Method and Device for the Cooling of Articles

Abstract

The method and device according to the invention for the cooling of articles, in which the articles are introduced into at least one channel, through which a first stream of a first coolant flows, the channel being cooled by a second stream of a second coolant, is distinguished in that the first stream is fed from a first coolant conveyance unit and the second stream is fed from a second coolant conveyance unit. Advantageously, the second stream of the second coolant is a high-purity coolant stream which comprises, in particular, essentially pure liquid nitrogen. High purity is understood in this context to mean, in particular, that the second stream of the second coolant carries with it no articles or remains of articles or other impurities. The cooling conduit thereby remains clean and does not have to be cleaned in a complicated way.

1 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A method for the cooling of articles, the method comprising the steps of:
 flowing a first stream of a first coolant from a first coolant conveyance unit through at least one channel;   introducing the articles into the at least one channel;   feeding a second stream of a second coolant from a second coolant conveyance unit; and   cooling the at least one channel by the second stream of the second coolant.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising the steps of:
 separating the first stream of the first coolant from the articles after flowing through the at least one channel; and   collecting the first coolant in a sump.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the first coolant conveyance unit comprises the sump. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising the step of delivering the second coolant to the sump after cooling the at least one channel. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the direction of the first stream and that of the second stream are essentially opposite to one another. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the second stream flows beneath the at least one channel. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the cooling step further comprises feeding the second stream of the second coolant into a cooling conduit at a pressure such that the second stream can flow through the cooling conduit by virtue of this pressure. 
     
     
         25 . A device for the cooling of articles, comprising:
 at least one channel connectable to a first coolant conveyance unit such that a first stream of a first coolant flows through the at least one channel and having a cooling conduit connectable to a second coolant conveyance unit such that a second stream of a second coolant flows through the cooling conduit; and   a drop dispenser for introducing the articles into the first stream being formed.   
     
     
         26 . The device of  claim 25 , wherein the at least one channel is at least partially delimited by at least one wall, the cooling conduit being formed on a side lying opposite the channel. 
     
     
         27 . The device of  claim 25 , wherein at least one of the following components:
 a) the at least one channel;   b) the at least one wall; and   c) the cooling conduit   are produced from at least one of the following materials:   i) high-grade steel;   ii) aluminum;   iii) copper;   iv) titanium;   v) an austenitic high-grade steel; and   vi) an austenitic high-grade steel of type 316 (according to AISI).   
     
     
         28 . The device of  claim 25 , wherein at least part of the channel has an open cross section. 
     
     
         29 . The device of  claim 25 , wherein at least part of the cooling conduit has a closed cross section. 
     
     
         30 . The device of  claim 25 , further comprising a sump connected to the channel such that the first stream of the first coolant flows out of the channel into the sump. 
     
     
         31 . The device of  claim 30 , further comprising connecting the cooling conduit to the sump such that the second stream of the second coolant, after flowing through the cooling conduit, flows into the sump. 
     
     
         32 . The device of  claim 25 , wherein the second coolant conveyance unit comprises a coolant source. 
     
     
         33 . The device of  claim 32 , wherein the coolant source is suitable for ensuring a pressure of the second coolant in the cooling conduit such that the second coolant can flow through the cooling conduit by virtue of this pressure. 
     
     
         34 . The device of  claim 25 , further comprising a rolling diaphragm with adjustable actuating member formed in at least one of the following components:
 a) a coolant source and   b) a delivery line,   which ensure a uniform pressure of the second coolant in the cooling conduit independently of a pressure of the second coolant upstream of the pressure compensation means.