manner, preferably in a fully automated manner.
[0107] The position of individual sensor units can be freely selected. In particular, it is possible for multiple pressure sensors to be provided which are arranged such that a pressure loss across the partial batches can be detected. During the impregnation and/or extracting, a pressure difference that takes effect can be a process variable by means of which the process can be controlled in open-loop or closed-loop fashion, and/or monitored, in a simple manner. The pressure loss is indeed also dependent on the type of granulate, and must be individually monitored. The pressure difference that takes effect may also be detected in relation to inlet and outlet fittings. Optionally, a safety system in the form of a bypass may be provided in order to avoid excessively high pressure differences.
[0108] It is also preferable for a multiplicity of mass sensors to be provided, in particular in each case at least one mass sensor per treatment level. This facilitates the detection of partial batches and the closed-loop control of the feed and of the discharge of bulk material.
[0109] Furthermore, three media flows are indicated in FIG. 4: the first media flow M1 denotes the bulk material flow, the second media flow M2 denotes high-pressure medium or extraction medium, optionally comprising impregnation medium, and the third media flow M3 denotes solvent, which can be discharged separately or together with the high-pressure medium M2.
[0110] FIG. 6 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a pressure vessel device 100 and of a supporting tray module 200, wherein the features described above may be partially or entirely likewise realized in this exemplary embodiment. The drive unit 22 may optionally be arranged at the outside on the wall 12 or on the cover 11, and/or in the interior volume Vi, in particular in the form of at least one rotary drive on a pivot axis of the supporting tray module. For the impregnation, a buffer vessel 37 may be provided in combination with a dosing means 39.
[0111] Individual aspects of advantageous variants or exemplary embodiments will be discussed in the following figures. The respective variants or exemplary embodiments are combinable with one another unless explicitly stated otherwise.
[0112] FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D show three exemplary embodiments, in the case of which the supporting tray module 300 defines multiple treatment levels, which are each formed by an integral plate. The kinematic mechanism for the displacement of the plates is formed in particular by a respective thrust rod (FIG. 7B shows an eccentric arrangement of the thrust rod (lever linkage), with only one centrally arranged inlet fitting) and/or by a rotary drive (FIG. 7C). Here, the drive variants may be provided by the combinations already described above. These exemplary embodiments provide advantages in particular with regard to robustness and simple construction. The plates pivot downward at one side. The feed of the respective (partial) batch can occur centrally via the cover. The discharge can occur centrally via an outlet fitting at the base. The central discharge at the base provides, for example, process-related advantages, in particular in the case of a discharge driven by gravitational force, in particular with regard to a complete discharge without residues.
[0113] FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D show three exemplary embodiments, in which the supporting tray module 400 is characterized by an eccentric arrangement of the actuating members. For each treatment level, a plate is provided which is eccentrically mounted and which is pivotable upward and downward. Edge regions of a respective treatment level can be utilized for supporting structures.
[0114] FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C show two exemplary embodiments, in the case of which the supporting tray module 500, in particular in an embodiment as per FIGS. 7 and 8, is arranged in a pressure vessel device 10; 100; 110, wherein individual treatment levels of the supporting tray module are laterally actuatable. Leadthroughs for lateral actuating means 25a are provided in the wall of the pressure vessel device, in each case specifically for each treatment level. The actuatable lateral actuating means 25a make possible a kinematic mechanism at least comprising a pivot mechanism, in particular in an embodiment as thrust rods. The actuating means 25a may be coupled directly to the respective plate or indirectly by means of a kinematic coupling means to the respective treatment level. FIGS. 9A and 9B show the principle of the lateral actuation in the case of a central or eccentric mounting of plates, wherein, optionally, one or more plates which are pivotable downward at one side, or are pivotable upward and downward at both sides, are provided for each treatment level. In addition or alternatively to the inlet for bulk material at the cover, it is also possible for an inlet fitting and/or outlet fitting to be provided in each case laterally at the height of the respective treatment level.
[0115] FIGS. 10A and 10B show two exemplary embodiments in which the supporting tray module 600 has a centrally arranged lever linkage, by means of which the individual plates are pivotable by translation. Two plates may be provided, in particular in a symmetrical arrangement, for each treatment level. The pivoting occurs without an actuating lever (FIG. 10A) or by means of a kinematic mechanism comprising in each case one actuating lever per plate half (FIG. 10B).
[0116] FIGS. 11A and 11B show an exemplary embodiment in which the pressure vessel device 110 has fixed trays for each treatment level, optionally in a horizontal orientation (FIG. 11A) or in an oblique orientation (FIG. 11B). Exclusively inlet and outlet fittings which are arranged laterally at the height of the respective treatment level are provided. Optionally, a bulk material suction extraction means is provided. In this pressure vessel device 110, the method according to the invention can be performed in a closed system for a respective partial batch. The treatment levels can be individually loaded independently of one another. This exemplary embodiment for example also provides advantages in the case of the simultaneous high-pressure treatment of different bulk materials on different levels.
[0117] FIG. 12 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the supporting tray module 700 has a kinematic pivot mechanism and is arranged in a pressure vessel device 110 with lateral inlet fittings. The discharge of bulk material may occur centrally at the outlet fitting at the base. In this exemplary embodiment, the kinematic mechanism can be optimized for the pivoting and discharge in a downward direction.
[0118] FIGS. 13A and 13B show an exemplary embodiment in which the supporting tray module 800 has a kinematic mechanism with rotary mechanism with an at least approximately vertically oriented axis of rotation. At each treatment level, two plates mounted one above the other are rotated relative to one another. FIG. 13B shows the respective treatment level in an opened state, wherein, by way of example, four passages are illustrated.
[0119] FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C show an exemplary embodiment in which the supporting tray module 900 has a kinematic mechanism with translational mechanism with an at least approximately horizontally oriented displacement axis. At each treatment level, two plates mounted one above the other are displaced translationally relative to one another. FIG. 14C shows the respective treatment level in an opened state. The translational kinematic mechanism may in this case be realized for example by lateral actuating means, or on the basis of a further one of the mechanisms described here. It is optionally also possible for an additional rotary drive to be provided which is coupled to a central rotary shaft and which actuates in each case at least one of the plates at each treatment level.
[0120] FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E and 15F show three exemplary embodiments in which the supporting tray module 990 has in each case a kinematic mechanism which opens from the inside outward and which has a flap structure, wherein, in the respective treatment level, there are optionally also provided run-off inclines, and/or edge regions for bearing structures. At each treatment level, there are provided at least two plates which are arranged symmetrically with respect to a central longitudinal axis and transverse web, and which are in each case downwardly and upwardly pivotable. The respective plate is mounted eccentrically about a pivot axis, and an opening occurs proceeding from the center (pivoting downward or else upward). The kinematic mechanism may in particular also comprise coupling joints and/or traction mechanisms and/or at least one spring mechanism with resetting movement.
[0121] FIG. 16 shows individual method steps of a method for high-pressure treatment. A first step S1 comprises a feed of bulk material, wherein an actuation S1.1 of at least one treatment level occurs. Preferably, the treatment levels are actuated proceeding from a lowermost treatment level. The respective treatment level is moved into an accommodation/treatment position, in particular is pivoted into the horizontal plane. A feed S1.2 of a (partial) batch thereupon occurs. The treatment level situated thereabove can subsequently be actuated.
[0122] In a second step S2, a pressure build-up to the desired high pressure level occurs, optionally proceeding from ambient pressure or from an intermediate pressure level elevated in relation thereto.
[0123] An extraction occurs in a third step S3, and/or an impregnation occurs in a fourth step S4, this sequence being variable. Here, closed-loop pressure and temperature control may occur in each case, which is illustrated by way of example in FIG. 4 by means of the sensor unit 35. One or more such sensor units may also be provided in the further steps for closed-loop control, in particular on the basis of temperature, pressure, force, travel, mass and/or through flow measurement values.
[0124] In a fifth step S5, a pressure dissipation occurs, optionally to ambient pressure or to an intermediate pressure level elevated in relation thereto.
[0125] In a sixth step S6, a discharge of bulk material occurs, wherein an actuation S6.1 of at least one treatment level occurs. Preferably, the treatment levels are actuated proceeding from a lowermost treatment level. The respective treatment level is moved into a passage position, in particular is pivoted at least approximately into the vertical plane, or at an angle of for example 10-20 in relation thereto. A discharge S6.2 of a (partial) batch thereupon occurs. The treatment level situated thereabove can subsequently be actuated. The discharge of a respective partial batch can permit good monitoring/closed-loop control of the material flow.
[0126] In a seventh step S7, for preparation for a subsequent high-pressure treatment, high-pressure-tight sealing-off of the interior volume thereupon occurs at the outlet fitting of the pressure vessel, in particular by means of an inwardly opening valve.
[0127] The present invention is in particular also distinguished by the possibility of the automated open-loop and closed-loop control of processes which hitherto have rather been characterized by manual activities. Not only is working safety increased, but an automation of material flow or high-pressure treatment is also possible in a simple manner, such that a highly efficient process can be realized for a multiplicity of applications, in particular also substantially independently of the hazard category of extracted solvents or of the selected impregnation medium, in particular also substantially independently of the type of granulate to be treated.
[0128] FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C show, in detail, a variant in which a rotational actuating member 25 (in particular rod) is coupled to a multiplicity of treatment levels 27 or plates, wherein each treatment level is defined by a pair of plates 27, of which one is arranged in a positionally fixed and static manner and the other is rotationally displaceable and is connected rotationally conjointly to the actuating member 25. A respective partial batch 2.1, 2.2, 2.n can be displaced between the individual treatment levels, in particular in a manner driven by gravitational force, in reaction to a relative rotation of the two plates of a respective treatment level with respect to one another.
[0129] The rotation actuating movement may in this case be at least approximately a continuous movement, or the rotation actuating movement may optionally also occur in discontinuous fashion between at least two actuation positions (in particular open position and closed position).
[0130] In particular, FIG. 17A shows, in detail, the use and arrangement of individual treatment levels in the positionally fixed volume Vi, wherein at least one rotational actuating member 25 is provided.
[0131] On the basis of the example of FIG. 17A, it is also possible to explain the material flow: Bulk material 1 is fed as an individual partial batch 2.1. In the high-pressure treatment volume, multiple bulk material partial batches 2.1, 2.2, 2.n result in the entire bulk material batch under high-pressure treatment. The bulk material flow propagates for example through multiple discharged partial batches. Here, at least one sensor unit 35 may be provided, in particular for temperature, pressure, force, travel, mass and/or throughflow.
[0132] FIGS. 17B and 17C illustrate the way in which the respective treatment level can be set in a sealing-off state or in a passage-permitting state. FIG. 17B illustrates a passage-permitting state in which a respective passage segment 27.1 of the upper plate, which is connected rotationally conjointly to the actuating member, is arranged in a rotational position in alignment with a respective passage segment 27.1 of the lower, positionally fixedly arranged plate. Here, furthermore, a respective inclined, in particular conical (in particular gable-roof-shaped) segment 27.3 of the upper plate is arranged in alignment with a respective planar segment 27.2 of the lower plate. The respective pairwise plate arrangement 27 provides a passage. The inclined surfaces can perform a function as run-off inclines for the bulk material, and also reduce a risk with regard to undesired local bulk material deposits.
[0133] FIG. 17C illustrates a sealed-off state, in which, in reaction to a rotational actuating movement (rotational angle change), a respective inclined, in particular conical, segment 27.3 of the upper plate is arranged in alignment with a respective passage segment 27.1 of the lower plate. The respective pairwise plate arrangement 27 imparts a blocking action.
[0134] The individual plates 27 are in particular each designed as a circular disk with the cutouts (passage openings) already described. It is optionally possible for the levels z27 to be actuated individually separately or simultaneously together of the rotation actuating movement. The passage openings 27.1 may be arranged in an aligned or offset manner.
[0135] The plate pair 27 shown in FIG. 17B may also, in other exemplary embodiments, be designed as a pair of two planar plates with in each case at least one passage 27.1.
[0136] The respective actuating movement in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C can ensure a material flow of a multiplicity of partial batches 2.1, 2.n over a section along the material flow path through the high-pressure treatment volume Vi. Here, the rotational actuating movement may be a continuous and/or an at least intermittently cyclic actuating movement. The (respective) rotation actuating movement may in this case be predefined uniformly for the entire high-pressure treatment volume for all high-pressure treatment levels, and/or may at least intermittently be predefined in each case specifically for individual predefinable high-pressure treatment levels z27.
[0137] In FIG. 18, by way of example, a relative orientation of passage segments 27.1 with respect to adjacent passage segments 27.1 in the respectively subsequent treatment level will be discussed. The passage segments 27.1 are in each case arranged so as to be offset with respect to one another by a rotational angle.
[0138] FIG. 19 schematic shows a variant with translationally actuatable actuating members 25. It is optionally also possible for rotary kinematic mechanisms to be integrated into the interior volume Vi.
[0139] FIGS. 20A and 20B show a pressure vessel device 10 with a combined supporting tray module which is formed from a first portion 200 with a kinematic pivot mechanism 23 and of a second portion 800 with a rotational kinematic mechanism, wherein the kinematic pivot mechanism 23 is arranged upstream of and in series with the rotational kinematic mechanism. This embodiment may be advantageous in particular in the case of a significant increase in volume of the bulk material during the high-pressure treatment, in particular if a subsequent extraction occurs with a substantially constant volume. The kinematic pivot mechanism with relatively small heights between the levels permits gentle treatment of the bulk material, and the downstream rotational kinematic mechanism in particular also promotes efficient utilization of the available interior volume.
[0140] FIGS. 21A and 21B show a pressure vessel device 10 with a combined supporting tray module, or a combination of at least two supporting tray modules, which is formed from a first portion 200 with a kinematic pivot mechanism 23 and of a second portion 800 with a rotational kinematic mechanism, wherein the kinematic pivot mechanism 23 is arranged upstream of and in series with the rotational kinematic mechanism. Downstream of the respective module 200, 800, there may be provided a unit (in particular funnel with bulk-material-directing function) for directing the material flow, in particular with a funnel-shaped geometry. These units (preferably rigid fixtures) can direct the material flow in targeted fashion onto the subsequent module or to the outlet, in particular for the purposes of a spiral-shaped inflow into the outlet.
[0141] FIGS. 22A and 22B show a pressure vessel device 10 with a combined supporting tray module which is formed from a first portion 800 with a rotational kinematic mechanism and of a second portion 200 with a kinematic pivot mechanism 23, wherein the kinematic pivot mechanism 23 is arranged downstream of and in series with the rotational kinematic mechanism. In this arrangement, the discharge of bulk material can be facilitated, in particular with regard to the size of partial batches, by means of the kinematic pivot mechanism 23.
LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
[0142] 1 Bulk material or granulate (bed) [0143] 2 Batch [0144] 2.1, 2.2, 2.n Partial batch [0145] 10; 100; 110 Pressure vessel device [0146] 11 Cover [0147] 11.1 Fastening means or flange for inlet fitting [0148] 11.2 Passage for bulk material [0149] 11.3 Leadthrough for actuating member [0150] 11.4 Seal on actuating member [0151] 11.5 Fastening means [0152] 11.7 Centering means [0153] 12 High-pressure-resistant wall [0154] 12.1 Cylindrical portion [0155] 12.2 Conical portion [0156] 13 Inlet fitting, in particular of two-channel configuration [0157] 13.1 Inlet member, in particular valve and/or lock [0158] 13.2 Inlet line [0159] 14 Heating device, in particular heating jacket [0160] 15 Outlet fitting, in particular vessel base unit [0161] 15.1 Outlet member, in particular base valve and/or lock [0162] 15.2 Inwardly opening closing element, in particular cone [0163] 15.3 Actuating member [0164] 15.4 Outlet connector [0165] 16 Inflow/outflow fitting, in particular connector [0166] 17 Inflow/outflow fitting, in particular connector [0167] 20; 200; 300; 400; 500; 600; 700; 800; 900; 990 Supporting tray module [0168] 21 Cover [0169] 22 Drive unit, in particular with pneumatic cylinder [0170] 23 Kinematic mechanism, in particular kinematic pivot mechanism [0171] 24 Transverse web [0172] 25 Actuating member, in particular thrust/tension rod [0173] 25a Lateral actuating means [0174] 25.1 Actuating lever [0175] 25.2 Rotary joint [0176] 25.3 Further rotary joint [0177] 26 Intermediate element (with geometrical coupling action) [0178] 27 Treatment level, in particular with perforated plate or mesh [0179] 27a, 27b First and second part of the treatment level, in particular in pivotable bearing arrangement [0180] 27.1 Passage segment [0181] 27.2 Planar segment [0182] 27.3 Inclined, in particular conical or gable-roof-shaped segment [0183] 28 Support unit, in particular (centering) ring [0184] 29 Holding unit, in particular holding rod(s) [0185] 30 High-pressure treatment system [0186] 31 Control device [0187] 33 logic unit [0188] 35 Sensor unit, in particular for temperature, pressure, force, travel, mass and/or throughflow [0189] 37 Storage container, reservoir [0190] 39 Dosing means [0191] M1 First media flow: bulk material [0192] M2 Second media flow: high-pressure medium or extraction medium, optionally [0193] comprising impregnation medium [0194] M3 Third media flow: solvent [0195] M Central longitudinal axis [0196] U Surroundings [0197] Vi Interior volume, or cavity enclosed by the pressure vessel [0198] S1 First step, in particular feed of bulk material [0199] S1.1 Actuation of at least one treatment level [0200] S1.2 Feed of a partial batch [0201] S2 Second step, in particular pressure build-up [0202] S3 Third step, in particular extraction [0203] S4 Fourth step, in particular impregnation [0204] S5 Fifth step, in particular pressure dissipation [0205] S6 Sixth step, in particular discharge of bulk material [0206] S6.1 Actuation of at least one treatment level [0207] S6.2 Discharge of a partial batch [0208] S7 Seventh step, in particular high-pressure-tight sealing-off of the interior volume at the outlet fitting [0209] z27 Treatment level or height position of the treatment level [0210] x Width direction or pivot axis [0211] Y Transverse or depth direction, pivot axis [0212] z Vertical or gravitational force direction or height direction [0213] First pivot angle, in particular upward counter to the gravitational force direction [0214] Second pivot angle, in particular downward in the gravitational force direction [0215] Angle of rotation of a rotational actuating movement
