Trailers for storing and transporting sewage sludge

Abstract

Trailer (1) for storing and discharging dewatered sewage sludge, comprising a storage chamber (2) for receiving the dewatered sewage sludge, a chassis (3) supporting the storage chamber (2), a coupling system for coupling the trailer (1) to a towing vehicle, a conveying device (5) for receiving dewatered sewage sludge supplied to the storage chamber (2) via a sewage sludge feeder (6), a distribution system (7) arranged in the area of ​​a floor of the storage chamber (2) for distributing the dewatered sewage sludge within the storage chamber (2), a sewage sludge discharge (8) for discharging the dewatered sewage sludge from the storage chamber (2), and a transport device (9) arranged on the trailer (1), wherein the sewage sludge discharge (8) is directly or indirectly connected to an end (11) of the transport device (9) and the transport device (9) is pivotably attached to the trailer (1).so that a free end (12) of the transport device (9) can be positioned relative to the trailer (1).

Description

[0001] The present application relates to a trailer for the storage and transport of sewage sludge, wherein the trailer comprises a storage room with sewage sludge feed, a distribution system for distributing the sewage sludge within the storage room, a sewage sludge discharge and a transport device.

[0002] Sewage sludge typically accumulates as a moist solid in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants. It is mechanically dewatered, for example, using filter presses, centrifuges, or screw presses. Storing and transporting dewatered sewage sludge presents technical challenges, as its high moisture content and thixotropic properties lead to caking and difficulties in discharge. The high water content results in a large volume, necessitating frequent transport, high energy consumption, and complex logistical requirements. Simultaneously, flexible and mobile solutions are needed to safely move the sewage sludge between separation and utilization facilities.

[0003] In the road transport sector, various trailer and tank solutions are used to collect, store, and convey liquid waste and sludge. Typically, these trailers are equipped with tanks or containers that allow for the collection, safe storage, and unloading of liquid or pasty substances such as sewage sludge. Examples include vacuum-assisted tank trailers that combine suction and unloading processes, thus enabling mobile transport. However, these systems are primarily geared towards transport and do not offer further options for targeted distribution or controlled discharge within the trailer.

[0004] Furthermore, there are container solutions suitable for transporting sludge, which are used as roll-off or trailer attachments. These containers are generally sludge-tight and can be moved between the vehicle and the unloading point. They primarily serve to provide a volume for collecting and transporting sewage sludge, but do not include any internal discharge or distribution systems.

[0005] US 4660602 discloses a mobile sludge transfer and storage tank in which a closed tank with a pumping device for receiving and conveying sludge is moved by a transport vehicle. Control is via a telescopic control panel on the tank housing, and the sludge can be drawn from or fed into a transport or application vehicle.

[0006] US 9061623 B2 describes a transportable container on a trailer for receiving and transporting a liquid or sludge mixture. The container includes internal, pivoting baffles to reduce sloshing and shifting of the contents, and a lockable lid.

[0007] US 12,116,296 discloses a transportable sludge dewatering trailer with a container body, which includes filter systems, a hydraulically operated tailgate and a control system for the sludge inflow distribution.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a mobile storage unit for dewatered sewage sludge that enables reliable intake, temporary storage and controlled discharge of the sewage sludge.

[0009] The problem is solved by the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0010] The object of the invention is achieved by providing a trailer for storing and discharging dewatered sewage sludge. The trailer includes a storage compartment for receiving the dewatered sewage sludge. The storage compartment can be formed by a closed or at least predominantly closed container, which is designed to receive the sewage sludge during transport and during intermediate storage. The storage compartment is preferably designed in such a way as to prevent sewage sludge from escaping to the outside. The storage compartment is arranged on a chassis, which supports the storage compartment and forms the vehicle structure of the trailer. The chassis can, for example, be designed as a frame construction and generally has at least one axle with wheels. The trailer also includes a coupling system with which the trailer can be coupled to a towing vehicle.The coupling system can include, in particular, a drawbar with a trailer coupling, for example a ball coupling or a jaw coupling.

[0011] A conveying system is assigned to the storage room, designed to receive dewatered sewage sludge entering the storage room via a sludge feeder. The conveying system serves to transport the supplied sewage sludge within the storage room and preferably distribute it. For this purpose, the conveying system can be designed as a mechanical conveying element, for example, a screw conveyor, chain conveyor, or belt conveyor. In a preferred embodiment, the conveying system is arranged, at least partially, in a pipe or pipe housing that extends along an upper area of ​​the storage room. The pipe can be located, in particular, in the ceiling area or in an upper wall area of ​​the storage room and forms a conveying channel in which the conveying element is guided.In a design as a screw conveyor, a rotatable screw conveyor is arranged in the pipe, which transports the sewage sludge taken in via the sewage sludge feeder along the pipe.

[0012] The pipe can have openings, penetrations, or discharge points, at least in sections, through which the sewage sludge transported by the conveying system can be discharged from the pipe into the storage room. In this way, the sewage sludge can be introduced into the storage room at various points along the length of the conveying system. This allows for a targeted or at least improved distribution of the supplied sewage sludge within the storage room.

[0013] The conveying device can be driven by at least one drive unit, which may be located, for example, outside the pipe or at one end of the conveying device. The drive unit may, in particular, comprise an electric or hydraulic drive. By driving the conveying device, the supplied sewage sludge can be moved and distributed continuously or intermittently within the storage area.

[0014] The sewage sludge feed can be formed by an inlet opening provided in the storage area, through which dewatered sewage sludge can be introduced. The inlet opening can be located, for example, in the upper area of ​​the storage area, particularly in the ceiling or upper wall area, so that the sewage sludge can be introduced from above. The feed can be carried out, for example, via a pipeline, a conveying hose, a conveyor belt, or another conveying device, through which the dewatered sewage sludge is supplied from a wastewater treatment plant or dewatering facility to the trailer. In a simpler design, the sewage sludge can also be transferred directly from a conveying unit, such as a screw press, a belt conveyor, or a pumping system, into the sewage sludge feed.The sewage sludge feeder can also be equipped with a closure device, for example a flap, a slide or a lid, to be able to close the storage space during transport or when not in use.

[0015] A distribution system is installed in the floor area of ​​the storage room. This system is designed to distribute the sewage sludge collected in the storage room throughout the space. This ensures a more even distribution of the sludge within the storage room.

[0016] Furthermore, the trailer includes a sewage sludge discharge system for removing sewage sludge from the storage area. The sewage sludge in the storage area can be discharged from the trailer via this discharge system.

[0017] The trailer is also equipped with a transport device. The sewage sludge discharge is connected directly or indirectly to one end of the transport device. This allows the sewage sludge exiting the storage area to be fed into the transport device. The transport device is pivotally mounted on the trailer, allowing one free end of the device to be positioned relative to the trailer. This enables the discharged sewage sludge to be conveyed precisely to a desired storage location or into another means of transport.

[0018] The combination of conveying device, distribution system, sewage sludge discharge, and swiveling transport device provides a technical solution for distributing sewage sludge within the trailer and subsequently discharging it in a controlled manner from the storage area. This enables improved handling of the sewage sludge during storage and unloading. The trailer according to the invention can be particularly advantageous in wastewater treatment plants where regular further processing or discharge of the resulting sewage sludge is temporarily restricted or impossible, for example, due to maintenance work, malfunctions, or failures of plant components.

[0019] In such a case, the trailer can be easily positioned on or near the wastewater treatment plant site and serve as a temporary storage facility for the accumulated sewage sludge. The sludge can be continuously added to the trailer's storage area and temporarily stored there. When needed, the stored sludge can then be loaded onto transport vehicles using the transport system and taken to a disposal or processing facility. Thanks to its mobile design, the trailer is flexible and can be moved to different locations as required. Furthermore, it is possible to use several such trailers simultaneously to temporarily store larger quantities of sewage sludge or to ensure its continuous removal. This results in a high degree of operational flexibility for wastewater treatment plants.

[0020] In one embodiment, the storage space is formed by a container, in particular a container-like container. The container can be designed as a closed or substantially closed structure that provides a defined storage volume for the sewage sludge. For example, the container can be constructed of metal or metal-reinforced materials and have side walls, a floor, and optionally a roof. The container-like design allows the storage space to be designed as an independent structural unit mounted on the trailer chassis. The container can be permanently attached to the chassis or designed as an interchangeable or detachable unit. The container-like design also allows the storage space to exhibit high structural stability and be suitable for holding large quantities of dewatered sewage sludge.Furthermore, a container-like design can facilitate the sealing of the storage space, so that the escape of sewage sludge during storage and transport can be reliably prevented.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the conveying device is arranged in the upper area of ​​the storage room, particularly in the ceiling area. The conveying device is thus positioned above the sewage sludge stored in the room and preferably extends at least a portion of the room's length. By arranging the conveying device in the upper area, the sewage sludge introduced via the sludge feeder can first be picked up by the conveying device and transported along the length of the storage room. The transported sewage sludge can then be discharged from the conveying device into the storage room below, thus distributing the sewage sludge along the length of the storage room. Furthermore, arranging the conveying device in the ceiling area has the advantage of leaving the floor of the storage room free for the distribution system.This allows the functions of distributing the sewage sludge in the storage area and moving the sewage sludge towards the sewage sludge discharge to be structurally separated.

[0022] It is further advantageous if the conveying device is designed as a screw conveyor. A screw conveyor typically has a rotatably mounted screw conveyor, which is arranged in a housing, particularly in a pipe or trough. The rotation of the screw conveyor transports the sewage sludge along the longitudinal direction of the screw conveyor. The screw conveyor can preferably extend at least over a portion of the length of the storage space, so that the sewage sludge introduced via the sludge feeder can be transported over a greater distance within the storage space. The screw conveyor can be arranged, in particular, in the upper area of ​​the storage space, for example, in the ceiling area, and convey the sewage sludge along the storage space. The screw conveyor can be driven by a drive unit, which can be arranged, for example, at one end of the conveying device.

[0023] The screw conveyor drives the sewage sludge continuously or as needed along the conveying system. Screw conveyors are particularly suitable for pasty or viscous materials and therefore enable the reliable conveying of dewatered sewage sludge.

[0024] In one embodiment, the conveying device has at least one interruption or discharge area through which the sewage sludge transported by the conveying device can be discharged from the conveying device into the storage space. The interruption or discharge area can, for example, be designed as an opening, slot, or penetration in a housing of the conveying device, particularly in a pipe or conveying channel. Through such discharge areas, the sewage sludge transported by the conveying device can be discharged into the storage space at different points along the conveying device. This makes it possible to introduce the sewage sludge not only at a single input point, but also distributed along the length of the storage space. In this way, an improved distribution of the supplied sewage sludge within the storage space can be achieved.

[0025] The discharge points can be arranged along the conveying system at defined intervals. Alternatively, a single discharge point can be provided, through which the sewage sludge transported by the conveying system is discharged into the storage room. In a further embodiment, individual discharge points can be designed to be closable or controllable, for example by means of flaps or gates, so that the discharge of sewage sludge from the conveying system into the storage room can be specifically controlled.

[0026] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the distribution system is designed as a push frame. The push frame is located in the area of ​​the storage room floor and is designed to move the sewage sludge stored in the room along the floor. Such a push frame can, for example, comprise a movable frame structure that can be moved longitudinally along the storage room floor by means of a drive mechanism. By moving the push frame, the sewage sludge lying on the floor of the storage room can be picked up and moved in a predetermined direction. In particular, the sewage sludge can be moved in the direction of the sewage sludge discharge. The push frame can be guided relative to the floor of the storage room by suitable guide elements, such as guide rails or sliding guides. The push frame can be driven, for example, by hydraulic, electric, or mechanical drive devices.

[0027] In one embodiment, the sewage sludge discharge is arranged as an opening or an openable area in the floor of the storage room. The sewage sludge discharge can, for example, be formed by a discharge opening in the floor of the storage room, through which the sewage sludge can exit the storage room. The openable area can be formed, for example, by a closable flap, a slide valve, or another closure element with which the sewage sludge discharge can be opened or closed. This allows the discharge of the sewage sludge from the storage room to be controlled. In particular, it can be provided that the sewage sludge discharge remains closed during storage and transport and is only opened for the discharge of the sewage sludge.By positioning the sewage sludge discharge system at the bottom of the storage room, the sewage sludge in the storage room can be easily removed. Specifically, the sludge can be moved towards the discharge system by the distribution system, for example, by the push frame, and then discharged from the storage room. The sewage sludge exiting the storage room can then be fed to the transport device.

[0028] In a further development of the trailer, the trailer includes a technical compartment. This compartment may house drive units and / or control units for operating the trailer's technical components. The drive units may, for example, power the conveyor, distribution system, and / or transport device. Depending on the design, the drive units may be electric, hydraulic, or mechanical. For example, an electric motor or a hydraulic drive may be used to power a screw conveyor or a push frame. The control units may be configured to control and coordinate the individual drive units. For this purpose, electronic control units may be used, for example, to control the operation of the conveyor, distribution system, and transport device.The control units can be designed so that individual functions of the trailer can be operated manually or automatically. The technical compartment can be spatially separated from the storage area, so that the components located in the technical compartment are protected from dirt, moisture, or mechanical damage. The technical compartment can, for example, be designed as an enclosed housing section on the trailer.

[0029] In one embodiment, the trailer features a recess in which the transport device is stored when not in use. This recess can be located, in particular, in the area of ​​a side wall of the storage compartment or in an adjacent structural part of the trailer. The recess is preferably designed such that the transport device can be pivoted, at least partially, into it. This allows the transport device to be stored compactly on the trailer when not in use. In particular, this prevents the transport device from protruding laterally beyond the trailer's contours. The recess can form a recess or a space into which the transport device extends when pivoted into position. This allows the transport device to be protected during trailer transport.Furthermore, such an arrangement can help to maintain the external dimensions of the trailer and to protect the transport device against mechanical damage.

[0030] Furthermore, it is advantageously provided that the transport device includes a conveying element, in particular a conveyor belt and / or a screw conveyor. The conveying element is designed to transport the sewage sludge discharged via the sludge outlet from the outlet to a desired storage location or into another transport device. The conveying element can be configured to allow for both continuous and intermittent material movement. In a screw conveyor configuration, the conveying element has a rotating screw that transports the sewage sludge along the conveying channel. In a conveyor belt configuration, the sewage sludge is moved longitudinally along the belt surface. The conveying element is pivotably mounted on the trailer, allowing the free end of the transport device to be positioned relative to the trailer.This allows the discharged sewage sludge to be directed into another container, trailer or onto a different storage area.

[0031] In one embodiment, the sewage sludge feed is located in an upper area of ​​the storage room, allowing the sewage sludge supplied via the feed to be fed directly to the conveying system. Positioning the feed in the upper area of ​​the storage room, particularly in the ceiling or upper wall area, enables the sewage sludge to first enter the conveying system and then be transported along the length of the storage room. This upper position also facilitates the even distribution of the sewage sludge along the length of the storage room, especially in conjunction with the discharge points of the conveying system and the distribution system located at floor level.

[0032] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment of the invention, which is illustrated in the drawing. The drawing shows... Fig. 1. A perspective exploded view of a trailer, Fig. 2 a perspective view of a trailer with extended transport device and Fig. 3 A perspective view of a trailer with the transport device retracted.

[0033] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective exploded view of a trailer 1 for storing and discharging sewage sludge. The trailer 1 according to Fig. 1 comprises in particular a storage space 2, a chassis 3 supporting the storage space 2, and other functional components of the trailer 1. The storage space 2 serves to hold the sewage sludge and is preferably formed by a container 4, in particular a container-like container. A conveying device 5 is associated with the storage space 2, which is configured to receive sewage sludge supplied via a sewage sludge feed 6. Furthermore, a distribution system 7 in the form of a push frame is arranged in the area of ​​the floor of the storage space 2, which is configured to distribute the sewage sludge held in the storage space 2 within the storage space 2. A sewage sludge discharge 8 is also provided, through which sewage sludge can be discharged from the storage space 2. A transport device 9 is directly or indirectly connected to the sewage sludge discharge 8, which is configured to convey the discharged sewage sludge further and into Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 is shown. In the exploded view, the individual components of trailer 1 are shown in spatial relation to each other, so that the structural design of trailer 1 and the arrangement of the functional assemblies relative to each other can be recognized.

[0034] During operation, sewage sludge can be introduced into storage room 2 via the sewage sludge feeder 6. The introduced sewage sludge is first picked up by the conveying device 5 and conveyed along it. The conveying device 5 can, for example, be designed as a screw conveyor and extend essentially axially along the longitudinal axis of the trailer 1 over the entire length of storage room 2. The conveying device 5 is located near the ceiling of storage room 2.

[0035] The sewage sludge can be discharged into storage room 2 via one or more outlets of the conveying device 5. The sewage sludge can be discharged from the conveying device 5 via pipe-like outlets, shafts, openings, or the like. This allows the sewage sludge to be distributed within storage room 2. The sewage sludge received in storage room 2 can be temporarily stored there. To discharge the sewage sludge from storage room 2, the distribution system 7 can be activated, which moves the sewage sludge towards the sewage sludge discharge 8. The sewage sludge discharge 8 can be designed as an opening in the floor, located particularly in the center of storage room 2. When not in use, the sewage sludge discharge 8 can be covered by a lid or other openable cover. The sewage sludge then passes through the sewage sludge discharge 8 to the transport device 9.

[0036] At one end of storage room 2, a technical room 10 is arranged, spatially separated from storage room 2, in which, for example, drive units and control devices for the operation of the conveyor system 5, the distribution system 7 and the transport device 9 can be housed.

[0037] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a trailer 1 with the transport device 9 extended. The trailer 1 comprises the storage compartment 2, the chassis 3, and a coupling system for connecting the trailer 1 to a towing vehicle. The transport device 9 is pivotally mounted on the trailer 1 and can be extended, in which a free end 12 of the transport device 9 is positioned relative to the trailer 1. In this position, sewage sludge discharged from the storage compartment 2 via the sewage sludge discharge 8 can be conveyed by the transport device 9, for example, into another means of transport. The transport device 9 is tubular or rail-shaped and houses a conveying element that extends, in particular, along the longitudinal axis of the transport device 9. The conveying element can be, for example, a screw conveyor or a conveyor belt.A first end 11 of the transport device 9 is arranged close to the sewage sludge discharge 8 or is directly fluidically connected to, or connectable to, the sewage sludge discharge 8. Alternatively, sewage sludge moving into the sewage sludge discharge 8 can be moved to the transport device 9, specifically to the first end 11 of the transport device 9, by means of a conveying device or a pump. A free second end 12 of the transport device 9, which is axially spaced opposite the first end 11, extends into a horizontal plane that is parallel to and spaced apart from the floor of the storage space 2. The second end 12 is pivotable relative to the first end 11. A support means can support the transport device 9 and simplify the positioning of the second end 12.The sewage sludge can be discharged from the trailer 1 via the transport device 9 and, for example, transferred to another means of transport which is located below the second end 12 of the transport device 9.

[0038] Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a trailer 1 with a transport device 9 in a non-use position. In this position, the transport device 9 is against the trailer 1 or received in a recess provided on the trailer 1. This allows the transport device 9 to be arranged in a space-saving manner during transport of the trailer 1 and it does not protrude beyond the outer dimensions of the trailer 1. Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 thus shows different operating positions of the transport device 9 relative to the trailer 1. Reference symbol list 1 trailer 2 storage rooms 3 Chassis 4 containers 5 Support facility 6 Sewage sludge feed 7 Distribution system 8 Sewage sludge removal 9 Transport device 10 Technical Room 11 first end of the transport device 12 free second end of the transport device QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 4660602

[0005] US 9061623 B2

[0006] US 12,116,296

[0007]

Claims

[1] Trailer (1) for storing and discharging dewatered sewage sludge, comprising a storage chamber (2) for receiving the dewatered sewage sludge, a chassis (3) supporting the storage chamber (2), a coupling system for coupling the trailer (1) to a towing vehicle, a conveying device (5) for receiving dewatered sewage sludge supplied to the storage chamber (2) via a sewage sludge feeder (6), a distribution system (7) arranged in the area of ​​a floor of the storage chamber (2) for distributing the dewatered sewage sludge within the storage chamber (2), a sewage sludge discharge (8) for discharging the dewatered sewage sludge from the storage chamber (2), and a transport device (9) arranged on the trailer (1), wherein the sewage sludge discharge (8) is directly or indirectly connected to an end (11) of the transport device (9) and the transport device (9) is pivotably attached to the trailer (1),so that a free end (12) of the transport device (9) can be positioned relative to the trailer (1). [2] Pendant (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the storage space (2) is formed by a container (4), in particular a container-like container. [3] Trailer (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the conveying device (5) is arranged in the upper area of ​​the storage room (2), in particular in the ceiling area of ​​the storage room (2). [4] Pendant (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the conveying device (5) is designed as a screw conveyor. [5] Pendant (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the conveying device (5) has at least one interruption or at least one outlet area through which dewatered sewage sludge can be discharged from the conveying device (5) into the storage room (2). [6] Pendant (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the conveying device (5) is arranged at least sectionally in a pipe or pipe housing which extends in particular in the upper area of ​​the storage space (2) and in which a conveying element for transporting the sewage sludge is guided. [7] Pendant (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the distribution system (7) is designed as a push frame. [8] Pendant (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the sewage sludge discharge (8) is arranged as an opening or openable area in the area of ​​the floor of the storage room (2). [9] Pendant (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the trailer (1) includes a technical room (10) with at least one drive unit and / or at least one control unit for the conveying device (5), the distribution system (7) and / or the transport device (9). [10] Pendant (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the trailer (1) has a recess in which the transport device (9) is received in a non-use position. [11] Pendant (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the transport device (9) comprises a conveying means, in particular a conveyor belt and / or a screw conveyor. [12] Pendant (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the sewage sludge feed (6) leads into an upper area of ​​the storage room (2) and that the dewatered sewage sludge fed via the sewage sludge feed (6) can be fed to the conveying device (5). [13] Pendant (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the sewage sludge feed (6) has a closing device, in particular a flap, a slide or a cover, with which the inlet opening can be closed at least during transport of the trailer (1). [14] Pendant (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the distribution system (7) is designed to move the dewatered sewage sludge received in the storage room (2) towards the sewage sludge discharge (8).

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