AGITATOR DEVICE

Abstract

The invention relates to an agitator device having a static unit and a rotational unit which is in the form of an agitator shaft and, in an assembled state, forms together with the static unit at least one common fluid channel for a fluid. It is proposed that a flow cross-section of the fluid channel, viewed along a main course of flow, is at least substantially constant at least in a coupling region between the static unit and the rotational unit.

Claims

1. An agitator device having a static unit and a rotational unit which is in the form of an agitator shaft and, in an assembled state, forms together with the static unit at least one common fluid channel for a fluid, characterized in that a flow cross-section of the fluid channel, viewed along a main course of flow, is at least substantially constant at least in a coupling region between the static unit and the rotational unit.

2. The agitator device of claim 1, wherein the flow cross section in the coupling region has a surface area of at least 15% of a maximum flow cross section of the fluid channel.

3. The agitator device of claim 1, wherein the fluid channel has in the coupling region, viewed along the main flow course, a radius of curvature, which is at least equal to the inner diameter of the static unit.

4. The agitator device of claim 1, wherein the rotational unit at least partially surrounds the static unit in the coupling region.

5. The agitator device of claim 1, further comprises a rotational passage, which has at least a part of the rotational unit, at least a part of the static unit and a bearing unit.

6. The agitator device of claim 1, wherein the static unit and/or the rotational unit have at least one separation unit, which are provided for allow a separation of the static unit and/or rotational unit.

7. The agitator device of claim 6, wherein the separation unit is a quick plugin coupling.

8. The agitator device of claim 1, further comprises at least one encasing unit, which surrounds at least for the most part the rotational unit at least in an operational condition.

9. The agitator device of claim 1, further comprises at least one lance element, which in at least one operational condition is at least partially positioned within the fluid channel.

10. The agitator device of claim 1, further comprises at least one pressure measurement unit, which is positioned, at least partially, within the fluid channel.

11. The agitator device of claim 1, further comprises at least one flowmeter unit, which is positioned, at least partially, within the fluid channel.

12. The agitator device of claim 1, further comprises at least one filling level measurement unit, which is positioned, at least partially, within the fluid channel.

13. The agitator device of any of claim 9, wherein the lance element, the pressure measurement unit, the flowmeter unit and/or the filling level measurement unit is positioned, at least partially, in the coupling region.

14. The agitator device of claim 1, further comprises at least one ribbed unit positioned, at least partially, in the fluid channel and is provided for mechanically stabilizing at least in portions the static unit and/or the rotational unit and/or for at least partially guiding the fluid.

15. An agitator with an agitator device of claim 1.

16. A system with at least one container and with at least one agitator of claim 15, which is positioned within the container.

Description

DRAWINGS

[0028] Further advantages are obtained from the following description of the drawings. In the drawings two exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated. The drawings, the description and claims contain various characteristics in combination. The skilled in the art may advantageously consider the characteristics also individually and combine the same into further combinations.

[0029] In particular:

[0030] FIG. 1 shows a system with a container and an agitator with an agitator device in a lateral sectional view,

[0031] FIG. 2 shows the agitator device in an enlarged partial representation,

[0032] FIG. 3 shows a further system with a container and an agitator with a further agitator device in a lateral sectional view,

[0033] FIG. 4 shows the agitator device of FIG. 3 in an enlarged partial representation,

[0034] FIG. 5 shows a further system with a container and an agitator with a further agitator device in a lateral sectional view,

[0035] FIG. 6 shows a further system with a container and an agitator with a further agitator device in a lateral sectional view, and

[0036] FIG. 7 shows a further system with a container and an agitator with a further agitator device in a lateral sectional view.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0037] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a first exemplary embodiment of an example of an ore processing system in a fully assembled state in a schematic sectional view. The system comprises a vertically positioned container 32a, which in particular is only partially shown in FIG. 1. The container 32a has a volume between 100 and 1000 m.sup.3. In the present case, the container has a volume of 500 m.sup.3. The system also comprises an agitation medium disposed in the container 32a (not shown in FIG. 1). The system also comprises an agitator 30a. The agitator 30a is adapted for agitating the agitation medium contained within the container 32a. The agitator 30a is also adapted in this case for gassing the agitation medium contained in the container 32a. The agitator 30a is adapted for introducing at least one fluid into the agitation medium. Alternatively it is envisaged to provide a fermenting system. It is also envisaged that the agitator is provided for mixing, homogenizing, dispersing and/or suspending an agitation medium.

[0038] The agitator 30a comprises an agitator device. The agitator device comprises a supply line 36a. The supply line 36a is provided for supplying at least one fluid. In the present case, the supply line 36a is a gas supply line and in particular provided for supplying air. The supply line 36a is horizontal, in particular with respect to the container 32a. Alternatively a supply line may be provided, which supplies a gas different from air and/or a liquid, such as pure oxygen. Moreover, a supply line may be positioned at least substantially in a vertical position with respect to container.

[0039] The agitator device comprises a static unit 10a. The static unit 10a is positioned completely outside the container 32a. The static unit 10a is immovable with respect to container 32a. Herein, the static unit 10a is integrally formed. The static unit 10a may be made at least partially, preferably at least mostly and most preferably entirely of any base material that appear suitable to the skilled in the art, such as plastics, ceramics, an alloy and/or metal, in particular an unalloyed steel, duplex steel, stainless steel, titan and/or zircon. Herein the static unit 10a is made of stainless steel. The static unit 10a is a hollow tube. The static unit 10a is a supply unit. The static unit 10a has an inner cladding which is made of a material differing from the base material of the static unit 10a, in this case a coating. The inner cladding is made of ceramics and/or plastics and prevents in particular the fixing of fluid. Moreover, the inner cladding improves the friction characteristics of the static unit 10a. Alternatively, an inner cladding may also be made of a different material, suitable for the skilled in the art, in particular depending on the base material used. Moreover it may be envisaged that an inner cladding of a static unit may be formed, alternatively or additionally, by an element, in particular an additional element, in particular a pipe and/or a sleeve. It is also envisaged to entirely omit the inner cladding.

[0040] The static unit 10a has a first fluid channel portion 38a. A flow cross section of the first fluid channel portion 38a is at least substantially constant along a main flow course. Moreover, the static unit 10a is connected to the supply line 36a. Herein, the static unit 10a is indirectly connected, in particular through a flexible connection, to the supply line 36a, whereby in particular possible oscillations and/or tolerances in the production of the connection and/or during the operation may be compensated. The static unit 10a is also curved. The static unit 10a has a bending. The static unit 10a has an angle of curvature of about 90. The static unit 10a has a radius of curvature which is at least essentially equal to the inner diameter of the first fluid channel portion 38a. Moreover the static unit 10a has two housing openings 62a, 64a. The housing openings 62a, 64a are positioned in a near region of the bending of the static unit 10a.

[0041] The housing openings 62a, 64a are sealed with respect to the environment in a way that appear suitable to the skilled in the art. Alternatively it is possible to omit at least one of the housing openings and/or all housing openings. It may also be possible to provide further housing openings for further functional elements. A static unit may also be essentially straight and/or made of a plurality of parts.

[0042] The agitator device also comprises a rotational unit 12a. The rotational unit 12a may be made at least partially, preferably mostly and in particular entirely of any base material that appear suitable to the skilled in the art, such as plastics, ceramics, an alloy and/or metal, in particular an unalloyed steel, duplex steel, stainless steel, titan and/or zircon. At least a region, which is in contact with the agitation medium, may be advantageously made of a rubber coating, titan and/or zircon. Herein, the rotational unit 12a is made of stainless steel. The rotational unit 12a is at least mostly positioned inside the container 32a. The main extension length of the rotational unit 12a is vertical, in particular relative to the container 32a, and/or perpendicular to the supply line 36a. The rotational unit 12a is inserted centrally from above into the container 32a. The rotational unit 12a is movable. The rotational unit 12a is provided for rotation at least in operation about an axis of rotation. The rotational unit 12a is a hollow tube. In the present case the rotational unit 12a is made of an agitator hollow shaft. The rotational unit 12a is a simple shaft. The rotational unit 12a is also a supply unit. The rotational unit 12a has a further inner cladding, in the present case a coating. The further inner cladding is made of ceramics, plastics and/or a rubber coating and prevents in particular a fixing of the fluid and/or the flushing of penetrated agitation medium after an unplanned stop of the plant. Moreover, the additional inner cladding improves the friction characteristics of the rotational unit 12a. Alternatively an additional inner cladding may also be made of a different material that appears suitable to the skilled in the art, depending on the base material in use. It is also envisaged that an additional inner cladding of a rotational unit is formed, alternatively or additionally, of an in particular additional element, in particular a pipe and/or sleeve. The additional inner cladding may also be completely omitted.

[0043] The rotational unit 12a has a second fluid channel portion 40a. The flow cross section of the second fluid channel portion 40a is at least in portions at least substantially constant along the main flow course. The rotational unit 12a is connected to the static unit 10a. A connection region of the rotational unit 12a with the static unit 10a defines a coupling region between the static unit 10a and the rotational unit 12a. Herein, the rotational unit 12a surrounds the static unit 10a in the coupling region entirely. A detailed description of a connection between static unit 10a and rotational unit 12a is provided with reference to FIG. 2. The rotational unit 12a forms together with the static unit 10a a common fluid channel 14a. Herein, the first fluid channel portion 38a and the second fluid channel portion 40a define the fluid channel 14a. The flow cross section of the fluid channel 14a is at least substantially constant at least in the coupling region between the static unit 10a and the rotational unit 12a, as viewed in the main flow course. Herein, the flow cross section in the coupling region has a surface area of at least 70% of a maximum flow section of the fluid channel 14a. The fluid channel 14a in the coupling region, as viewed in the main flow direction, has a radius of curvature, which is at least equal to the inner diameter of the static unit 10a. The fluid channel 14a is provided for introduce the fluid of the supply line 36a into the container 32a and/or in the agitation medium. Alternatively a rotational unit may be introduced into the container from beneath and/or from a side. A rotational unit may also be laterally offset with respect to a central point of the container and thus be in particular introduced in an edge region of container into the container. Moreover, a rotational unit may be a multiple shaft, so that the rotational unit in at least one operational state may supply and/or conduct in particular simultaneously at least two different fluids.

[0044] The rotational unit 12a is also provided in multiple parts. Herein, the rotational unit 12a is at least in three parts. A first part 42a of the rotational unit 12a is a coupling shaft. The first part 42a of the rotational unit 12a is entirely positioned outside the container 32a. The first part 42a of the rotational unit 12a is provided for coupling with the static unit 10a. A second part 44a of the rotational unit 12a is a drive shaft. The second part 44a of rotational unit 12a is at least mostly positioned outside the container 32a, herein in particular above an upper container edge. The second part 44a of the rotational unit 12a is for driving the rotational unit 12a. A third part 46a of the rotational unit 12a is an agitator shaft. The third part 46a of the rotational unit 12a is entirely positioned within the container 32a. The third part 46a of the rotational unit 12a is provided for supporting at least one agitator member 48a. The rotational unit 12a is also separable. In order to separate the rotational unit 12a, the rotational unit 12a has two separation units 20a, 21a. The separation units 20a, 21a are fluid tight and/or pressure tight, in particular up to a pressure of at least 10 bar. A first separation unit 20a is a quick plugin coupling. The first separation unit 20a is positioned outside the container 32a. The first separation unit 20a is also positioned in a nearby region of the static unit 10a. The first separation unit 20a is provided for separating the first part 42a of the rotational unit 12a from the second part 44a of the rotational unit 12a. A second separation unit 21a is a flange coupling. The second separation unit 21a is positioned within the container 32a. The second separation unit 21a is provided for separating the second part 44a of the rotational unit 12a from the third part 46a of the rotational unit 12a. Alternatively, a rotational unit may be formed integrally and/or in one piece. It is also envisaged to provide a first separation unit and/or a second separation unit as a different separation unit, that appears to be suitable to the skilled in the art.

[0045] In order to agitate the agitation medium, the agitator device also has the at least one agitator member 48a. The agitator member 48a is a type of agitator member, which is particularly suitable for gassing operations. The agitator member 48a is made of stainless steel. The agitator member 48a is attached to the rotational unit 12a, in particular to the third part 46a of the rotational unit 12a. The agitator member 48a also comprises a plurality of agitator blades 50a. In this case, the agitator member 48a comprises at least two agitator blades 50a. Alternatively, the agitator member may also have at least three, at least four and/or any other number of agitator blades. The agitator blades 50a are at least substantially identical to each other. The agitator blades 50a are integrally formed. The agitator blades 50a are also indirectly attached to the rotational unit 12a. To this end, the agitator member 48a comprises a plurality of support arms 52a. Each support arm 52a is associated to one of the agitator blades 50a. The support arms 52a are provided each as a rod-like spar. The support arms 52a are hollow tubes. The support arms 52a have respective additional fluid channel portions. The additional fluid channel portions of support arms 52a are fluidically connected to the fluid channel 14a, in particular the second fluid channel portion 40a of the rotational unit 12a. The support arms 52a also have, on a side opposed to the rotational unit 12a at least a respective fluid outlet opening 54a. The fluid outlet openings 54a are provided for introduce the fluid supplied in the fluid channel 14a into the container 32a and/or agitator medium. The fluid outlet openings 54a are also provided here with check valves (not shown), which are in particular provided for automatic mechanical closing in case of a pressure drop in the fluid channel 14a and/or in the supply line 36a and thus in particular avoid penetration of the agitation medium. Alternatively check valves may be omitted. For introducing a fluid into a rotational unit additional fluid inlet elements different from the support arms, advantageously rotating with the rotational unit may be provided, wherein the fluid inlet elements may be positioned in particular in any region of the rotational unit. A fluid may also be introduced through a plurality, in particular vertically positioned and distributed levels, wherein the dosing may be set by means of different flow cross sections of fluid outlet opening at the different levels. An agitator device may also have a plurality of agitator members, in particular at least two and/or at least three agitator members. At least one of the agitator members may be preferably composed, at least mostly and in particular entirely of a ceramic, an alloy and/or a metal, in particular an unalloyed steel, advantageously provided with a rubber coating, duplex steel, titan and/or zircon. It is also possible that the agitator blades have another form and/or profile that appears to be suitable to the skilled in the art, and or may be directly attached to a rotational unit.

[0046] The agitator device comprises, for driving the rotational unit 12a, also at least one drive unit 56a. The drive unit 56a is entirely positioned outside the container 32a. The drive unit 56a is here positioned above the container 32a. The drive unit 56a is also positioned underneath the static unit 10a. The drive unit 56a is positioned on a side of the rotational unit 12a. The drive unit 56a comprises a drive motor, a transmission, in particular a hollow shaft transmission, as well as a drive support unit for the rotational unit 12a. In the present case, the drive unit 56a surrounds the rotational unit 12a at least partially. The drive support unit surrounds the second part 44a of the rotational unit 12a at least partially. The drive unit 56a is provided for transmitting a torque to the rotational unit 12a. Here, the drive unit 56a is provided for transmitting a torque to the second part 44a of the rotational unit 12a, in particular in order to provide rotation of the rotational unit 12a. In order to reinforce and/or stiffen the rotational unit 12a, the agitator device also comprises a ribbed unit 28a. The ribbed unit 28a is positioned in the fluid channel 14a. Here, the ribbed unit 28a is in the second fluid channel portion 40a and in particular in a region of the second part 44a of the rotational unit 12a. The ribbed unit 28a is integrally formed. The ribbed unit 28a is also integral with the rotational unit 12a, in particular with the second part 44a of the rotational unit 12a. The ribbed unit 28a is provided for mechanically stabilize the rotational unit 12a, in particular the second part 44a of the rotational unit 12a. To this end, the ribbed unit 28a has a plurality of ribs 58a, which in an assembled state are supported by an inner wall of the fluid channel 14a. Thereby the speed of the drive motor may be advantageously transmitted to the rotational unit 12a. At the same time, the flow cross section of the fluid channel 14a may be advantageously held at least substantially constant. The ribbed unit 28a also comprises at least one lance guiding element 60a. The lance guiding element 60a has a hollow tubular form. The lance guiding element 60a is centrally positioned within the fluid channel 14a. The lance guiding element 60a extends at least substantially over the entire main extension length of the second part 44a of the rotational unit 12a. The lance guiding element 60a is provided for guiding a lance element 22a in at least one operational state. The ribbed unit 28a is also adapted for advantageously influencing the fluid-dynamic behavior of the fluid. Alternatively, a drive unit may be positioned laterally and/or beneath a container and/or at least partially in the container. It is also possible to entirely omit the ribbed unit and/or to provide a ribbed unit in multiple parts and/or to position the ribbed unit in another region of the fluid channel. A ribbed unit may also correspond to a profile and/or ribbed structure provided in particular on an inner wall of a static unit and/or of the rotational unit.

[0047] The agitator device also comprises the lance element 22a. The lance element 22a is positioned, in at least one operational state at least mostly in the fluid channel 14a and at least partially in the coupling region. The lance element 22a is also at least partially disposed in the lance guiding element 60a. The lance element 22a extends, in the operational state at least substantially over the entire main extension length of the static unit 10a and rotational unit 12a. The lance element 22a is provided for being inserted through the first housing opening 62a of the static unit 10a into the fluid channel 14a and/or the lance guiding element 60a, in particular so that the lance element 22a is at least partially positioned in the third part 46a of the rotational unit 12a and in particular in a region of the agitator member 48a. To this end, the lance element 22a is at least partially flexible. The lance element 22a is also disassemblable. Here, the lance element 22a is at least substantially provided in the form of a drill pipe, and is composed of single tubes which are screwed to each other. Here, the lance element 22a is a flushing lance, and is provided in particular for emitting a flushing fluid at high pressure, in particular in order to remove possible occlusions in the fluid channel. Thereby in particular a restart in sediments may be advantageously facilitated. Alternatively a lance element may be permanently integrated in an agitator device, and/or a lance element may be provided as a dosing lance.

[0048] The agitator device also comprises a filling measurement unit 78a. The filling level measurement unit 78a is positioned, in at least one operational state, entirely in the fluid channel 14a. The filling level measurement unit 78a is here also positioned in the coupling region. The filling level measurement unit 78a is provided for detect, in at least one operational state, a filling level of fluid in the rotational unit 12a. Here, the filling level measurement unit 78a is a radar sensor and provided for detecting the filling level of fluid through a contactless measurement. The filling level measurement unit 78a is also at least partially integrally formed with the lance element 22a. The filling level measurement unit 78a is integrated in the lance element 22a. Alternatively a filling level measurement unit different from a radar sensor may be used and/or it may be completely omitted. A filling measurement unit may also be positioned in another region, such as a region of an agitator member, and/or it may be at least partially integral with a static unit and/or a rotational unit.

[0049] The agitator device also comprises a pressure measurement unit 24a. The pressure measurement unit 24a is at least mostly positioned in the fluid channel 14a and partially in the coupling region. The pressure measurement unit 24a is introduced through the second housing opening 64a of the static unit 10a permanently into the fluid channel 14a. Here, the pressure measurement unit 24a is a Prandtl probe. The pressure measurement unit 24a is also provided for detect a pressure, in particular a static pressure of fluid in the fluid channel 14a, which is in particular required for introducing the fluid into the container 32a and/or the agitation medium. Alternatively a pressure measurement unit different from a Prandtl probe may be used and/or it may be only temporarily introduced in a fluid channel. A pressure measurement unit may also be entirely positioned in the coupling region and at least partially integral with a static unit and/or a rotational unit.

[0050] The agitator device also comprises a flowmeter unit 26a. The flowmeter unit 26a is positioned in the fluid channel 14a, in particular in the coupling region. The flowmeter unit 26a is at least partially integral with the static unit 10a. The flowmeter unit 26a is integrated in an internal wall of the static unit 10a. Here, the flowmeter unit 26a is a flow probe. The flowmeter unit 26a is provided for detect a volumetric flow of fluid in the fluid channel 14a. To this end, the dynamic flow pressure may be determined, for example.

[0051] In connection with a measurement of a static pressure, the operating point may be advantageously determined and possible deviations such as due for example to occlusions, may be recognized. The dynamic pressure is concomitant with a flow velocity. The local flow velocities of a gaseous fluid may be between 1 m/s and 300 ms, however advantageously between 10 m/s and 60 m/s. Here, the average flow velocity of fluid corresponds to approximately 30 m/s+/10 m/s (locally different from average value). Alternatively the use of a flowmeter unit different from a flow probe may be envisaged, and/or the introduction of a flowmeter unit only temporarily in a fluid channel. It is also envisaged to integrate a flowmeter unit in another region of a static unit and/or of the rotational unit.

[0052] Moreover, from the information of the pressure measurement unit 24a and of the flowmeter unit 26a operating parameters of system may be determined, that may be used in particular to control the check valves and/or to adapt the operation automatically and in particular without user intervention to different fluids.

[0053] FIG. 2 shows a connection between the static unit 10a and the rotational unit 12a in an enlarged view. The connection between the rotational unit 12a and the static unit 10a occurs by means of a rotational passage 16a of the agitator device. The rotational passage 16a comprises part of the static unit 10a. Here, the rotational passage 16a comprises at least a part of the static unit 10a disposed in the coupling region. The rotational passage 16a comprises at least a part of the rotational unit 12a in the coupling region. The rotational passage 16a also comprises a bearing unit 18a. The bearing unit 18a is in the coupling region. The bearing unit 18a is positioned in a housing region between the static unit 10a and the rotational unit 12a. Here, the bearing unit 18a is positioned between an outer wall of the static unit 10a and an inner wall of the rotational unit 12a. The bearing unit 18a comprises, in this case, two roller bearings 66a. The roller bearings 66a are identical, besides production tolerances. The roller bearings 66a are composed of needle bearings. The rotational passage also comprises a sealing unit 68a. The sealing unit 68a is disposed in the coupling region. The sealing unit 68a is in the housing region between the static unit 10a and the rotational unit 12a. Here, the sealing unit 68a is positioned between an outer wall of the static unit 10a and an inner wall of the rotational unit 12a. The sealing unit 68a comprises at least two sealing elements 70a, 72a. A first sealing element 70a positioned in particular on a side facing the rotational unit 12a is a packing washer. A second sealing element 72a positioned in particular on a side facing the static unit 10a is a sliding ring sealing. The rotational passage 16a also has a closing element 74a. The closing element 74a is provided for closing and/or sealing together with the sealing unit 68a the housing region between the static unit 10a and the rotational unit 12a, in particular relative to the environment. Alternatively a bearing unit may comprise at least one roller bearing different from a needle bearing and/or exactly one roller bearing and/or at least one sliding bearing. A sealing unit may also have exactly one sealing element or identical sealing elements and/or other sealing elements, that appears to be suitable to the skilled in the art, such as labyrinth seals and/or radial shaft sealing rings.

[0054] In FIGS. 3 to 7 other exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown, The following description and the drawings are substantially limited to differences between the embodiments, wherein regarding identically references components, in particular components having the same reference numeral, reference may be essentially made also to the drawings and/or description of the other example, in particular to FIGS. 1 and 2. In order to differentiate the examples, the letter a is used as a suffix for references of the example of FIGS. 1 and 2. In the examples of FIGS. 3 to 7, the letter a is replaced by letters b to e.

[0055] In FIGS. 3 and 4, a further exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown. In example of FIGS. 3 and 4, the suffix b is used. FIGS. 3 and 4 show another system with a container 32b and an agitator 30b with an agitator device in a lateral sectional view (see FIG. 3) and a connection region between a static unit 10b and a rotational unit 12b of the agitator device in an enlarged view (see FIG. 4). An embodiment of systems of FIGS. 3 and 4 is at least substantially identical to an embodiment of the system of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0056] However, in this case, the rotational unit 12b is in one piece. The transmission of torque to the rotational unit 12b also is performed by a belt drive. Moreover, the agitator device comprises here for introducing a fluid in the container 32b and/or into the agitation medium 34b a fluid inlet element 76b. The fluid inlet element 76b is positioned on an end of the rotational unit 12b, that is opposed to the static unit 10b. The fluid inlet element 76b is non-rotatably connected with the rotational unit 12b. The fluid inlet element 76b is at least substantially conical and/or funnel-shaped. The fluid inlet element 76b is here a gas distributor. The fluid inlet element 76b has at least one fluid outlet opening 54b. The fluid inlet element 76b also is separate from support arms 52b of an agitator member 48b. Alternatively a plurality of fluid inlet elements and/or fluid inlet elements different from a cone may be provided. Fluid inlet elements may also be positioned in another region of the rotational unit.

[0057] In FIG. 5, another embodiment of the invention is shown. The example of FIG. 5 is provided with suffix letter c. The example of FIG. 5 differs from the previous examples at least substantially by the form of a rotational unit 12c of an agitator device.

[0058] The rotational unit 12c is a multiple shaft. The rotational unit 12c comprises two concentric and mutually sealed hollow shafts. A first hollow shaft corresponds at least substantially to the rotational unit 12a of the first example. A second hollow shaft corresponds at least to a part of a lance element 22c. The lance element 22c is movable and provided in particular for rotating a rotational axis in at least one operating condition.

[0059] The agitator device is provided to this end with at least an additional rotational passage 80c. The additional rotational passage 80c is in a housing opening 62c. The additional rotational passage 80c comprises at least one part of another static unit (not shown), in particular a supply unit, and at least one part of the lance element 22c.

[0060] Here, the lance element 22c is a dosing lance. The lance element 22c is at least mostly positioned in a fluid channel 14c. The lance element 22c is permanently disposed in the fluid channel 14c. Alternatively the lance element is only temporarily positioned in the fluid channel and/or an additional rotational passage is omitted. The lance element 22c is provided for dosing in at least one operating condition, a dosing fluid and to supply the same in controlled conditions to an agitation medium 34c. The supply of the dosing fluid occurs here on an end of the rotational unit 12c, which is opposed to the static unit 10c. Alternatively the supply of dosing fluid may occur in another region of a rotational unit.

[0061] In order to reinforce and/or stiffen the rotational unit 12c, the agitator device also comprises another ribbed unit 29c. The additional ribbed unit 29c is at least substantially identical to a ribbed unit 28c. The additional ribbed unit 29c is positioned in the fluid channel 14c. Here, the additional ribbed unit 29c is positioned in a region of a third part 46c of the rotational unit 12c. The additional ribbed unit 29c is integrally formed. The additional ribbed unit 29c is also integral with the rotational unit 12c, in particular with the third part 46c of the rotational unit 12c. The additional ribbed unit 29c is provided for mechanically stabilizing the rotational unit 12c, in particular the third part 46c of the rotational unit 12c. To this end, the additional ribbed unit 29c has a plurality of other ribs 59c, which, in a mounted state are supported against an inner wall of the fluid channel 14c. The additional ribbed unit 29c also comprises at least anther lance guiding element 61c.

[0062] The additional lance guiding element 61c has a hollow tubular form. The additional lance guiding element 61c is centrally positioned in the fluid channel 14c. The additional lance guiding element 61c extends at least substantially over the entire main extension length of the third part 46c of the rotational unit 12c. The additional lance guiding element 61c is provided for guiding the lance element 22c at least partially. Alternatively, an additional ribbed unit may also be omitted.

[0063] Due to this configuration, a process result in connection with a parallel operating gassing operation may be improved.

[0064] FIG. 6 shows another example of the invention. In example 6 suffix d is used. The example of FIG. 6 differs from previous examples at least substantially due to an elaboration of a rotational unit 12d and of the used lance element 22d of an agitator device.

[0065] In this case, the rotational unit 12d corresponds at least substantially to the rotational unit 12b of the second example. Moreover, the agitator device comprises a lance element 22d, a ribbed unit 28d and an additional ribbed unit 29d, which respectively correspond, at least substantially, to a form of the third example.

[0066] In FIG. 7 another example of the invention is shown. In the example of FIG. 7 the suffix e is used.

[0067] In this case, an agitator device comprises, in particular additionally, an encasing unit 82e. The encasing unit 82e surrounds a rotational unit 12e at least substantially entirely. The encasing unit 82e closes the rotational unit 12e in the direction of an external area. The encasing unit 82e is a protection unit. The encasing unit 82e is provided for sealing a transition region between a static unit 10e and the rotational unit 12e and in particular for protecting against dirt. The encasing unit 82e has, to this end, a sealed connection with a drive unit 56e. Moreover, the encasing unit 82e is provided for preventing a contact of the rotational unit 12e and/or other rotating parts of the agitator device from the outside.

[0068] In the present case, the encasing unit 82e is part of the static unit 10e. The encasing unit 82e is integrally formed with the static unit 10e.

[0069] The agitator device also comprises a sealing unit 68e, which in the present case comprises exactly one sealing element 70e.

[0070] Alternatively it may be envisaged to connect an encasing unit with a dynamic fit and/or a form fit to a static unit. Moreover it may be envisaged to separately form an encasing unit from a static unit. In particular, also examples of FIGS. 1 to 6 may have an encasing unit, whereby the protection and/or operating safety may be improved.