EP2818234B1 - Device for storing viscous media - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for storing viscous media, in particular of medium to high viscosity media.

The US 3,166,020 discloses a device according to the preamble of claim 1, which is economically producible.

The WO 2008/034783 A1 discloses a method for mixing a liquid contained in a sealed container and a finely divided solid.

The EP 0 209 095 A2 discloses a method for fumigation.

The DE 26 44 378 A1 discloses a method of introducing carbon dioxide gas into a beverage flowing in a conduit.

Polymer bitumen is a dispersion of bitumen and polymers. Polymer bitumen is particularly important in the field of road construction of great importance. Polymer bitumen has only a limited storage stability. During prolonged storage of polymer bitumen, for example in a tank of an asphalt mixing plant or in a product storage tank at a polymer bitumen manufacturer, thorough mixing of the polymer bitumen raw material is necessary. Mixing is required even with prolonged storage of bitumen emulsion. A bitumen emulsion is a colloidal mixture of road bitumen and water. The mixing of polymer bitumen or a bitumen emulsion can be carried out by mechanical stirrers. Mechanical agitators are suitable for mixing medium-viscosity media such as sludge, especially sludge, and foods such as tomato paste. Mechanical agitators are structurally complex and subject to a Wear. The organization and implementation of maintenance and repair work on such agitators is cumbersome. Methods are also known for mixing the stored polymer bitumen, in which the stored polymer bitumen is circulated in the storage container by pumping over. The mixing of the stored polymer bitumen achieved during pumping is limited according to the pump delivery rate. In particular, a homogeneous mixture of the entire storage container contents is not guaranteed.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a device for storing viscous media, in particular polymer bitumen, in which a homogeneous mixture of the stored medium is ensured without difficulty.

This object is solved by the features of claim 1. The gist of the invention is to provide a jet apparatus in a storage vessel which provides a stirring jet for agitating the medium, wherein the jet of jet to be delivered from the jet apparatus has an increased volume and / or reduced momentum loss with respect to a jet of jet medium to be supplied to the jet apparatus. The jet apparatus has a first jet nozzle and a second jet nozzle, which are arranged one behind the other along the jet apparatus longitudinal axis. This is achieved in that the stirring jet is widened relative to the jet of blowing medium. The agitating jet is large-volume and flows at a comparatively reduced flow velocity, ie in particular with an increased volume flow and mass flow. According to the invention, it has therefore been recognized that a homogeneous mixing of the entire contents of the container takes place reliably by means of a stirring jet formed in this way. The device according to the invention provides the stirring jet, which has a comparatively large flow cross-sectional area and a comparatively reduced flow velocity. In the case of laminar flow conditions in the medium to be stirred, the stirring jet can cause adequate mixing of the medium with little loss of momentum. In particular, mixing with respect to a stirring jet, which has a comparatively small flow cross-sectional area and high flow velocities, is improved. With medium to high-viscosity media and conventional dimensions of a storage container, in particular along a longitudinal axis of the storage container according to the prior art, turbulent flow conditions can not be generated or only with great difficulty. The device according to the invention is suitable for dissipating high, lossy relative velocities substantially loss-free under laminar flow conditions within a short mixing section. This makes it possible to avoid long mixing distances, in particular with high relative speeds, within the storage container. In particular, due to friction losses caused by the high viscosity at high velocities of the medium, long mixing distances are problematic for complete, homogeneous mixing of the medium. The volume of the stirring jet is at least fivefold compared to the propellant jet and in particular tenfold. By a series connection of two jet nozzles in the jet apparatus, a further multiplication of the volume of the stirring jet with respect to the volume of the blowing medium jet is achieved.

The device according to the invention enables advantageous operation of a container for storing a medium. At such a container usually a feed pump and / or a metering pump is present. The feed pump can be used to circulate the medium as a circulation pump be used. The metering pump is used for a subsequent mixer in an asphalt mixing plant. By a separate operation of the feed pump as a circulating pump and the metering a blending in the bitumen lines of the asphalt mixing plant is excluded. It is also conceivable to use only the feed pump or only the metering pump, wherein the pump used is then used both for circulating and for metering. Thereby, the number of required components for operating the container can be reduced. In particular, it is possible to provide the device according to the invention by retrofitting an existing device with the jet apparatus. Such retrofitting is possible quickly and easily. Retrofitting an existing device to the device according to the invention for the storage of viscous media is inexpensive possible. For the purposes of this application, a viscous medium is considered to be a medium-to-high-viscosity liquid whose dynamic viscosity η is more than 100 mPas and less than 10,000 mPas. This is the case, for example, for polymer bitumen, bitumen emulsion and edible oil.

For static reasons, it is usually not possible to retrofit an existing container with a mechanical stirrer. In particular, at least one filling and one metering pump are generally present on an already existing container system. These pumps can be used as a feed pump for conveying at least a partial volume of the medium for generating the stirring jet.

The jet apparatus has a first jet nozzle and a second jet nozzle, which are arranged one behind the other along the jet apparatus longitudinal axis. The first jet nozzle is thus the second jet nozzle along the flow direction upstream of the medium in the jet apparatus. The first jet nozzle has a first blowing nozzle portion, a first suction nozzle portion, a first mixing nozzle portion and a first diffuser. The second jet nozzle has a second blowing nozzle portion, a second suction nozzle portion, a second mixing nozzle portion and a second diffuser. Such a cascading of two jet nozzles in one and the same jet apparatus makes it possible to produce a particularly effective stirring jet. It is utilized that the stirring jet of the first jet nozzle can be used as Treibmediumstrahl for the second jet nozzle. It is particularly advantageous if the first diffuser and the second motive nozzle section are an integral, in particular one-piece, structural component. In particular, the first diffuser and the second motive nozzle section are one and the same, ie the identical component. The number of components for the jet apparatus is thereby reduced. In particular, such a jet apparatus is designed to be particularly compact and robust. The size of the jet apparatus is reduced. In particular, the overall length along the jet apparatus longitudinal axis is reduced. The series connection of two jet nozzles in the jet apparatus multiplies the maximum achievable increase in volume for the stirring jet. In particular, the volume of the stirring jet is ten times greater than the volume of the motive medium jet. It is possible to integrate a further, that is to say a third, jet nozzle in the jet apparatus in order to bring about a further increase in the volume of the stirring jet.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the jet apparatus has a drive medium inlet opening connected to the feed pump for supplying propellant medium as a propellant jet into the jet apparatus and a stirring medium outlet opening for discharging the agitating jet into the container on. The drive medium inlet opening and the stirring medium outlet opening are arranged coaxially with one another and in particular coaxially with respect to a jet apparatus longitudinal axis. The jet apparatus is compact and robust. In particular, the jet apparatus is of small construction and can therefore be integrated into the container in a particularly advantageous manner and advantageously arranged there. The drive medium inlet opening has a drive medium cross-sectional area oriented perpendicular to the jet apparatus longitudinal axis. The stirring medium outlet opening has a stirring medium cross-sectional area oriented perpendicular to the jet apparatus longitudinal axis. In particular, the drive medium cross-sectional area is smaller than the stirring medium cross-sectional area. In particular, the stirring medium cross-sectional area is at least 1.5 times the blowing medium cross-sectional area, in particular at least twice and in particular at least three times.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the jet apparatus has at least one suction medium inlet opening for sucking suction medium into the jet apparatus. This makes it possible, particularly advantageous to improve a mixing of the medium in the container. The suction medium inlet opening is in particular connected directly to the medium in the container. This means that the suction medium inlet opening faces the medium surrounding the jet apparatus. In particular, the suction medium inlet opening is provided in an outer wall of the jet apparatus. The suction medium inlet opening extends in particular along a circumference around the jet apparatus longitudinal axis on an outer circumferential surface of the jet apparatus. In particular, a plurality of suction medium inlet openings are provided, for example, along an outer circumference of the jet apparatus, around the Aspirate suction medium and thus improve the mixing of the medium.

According to another embodiment, the jet apparatus has a driving nozzle section for feeding driving medium into the jet apparatus, a suction nozzle section for sucking suction medium into the jet apparatus, a mixing nozzle section for mixing driving medium and suction medium, and a diffuser for discharging the stirring jet into the jet Container on. Along a jet apparatus longitudinal axis, the drive nozzle section, the mixing nozzle section and the diffuser are arranged one behind the other starting from the drive medium inlet opening. With such a jet apparatus discharge, the flow conditions and the mixing of the medium in the container are improved overall. In particular, the diffuser generates a negative pressure in the intake region, in particular in the mixing chamber, so that the suction power of the mixing chamber is additionally improved.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, a drive wedge is provided in the motive nozzle section, which serves to generate a motive nozzle flow cross-section. The motive nozzle flow cross section is designed in particular annular and thereby causes increased flow velocities to be present on an outer circumference of the motive nozzle flow cross section. As a result, mixing with the suction medium is improved in particular. In particular, the drive wedge is arranged coaxially to the jet apparatus longitudinal axis. The driving wedge in particular has a rotationally symmetrical, in particular a conical or truncated conical geometry. In particular, the drive wedge along the jet apparatus longitudinal axis has a variable, from the propellant inlet port directed towards the stirring medium outlet opening on a rising cross-sectional area.

It is particularly advantageous if the mixing nozzle section has a mixing chamber and a mixing section following along the jet apparatus longitudinal axis. Wherein a mixing chamber flow area decreases along the jet apparatus longitudinal axis toward the stirring medium exit opening and wherein a mixing section flow area along the jet apparatus longitudinal axis is substantially constant. This ensures that within the mixing nozzle section via the upstream mixing chamber, due to the decreasing mixing chamber flow cross-section, a suction effect is exerted on the blowing medium and on the suction medium previously sucked in via suction medium inlet openings. Subsequently, the supplied via the mixing chamber of the mixing section media streams are mixed together within the mixing section and passed to the diffuser.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the ratio of mixing section flow cross-section to blowing nozzle flow cross-section in the range of 4 to 15, in particular in the range of 6 to 12 and in particular is about 9. Such a ratio allows a particularly advantageous widening of the stirring jet against the propellant jet.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the diffuser has a widening diffuser flow cross-section. That is, the diffuser flow area increases along the jet apparatus longitudinal axis toward the agitation medium exit port. In particular, the diffuser flow cross-section is designed conical or frustoconical. It is also possible that the diffuser flow cross section is not a solid cross section but a hollow cross section, in particular if a drive wedge is provided in the area of the diffuser.

It is particularly advantageous if a diffuser length is defined as a function of a radius of a diffuser inlet opening. In particular, the diffuser length oriented along the jet apparatus longitudinal axis is at least 80% and at most 230% of the radius, in particular at least 100% and at most 200% of the radius and in particular the diffuser length is 1.6 times the radius of the diffuser. inlet opening.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the jet apparatus has no moving parts. In particular, compared to mechanical stirrers, the device is simplified in that movable and mechanical parts are eliminated. The wear of the entire device and the required effort for maintenance and / or repairs is reduced. Due to the lack of maintenance, the risk of accidents is reduced in particular. In particular, it is not necessary to install on the outside of the container ladders, through which the accessibility for the maintenance of agitators in the container is made possible. The fact that the drive shaft penetrating the container is not required, the energy loss is reduced when mixing the medium in the container. With a usual temperature difference of about 150 K between the stored medium and the environment heat losses via a lantern flange are unavoidable in a stirrer. Such heat loss does not occur in the device according to the invention. In particular, the heat loss occurring in agitators is greater than a drive power of the feed pump in the inventive Device, especially with short stirring intervals and / or long rest periods, as is customary in particular in the polymer bitumen storage. This means that despite the additional drive power for the feed pump, the device according to the invention has a reduced energy consumption compared to a storage container with a mechanical agitator. The energy balance is positive. Especially with solvent-containing media, the storage temperature can be above the flash point of the respective medium. The risk of sparking, which is possible with mechanical stirrers by bearing friction or material fracture, is excluded in the present device. The media mixture with the device according to the invention is carried out such that the surface of the medium is largely smooth, regardless of the level in the container. As a result, the contact of the medium with displacement air is reduced. The risk of oxidation is reduced. In particular, compared to mechanical agitators, for example, work on the surface of the medium and cause a wave, the risk of oxidation is reduced. In particular, the inerting of displacement air and / or the surge-proof design of the container is not required. The device according to the invention, in particular the jet nozzle and the connecting lines required therefor, can advantageously be arranged, in particular, in a lower region of the container, which is set up in particular vertically oriented. In particular, no additional components are provided in the upper region of the container. Intra- and superstructures for embarking on the upper portion of the container such as an upper manhole, inner and outer ladders, a round stage and / or a lantern flange can be omitted. The execution of such a container is simplified and in particular inexpensive. In addition, the device according to the invention enables a favorable, energy-efficient operation of the storage and mixing of the medium. It is possible, to allow mixing and, in particular, heating of the medium stored in the container via the jet nozzle, even if not all of the medium volume is in liquid form. Mixing may start locally in the area of the jet apparatus and lead to an improved heat input in the area of the jet nozzle via a supply of heat. As a result, the heating capacity is advantageously utilized. The heat exchange is improved by mixing by means of the jet apparatus. In particular, it is not necessary to start mixing until the stored medium is completely in liquid form, as would be required with a mechanical agitator. The jet apparatus is maintenance-free. In particular, the entire device is essentially maintenance-free, with only the delivery pump possibly requiring maintenance, but the delivery pump is arranged to be accessible, in particular, outside the container and in particular externally. In particular, when the fluid to be stored is carried out without abrasive components, the service life of the jet apparatus is essentially unlimited. It has been shown that gear pumps and rotary vane pumps are particularly suitable designs for the realization of the feed pump. In particular, this allows an increase in the service life of the feed pump. Gear and rotary pumps, for example, have an efficiency of 70% and allow the production of a motive medium jet with a flow rate of 40 m ³ / h at a pressure of 3 bar. Starting from a drive power of about 5 kW, thus about 50 to 100 m ^{3 of} the medium in the container can be mixed reliably and homogeneously.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the jet apparatus with the jet apparatus longitudinal axis is oriented parallel to a container longitudinal axis. As a result, the mixing of the medium in the container is improved. In particular, the container with the longitudinal axis of the container is oriented vertically relative to the ground.

It is particularly advantageous if several jet apparatuses are arranged in the container. The mixing is thereby additionally improved. It is possible to arrange a plurality of jet apparatus in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container, in particular along an inner wall of the container. It is also conceivable to arrange several jet apparatuses one behind the other along the container longitudinal axis.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung und

Fig. 2

eine vergrößerte Schnittdarstellung eines Strahlapparats der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung.

Further advantageous embodiments, additional features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment with reference to the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of the device according to the invention and

Fig. 2

an enlarged sectional view of a jet apparatus of the device according to the invention.

In the Fig. 1 schematically illustrated device 1 is used for storing viscous media, in particular medium to high viscosity media such as polymer bitumen. The device 1 comprises a container 2 in which the medium 3 is stored. Via a filling connection 4, the medium 3 can be supplied to a supply line 5. A feed pump 6 conveys the medium 3 located in the supply line 5 to the container 2. A first actuatable shut-off valve 7 is used to separate the filling port 4 from the supply line 5, in particular when no refilling of the container 2 is required.

The filling pump 6 is arranged along a conveying direction 8, a further, second check valve 9. Behind the second shut-off valve 9, a temperature sensor 10 is provided which serves for measuring the temperature of the medium 3 located in the feed line 5. Furthermore, a sampling point 11 is provided to remove a sample of the medium 3 in the feed line 5. Such a sample may then be subjected to further investigation. Such an investigation serves to analyze, for example, the composition of the medium. The feed line 5 leads along the conveying direction 8 of the feed pump 6 to the container 2. Within the container 2, a first jet apparatus 12 and a second jet apparatus 13 are arranged and each independently connected to the feed line 5. For this purpose, the feed line 5 has a first switch 14, which is arranged in particular outside the container 2. A third check valve 15 is arranged along the conveyor 8 in front of the first switch 14. With the third check valve 15, the delivery connection from the feed pump 6 to the two jet apparatuses 12, 13 are interrupted. If the third check valve 15 permits delivery of the medium 3, at least the first jet apparatus 12 is in conveying connection with the feed pump 6. The second jet apparatus 13 can be connected separately via a fourth shut-off valve 16, which is arranged downstream of the first switch 14 along the conveying direction 8 become. It is therefore possible that either both jet apparatuses 12, 13, only the first jet apparatus 12 or none of the jet apparatuses 12, 13 are in conveying connection with the feed pump 6.

The container 2 has a container longitudinal axis 17. The container 2 is placed vertically oriented with the container longitudinal axis 17. The first jet apparatus 12 has a jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18 which is vertically oriented. The second jet apparatus 13 has a jet apparatus longitudinal axis 19 which is vertically oriented. The container longitudinal axis 17 and the jet apparatus longitudinal axes 18, 19 are oriented parallel to each other. Along the container longitudinal axis 17, the first jet apparatus 12 is arranged in front of the second jet apparatus 13.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG Fig. 1 the level of the medium 3 is such that the first jet apparatus 12 is surrounded by the medium 3. The second jet apparatus 13 is in a height range of the container 2 arranged, which is above the level. In this arrangement, the second jet apparatus 13 is inactive, ie, the second jet apparatus 13 is not used for pumping the medium 3. The medium 3 is circulated exclusively by the first jet apparatus 12.

On the container 2, a level sensor 49 is provided which serves to monitor the current level with medium 3 in the container 2. Depending on the level, the level sensor 49 can transmit a signal to a control unit 50, which then controls, for example, the feed pump 6 and / or at least one of the check valves 15, 16 for supplying the jet apparatus 12, 13. For this purpose, the control unit 50 with the feed pump 6 and the check valves 15, 16 in signal communication. The control unit 50 is also in signal communication with the level sensor 49.

According to the state shown in Fig. 1 the fourth shut-off valve 16 is switched such that the second jet apparatus 13 is separated from the supply line 5. In contrast, the first jet apparatus 12 with the feed pump 6 in conveying connection. The control unit 50 can also cause the first shut-off valve 7 is opened and refilled via the filling port 4 and the supply line 5 medium 3 in the container 2. In particular, it is conceivable that the fill level monitoring is regulated such that a predetermined minimum fill level in the container 2 is not undershot. This is possible, for example, in that the control for refilling the container 2 with medium 3 is triggered upon reaching and / or falling below a critical minimum level.

Furthermore, a flow sensor 51 is provided in the container 2. The flow sensor 51 is fixedly mounted in the container 2 and, for example, fixedly connected to an inner wall of the container 2, in particular welded to it. The flow sensor 51 is disposed adjacent to the first jet apparatus 12 along the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18. The flow sensor 51 detects the flow of the medium 3 within the container 2. The flow sensor 51 can also be arranged at another location in the container 2 in order to detect the flow conditions within the container 2. The flow sensor 51 is in signal communication with the control unit 50. The flow sensor 51 transmits to the control unit 50 a signal which is used for controlling and in particular for controlling the rotational speed of the feed pump 6. For this purpose, a frequency converter 52 can be provided along the signal connection between the control unit 50 and the feed pump 6. In the drive power of the feed pump 6, the speed of the feed pump 6 is at the third power. A reduction in the rotational speed of the feed pump 6 causes a considerable saving in the drive power of the feed pump 6. By means of the flow sensor 51, it is possible to operate the device 1 in a particularly efficient and economical manner.

Furthermore, in conveying connection with the supply line 5 is a feed port 20 through which the medium 3 can be pumped directly into the container 2. The feed port 20 is associated with a fifth check valve 21. To supply the supply port 20 with medium 3, a second switch 22 is provided on the supply line 5, which is upstream of the third check valve 15 along the conveying direction 8. It is thus possible, in particular, to convey medium 3 directly into the container 2 by means of the feed pump 6 via the feed connection 20, without the medium 3 additionally having to flow through at least one of the jet apparatuses 12, 13. This makes fast, direct and uncomplicated filling of the container possible.

On the container 2, a removal opening 23 is provided, which is associated with a sixth check valve 24. Starting from the removal opening 23, medium 3 can be pumped back out of the container 2 along the conveying direction 8 and re-circulated via the delivery pump 6. For mixing the medium 3 in the container 2, it is thus possible to convey medium 3 located in the container 2 via the removal opening 23 into a withdrawal line 25. The extraction line 25 is supplied to the supply line 5 in the region of the feed pump 6, so that the withdrawn medium can be supplied via the feed pump in the feed line 5 along the conveying direction 8 of the first jet apparatus 12 and / or the second jet apparatus 13. Starting from the container 2, the removal opening 23, the extraction line 25, the feed pump 6, the supply line 5 and the jet apparatuses 12, 13, a closed circuit for the medium circulation is formed.

The following is based on Fig. 2 the specific embodiment of the first jet apparatus 12, the in Fig. 1 is shown purely schematically, explained in more detail. The jet apparatuses 12, 13 are identical.

The first jet apparatus 12 is rotationally symmetrical with respect to the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18. Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal section in a plane containing the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18. The jet apparatus 12 has an in Fig. 2 shown on the left drive medium inlet opening 26, which serves for supplying the medium 3 as a driving medium in the form of a propellant jet in the jet apparatus 12. At an end of the jet apparatus 12 opposite to the blowing medium inlet port 26, there is provided a stirring medium exit port 27 for discharging a stirring jet into the tank 2. The stirring jet serves for stirring the medium 3.

According to the embodiment shown, the jet apparatus 12 comprises a first jet nozzle 28 and a second jet nozzle 29 arranged behind the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18. The first jet nozzle 28 comprises a first blowing nozzle section 30, a first suction jet section 53, a first mixing jet section 31 and a first diffuser 32. The second jet nozzle 29 includes a second blowing nozzle portion 33, a second suction nozzle portion 54, a second mixing nozzle portion 34 and a second diffuser 35. The respective blowing nozzle portions 30, 33, suction nozzle portions 53, 54, mixing nozzle sections 31, 34 and diffusers 32, 35 of the jet nozzles 28, 29 are substantially functionally identical. It is essential that the propulsion nozzle section 30, 33, the suction nozzle section 53, 54, the mixing nozzle section 31, 34 and then the diffuser 32, 35 are arranged one after the other along the longitudinal axis of the jet apparatus along a medium throughflow direction 36 are.

The motive nozzle section 30, 33 serves to feed propellant medium 3 into the respective blast nozzles 28, 29. In the first motive nozzle section 30 facing the motive medium entrance port 26, the motive medium is supplied from the supply line 5 to the blast apparatus 12. In the second blowing nozzle section 33, which is identical to the first diffuser 32, the blowing medium jet emerging at the first diffuser 32 of the first jet nozzle 28 is used as the driving medium for the second jet nozzle 29.

In the region of the first motive nozzle section 30, 33, a drive wedge 37 is arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the jet apparatus 18 and is surrounded by the inflowing motive medium. The drive wedge 37 is used to generate an annular drive nozzle flow cross section. A motive nozzle flow cross-section produced in this way has an increased flow velocity, in particular in a peripheral region of the annular surface oriented perpendicular to the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18, so that mixing with a suction medium sucked in on the jet apparatus 12 is improved.

Aspiration of suction medium takes place via a plurality of suction medium inlet openings 38, which are arranged in the outer wall of the jet apparatus 12. With the embodiment shown, four suction medium inlet openings 38 are provided which are evenly distributed on the outer circumference of the jet apparatus 12. The suction medium inlet openings 38 are each separated by dividing webs 55, not shown, in the outer wall of the jet apparatus 12. The suction medium inlet openings 38 extend along a circumferential angle about the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18 by almost 90 °. A suction medium inflow surface formed by the suction medium inlet ports 38 substantially corresponds to the outer surface of the jet apparatus. The suction medium inlet openings 38 are arranged in the suction nozzle section 53. The flow of the suction medium 3 through the suction medium inlet openings 38 into the first mixing nozzle section 31 is represented by the arrows 39.

The first mixing nozzle section 31 serves to mix the driving medium and the suction medium. It is clear that the driving medium and the suction medium are one and the same medium 3, in particular polymer bitumen. Driving medium is supplied through the motive medium flow 40 via the motive medium inlet port 26 of the first jet nozzle 28. Suction medium is supplied via the suction medium inlet openings 38 as a suction flow 39.

The first mixing nozzle section 31 has a first mixing chamber 41 and a first mixing section 42 following the media flow direction 36. The first mixing chamber 41 has a mixing chamber flow cross-section, which decreases along the direction of media flow 36, that is to say along the longitudinal axis of the jet apparatus 18 to the agitating-medium outlet opening 27. As a result, the flow rate of the medium is increased and a mixing of the driving medium and the suction medium is improved. The mixing of the media streams 39, 40 then takes place, in particular, in the first mixing section 42, which has a mixing-section flow cross-section along the longitudinal axis of the jet apparatus 18 which is essentially constant.

A ratio of mixing section flow area to motive flow area is in the range of 4 to 15. It is advantageous if this ratio is in the range of 6 to 12. According to the embodiment shown, the ratio is about 9.

The first diffuser 32 has an expanding diffuser flow area which has an outer conical or frusto-conical contour along the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18. According to the embodiment shown, a further drive wedge 43 is provided in the region of the first diffuser 32. The driving wedge 43 performs substantially the same function as the driving wedge 37 in the region of the first driving nozzle portion 30. The reason for this is that the first diffuser 32 is integrally formed in one and the same component as the second driving nozzle portion. As a result, the overall length of the jet apparatus 12 in total be reduced. Due to the driving wedge 43, the diffuser flow area of the first diffuser 32 is an annular jet. The media flow exiting in the region of the first diffuser 32 serves as a propulsion flow 40 for the second jet nozzle 29.

The second jet nozzle 29 is designed substantially identical to the first jet nozzle 28. In particular, the dimensions, in particular the respective diameter of the cross-sectional areas perpendicular to the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18 and the lengths along the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18 relative to the corresponding dimensions of the first jet nozzle 28 are increased. The second suction nozzle section 54 has four suction medium inlet openings 44 arranged regularly distributed along the outer circumference of the jet apparatus 12. The second mixing nozzle section 34 has a second mixing chamber 45 and a second mixing section 46. Two adjacent suction medium inlet openings 44 are each separated by a separating web 56. Via the second diffuser, the medium 3 is discharged as a stirring jet 48 for stirring the medium 3 in the container 2 from the jet apparatus 12.

In the region of the second diffuser 35, no driving wedge is provided. This means that the jet 48 emitted by the jet apparatus 12 has a full-surface flow profile. The output at the second diffuser 35 diffuser flow cross section is full-surface. Characterized in that the diffuser 35 is designed widening along the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18 and in particular has a truncated cone shape, the stirring jet 48 is widened. In particular, the stirring jet 48 discharged from the jet apparatus 12 is increased in relation to the blowing medium jet 40 fed into the jet apparatus 12. That is, the agitating jet 48 has an increased volume and at the same time, due to the reduced Flow rate an extended pulse loss. The stirring jet 48 produced in this way is particularly well suited to completely, homogeneously and reliably mixing the medium 3 in the container 2. As a result of the cascading of the jet nozzles 28, 29, the expanded diffuser flow cross-section of the first diffuser 32 can be advantageously used as the inlet flow for the second jet nozzle 29. In particular, it is sufficient if a single jet apparatus 12 is arranged in a container 2. The fact that the jet apparatus 12 has no moving parts, wear is reduced. In particular, the jet apparatus 12 is designed to be maintenance-free.

The second diffuser 35 has a diffuser length L _D oriented along the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18. The second diffuser 35 also has a radius r _{1 of} the diffuser inlet opening 47. The following applies: 0.8 * r ₁ ≦ L _D ≦ 2.3 * r ₁ , in particular 1.0 * r ₁ ≦ L _D ≦ 2.0 * r ₁ , in particular L _D = 1.6 * r ₁ .

It is conceivable to provide the jet apparatus 12 with the supply of a cooling medium, in particular of liquid water. In particular, a small amount is supplied, in particular at most 5% of the volume of the delivered agitating jet 48, in particular at most 3% of the volume of the delivered agitating jet 48 and in particular at most 1% of the volume of the The injected water is evaporated due to the increased temperature of the medium, in particular of the polymer bitumen. Due to the phase changing enthalpy, the temperature of the medium 3 is reduced. At the same time, the momentum of the stirring jet 48 is increased. This is the mixing effect of the stirring jet 48 additionally improved. Such an injected water agitating jet 48 has improved efficiency. In particular, it is possible to supply the liquid water via a feed line, not shown, to the jet apparatus 12 in the region of the second diffuser 35 on an outer jacket surface radially to the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18. It is also conceivable to integrate the supply line into the jet apparatus 12 in such a way that a feed opening for the water is arranged coaxially with the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18. It can also be provided a plurality of feed openings, which are then arranged, for example, concentric to the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18 in a plane perpendicular to the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18 spaced from the jet apparatus longitudinal axis 18.

Claims (13)

1. A device for the storage of viscous media, wherein the device (1) comprises

   a. a container (2) for storing the medium (3),

   b. a conveying pump (6) for pumping at least a sub-volume of the medium (3),

   c. a jet apparatus (12, 13) comprising at least one jet nozzle (28, 29), arranged in the container (2), disposed in a pumping connection with the conveying pump (6), which makes possible a stirring jet (48) for stirring the medium (3), wherein the stirring jet (48) to be output from the jet apparatus (12, 13) is widened relative to an injection-medium jet to be supplied to the jet apparatus (12, 13) and accordingly comprises an enlarged volume and/or causes a reduced impulse loss on the medium (3) to be stirred for a thorough mixing of the medium in the presence of laminar flow conditions,

   characterised in that the jet apparatus (12, 13) comprises a first jet nozzle (28) comprising a first injection-nozzle portion (30), a first suction-nozzle portion (53), a first mixing-nozzle portion (31) and a first diffuser (32), and a second jet nozzle (29) arranged behind it along the longitudinal axis (18, 19) of the jet apparatus, comprising a second injection-nozzle portion (33), a second suction-nozzle portion (54), a second mixing-nozzle portion (34) and a second diffuser (35).
2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the jet apparatus (12, 13) comprises an injection-medium inlet opening (26) connected to the conveying pump (6) for the supply of injection medium as injection-medium jet to the jet apparatus (12, 13), and a stirring-medium outlet opening (27) for the output of the stirring jet (48) into the container (2), wherein the injection-medium inlet opening (26) and the stirring-medium outlet opening (27) are arranged coaxially to one another.
3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the jet apparatus (12, 13) comprises at least one suction-medium inlet opening (38, 44) for drawing suction medium into the jet apparatus (12, 13).
4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by an injection-nozzle portion (30, 33) along one jet-apparatus longitudinal axis (18, 19) of the jet apparatus (12, 13) for feeding injection medium into the jet apparatus (12, 13), a suction-nozzle portion (53, 54) for drawing suction medium into the jet apparatus (12, 13), a mixing-nozzle portion (31, 34) for mixing injection medium and suction medium and a diffuser (32, 35) for the out-flow of the stirring jet (48) into the container (2).
5. Device according to claim 4, characterised in that, the injection-nozzle portion (30, 33) comprises an injection plug (37, 43), especially arranged coaxially to the jet-apparatus longitudinal axis (18, 19) in order to generate an especially annular injection-nozzle flow cross-section.
6. Device according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that, the mixing-nozzle portion (31, 34) comprises a mixing chamber (41, 45) and a downstream mixing path (42, 46) along the jet-apparatus longitudinal axis (18, 19), wherein a mixing-chamber flow cross-section along the jet-apparatus longitudinal axis (18, 19) diminishes in the direction towards the stirring-medium outlet opening (27), and wherein a mixing-path flow cross-section is substantially constant along the jet-apparatus longitudinal axis (18, 19).
7. Device according to claims 5 and 6, characterised by a ratio of mixing-path flow cross-section to injection-nozzle flow cross-section within the range from 4 to 15, especially from 6 to 12 and, in particular, of approximately 9.
8. Device according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterised in that the diffuser (32, 35) comprises a diffuser flow cross-section widening along the jet-apparatus longitudinal axis (18, 19), especially in a conical or truncated-conical shape.
9. Device according to one of claims 4 to 8 characterised in that the diffuser (32, 35) comprises a diffuser length (L_D), wherein the following applies: 0.8·r₁ ≤ L_D ≤ 2.3·r₁, especially 1.0·r₁ ≤ L_D ≤ 2.0·r₁, especially L_D = 1.6·r₁, wherein r₁ is the radius of a diffuser inlet opening (47).
10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the jet apparatus (12, 13) comprises no moving parts.
11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first diffuser (32) and the second injection-nozzle portion (33) are integral components.
12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the jet apparatus (12, 13) is orientated with the jet-apparatus longitudinal axis (18, 19) parallel to an especially vertically orientated container longitudinal axis (17).
13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by several jet units (12, 13).

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