Waste treatment plant

Abstract

Waste treatment plant 60 characterized by the fact that it includes: - a first reactor 1 inside which said waste 60 is reacted at a temperature above 500°C in order to obtain a first product 17, and fluidly connected to a first cavitator 4 in which said first product 17 is transformed into at least one first hydrocarbon 64, a second reactor 2 inside which at least a portion of said at least one first hydrocarbon 64 is reacted at a temperature above 500°C in order to obtain a second product 63, and fluidly connected with a second cavitator 9 in which said second product is transformed into a second hydrocarbon 66.

Description

[0001] WASTE TREATMENT PLANT

[0002] The present invention concerns a waste treatment plant. In particular, the present invention concerns a plant for the treatment of waste in order to produce energy sources, in particular at least one hydrocarbon.

[0003] The various techniques currently used for the disposal of biomass, municipal and special solid waste, coming from hospitals and industries, allow the partial recovery of the energy obtained from combustion, a partial reduction of fly ash and a small reduction of the gases generated during combustion, such as CO2, CO and NOxand which, although they pass through the filters, are still largely released into the atmosphere.

[0004] The relevant state of the art also includes:

[0005] - AU 2020470809 which shows a system for the recovery of agricultural waste in the form of biomass which involves sending the biomass to a first reactor from which it is subsequently sent to a cavitator. All reactions take place within the same reactor at room temperature.

[0006] - US 2016 / 045841 shows a plant for the treatment of waste including biomass, in which however the first reaction product is not reacted in a first cavitator to obtain a hydrocarbon to be sent to a second reactor, and the second reaction is not sent to a second cavitator to obtain a second hydrocarbon.

[0007] The aim of the present invention is to propose a system which allows the drawbacks of known solutions to be overcome.

[0008] Another purpose of the present invention is to propose a system that allows the calorific value of waste to be optimally recovered.

[0009] Another purpose of the present invention is to propose a system that allows the treatment of a large variety of raw materials.

[0010] Another purpose of the present invention is to propose a system that allows the quantity of pollutants released to be reduced as much as possible.

[0011] Another purpose of the present invention is to propose a system that can be created simply and quickly and at low costs. Another purpose of the present invention is to propose a system that is alternative and / or improved compared to traditional solutions.

[0012] Another purpose of the invention is to propose a system that is efficient in its operation.

[0013] Another purpose of the invention is to propose a system that allows to obtain a controlled mixture of hydrocarbons.

[0014] Another purpose of the invention is to propose a system that allows energy to be obtained in the form of heat.

[0015] Another purpose of the invention is to propose a system that allows water to be heated for other uses with the heat generated by waste treatment.

[0016] Another purpose of the invention is to propose a system that allows the optimization of the quantity of fuel generated with the same raw material.

[0017] Another purpose of the invention is to propose a system that allows the efficient use of floured raw material.

[0018] Another purpose of the invention is to propose a system that can be used in a simple and intuitive way.

[0019] Another purpose of the invention is to propose a system that is modular and therefore simpler and quicker to install.

[0020] Another purpose of the invention is to propose an efficient system for the abatement of residual pollutants from combustion and gasification processes.

[0021] Another purpose of the invention is to propose a plant for the treatment of existing waste.

[0022] Another purpose of the invention is to propose a system capable of speeding up the transformations of mixtures of compounds formed by Hydrogen and Carbon in different states of matter (liquid, solid, gas).

[0023] Another purpose of the invention is to propose a system capable of creating the same hydrocarbon formation conditions that occur in nature thanks to geochemical reactions over the years.

[0024] Another purpose of the invention is to propose a system that allows the recovery of noble raw materials such as lithium.

[0025] Another purpose of the invention is to propose a system that allows maximizing the extraction yields of other materials, ensuring efficient recovery of process waste.

[0026] Another purpose of the invention is to propose a system that allows geochemical reactions to be simulated.

[0027] Another purpose of the invention is to propose a system that allows the treatment of radioactive materials, reducing their lifespan.

[0028] Another purpose of the invention is to propose a system that is scalable.

[0029] Another purpose of the invention is to propose a system that is flexible and adaptable to different treatment protocols.

[0030] All these objects, and others which will clearly appear from the description, are obtained by means of a system having the characteristics described in claim 1 .

[0031] Other structural and functional characteristics of the present invention and the relative advantages compared to the known technique will be even clearer and more evident from an examination of the following description, referring to an exemplary and preferred, but not limiting, embodiment of the joint and fixing system for containment and separation borders, object of the present invention, and from the attached drawings, where:

[0032] - figure 1 shows a schematic view of the system according to the invention in a first embodiment,

[0033] - figure 2 shows it in a second embodiment,

[0034] - figure 3 shows a detail of the system in a third embodiment,

[0035] - figure 4 shows a detail of the system in a fourth embodiment.

[0036] As is clear from the figures, the present invention relates to a waste treatment plant. In particular it relates to a plant for the treatment of waste in order to produce combustible fluids suitable for the production of energy, such as for example syngas or other liquid or gaseous hydrocarbons, preferably a mixture of liquid and / or gaseous hydrocarbons.

[0037] Hereinafter, waste 60 refers to, for example, biomass, solid urban waste, special waste, including from hospital and / or industrial facilities, or other waste. Conveniently, the waste may also include waste water, or in any case may have a high degree of humidity., for example they can be substantially in the liquid state and / or as a solid-liquid mixture. In a first embodiment represented in figure 1 , the system 100 can include a tank 26 suitable for containing the waste to be treated. Conveniently, a tube 23 can emerge from the deposit 26 to feed the waste 60 equipped with a screw which preferably can be rotated by a motor 24 and which transports the waste 60, preferably in the form of pellets, contained in the deposit 26 inside the subsequent plant structures 100.

[0038] In particular, as shown in figures 1 and 2, the plant 100 according to the invention includes at least one reactor, and preferably a pair of reactors 1 and 2, a first reactor 1 and a second reactor 2 within which reactions can take place of pyrolysis and / or combustion and / or gasification, or in any case the reactions of breakdown of carbonbased compounds by means of heat. Conveniently, the temperature inside the first 1 and / or the second 2 reactor can exceed 500°C, and preferably can reach 600- 1700°C. Conveniently the two reactors 1 , 2 can preferably be one inside the other, i.e. the second reactor 2 can contain, at least partially and more preferably entirely, the first reactor 1 .

[0039] Conveniently, the two reactors 1 , 2 can both be made of a material resistant to high temperatures, and, preferably, have a substantially similar shape, for example a substantially cylindrical shape, with a conical or frusto-conical upper portion, and a lower base substantially concave, so as to present a lower point.

[0040] In particular, the first reactor 1 can include a grid 42, preferably positioned at and / or close to its base, configured to contain and / or support the waste 60 to be treated. In particular, the waste inlet pipe 23 can be configured to penetrate inside the first reactor 1 , and allow the waste 60 to reach the grate 42, for example the outlet of the pipe 23 can be in an elevated position with respect to the grate 42 in so as to allow the waste 60 to fall onto the grate itself by gravity. Suitably all the joints that allow the insertion of the tube 23 inside the first reactor 1 , i.e. its intersection with the walls of the first 1 and second 2 reactors - can be watertight.

[0041] Conveniently inside the first reactor 1 , and preferably under the grid 42, there can be a waste collection container 5 62, configured to collect the solid waste 62 resulting from the reaction to which the waste 60 is subjected which takes place inside the first reactor 1 . Conveniently said waste 62 can have a floury consistency, or in any case can have the rheology substantially of a fluid. Advantageously, the slag collection container 5 can be fluidly connected to a slag outlet pipe 40, inside which there may be corresponding movement means, for example a screw rotated by the motor 41 in order to transport the slag 62 towards a storage container 25 external to the first reactor 1 . Similarly to what happens for the waste input pipe 23, the intersections of the waste outlet pipe 40 with the walls of the first 1 and / or the second 2 reactor can also be watertight.

[0042] Furthermore, the screw placed inside the waste inlet pipe 23 and the waste outlet pipe 40 can be configured so as not to let air enter inside the first reactor 1 and / or the second reactor 2.

[0043] Advantageously, the reactor 1 can include a combustion fluid supply inlet 11 , preferably an air supply inlet. Advantageously, the flow through the inlet 11 can be controlled in its intensity according to a plurality of values by means of a first regulation valve 18 in order to allow the right quantity of air to enter the reactor 1 to have the ideal conditions for obtaining the mixture of desired hydrocarbons, for example the desired syngas mixture. Conveniently, the air inlet 11 can be positioned under the grill 42 in order to allow the reactions that take place inside the first reactor 1 to proceed in optimal conditions, with effective distribution of the air. Conveniently, the inlet 11 can be the only passage through which the air, or any other combustive fluid, can be inserted inside the first reactor 1 . Advantageously, the operation of the first regulation valve 18 can be controlled by the control unit and central management 6.

[0044] In correspondence with the upper portion of the first reactor 1 there is a first heat exchanger 15, which is preferably shared with the second reactor 2. In particular, the first heat exchanger 15 can be used for remote heating or in any case to heat a carrier fluid, for example water for sanitary use which is conveyed towards an outlet 16 in order to be used. In particular, the carrier fluid can be heated by the heat developed by the combustion of waste inside the first reactor 1. Conveniently, all the pipes of the system 100 positioned above the first heat exchanger 15 can have adequate insulation.

[0045] In particular, therefore, the first heat exchanger 15 can be thermally associated with at least one of said first reactor 1 and said second reactor 2, so as to store the heat used and / or produced inside said at least one reactor

[0046] Conveniently, the operation of the first heat exchanger 15, and in particular the values of the water flow inside it, can be measured and controlled by means of a control and management unit, which preferably can be the same central control and management unit 6 that allows the control and management of the 100 system.

[0047] As can be seen from figure 1 , the second reactor 2 completely contains within it the reactor 1 , and, preferably, shares the heat exchanger 15 with it. Advantageously, its external wall can be thermally insulated with respect to the outside, for example it can be completely covered with insulation.

[0048] Advantageously, at the base of the second reactor 2 there can be a second air inlet 11 ', which preferably can be substantially similar to the first air inlet 11 , and in particular can comprise a second regulation valve 18'.

[0049] Conveniently, similarly to the first regulation valve 18, the second regulation valve 18' can also be controlled by the same central control and management unit 6.

[0050] Advantageously, inside the second reactor 2, and preferably near the base of the first reactor 1 , there can be at least one burner 50 configured to bum a reaction product, preferably a reaction product generated by the reactor 1 or in any case generated starting from the products of reaction generated by the first reactor 1 , as will be clear later, for example a first mixture of hydrocarbons 64.

[0051] Conveniently, the first reactor 1 can be fluidly connected, preferably directly through a first tube, with a first compressor 10 which is configured to compress the gases 17 generated inside the first reactor 1 , and in particular to compress at least one first product 17 of the reactions that take place inside the first reactor 1 .

[0052] Advantageously, the first compressor 10 can be fluidly connected to a first cavitator 4, configured to produce at least a first hydrocarbon, and preferably a first mixture of hydrocarbons 64 thanks to the effect of hydrodynamic cavitation, in particular starting from the first combustion product 17 which takes place inside the first reactor 1 . Conveniently, the operation of the first cavitator 4 can be controlled, in particular with regard to the rotation speed, as well as possibly the geometry of the blades, by means of the central control and management unit 6. Alternatively, the cavitator 4 can be connected to a first dedicated control and management unit 7, configured to control the operation of the first cavitator 4, and preferably only the operation of the first cavitator 4. Preferably the first dedicated control and management unit can be connected to the central control and management unit 6. Conveniently in this way the type of hydrocarbon can be selected, or the composition of the hydrocarbon mixture obtained during the hydrodynamic cavitation process.

[0053] In particular, the first cavitator 4 can have a specific rotor and stator system and rotation speed.

[0054] Conveniently, inside the first cavitator 4 the products 17 obtained from the reactions that take place inside the first reactor 1 are treated, preferably the temperature inside the first cavitator 4 can be controlled by means of a temperature control fluid 19, which subsequently it exchanges heat with a corresponding heat exchanger 15' and is set in motion by a corresponding pump 28.

[0055] In particular, the first cavitator 4 is configured to separate a first product 17 of the combustion that took place inside the first reactor 1 , for example the syngas, from other products obtained during the same combustion process, for example slag or other gases. Conveniently, for this purpose, the first cavitator can include one or more slag separators 22, which are each connected to other specific devices 43 in order to allow specific dedicated treatments for each type of slag, in order to reduce pollutants all the slag as much as possible. The first product 17 of the combustion process that took place inside the first reactor can therefore be cooled with a second heat exchanger 15" and then compressed with a third compressor 10" and stored in the tank 13.

[0056] Conveniently, the second reactor 2 can be fluidly connected, preferably directly via a second pipe, preferably also insulated, with a second compressor 10'.

[0057] In particular, therefore, the fumes generated by the stove 50, and in general the high temperature vapors and / or fumes that develop inside the second reactor 2 or in any case a second product 63 obtained from the reactions that take place inside the second reactor 2 they can continue through the second pipe, past the first heat exchanger 15 to a flow regulation valve 18 up to the second compressor 10'.

[0058] In particular, the second compressor 10' can be configured to compress the second product 63 generated by the chemical reactions that take place in the second reactor 2 and send them towards a second cavitator 9, equipped with a specific rotor and stator system and rotation speed, equipped with its own second corresponding heat exchanger 15" and corresponding second pump 28', where the gases are treated together with a corresponding second temperature control fluid 19'. In particular, inside the second cavitator 9 the second product 63 of the reactions that take place inside the second reactor 2, which in a preferred embodiment can be CO2, is separated from the other gases produced by the same combustion process, and is sent to a second corresponding heat exchanger 15" which cools it to the temperature at which it can be compressed, with a third compressor 10", and liquefied to be then stored in the second tank 44.

[0059] Conveniently, the other products of the combustion process that takes place in the second reactor 2 are extracted by means of corresponding second separators 29 and treated with any other specific devices 53, dedicated for different second combustion products of the second reactor. In order to reduce all polluting waste as much as possible, part of the second residual products can be stored or released into the atmosphere. A control unit 8 dedicated to the cavitator 9 regulates all the functions of its components and is connected to the main control unit 6.

[0060] Advantageously therefore, similarly to what happens with the first cavitator 4, a second hydrocarbon, or preferably a second mixture of hydrocarbons 66, can escape from the second cavitator 9, which is stored inside the second tank 44.

[0061] Conveniently, the tank 13 can be fluidly connected to a third reactor 3, which is configured to bum and / or pyrolyze and / or in any case react, at least a fraction of the first hydrocarbon and / or of the first hydrocarbon mixture 64. Said third reactor 3 can be substantially similar to the first 1 and / or the second 2 reactor, and can be fluidly connected, for example by means of a third tube 12", preferably substantially similar to the first 12 and / or the second 12' tube, to the second compressor 10'.

[0062] Conveniently, the reactions that take place inside the third reactor 3 can give rise to a third product 68, which preferably can be mixed with the second product of the reactions that take place inside the second reactor 2. In any case, preferably, the third product 68 of the reactions that occur within the third reactor tor 3 can be sent to the second cavitator 4, in order to form the second hydrocarbon and / or the second hydrocarbon mixture 66.

[0063] In particular, in fact, the third reactor can be fluidly connected to the second cavitator 9 through a third 12" tube, substantially similar to the first 12' and the second 12' tube.

[0064] Conveniently, similarly to the first 1 and second 2 reactors, the third reactor 3 can be controlled by the central control and management unit 6.

[0065] Furthermore, the tank 13 can be fluidly connected to the second reactor 2, in order to allow the stove 50 to burn and / or in any case react, at least partially, the first hydrocarbon 64.

[0066] Conveniently, the system 100 includes a plurality of sensors configured to measure a plurality of parameters relating to the operation of the system 100, in order to allow the control of its operation. For example, the system 100 can include at least one, and preferably a plurality of the following:

[0067] - a first pressure sensor 20 and a first temperature sensor 21 positioned at the base of the first reactor 1 ,

[0068] - a second pair of pressure sensors 20', 20" positioned in correspondence with the grid 42, preferably one positioned in an upper position and one positioned in a lower position with respect to the grid 42,

[0069] - a second temperature sensor 2T, preferably positioned at the base of the second reactor 2

[0070] - pressure 20 and temperature 21 sensors can be located at the base of the reactor 1 and above the heat exchanger 15,

[0071] - corresponding 20" pressure and 21" temperature sensors can be positioned in correspondence with the first 4 and the second cavitator 9,

[0072] Advantageously, all the sensors described are connected to a control and management unit, and preferably to a central control and management unit 6 which is configured to control the operation of the system 100, for example the central control and management unit 6 can be configured to harmonize the quantities, temperatures and pressures according to the process being implemented by the plant 100. Advantageously, in a preferred embodiment, the corresponding pressure and temperature sensors 21" can be connected to the dedicated control and management units 7, 8 so as to allow the latter to control the first and second cavitator independently with respect to the central control and management unit 6. In a second embodiment illustrated in figure 2, the plant 100 according to the invention can comprise, upstream of the first reactor 1 , a processing apparatus 50, configured to treat a raw material that is made available to the plant 100 in an already floured form or in any case with a reduced grain size. Conveniently in this case, the raw material can be, at least from the chemical point of view and / or from the point of view of origin, substantially similar to that used in the plant according to the first embodiment.

[0073] The processing apparatus 80 includes a container 35 inside which the floured raw material 60 can be made available. Conveniently the container 35 can be fluidly connected, downstream, with a first doser 33, which allows said flour material 60 to be dosed first inside a mixer 32. Conveniently, the apparatus can also include a second dispenser 34 configured to allow the addition, inside the mixer 32, of water, preferably mains water. Conveniently therefore, a corresponding mixture 67 of floury raw material and liquid can be formed inside the mixer 32. Advantageously, this mixture can be sent to a further cavitator 30, fluidly connected to said mixer 32, in order to be transformed into at least one intermediate hydrocarbon, or into a mixture of intermediate hydrocarbons 68. Suitably said at least one intermediate hydrocarbon 68 can be cooled at inside a further heat exchanger 15, and stored inside a further tank 36.

[0074] Conveniently, the processing apparatus 30 can be controlled by the central control and management unit 6. In a preferred embodiment, the processing apparatus 30 can be controlled by a further dedicated control and management unit 31 , which preferably can be in turn controlled by the central control and management unit 6. Advantageously, the further tank 36 can be fluidly connected, for example through a further pump 37 and an injector 38, inside the first reactor 1 .

[0075] In particular, therefore, the at least one intermediate hydrocarbon 68 stored inside the tank 36 can then be conveyed inside the first reactor 1 to be thus burned and / or otherwise made to react. It is clear that the products of refining the floured raw material 60 depend on the chemical composition of the floured raw material itself and the quantity of water, they can be gases, which are compressed in the compressor 10, or liquids, both of which are treated by the cavitator 4 which separates the main components and waste which are treated separately, one or more hydrocarbons, gaseous or liquid, are then cooled and / or compressed and then stored in one or more tanks 49.

[0076] Relative to Figs. 3 and 4, an embodiment of the first cavitator 4 and the second cavitator 9 used in the system 100 according to the invention in the second embodiment is shown, in this way, for the same amount of material consumed, more fuel is obtained for plant 100.

[0077] With reference to Fig. 3, a third embodiment of the plant 100 is described, a possible expansion of the system downstream of the first cavitator 4 which will have, depending on the type of waste to be treated, one or more specific devices 43 for separate treatment of the waste, equipped with corresponding circuit 19 with temperature control fluid, with corresponding heat exchanger 15" and corresponding circulation pump 28" and a corresponding dedicated control and management unit 47, which is connected to the control unit and central management 6, and finally a specific storage 46 of the treated waste.

[0078] With reference to Fig. 4, a fourth embodiment of the system 100 is described which provides for an expansion of the system downstream of the second cavitator 9 which will have, depending on the type of waste to be treated, one or more specific additional devices 53 for separate treatment of the slag, equipped with a further corresponding circuit 19 where a temperature control fluid flows through a further corresponding heat exchanger 15 and a further corresponding circulation pump 28 and a further corresponding control and management unit 48, preferably connected, to example through the connection 45 to the central control and management unit 6, and finally a specific storage 49 of the treated waste.

[0079] Conveniently, in a preferred embodiment, at least one of said first cavitator 4, said second cavitator 9 and said further cavitator 30, can be a hydrodynamic cavitator with ultrafine implosive bubbles. In particular, said implosive bubbles can be generated starting from the gas naturally dissolved in the fluids present inside the cavitator 4, 9, 30, and can have a size smaller than a micrometer, and preferably a few nanometers, which are therefore invisible to the naked eye. In particular, the cavitators are preferably configured to generate ultrafine bubbles in an open circuit. Advantageously, at least one of said first cavitator 4, said second cavitator 9 and said further cavitator 30 can be of the centrifugal and / or rotating type.

[0080] It is evident, finally, that numerous other variations can be made to the fixing and joining system in question, without thereby departing from the principles of novelty inherent in the inventive idea as claimed in the attached claims, just as it is clear that, in the practical implementation of the of the invention, the materials, shapes and dimensions of the illustrated details may be any according to needs and they may be replaced with others that are technically equivalent.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . Waste treatment plant (60) characterized by comprising: a first reactor (1 ) inside which said waste (60) is reacted at a temperature above 500°C in order to obtain a first product (17), and fluidly connected to a first cavitator (4) in which said first product (17) is transformed into at least one first hydrocarbon (64), a second reactor (2) inside which at least a portion of said at least one first hydrocarbon (64) is reacted at a temperature above 500°C in order to obtain a second product (63), and fluidly connected with a second cavitator (9) in which said second product is transformed into a second hydrocarbon (66).

2. Plant according to claim 1 characterized by the fact that said first reactor (1 ) is contained at least partially, and preferably completely, inside said second reactor (2).

3. Plant according to one or more of the previous claims characterized by the fact of comprising a third reactor (3) which is external and separate from said first (1 ) and / or said second (2) reactor, and is configured to react at least a part of said first hydrocarbon (64), and is fluidly connected with said second cavitator.

4. Plant according to one or more of the previous claims characterized by the fact that said first (4) and said second (9) cavitator each comprise a plurality of devices (22, 29) configured to separate said first (64) and said second (66) hydrocarbon from reaction waste.

5. Plant according to one or more of the previous claims characterized by the fact that said first (1 ) and said second (2) reactor are both thermally associated with a first heat exchanger (15) configured to recover, at least partially, the heat generated from the reactions that take place inside said first (1 ) and said second (2) reactor.

6. Plant according to one or more of the previous claims characterized by the fact that it comprises a container (35) into which said raw material (60) is inserted, in the floured state, and that said raw material is mixed with a fluid, preferably water, at inside a mixer (32) in order to obtain a mixture (67).

7. Plant according to one or more of the previous claims characterized by the fact of comprising a further cavitator (30) fluidly connected to said mixer (32) and configured to transform said mixture (67) into a third product (68).

8. Plant according to the previous claim characterized by the fact that said first reactor (1 ) is configured to react said third product (68) and said raw material (60), and is therefore fluidly connected with said further cavitator (30).

9. Plant according to one or more of the previous claims characterized by the fact that downstream of said first (4) and / or said second (9) cavitator, there are devices (43, 53) for the treatment of waste.

10. Plant according to one or more of the previous claims characterized by the fact that at least one of said cavitators (4, 9, 30) is a hydrodynamic cavitator with ultrafine implosive bubbles.11 . Plant according to one or more of the previous claims characterized by the fact that said first (1 ) and / or said second reactor are configured to react said raw material (60) and / or said third product (68) and / or said first hydrocarbon (68) at a temperature between 700 and 1600°C.

12. Plant according to one or more of the previous claims characterized by the fact that all the inlet and / or outlet joints from said first (1 ) and / or said second (2) reactor are sealed.

13. Plant according to one or more of the previous claims characterized by the fact that said first product (17) is syngas.

14. Plant according to one or more of the previous claims characterized in that said second product (63) is CO2.

15. Plant according to one or more of the previous claims characterized by comprising at least one, and preferably a plurality of the following: a first pressure sensor (20) and a first temperature sensor (21 ) positioned at the base of the first reactor (1 ), a second pair of pressure sensors (20', 20") positioned in correspondence with the grid (42), preferably one positioned in an upper position and one positioned in a lower position with respect to the grid (42), a second temperature sensor (21'), preferably positioned at the base of thesecond reactor (2), pressure (20) and temperature 21 sensors can be located at the base of the reactor (1 ) and above the heat exchanger (15), corresponding pressure (20") and temperature (21") sensors can be positioned in correspondence with the first (4) and second (9) cavitator.

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