EP3578251B1 - Digitally crosslinked mixing and/or homogenisation system - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a digitally networked mixing and/or homogenizing system, in particular for cosmetic products, with a mixing and/or homogenizing device for mixing and homogenizing fluid, the mixing and/or homogenizing device having at least: a container for receiving fluid, an agitator, with a mixing element arranged at least in sections in the container, as well as a drive device connected to the mixing element for driving the mixing element, a homogenizer connected to the container in a fluid-conducting manner with at least one homogenizer mixing element and a homogenizer operatively connected to the at least one homogenizer mixing element Drive unit, a pipeline system connected to the homogenizer, a remotely operable valve arranged in the pipeline system to conduct fluid, a control device for controlling the drive device and/or the valve, with a processor and a spoke r, a sensor device connected in a data-conducting manner to the control device for determining a measured variable and converting the measured variable into a signal.

Such mixing and/or homogenizing systems are used, for example, in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical or chemical industry in the production of creams, ointments, pastes or the like. The plant systems regularly have at least one container in which the fluid to be mixed and processed is accommodated. A stirrer is typically introduced into such a container, which allows mixing of the fluid. A homogenizer for homogenizing the fluid is typically connected to the container in a fluid-conducting manner. Furthermore, mixing and/or homogenizing devices known from the prior art typically have a large number of lines and valves for fluid transport and for controlling fluid flows. A relevant mixing and/or homogenizing system is off, for example DE 20 2014 003774 U1 is known, wherein a mixing and/or homogenizing plant system according to the preamble of claim 1 is disclosed. U.S. 2015/238914 A1 also relates to a mixing unit having a frame, a rheology control section and a high volume solids mixing section.

In order to ensure a high processing quality, the acquisition of measured variables in the different components of a mixing and/or homogenizing system is of particular importance. Plant systems previously known from the prior art typically have sensors for this purpose, which are connected to a control device in a data-conducting manner. Among other things, on the basis of the measured variables determined by the sensors, the control device controls a large number of actuators, for example relating to the drive of a mixing element, valve positions, and the like.

A disadvantage of the described prior art, however, is that the control device and the measured variables determined by the sensor device can only be accessed to a very limited extent and only by an operator who is in the immediate vicinity of the mixing and/or homogenizing system. It is therefore not possible to monitor operating data or to adjust operating data without direct contact with the system. Another disadvantage is that only a very limited number of measured variables are recorded and life cycle information and failure probabilities of individual components cannot be determined or can only be determined with great difficulty.

Against this background, the invention was based on the object of further developing a mixing and/or homogenizing plant system in such a way that the disadvantages found in the prior art are eliminated as far as possible. In particular, a mixing and/or homogenizing plant system was to be specified which allows improved status monitoring of essential operating components and at the same time enables largely location-independent access to the components of such a plant.

According to the invention, the object is achieved in a mixing and/or homogenizing system of the type mentioned at the outset by a data transmission device connected to the control device in a data-conducting manner, a data network that can be connected to the data transmission device in a data-conducting manner, and a remote control device that can be connected to the data network in a data-conducting manner and is set up to transmit data using the To send data network to the data transmission device and / or to receive it, the remote control device being set up to perform the following: evaluation of sensor data and / or process information for predictive maintenance of a wear component of the mixing and homogenizing system.

Such a proposed digitally networked mixing and/or homogenizing plant system makes it possible in a simple manner to transfer data, in particular operating data and the like, from a mixing and/or receiving, evaluating and monitoring the homogenizing device. At the same time, an authorized user can access the control device of such a mixing and/or homogenizing device almost independently of location in order to influence and optimize the mixing and/or homogenizing process. An operator or maintenance technician no longer has to personally go into the vicinity of a plant and gain on-site access to the control device for the purpose of operational data monitoring and control adjustment. Overall, not only can operating and maintenance costs be saved, but the operation of such a mixing and/or homogenizing system can also be influenced more quickly and cost-effectively.

The invention is further developed in that the mixing and/or homogenizing device has one, several, or all of the following components: stationary cleaning device, transfer system, sealing liquid system, temperature control system, vacuum system, lid lift.

The components or assemblies described have proven to be particularly advantageous for carrying out industrial mixing and/or homogenizing applications in which large quantities of fluid are to be processed with high processing quality.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the data-carrying connection between the sensor device and the control device is designed as at least one of the following: Profibus, Ethernet, direct connection. All three types of data connection have proven to be reliable, fast data-carrying connections and have a sufficient data throughput, in particular for the transmission of the multiple sensor data from the sensor device to the control device. The sensor data can thus be transmitted to the control device essentially in real time.

Furthermore, the data transmission device preferably has a switch. Furthermore, it is preferred that the data network is designed as one of the following: Ethernet, wireless local area network, virtual private communication network. Depending on the area of application, for example if there is a wired connection to a mixing and/or homogenizing device, an Ethernet connection with a high data throughput can be advantageous. In the immediate vicinity of a mixing and/or homogenizing device, the data network can also be designed as a wireless local area network for particularly flexible access. a high one Security-compliant connection from remote locations can be established in essentially real-time via a Virtual Private Communications Network (VPN).

According to a preferred development, the remote control device has at least one of the following user levels: internal user level, external user level, internal IT level. By dividing the remote control device into different user levels, the scope of the access authorization can be adjusted, i.e. whether a specific user is only allowed to view a selection of operating parameters, such as sensor data, and whether another user is also allowed to influence the Control of the mixing and/or homogenizing plant system. It can also be differentiated according to where the user is located, i.e. whether he is in close proximity to the mixing and/or homogenizing device, in the same manufacturing environment (factory), in the plant manufacturing company, or at any one of these distant place.

The invention is further developed in that the internal user level and/or the external user level have a PC client and/or a mobile client. It is thus possible both within the internal user level and within the external user level to set up a data connection both using a personal computer and a client running on it, and using a mobile terminal device which also runs a relevant client.

Another alternative preferred embodiment is characterized in that the internal user level is connected to the data transmission device via a local network, in particular Ethernet or a wireless local network, and/or the external user level is connected to the data transmission device via a virtual private communication network.

With regard to the internal user level, local network types or network standards are preferably used. The connection of a stationary or semi-stationary personal computer is possible by means of an Ethernet connection, which enables a secure and broadband connection. The mobile client is preferably connected via a wireless local area network (WLAN), with high data rates and high network security being able to be achieved here as well. The external user level is preferably connected via a virtual private Communications network, which ensures secure data transmission with the data transmission device, virtually independent of location.

The invention is further developed in that the internal IT level has at least one server, which in particular has an interface server, in particular an Open Platform Communications (OPC) server, and/or an application server.

The application server essentially serves as a server for the PC clients and the mobile clients of the internal and external user level. The operating data, such as in particular the sensor data, of a mixing and/or homogenizing device can be recorded, processed and evaluated by means of the OPC server, and at the same time the control device can be influenced as required.

The internal IT level is preferably connected to the data transmission device via a local network, in particular Ethernet. The Ethernet connection represents a broadband and secure connection type.

According to a preferred development, the sensor device has at least one of the following sensors: temperature sensor, pressure sensor, flow sensor/flow sensor, end position sensor, conductivity sensor, turbidity sensor/float sensor, viscosity sensor, pH value sensor, foam sensor, filling level sensor, empty notification sensor, image sensor, in particular video camera, storage monitoring sensor , wear sensor, UV light sensor, flushing device monitoring sensor for detecting a non-explosive atmosphere, water sensor, torque sensor, weight sensor, speed sensor.

The sensors and sensor types mentioned have proven to be particularly suitable and advantageous for use in a mixing and/or homogenizing device for monitoring a wide variety of operating states and component positions as well as the fluid states.

In addition, the end position sensor preferably senses the end position of at least one of the following: valve position, manhole position, cover position, coupling floor installation. The correct positioning or a correct closure of operating and maintenance openings of the mixing and/or homogenizing device can thus be ensured.

The bearing monitoring sensor is preferably designed as a vibration sensor. A detection of vibrations occurring in a bearing has proven to be particularly suitable for monitoring a bearing condition. An increase in vibrations or oscillations in a bearing allows conclusions to be drawn about bearing wear and also enables preventive maintenance events to be carried out if, for example, the vibrations determined indicate that a bearing will fail in the near future and needs to be replaced.

According to a preferred embodiment, the container has one, several or all of the following sensors: temperature sensor, pressure sensor, end position sensor, foam sensor, filling level sensor, empty notification sensor, image sensor, weight sensor. The sensors mentioned have proven to be preferable to ensure comprehensive and accurate monitoring of the processes starting in the container and in the immediate vicinity of the container.

The agitator also preferably has one, several or all of the following sensors: bearing monitoring sensor, wear sensor, flushing device monitoring sensor for detecting a non-explosive atmosphere, speed sensor, torque sensor.

By means of the bearing monitoring sensor and the wear sensor, it is also possible here to draw conclusions about an imminent failure or maintenance event before the immediate failure or failure of individual components.

The homogenizer preferably has one, several or all of the following sensors: pressure sensor, bearing monitoring sensor, wear sensor, drive monitoring sensor of a flushing device, speed sensor, torque sensor. The sensors described here also enable extensive condition monitoring and early detection of possible failure events to reduce downtimes.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the sensor device has at least one analog/digital converter for converting an analog sensor signal into a digital sensor signal.

The invention is further developed in that the remote control device is set up to carry out at least one of the following: evaluation of sensor data and determination of process information, in particular in real time, Archiving of sensor data and/or process information.

As part of the evaluation of sensor data and the determination of process information, the operator is preferably shown a large number of sensor data and process information. He can then obtain a comprehensive overall picture and also detailed information about individual plant areas and process steps. Furthermore, it is preferred that the evaluation of sensor data takes place using statistical methods and that historical data is compared and correlated with the sensor data determined in real time, in particular for the early detection of undesirable developments and maintenance events.

It is provided here that sensor data and/or process information is also used for predictive maintenance of wearing components. Based on statistical evaluations, manually stored maintenance and runtime intervals, as well as other data, an estimate can be made as to when a component in question, such as a drive or a bearing, is likely to fail. Service and maintenance work can advantageously be planned in an improved manner, taking this information into account. Overall, this makes it possible to reduce system maintenance costs and downtimes.

It is preferred that the wear component is at least one of the following:
Homogenizer mechanical seals, homogenizer mixing element, valve seals, pumps, agitator mechanical seals, agitator scrapers, heat exchangers. Optimized maintenance intervals can now be determined for the wear components mentioned, and an exchange of the components can preferably already be initiated when there is a sufficiently high probability that the component will fail in the near future.

The invention is described in more detail below using a preferred exemplary embodiment with reference to the attached figures.

• Fig. 1 ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen digital vernetzten Misch- und/oder Homogenisieranlagensystems in einer Blockdarstellung;
• Fig. 2 das Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen digital vernetzten Misch- und/oder Homogenisieranlagensystems gemäß Fig. 1 in einer erweiterten Blockdarstellung;
• Fig. 3 ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer Misch- und/oder Homogenisiereinrichtung in einer schematischen Darstellung;
• Fig. 4 einen Behälter einer erfindungsgemäßen Misch- und/oder Homogenisiereinrichtung in einer schematischen Darstellung;
• Fig. 5 ein Rührwerk einer erfindungsgemäßen Misch- und/oder Homogenisiereinrichtung in einer schematischen Darstellung; und
• Fign. 6 bis 12 weitere Komponenten und Baugruppen einer erfindungsgemäßen Misch- und/oder Homogenisiereinrichtung in schematischen Darstellungen.

Show in detail:

• 1 a first exemplary embodiment of a digitally networked mixing and/or homogenizing system according to the invention in a block diagram;
• 2 the exemplary embodiment of a digitally networked mixing and/or homogenizing system according to the invention 1 in an expanded block representation;
• 3 an embodiment of a mixing and / or homogenizing device in a schematic representation;
• 4 a container of a mixing and/or homogenizing device according to the invention in a schematic representation;
• figure 5 an agitator of a mixing and/or homogenizing device according to the invention in a schematic representation; and
• Figs. 6 to 12 further components and assemblies of a mixing and/or homogenizing device according to the invention in schematic representations.

figure 1 shows a block diagram of a digitally networked mixing and/or homogenizing system 2 with a mixing and/or homogenizing device 4, a data network 28 and a remote control device 30.

The mixing and/or homogenizing device 4 has a container 6 in which a mixing element 10 is arranged. The mixing element 10 is part of an agitator 8 , the mixing element 10 being connected to a drive device 12 . The drive device 12 serves to drive the mixing element 10, in particular to set it in rotation. The container 6 is also connected to a vacuum system 42 . A large number of pipelines are also arranged on the container 6 and form a pipeline system 14 . The pipeline system 14 or individual pipelines thereof are connected to valves 16 for influencing the flow through the pipeline system 14 . A homogenizer 38 is arranged below the container 6 in the figure. This is connected to the container 6 in a fluid-conducting manner. A transfer system 34 is also connected to the homogenizer 38 in a fluid-conducting manner. The mixing and/or homogenizing device 4 also has a sealing liquid system 36, a cover lift 44, a temperature control system 40 and a stationary cleaning device 32 on. The positioning of the components is in figure 1 shown only schematically.

The mixing and/or homogenizing device 4 also has a control device 18 which has a processor 20 and a memory 22 . A sensor device 24 is connected to the control device 18 , which in turn has a large number of sensors that record measurement data on the individual components of the mixing and/or homogenizing device 4 .

The control device 18 is also connected to a transmission device 26 in a data-conducting manner. The data transmission device 26 can be connected to a remote control device 30 via a data network 28 . By means of the remote control device 30, data can be obtained from the mixing and/or homogenizing device 4 and data can be transmitted to the same.

A block diagram of a digitally networked mixing and/or homogenizing system 2 is also shown in figure 2 shown. The digitally networked mixing and/or homogenizing system 2 has a mixing and/or homogenizing device 4 which is shown with a focus on the sensor device 24 and the control device 18 . Sensor device 24 initially has a large number of sensors, such as a temperature sensor 72, a pressure sensor 74, a flow sensor/flow sensor 76, a speed sensor 110, an end position sensor 78, a conductivity sensor 80, a level sensor 90 and a torque sensor 106. Depending on the type of the measurement signal, it is converted into a digital signal by means of an analog/digital converter 112 and transmitted to the control device 18 by means of the data-carrying connection 46, which can be embodied as a Profibus, Ethernet, or direct connection.

The control device 18 is connected to a data network 28 via a data transmission device 26 . In the present case, the data network 28 has a switch 48, which is connected by means of an Ethernet connection 50 to the data transmission device 26 and thus to the mixing and/or homogenizing device 4. The remote control device 30 is connected to the data network 28 or the switch 48, which presently in three levels, an internal user level 56, an external user level 58 and an internal IT level 60, subdivided.

The internal user level 56 has a PC client 62 and a mobile client 64 . The PC client 62 is connected to the switch 48 via an Ethernet connection 50 .

The mobile client 64 is connected to the switch 48 via a wireless local area network (WLAN) 52 . The external user layer 58 has a PC client 62 and a mobile client 64 which are each connected to the switch 48 via a virtual private communication network (VPN) 54 .

The internal IT level 60 has a server 66 which in turn has an Open Platform Communications (OPC) server 68 and an application server 70 . The server 66 is connected to the switch 48 via an Ethernet connection 50 .

A schematic structure of a mixing and/or homogenizing device 4 is shown in figure 3 shown. As already in figure 1 indicated, the mixing and/or homogenizing device 4 has a container 6 in which mixing elements 10, 10' are arranged. These are part of an agitator 8 which additionally has a drive device 12 . Furthermore, the container 6 is connected to other components, for example a valve 16, by means of a pipe system 14. In the present case, a homogenizer 38 is also arranged below the container 6 and is also connected to the pipeline system 14 and the container 6 in a fluid-conducting manner. The individual in the figure 3 Components shown have a variety of sensors, which are described in the following figures in each case related to assemblies.

So shows figure 4 first an individual depiction of the container 6. The container 6 has an image sensor 94 in its upper region for the optical detection of the interior of the container 6. FIG. An end position sensor 78 is also assigned to a container opening. The container 6 also has a temperature sensor 72 and a pressure sensor 74, a foam sensor 88, a filling level sensor 90 and an empty notification sensor 92. A weight sensor 108 is also assigned to the container 6.

figure 5 shows an agitator 8 with the mixing elements 10 and 10 ′ and the sensors arranged on the agitator 8 . In the area of the drive device 12, bearing monitoring sensors 96 and wear sensors 98 are arranged, which enable early wear detection of a bearing. Torque sensors 106, speed sensors 110 and flushing device monitoring sensors 102 are also assigned to drive device 12 for detecting a non-explosive atmosphere. The drive device also has an end position sensor 78 , a wear sensor 98 and a temperature sensor 72 . In addition, a further temperature sensor 72, a bearing monitoring sensor 96 and a wear sensor 98 on a bearing of the mixing elements 10, 10' are arranged above the mixing elements 10, 10'.

figure 6 shows the arrangement of sensors on the homogenizer 38. In the upper area of the homogenizer 38, a pressure sensor 74 and a wear sensor 98 and a bearing monitoring sensor 96 are arranged. A torque sensor 106 and a speed sensor 110 are assigned to the drives M in each case. The temperature of the homogenizer 38 is also monitored by means of a temperature sensor 72 and has a flushing device monitoring sensor 102 for detecting a non-explosive atmosphere and a pressure sensor 74 .

figure 7 shows a sealing liquid system 36, which has a UV light sensor 100 in its reservoir 114, as well as a temperature sensor 72, a pressure sensor 74, a turbidity sensor/float sensor 82, a level sensor 90, and a low-level sensor 92. In the area of the drive M there is also a Speed sensor 110 is arranged as well as a flow sensor/flow sensor 76 in the area of the discharge pipe.

figure 8 shows a stationary cleaning device 32, whereby in the context of the following description reference is primarily made to the arrangement of sensors on the stationary cleaning device 32. In an upper line area, this has a temperature sensor 72, a pressure sensor 74, a conductivity sensor 80, a pH -Value sensor 86 and a foam sensor 88 on. Three pipeline sections are connected downstream of the connecting line arranged in the upper area, each of the pipeline sections having an end position sensor 78, a flow sensor/flow sensor 76 in an upper area and, in the area of the drive M, a bearing monitoring sensor 96, a wear sensor 98 and a speed sensor 110. In a lower area, which has the storage containers 114', 114", 114‴, each of the storage containers 114', 114", 114''' is assigned a filling level sensor 90, an empty notification sensor 92 and a weight sensor 108.

figure 9 shows a transfer system 34, which is also described below with a focus on the sensor arrangement. One in the left area of the figure 9 arranged valve 16 is initially assigned an end position sensor 78. The line section related to the figure 9 extending from there to the right, has an empty notification sensor 92 . In a lower area of the in figure 9 The transfer system 34 shown has further valves with end position sensors 78. In addition, the transfer system 34 has a temperature sensor 72, a pressure sensor 74 and a flow sensor/flow sensor 76 in an upper area, as well as a speed sensor 110 assigned to the drive M and a torque sensor in a pump area 106. The transmission G is also assigned a bearing monitoring sensor 96 and a wear sensor 98.

figure 10 shows a temperature control system 40, which initially has a flow sensor/flow sensor 76 and a temperature sensor 72 in an upper area. A pressure sensor 74, a bearing monitoring sensor 96, a wear sensor 98, and a speed sensor 110 are assigned to a pump or its drive. In the left-hand area of the figure there is also a pressure sensor 74 and a fill level sensor 90 and a low-level sensor 92 arranged below it. A temperature sensor 72 is also arranged in the center right area of the figure.

figure 11 Figure 12 shows a vacuum system 42, which will also be described below with a focus on sensor positioning. The vacuum system 42 initially has a pump with a drive M, with the drive M being assigned a bearing monitoring sensor 96, a wear sensor 98 and a speed sensor 110. In addition, a foam sensor 88 , a level sensor 90 , an empty notification sensor 92 , a temperature sensor 72 and a pressure sensor 74 are arranged in a vacuum container 116 . Furthermore, the vacuum system 42 also has an end position sensor 78 and a flow sensor/flow sensor 76 .

figure 12 shows a lid lift 44, which has a drive M, which is monitored by a torque sensor 106. A bearing monitoring sensor 96 and a speed sensor 110 are also assigned to the transmission G. A plurality of end position sensors 78 and a wear sensor 98 are also assigned to the cover lift 44.

List of reference symbols used

2

Digitally networked mixing and/or homogenizing system

4

Mixing and/or homogenizing device

6

container

8th

agitator

10, 10'

mixing element

12

drive device

14

piping system

16

Valve

18

control device

20

processor

22

Storage

24

sensor device

26

data transmission facility

28

data network

30

remote control device

32

on-site cleaning facility

34

transfer system

36

barrier fluid system

37

Homogenizer mixing element

38

homogenizer

39

Homogenizer drive unit

40

temperature control system

42

vacuum system

44

lid lift

46

data-conducting connection between sensor device and control device

48

switches

50

ethernet

52

wireless local area network (W-LAN)

54

virtual private communication network (VPN)

56

internal user level

58

external user level

60

internal IT level

62

PC client

64

mobile client

66

server

68

Open Platform Communications (OPC) server

70

application server

72

temperature sensor

74

pressure sensor

76

Flow sensor/flow sensor

78

end position sensor

80

conductivity sensor

82

Turbidity sensor/float sensor

84

viscosity sensor

86

pH sensor

88

foam sensor

90

level sensor

92

low level sensor

94

Image sensor, in particular video camera

96

Stock monitoring sensor

98

wear sensor

100

UV light sensor

102

Flushing device monitoring sensor for the detection of a non-explosive atmosphere

104

water sensor

106

torque sensor

108

weight sensor

110

speed sensor

112

Analog to digital converter

114, 114' 114", 114‴

reservoir

116

vacuum container

Claims (15)

1. Digitally crosslinked mixing and/or homogenisation system (2), in particular for cosmetic products, having:

   - a mixing and/or homogenisation device (4) for mixing and homogenising fluid, the mixing and/or homogenisation device (4) having at least:

   - a container (6) for receiving fluid,

   - an agitator (8) with a mixing element (10, 10') which is disposed at least in portions in the container, and also an actuation device (12) which is in operational connection with the mixing element (10, 10') for actuating the mixing element (10, 10'),

   - a homogeniser (38) which is connected in a fluid-conducting manner to the container (6) and has at least one homogeniser mixing element (37) and has a homogeniser actuation unit (39) which is in operational connection with the at least one homogeniser mixing element (37),

   - a pipe system (14) which is connected to the homogeniser (38),

   - a remotely actuatable valve (16) which is disposed in a fluid-conducting manner in the pipe system (14),

   - a control device (18) for controlling the actuation device (12) and/or the valve (16),

   - a sensor device (24), which is connected in a data-conducting manner to the control device (18), for detecting a measuring value and converting the measuring value into a signal,

   characterised in that the control device has a processor and a memory, the mixing and/or homogenisation device (4) having furthermore the following features:

   - a data transmission device (26) which is connected in a data-conducting manner to the control device (18),

   - a data network (28) which can be connected in a data-conducting manner to the data transmission device (26), and also

   - a remote control device (30), which can be connected in a data-conducting manner to the data network (28) and which is fitted to send data by means of the data network (28) to the data transmission device (26) and/or to receive data from the latter, the remote control device (30) being fitted to implement the following: evaluating sensor data and/or process information for prospective maintenance of a wear component of the mixing and homogenisation unit.
2. System (2) according to claim 1,
   characterised in that the mixing and/or homogenisation device (4) has one, several or all of the following components:

   - fixed cleaning device (32),

   - transfer system (34),

   - sealing fluid system (36),

   - temperature-control system (40),

   - vacuum system (42),

   - cover lift (44).
3. System (2) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that the data-conducting connection (46) between the sensor device (24) and the control device (18) is configured as at least one of the following:

   - profile bus,

   - ethernet (50),

   - direct connection.
4. System (2) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that the data transmission device (26) has a switch (48).
5. System (2) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that the data network (28) is configured as one of the following:

   - ethernet (50),

   - wireless local network (52),

   - virtual private communication network (54).
6. System (2) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that the remote control device (30) has at least one of the following user levels:

   - internal user level (56),

   - external user level (58),

   - internal IT level (60).
7. System (2) according to claim 6,
   characterised in that the internal user level (56) and/or the external user level (58) have a PC client (62) and/or a mobile client (64).
8. System (2) according to one of claims 6 to 7,
   characterised in that the internal user level (56) is connected via a local network, in particular ethernet (50) or wireless local network (52), to the data transmission device (26), and/or the external user level (58) is connected via a virtual private communication network (54) to the data transmission device (26).
9. System (2) according to one of claims 6 to 8,
   characterised in that the internal IT level (60) has at least one server (66), which has in particular an interface server, in particular an Open Platform Communications (OPC) server (68), and/or an application server (70).
10. System (2) according to one of claims 6 to 9,
    characterised in that the internal IT level (60) is connected via a local network, in particular ethernet (50), to the data transmission device (26).
11. System (2) according to one of the preceding claims,

    characterised in that the sensor device (24) has at least one of the following sensors:

    - temperature sensor (72),

    - pressure sensor (74),

    - throughflow sensor/flow sensor (76),

    - end position sensor (78),

    - conductivity sensor (80),

    - turbidity sensor/suspended particle sensor (82),

    - viscosity sensor (84),

    - pH value sensor (86),

    - foam sensor (88),

    - level sensor (90),

    - empty warning sensor (92),

    - image sensor (94), in particular video camera,

    - position monitoring sensor (96),

    - wear sensor (98),

    - UV light sensor (100),

    - flushing device monitoring sensor (102) for detecting a non-explosive atmosphere,

    - water sensor (104),

    - torque sensor (106),

    - weight sensor (108),

    - rotation speed sensor (110),

    preferably the end position sensor (78) sensing the end position of at least one of the following:

    - valve setting,

    - manhole setting,

    - cover position,

    - bend coupling installation,

    and/or the position monitoring sensor (96) being configured as vibration sensor.
12. System (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims,

    characterised in that the container (6) has one, several or all of the following sensors:

    - temperature sensor (72),

    - pressure sensor (74),

    - end position sensor (78),

    - foam sensor (88),

    - level sensor (90),

    - empty warning sensor (92),

    - image sensor (94),

    - weight sensor (108),

    and/or the agitator (8) has one, several or all of the following sensors:

    - position monitoring sensor (96),

    - wear sensor (98),

    - flushing device monitoring sensor (102) for detecting a non-explosive atmosphere,

    - rotation speed sensor (110),

    - torque sensor (106),

    and/or the homogeniser (38) has one, several or all of the following sensors:

    - pressure sensor (74),

    - position monitoring sensor (96),

    - wear sensor (98),

    - flushing device monitoring sensor (102) for detecting a non-explosive atmosphere,

    - rotation speed sensor (110),

    - torque sensor (106).
13. System (2) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that the sensor device (24) has at least one analogue-digital converter (112) for converting an analogue sensor signal into a digital sensor signal.
14. System (2) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that the remote control device (30) is fitted to implement at least one of the following:

    - evaluating sensor data and detecting process information, in particular in real time,

    - archiving sensor data and/or process information.
15. System (2) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that the wear component is at least one of the following:

    - mechanical seals of the homogeniser,

    - homogeniser mixing element (37),

    - valve seals,

    - pumps,

    - mechanical seals of the agitator,

    - scraper of the agitator,

    - heat exchanger.

Images