WO2004004996A1 - Device and method for producing granules - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for producing granules, which comprises a feed transport device (2, 14) for a flowable compound to be granulated or for a starting products therefor. A granulating device (32 to 67) produces granules from the flowable compound to be granulated. Said granules are guided away by means of a discharge transport device (68 to 86). At least one sensor (3, 16, 23, 26, 36, 44, 54, 64) detects an operational parameter of the feed transport device and/or the granulating device. Said sensor (3, 16, 23, 26, 36, 44, 54, 64) is in signal contact with a signal processor (9) for controlling the discharge transport device (68 to 86) via a control device (8, 84). The granule-producing device (1) and the production method using said device allow for a discharge of the granules at reduced transport capacity variations.

Description

Device and method for providing a granulate

The invention relates to a device for providing a granulate according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for providing a granulate according to the preamble of claim 26.

Such a device and such a method are known from DE 197 55 732 C2. In the granulate supply device described there, a hydraulic discharge conveyor device is provided. With the aid of measurement variables such as the granulate content or the volume flow or the pressure of the dispersion of granulate and hydraulic fluid in the discharge conveyor, the separation performance of a separator arranged in the discharge conveyor is specified in this granulate preparation device.

In addition to the hydraulic discharge conveying device mentioned, a pneumatic discharge conveying device is also known from obvious prior use.

In the known discharge conveying devices of granulate supply devices, undesirable fluctuations arise during operation, which relate to the forces occurring in the discharge conveying device and the conveying capacity of the discharge conveying device.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to develop a granulate supply device of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that a better, in particular more uniform, conveying performance of the discharge conveyor device results. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features specified in the characterizing part of claim 1.

According to the invention, it was recognized that the behavior of the flowable mass to be granulated or of starting products therefor within the granule preparation device in front of the discharge conveyor is essential for the conveying properties of the granules to be conveyed with the discharge conveyor. This behavior of the mass to be granulated or of the starting products for this is sensed by corresponding operating parameters of the feed conveyor and / or the granulating device and converted into control variables for the discharge conveyor. A change in such operating parameters can therefore be taken into account in the control of the discharge conveyor before the granulate, which was produced from the mass to be granulated or the starting products for this, the behavior of which caused the change in the operating parameters, is actually fed to the discharge conveyor becomes. Such a changing behavior of the operating parameters influencing the conveying capacity of the discharge conveying device can therefore be reacted to sufficiently quickly. As a rule, a plurality of operating parameters of the feed conveyor device and / or the granulating device can be accessed for a measurement. The result is the possibility of a precise determination of properties of the mass to be granulated or of the starting products therefor which are relevant for the further conveying behavior. In such a case, the discharge conveyor can be precisely readjusted.

The measurement of the delivery rate of the feed conveyor can be carried out with little effort and at the same time leaves a conclusion the composition of the mass to be granulated and thus the conveying behavior of the granulate.

Depending on the design of the granulate supply device, a speed sensor, a volume flow sensor, a volume flow sensor, a speed sensor, a motor power sensor and a scale can be integrated into the latter with relatively little effort and provide corresponding operating parameters, each of which provides information about the conveying behavior of the granulate allow. Speed, volume flow or volume flow sensors offer the possibility of measuring the product throughput through the granulate supply device. With the data obtained in this way, the conveying capacity of the discharge conveyor can be adapted to the product throughput. In particular when using a plurality of sensors recording independent operating parameters, a precise conclusion on the conveying behavior of the granulate is possible in this way and thus a precise control of the discharge conveyor device reacting to this.

A pressure sensor for the pressure of the flowable mass to be granulated in the flow channel in front of a cutting device of the granulating device offers the possibility, for example, to draw conclusions about the density of the granulate produced in the granulating device. The density, in turn, is a key parameter for the conveying behavior of the granulate, which is therefore a decisive control variable for the discharge conveyor.

For example, speed sensors for conveying elements within the granulate preparation device or for the mass to be granulated or starting products for this purpose are provided by devices Measure of the toughness of the extracted or processed product. This toughness also has an influence on the conveying properties of the granulate, which can be taken into account by appropriately controlling the discharge conveyor.

Measuring the drying properties of the granules, for example the degree of drying or the temperature of the granules after drying, offers the possibility to draw conclusions about the flow or pouring properties of the granules, which in turn can influence the conveying properties in the discharge conveyor. This can be taken into account by appropriately controlling the discharge conveyor.

The sieving properties of the granules can also provide meaningful conclusions about the conveying properties of the granules in the discharge conveyor. Examples of sensors that record such sieving properties are a thermometer for the granules to be sieved or a power collector for the motor of a corresponding sieve element. Depending on the conveying properties of a granulate, this is subjected to a certain amount of friction when sieving, which can be measured via the thermal properties of the granulate. In addition, the toughness of the granules is a direct measure of the power consumption of the motor for a sieve element of the sieve device. The above-mentioned data in turn have effects on the conveying properties of the granulate, which can be taken into account by appropriately controlling the discharge conveyor.

After all, the momentum transfer that the granulate emits to a baffle plate in a defined measurement setup is a measure of the flow or wise pouring properties of the granulate, which in turn can be used for the appropriate control of the discharge conveyor.

The discharge rate of the discharge conveyor can be adjusted in particular via the speed of a conveyor element, in the case of a pneumatic discharge conveyor via the pressure, the quantity or the volume of a conveying gas and in the case of a hydraulic discharge conveyor via the delivery rate of corresponding delivery pumps or the separation rate in a hydraulic system Leakage conveyor arranged separator can be controlled. The tax parameters mentioned offer the

Possibility to specifically and precisely influence the delivery rate with relatively little additional effort. If several independent control variables are used, special control characteristics of the discharge conveying device can also be achieved by means of corresponding control specifications, depending on the measured operating parameters of the granulate supply device.

Another object of the invention is to develop a method of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that fluctuations in conveying capacity are avoided when the granules are removed.

This object is achieved by the features specified in the characterizing part of claim 26.

The advantages of the method according to the invention correspond to those which were discussed above with reference to the device according to the invention. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. In this show:

1 shows a granulate supply device with a pneumatic discharge conveyor; and

Fig. 2 is a granulate supply device with a hydraulic discharge conveyor.

In the drawing, product delivery lines and measuring lines are drawn through and signal lines are shown with dashed lines.

A granulate preparation device 1 in the form of a compounding machine is used to provide granulate from a polymer mass, which is formed from supplied starting products.

Part of a feed conveyor of the granulate preparation device 1 is a main feed unit 2 for a main product of the polymer mass. A mass flow sensor 3 is connected to the main feed unit 2 via a measuring line 4. A data transmission unit 5 of the main feed unit 2 is connected via a signal line 6 to a data acquisition unit 7 of a central control device 8 of the granulate preparation device 1. The control device 8 has a signal processor 9, for example a microcomputer.

A main feed line 10 connects the main feed unit 2 to a feed hopper 11 of an extruder 12. Via an additive feed line 13, the feed hopper 11 is connected to an additive feed unit 14, which is also part of the feed conveying device of the granulate supply device 1. The additive feed unit 14 is connected to a mass flow sensor 16 via a measuring line 15. A data transmission unit 17 of the additive feed unit 14 connects it to a data acquisition unit 19 of the control device 8 via a signal line 18.

The extruder 12 has a conventional screw conveyor, which comprises kneading sections, not shown, in a known manner. A worm shaft 20 of the screw conveyor is driven by an extruder motor 21. The latter is connected to a speed sensor 23 via a measuring line 22. A signal line 24 connects a data transmission unit of the extruder motor 21 to a data acquisition unit 25 of the control device 8.

A mass flow sensor 26 is connected to a conveying section 27 of the extruder 12 via a measuring line 28. A signal line 29 connects a data transmission unit 30 of the conveyor section 27 to a data recording unit 31 of the control device 8.

At the exit of the extruder 12, a granulating device 32 is arranged, which in the usual way has a cutting knife as the granulating element. This interacts with a counter body, for example a perforated plate through which the polymer mass prepared in the extruder 12 is pressed, to produce the granulate. The shaft of the cutting knife accommodated in a cutting knife housing 33 is driven by a cutting motor 34. This is connected to a speed sensor 36 via a measuring line 35. A data line is connected via a signal line 37. Transmitting unit of the cutting motor 34 with a data acquisition unit 38 of the control device 8 in connection.

The pelletizing device 32 is connected to an input section 40 of a pellet dryer 41 via a pneumatic raw pellet conveying line 39. A drying fan (not shown) of the granule dryer 41 is driven by a drying motor 42. The drying motor 42 is connected to a speed sensor 44 via a measuring line 43. A data transmission unit of the drying motor 42 is connected via a signal line 45 to a data recording unit 46 of the control device 8. A conveying fluid return line 47 connects the inlet section 40 of the granule dryer 41 to the granulating device 32.

An outlet section 48 of the granule dryer 41 is connected via a down pipe 49 to an inlet section 50 of a classifying device 51. This has a sieve element which is customary with regard to its mechanical function and is driven by a sieve motor 52. The screen motor 52 is connected to a power sensor 54 via a measuring line 53. A data transmission unit of the screen motor 52 is connected to a data acquisition unit 56 of the control device 8 via a signal line 55.

The raw granulate that does not correspond to the sieve classification by the classifying device 51 leaves the classifying device 51 via a

Output line 57. An output section 58 for classified granules is connected to a baffle device 61 via a first section 59 of a discharge conveyor line 60 designed as a downpipe. The latter has an impact plate 62, which is connected via a measuring line 63 a pulse or moment sensor 64 is connected. This is connected via a signal line 65 to a data acquisition unit 66 of the control device 8.

The granulating device 32 for the raw granulate, the granule dryer 41 for the raw granulate and the classifying device 51 with the adjoining impact device 61 together form a granulating device for producing classified granules.

A second discharge line section 67 designed as a downpipe connects the impact device 61 on the output side to a collecting container 68.

A cell wheel lock 70 is arranged below an outlet funnel 69 of the collecting container 68, the cell wheel of which is driven by a cell wheel motor 71. A data transmission / reception unit of the cellular wheel motor 71 is connected to a data transmission / reception unit 73 of the control device 8.

On the output side of the rotary valve 70, a third discharge line section 74 is connected to a storage container 75. A conveying gas line 76 opens into the third discharge line section 74. The latter is connected to an output section of a quantity control device 77, which contains a feed gas valve (not shown). The quantity control device 77 is connected to a data transmission / reception unit 80 of the control device 8 via a data transmission / reception unit 78 and a signal line 79.

The quantity control device 77 is connected to a gas supply device 82 via a conveying gas supply line 81. This is above one Control line 83 with a pressure control unit 84 in connection. This is connected to a data transmission unit 86 of the control device 8 via a signal line 85.

The granulate supply device 1 works as follows:

Via the main feed unit 2 and the additive feed unit 14, a starting product for the polymer mass to be granulated is specified in a defined composition for delivery to the feed hopper 11. This is done by correspondingly controlling feed screws 2, 14, not shown, of the feed units 2, 14 at a predetermined speed which can be selected independently of one another. The respective delivery quantities of the main feed unit 2 and the additive feed unit 14 are measured via the assigned quantity flow sensors 3 and 16 and the corresponding measurement data are transmitted via the data transmission units 5 and 17 to the respective data acquisition units 7 and 19 of the control device 8.

In the extruder 12, the supplied starting products are processed further to form the polymer mass. The speed of the worm shaft 20 of the

The screw conveyor of the extruder 12 is detected by the speed sensor 23 and transmitted to the data recording unit 25 of the control device 8 via the data transmission unit of the extruder motor 21. In addition, the mass flow of the polymer mass transported in the extruder 12 is detected by the mass flow sensor 26. The associated volume flow data are transmitted from the data transmission unit 30 of the conveying section 27 of the extruder 12 to the data recording unit 31 of the control device 8. At the exit of the extruder 12, the processed polymer mass is granulated in the granulating device 32. The speed of the cutting motor 34 of the pelletizing device 32 is detected by the speed sensor 36 and the corresponding speed data are transmitted via the data transmission unit of the cutting motor 34 to the data acquisition unit 38 of the control device 8.

The raw granulate produced in the granulating device 32 is fed to the granulate dryer 41 via the raw granulate conveying line 39 and dried there. The speed sensor 44 detects the speed of the drying motor 42. The associated speed data are forwarded to the data recording unit 46 of the control device 8 via the data transmission unit of the drying motor 42.

The dried raw granulate passes through the false ear 49 into the classifying device 51. There the raw granulate is sieved, a predetermined fraction of the raw granulate being sorted out. The current consumption of the screen motor 52 during the screening process of the classifying device 51 is measured by the power absorber 54 and transmitted to the data recording unit 56 of the control device 8 via the data transmission unit of the screen motor 52. The fraction of the raw granulate which does not meet the sieve classification leaves the classifying device 51 via the outlet line 57. The classified granulate which fulfills the specification leaves the classifying device 51 via the first discharge line section 59 of the discharge conveyor line 60.

The impact moment of the classified granulate is measured by means of the impact plate 62 of the impact device 61 and the moment sensor 64. The Corresponding measurement data are transmitted from the torque sensor 64 to the data recording unit 66 of the control device 8.

The measured granulate reaches the collecting container 68 via the second discharge line section 67 and is transported from there via the cellular wheel lock 70. The speed of the cellular wheel motor 71 is specified by the data transmission / reception unit 73 of the control device 8. This speed is a function of the received measurement data from the mass flow sensor 3 of the main feed unit 2, the mass flow sensor 16 of the additive feed unit 14, the speed sensor 23 of the extruder motor 21, the mass flow sensor 26 of the conveying section 27, the speed sensor 36 of the cutting motor 34, the speed sensor 44 of the drying motor 42, the power absorber 54 of the screen motor 52 and the moment absorber 64 of the impact device 61.

The rotational speed of the cellular wheel in the cellular wheel sluice 70 specifies the amount of granulate which is introduced into the third discharge line section 74 and pneumatically conveyed further in the direction of the storage container 75. If it follows from the measurement data listed above that are fed to the control device 8 that the granulate has mechanical and / or thermodynamic properties that place increased demands on the pneumatic conveying, the rotational speed of the cellular wheel motor 71 can be controlled, for example, via the Control device 8 can be reduced, so that less granulate needs to be transported pneumatically through the third discharge line section 74 per unit of time. Such increased demands on the pneumatic conveying properties are, for example, a denser and / or tougher composition of the polymer mass, which results, for example, from an increased conveying capacity of the feed units 2, 14 or from a specific one Composition of main product on the one hand and additive on the other hand can result. Corresponding data, which are processed by the control device 8 for adapting the rotational speed of the cellular wheel, are provided by the mass flow sensor 3 of the main feed unit 2 and the mass flow sensor 16 of the additive feed unit 14.

The mechanical and thermodynamic properties of the granules are also influenced as part of the further processing of the starting product into the polymer mass in the extruder 12. Such an influence is recorded via the speed sensor 23 and the volume flow sensor 26. For example, an increased speed of the extruder motor 21 can lead to denser raw granules with correspondingly higher requirements for the pneumatic conveyance that follows later. In addition, relatively small variations in the composition of the starting product, which lead to practically no change in the data recorded by the flow rate sensors 3 and 16, can lead to considerable changes in the behavior of the polymer mass in the course of the extrusion and kneading process and thus lead to a change in the granulate properties relevant to the funding. This can be detected both via the speed of the extruder motor 21 and via the mass flow in the conveying section 27, measured by the mass flow sensor 26.

The behavior of the polymer mass during granulation in the granulating device 32 also allows conclusions to be drawn about the requirements of the granulate for the pneumatic conveying. In this way, the cutting behavior of the polymer mass can be inferred from the speed of the cutting motor 34 recorded by the speed sensor 36, which in turn enables conclusions to be drawn about the pneumatic conveying behavior. As a rule, a polymer mass that the cutting process an increased resistance opposed, which in turn leads to a decrease in the speed of the cutting motor 34, also place higher demands on the pneumatic conveying.

The speed of the drying motor 42 allows conclusions to be drawn about three times the drying capacity of the granule dryer 41 and / or the degree of drying of the raw granulate, which likewise influences the pneumatic conveying properties of the granulate. The drier the raw granulate leaves the granule dryer 41, the lower the requirements for the pneumatic conveyance as a rule.

The power consumption of the sieve element during the sieving process in the classifying device 51, which is recorded via the power sensor 54, also provides information about the properties of the granulate. A tough granulate will preferably stick to the sieve element and lead to an increased power consumption there. Of course, this can also result in changes to the requirements for pneumatic conveying.

The impact behavior of the classified granules, which is measured in the impact device 61, serves as the last check of the properties of the granules before entering the collecting container 68 and the subsequent cell wheel demand. The higher the moment transfer to the baffle plate 62, the heavier the individual granules and the higher the requirements of the granules on the pneumatic conveyance.

Via the signal line 72, the control device 8 can also detect the instantaneous speed of the cellular wheel motor 71 via a speed sensor (not shown). Depending on the design of the rotary valve 70 can This speed also provides conclusions about the properties of the granulate required by the rotary valve 70 for specifying the delivery rate of the pneumatic conveyor device.

The measurement data listed above, which provide conclusions with regard to the requirements for the pneumatic conveying of the granulate, are stored in the control device 8 with regard to their meaningfulness, which can depend on the selected main products, the additives, the type of extruder 12, the type of granulating device 32 , the type of drying and the type of sieving. This weighting can take place on the basis of empirical values from granulation processes that have already taken place or on the basis of the known mechanical and thermodynamic properties of the starting product and of the polymer mass.

In addition to the rotational speed of the cellular wheel motor 71, the conveying capacity of the pneumatic conveying device can also be influenced depending on the measured requirements for the pneumatic conveying. This is done by activating the valve of the quantity control device 77 via the data transceiver 80 of the control device 8. The control device 8 also detects the signal line 79

Current position of the valve of the quantity control device 77. The further this valve is opened, the greater the amount of gas which is introduced into the conveying gas line 76 for pneumatic conveying in the third discharge line section 74 of the discharge conveying line 60. Furthermore, the delivery rate of the pneumatic delivery device can be influenced by the gas pressure of the gas supply device 82 on the outlet side. This gas pressure is specified by the control device 8 via the pressure control unit 84. The resulting pressure on the feed gas supply line 81 is in combination with the corresponding line cross-sections. ten and the opening width of the valve in the quantity control device 77 is a measure of the gas pressure in the conveying gas line 76 and the third discharge line section 74 of the discharge conveying line 60.

Fig. 2 shows a granulate supply device 1 with a hydraulic discharge conveyor. Components of this variant of the granulate preparation device 1 which correspond to those which have already been described with reference to FIG. 1 are given the same reference symbols and are not explained again in detail.

Up to the outlet of the extruder 12, the granulate supply device 1 of FIG. 2 corresponds to that of FIG. 1. The further conveyance of the granulate produced in the granulation device 32 of the granulate supply device 1 according to FIG. 2, which is not classified in this embodiment, is carried out completely hydraulically with water as the hydraulic fluid. For this purpose, the granulating device 32, which corresponds to that of FIG. 1 with regard to its granulating tools, is connected via a hydraulic separating line 87 to a sieve pipe 88 which acts as a separator. The sieve tube 88 is connected to a water reservoir 91 via a drain line 89, in which a separating valve 90 is arranged. A concentrate line 92 connects the screen pipe 88 to the input section 40 of the dryer 41. The conveying fluid return line 47, in which a recirculation pump 93 is arranged, connects the input section 40 on the output side to the water reservoir 91 Return pump 93 in connection with a pump control unit 96 of the control device 8. Two concentrate sensors 97, 98 are arranged in the concentrate line 92 adjacent to the outlet of the sieve tube 88. These selectively measure the granulate content, the volume flow of the dispersion or the pressure in the concentrate line 92. The concentrate sensors 97, 98 are each connected to control units 101, 102 via signal lines 99, 100. These are connected to a control input of the separating valve 90 via a common signal line 103. The valve control units 101, 102 are connected to a main valve control unit 105 of the control device 8 via a further common signal line 104.

The water reservoir 91 is connected to a feed fluid inlet of the granulating device 32 via a feed fluid feed line 106, in which a feed pump 107 is arranged. A pump motor 109 of the preliminary pump 107 is connected to a pump control unit 110 of the control device 8 via a signal line 108.

In the case of the granulate supply device 1 according to FIG. 2, the granulate produced in the granulating device 32 is conveyed as follows:

The granulate produced in the granulating device 32 is mixed with the water supplied to the granulating device 32 with the aid of the preliminary pump 107 from the conveying fluid feed line 106 to form a dispersion which is conveyed via the hydraulic separating line 87 to the sieve tube 88. Here, the dispersion is concentrated by separating water through the drain line 89. The degree of concentration of the concentrated dispersion leaving the sieve tube 88 through the concentrate line 92 can be adjusted via the opening width of the separating valve 90. This takes place on a first control level controlled by the valve control units 101, 102, which control the operating parameters of the granulate Record the speed and / or volume flow and / or pressure of the dispersion in the concentrate line 92 adjacent to the sieve tube 8 via the concentrate sensors 97, 98. This control in the first control level can take place, for example, in such a way that the shut-off valve 90 is narrowed so that there is more water in the concentrate line 92 if the granulate content there becomes too high and / or the volume flow of the dispersion becomes too low and / or Pressure at the beginning of the concentrate line

92 after the sieve tube 88 becomes too high, which is detected by the concentrate sensors 97, 98 and passed on to the valve control units 101, 102.

The dispersion controlled in this way then flows through the concentrate line 92 to the dryer 41. The dried granulate is conveyed into the storage container 75. The water leaving the dryer 41 through the conveying fluid return line 47 is fed by means of the reclaim pump

93 pumped back into the water reservoir 31.

2, the measurement data of the flow rate sensor 3 of the main feed unit 2, the flow rate sensor 16 of the additive feed unit 14, the speed sensor 23 of the extruder motor 21, the flow rate sensor 26 of the conveying section 27 of the extruder 12 and the Speed sensor of the cutting motor 34 evaluated in the control device 8. In addition, the concentrate sensors 97 and 98 are evaluated in the control device 8. The control device 8 uses this measurement data, which is weighted analogously to that described in connection with FIG. 1, to calculate an actual value of the flowability of the dispersion in the hydraulic separating line 87 and in the concentrate line 92, on the other hand, and depending on this, specifies target values for the pump outputs of the feed pumps 93, 107, as for the opening width of the separating valve 90. The pump delivery rates are set by correspondingly specifying the speeds of the pump motors 95 and 109. The opening width of the separating valve 90 is controlled by the valve control units 101, 102. B. in the presence of a dispersion in the hydraulic separating line 87, the flow behavior of which places higher demands on the hydraulic pumping, as can be concluded from the measurement data of the concentrate sensors 97, 98 discussed above in the course of the control in the first control level, a greater narrowing of the Separation valve 90 controlled in a second control level by the control device 8 than would have been the case in the first control level, controlled solely by the valve control units 101, 102. In addition, in such a case the pumping capacity of the pump motors 93, 107 can be increased individually or together. A property that is relevant for funding but is independent of concentration, which can be taken into account in this way in the second control level, is the toughness of the granules.

In addition to or as an alternative to the above-described embodiments of the operating parameters of the measuring devices detecting the granulate supply devices, the following further measuring devices can be used, which allow corresponding conclusions to be drawn about the properties of the granulate relevant to the funding, which can be processed by the control device 8 analogously to the description above:

As an alternative or in addition to the volume flow sensor 3, a volume flow sensor, a scale in the case of batch-wise metering in of the main product, a main feed unit with a rotating conveying element, for example with a rotating screw conveyor, a speed sensor or an electronic motor-operated main feed unit 2 a current collector for the current of this electric motor. The same applies to alternative or additional variants of the flow sensor 16.

As an alternative or in addition to the speed sensor 23 for the extrader motor 21, a current sensor can be used when an electric motor is used as the extruder motor 21.

As an alternative or in addition to the mass flow sensor 26 of the conveyor section 27 of the extruder 12, a flow rate sensor for the polymer mass in the extruder 12, a volume flow sensor or a temperature sensor for the polymer mass can be used.

Alternatively or additionally for the speed sensor 36 of the cutting motor 34, a pressure transducer can be used for the pressure of the polymer mass in the area in front of the perforated plate of the granulating device 32 or, if an electric motor is used as the cutting motor 34, a current collector for the current of the electric motor. These sensors allow conclusions to be drawn about the cutting resistance that the polymer mass offers during granulation. B. on the density and / or toughness of the granules.

Alternatively or additionally for the speed sensor 44 of the granule dryer 41, a temperature sensor can be used for the granulate after drying or, if the drying motor 42 of the granule dryer 41 is an electric motor, a current collector for the current of this electric motor. As an alternative or in addition to the power sensor 54 of the classifying device 51, a mass flow sensor for the granulate passing through the classifying device 51, a corresponding volume flow sensor or a temperature sensor for the granulate in the area of the classifying device 51 can be used.

Furthermore, the following alternative or additional control variables can also be used instead of the above-mentioned devices for influencing the conveying capacity of the pneumatic conveying device in the granulate supply device 1 according to FIG. 1:

If a motor-driven compressor, a motor-driven blower or a motor-driven fan is present, the speed of the respective motor can be controlled for pressure control in the gas supply device 82 by means of the pressure control unit 84. As an alternative or in addition, volume flow control of the gas supply device 82 can take place via a bypass control.

Instead of or in addition to the quantity control device 77, a corresponding volume control device can be used.

Corresponding variants for the measurement data acquisition and for the control result for the granulate supply device 1 with a hydraulic discharge conveyor device according to FIG. 2.

Claims

claims 1. Device (1) for providing a granulate with a feed conveyor (2, 14) for a flowable mass to be granulated or starting products therefor, a granulating device (32 to 67; 32) for producing a granulate from the flowable mass to be granulated, - A discharge conveyor (68 to 86; 40 to 42, 47 to 49, 87 to 110) for the granules; characterized by at least one sensor (3, 16, 23, 26, 36, 44, 54, 64; 3, 16, 23, 26, 36) for detecting an operating parameter of the feed conveyor (2, 14) and / or the granulating device (32 to 67; 32); - Which with a control device (8, 84; 8, 101, 102) with a Signal processor (9) for controlling the discharge conveyor (68 to 86; 40 to 42, 47 to 49, 87 to 110) is in signal connection. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the Sensor (3, 16) is designed such that it measures the delivery rate of the feed conveyor device (2, 14). 3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the feed conveyor (2, 14) works continuously and the sensor (3, 16) is designed as a speed sensor or as a volume flow sensor or as a volume flow sensor for the flowable mass to be granulated or the starting products therefor. 4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the feed conveyor (2, 14) has a rotating conveyor element driven by a motor and the sensor (3, 16) as a speed sensor for the conveyor element or as a receiver engine performance. 5. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the feed conveyor (2, 14) operates discontinuously and the sensor (3, 16) is designed as a balance. 6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the sensor (23, 26, 36) as a speed sensor or as a volume flow sensor or as a volume flow sensor for the flowable mass to be granulated in one of these after the feed conveyor (2nd , 14) further processing facility (12) and / or in the Granulating device (32 to 67; 32) is executed. 7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by a rotating conveyor element (20) of a flowable mass to be granulated after the feed conveyor (2, 14) further processing device (12) and / or the granulating device (32 to 67; 32), the sensor (23, 26, 36) being designed as a speed sensor for the conveying element (20). 8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the flowable mass to be granulated further processing device (12) and / or the granulating device (32 to 67; 32) a by means of a motor (21) driven conveyor element (20) for the flowable mass to be granulated and the sensor (23, 26) is designed as a sensor for the power of the motor (21). 9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the granulating device (32 to 67; 32) comprises a cutting device with a cutting body and a flowable mass to be granulated in at least one flow channel counterpart, in particular a perforated plate , wherein the sensor (36) is designed as a pressure transducer for the pressure of the flowable mass to be granulated in the region of the flow channel. 10. The device according to claim 9, characterized by a rotating cutting knife, wherein the sensor (36) is designed as a speed sensor for the cutting knife. 11. The device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by a cutting knife driven by a motor, the sensor (36) being designed as a sensor for the power of the motor. 12. The device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by a drying device (41) for the granules and at least one sensor (44) for detecting an operating state of the drying device. 13. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the sensor (44) is designed as a thermometer for the temperature of the granules after the drying device (41). 14. The apparatus of claim 12 or 13, characterized by a rotating drying element, wherein the sensor (44) is designed as a speed sensor for the drying element. 15. Device according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the drying device (41) has a drying element for the granules, which is driven by a motor (42), and the sensor (44) as a speed sensor for the drying element or as a sensor for the power the engine (42) is executed. 16. The device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by a screening device (51) for the granules and at least one sensor (54) for detecting an operating state of the screening device (51). 17. The apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the Sensor (54) is designed as a thermometer for the temperature of the granules in the area of the screening device (51). 18. The apparatus according to claim 16 or 17, characterized by a sieve element driven by a motor (51), the sensor (54) being designed as a sensor for the power of the motor (52). 19. Device according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized by a baffle plate (62) arranged below the screening device (51) in the conveying path (59) of the granulate, the sensor (64) acting as a sensor for the through the granulate onto the baffle plate ( 62) transmitted pulse is executed. 20. Device according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the discharge conveyor (68 to 86; 40 to 42; 47 to 49, 87 to 110) has a rotating conveyor element (70), in particular a cellular wheel, and the Control device (8) comprises a speed control unit (73) for the speed of the conveying element (70). 21. Device according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the discharge conveyor (68 to 86) is pneumatic and the control device (8, 84) comprises a pressure control unit (84) for the pressure of a conveying gas. 22. Device according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the discharge conveyor (68 to 86) is pneumatic and the control device (8, 84) comprises a quantity control unit (77) or a volume control unit for the conveying gas. 23. Device according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the discharge conveyor (40 to 42, 47 to 49, 87 to 110) is hydraulic and a pre-pump (107) in a hydraulic line section (106) in front of the pelletizer (32), the control device (8, 101, 102) having a pump control unit (110) for the delivery capacity of the preliminary pump (107). 24. Device according to one of claims 1 to 19 or 23, characterized in that the discharge conveyor (40 to 42, 47 to 49, 87 to 110) is hydraulic and a reclaim pump (93) in a hydraulic line section (47) the pelletizer direction (32), the control device (8, 101, 102) having a pump control unit (96) for the delivery rate of the return pump (93). 25. Device according to one of claims 1 to 19 and 23 or 24, characterized in that the discharge conveyor (40 to 42, 47 to 49, 87 to 110) is hydraulic and a separator (88 to 90, 97 to 103 ) in a hydraulic line section (87, 92) carrying a dispersion of granules and hydraulic fluid after the granulating device (32) and the control device (8, 101, 102) comprises a volume control unit (101, 102, 105) or a volume control unit for the separator ( 88 to 90, 97 to 103) penetrating dispersion. 26. Process for providing granules with the following process steps: Feeding a flowable mass to be granulated or starting products therefor to a granulating device (32 to 67; 32) with the aid of a feed conveyor device (2, 14); - Generation of a granulate from the flowable to be granulated Mass in the granulating device (32 to 67; 32); Discharging the granules with the aid of a discharge conveyor (68 to 86; 40 to 42, 47 to 49, 87 to 110); characterized by the following further method steps: - detection of an operating parameter of the feed conveyor (2, 14) and / or the granulating device (32 to 67; 32); Controlling the Abi hr delivery rate depending on the recorded operating parameters. 27. The method according to claim 26, characterized by measuring the delivery capacity of the feed conveyor (2, 14) and / or a flowable mass to be granulated after the feed conveyor (2, 14) further processing device (12) and / or Granulating device (32 to 67; 32) and / or the discharge conveyor (68 to 86; 40 to 42, 47 to 49, 87 to 110). 28. The method according to claim 26 or 27, characterized by measuring a delivery pressure and / or a cutting resistance in the granulating device (23 to 67; 32). 29. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 28, characterized by the following method steps: Drying the granules in a drying device (41) and - detecting an operating state of the drying device (41), in particular measuring the temperature of the granules after drying and / or the drying capacity of the drying device (41). 30. The method according to claim 29, characterized by measuring the speed of a rotating drying element of the drying device (41). 31. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 30, characterized by the following method steps: Sieving the granules in a sieving device (51) and detecting an operating state of the sieving device (51), in particular measuring the temperature of the granules in the region of the Sieve device (51) and / or the power consumption of a driven sieve element of the sieve device (51). 32. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 31, characterized by receiving the pulse transmitted by the granules onto a baffle plate (62). 33. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 32, characterized by controlling the speed of a rotating conveyor element (70) of the discharge conveyor (68 to 86). 34. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 33, characterized by controlling the pressure and / or the amount and / or the volume of a conveying gas of the discharge conveying device (68 to 86). 35. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 34, characterized by controlling the delivery rate of a feed pump (93, 107) of the discharge conveyor (40 to 42, 47 to 49, 87 to 110). 36. Method according to one of claims 26 to 35, characterized by the following method steps: Separating a dispersion of granules and conveying liquid after granulating in a separator (88 to 90, 97 to 103); Control the separation performance of the separator (88 to 90, 97 to 103).