Cleaning method of ash extrusion device

Abstract

To provide a cleaning method of an ash extrusion device which can perform cleaning work efficiently and safely.SOLUTION: An ash extrusion device 1 includes: a cooling tank including a burned ash discharge port 6; and a scraper 3 for extruding the burned ash. A bottom surface 7 of the cooling tank forms an upward inclination to the discharge port side, and the ash extrusion device 1 causes the scraper 3 to reciprocate in a front-back direction. A cleaning method of the ash extrusion device 1 includes: a step in which water is drained from the cooling tank and the scraper 3 is moved backward; a step in which a cleaning tool 10 is inserted from an inspection port 8, a first square bar 11 is disposed at the scraper 3 side relative to the cleaning tool 10 and then a second square bar set 12A is disposed at the scraper 3 side relative to the first square bar 11, and the scraper 3 is stopped at a front end 8a of the inspection port; a step in which the second square bars 12 of the second square bar set 12A are fixed by a jack 13; a step in which the scraper 3 is moved back to a position near a rear end 8b of the inspection port and additional second square bar sets 14 are disposed between the fixed second square bars 12 and the scraper 3; and a step in which the jack 13 is removed and the scraper 3 is moved forward.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for cleaning an ash extrusion device that cools and discharges incineration ash. [Background technology]

[0002] The ash extrusion device is a device that introduces incineration ash discharged from an incinerator into a cooling tank through an inlet, cools it in the cooling tank, and then discharges it through an outlet. A scraper is placed inside the cooling tank to push the incineration ash out to the outlet. The scraper is placed so that its tip is in contact with the entire width of the bottom of the cooling tank and is driven by a drive unit placed on the opposite side of the inlet from the outlet. When an incinerator is shut down, cleaning work is carried out to remove the incineration ash from the ash extrusion device so that the ash does not stick inside the ash extrusion device.

[0003] For example, a metal cleaning tool as disclosed in Patent Document 1 can be used during cleaning work. In this case, the metal cleaning tool is placed at the front, and then timber (wood) is added sequentially, and the incineration ash in the storage tank of the ash extrusion device can be discharged from the discharge outlet of the ash extrusion device by using the scraper drive (back and forth reciprocating motion). Specifically, when the timber placed on the scraper side of the cleaning tool is pushed toward the discharge outlet by the scraper, the cleaning tool is pushed by the timber and is also pushed toward the discharge outlet. The incineration ash is then pushed by the cleaning tool and discharged from the discharge outlet. Patent Document 1 below discloses a method of fixing some of the timber with a portable jack when placing the timber in order to carry out cleaning work efficiently and safely. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7391260 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The ash extrusion device has a bottom that slopes upward from the inspection hatch (known as a manhole) through which workers can enter the device to the discharge outlet. Therefore, when the cleaning tool is pushed by the square timber toward the discharge outlet, if the pressure of the square timber is applied only to the lower part of the cleaning tool on the scraper side, a part of the cleaning tool on the discharge outlet side may lift up from the bottom of the ash extrusion device, which may reduce the efficiency of incineration ash discharge. Therefore, in order to prevent the cleaning tool from lifting up by applying pressure from the square timbers to the upper scraper side of the cleaning tool, a method of stacking square timbers vertically has been developed. For example, if the height of the cleaning tool is equal to or greater than the height of three stacked square timbers but less than the height of four stacked square timbers, sets of four stacked square timbers are sequentially arranged horizontally along the drive direction of the scraper from the cleaning tool toward the scraper side along the bottom surface.

[0006] However, the method of stacking timbers in multiple layers to prevent the cleaning tool from floating up as described above increases the number and volume of timbers. As the number of timbers and their volume increase, not only do the labor and work time required for arranging the timbers increase when cleaning the ash extrusion device, but also the cost of transporting the timber increases, so improvements were desired. Therefore, the present invention has been devised in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a method for cleaning an ash extrusion device in which timbers are stacked in multiple layers, which reduces the number and volume of timbers compared to conventional techniques, while preventing the cleaning tool from floating up, and enables efficient discharge of incineration ash. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The cleaning method for an ash extrusion device of the present invention includes a cooling tank having an inlet made of a cylindrical wall surface into which incineration ash is introduced and an outlet through which the incineration ash cooled by stored water is discharged, a scraper disposed in the cooling tank, the tip of which contacts the entire width of the bottom surface of the cooling tank and extrudes the incineration ash toward the outlet, and a drive device disposed on the opposite side of the inlet from the outlet for driving the scraper, wherein the bottom surface of the cooling tank has a first inclined surface that slopes upward from directly below the inlet toward the open end where the outlet is formed, The method relates to a cleaning method for an ash extrusion device, which has a second inclined surface that is the same width as the first inclined surface and slopes upward from directly below the inlet to the opposite side of the first inclined surface, the stored water is stored in the cooling tank at a predetermined water level that is above the lower end of the wall surface and below the outlet, the drive device has a drive shaft positioned above the second inclined surface, and when the drive shaft rotates, an arm connected to the drive shaft and the scraper moves the scraper back and forth along the bottom surface. The ash pusher has an inspection opening in a first side wall immediately below the inlet, the inspection opening having a front end close to the discharge opening and a rear end located opposite the front end when viewed in the direction of reciprocating motion of the scraper. The method includes at least the following first, second, third, fourth, and fifth steps.

[0008] That is, the cleaning method includes a first step of draining the accumulated water from the cooling tank, reversing the scraper to the vicinity of the rear end, and opening the inspection hatch, and a second step of, after the first step, inserting and installing a metal cleaning tool that contacts the entire width of the bottom surface into the cooling tank through the inspection hatch, and then performing either the first or second preparation step described below, and then advancing the scraper and stopping it near the front end.

[0009] Here, the first preparation process is a process of arranging multiple first square pieces of material, each having a length equivalent to the height of the metal cleaning tool, in a position closer to the scraper than the metal cleaning tool in the cooling tank, in a vertical position with its length aligned along the height direction of the metal cleaning tool, and then arranging multiple sets of second square pieces, each having a length equivalent to the width of the metal cleaning tool, in a horizontal position with its length aligned along the width direction of the metal cleaning tool, in a position closer to the scraper than the first square pieces, in a multi-tiered position less than the height of the first square pieces, in a horizontal position with its length aligned along the width direction of the metal cleaning tool, and arranging one set or multiple sets of second square pieces in a multi-tiered position less than the height of the first square pieces, in a multi-tiered position less than the height of the first square pieces, in a multi-tiered position less than the height of the first square pieces, in a multi-tiered position less than the height of the first square pieces, in a multi-tiered position less than the height of the second ... In addition, the second preparation process is a process of arranging one or more sets of second square timber sets, in which the second square timbers are stacked in multiple layers in a horizontal position and at a height equal to that of the metal cleaning tool, in a position closer to the scraper than the metal cleaning tool within the cooling tank, along the direction of the reciprocating movement.

[0010] After the second step, the cleaning method includes a third step of inserting a portable jack between the first side wall and the second set of beams located closest to the scraper, which has been pushed out to the vicinity of the front end by the advancement of the scraper, and extending the portable jack to fix the second set of beams located closest to the scraper between the first side wall and a second side wall located opposite the first side wall. Then, the following fourth step is performed.

[0011] That is, in the fourth step, if the first preparation step is carried out in the second step, the nearest second set of square beams is fixed with the portable jack in the third step, and then the scraper is moved backward to the vicinity of the rear end, and then one of the following third preparation step, fourth preparation step, or fifth preparation step is carried out. The third preparation step is a step of arranging one or more additional second beam sets, each having the second beams stacked in the same number of layers as the fixed second beam set, between the fixed second beam set and the scraper along the direction of the reciprocating movement. The fourth preparation step is a step of arranging multiple additional vertically placed square timbers, each long enough to at least contact the scraper-side surface of the topmost second square timber of the fixed second square timber set, in a vertical position along the width direction of the metal cleaning tool between the fixed second square timber set and the scraper, and then arranging one or multiple additional second square timber sets, each stacked with the second square timbers at the same number of levels or less as the fixed second square timber set, in a position closer to the scraper than the additional vertically placed square timbers, in a row along the direction of the reciprocating motion, or arranging one or multiple second square timbers in a row along the direction of the reciprocating motion. The fifth preparation step is a step of stacking third beams having the same cross-sectional dimensions and the same length as the second beams in the same number of layers as the fixed second beam set between the fixed second beam set and the scraper, and arranging multiple beams in parallel horizontally with their length direction perpendicular to the length direction of the second beams, and then arranging one or multiple sets of additional second beam sets in which the second beams are stacked in the same number of layers as the stacked third beams at a position closer to the scraper than the third beams, in line with the direction of the reciprocating motion.

[0012] In addition, in the fourth step, if the second preparation step is carried out in the second step, the nearest second set of square beams is fixed with the portable jack in the third step, and then the scraper is moved backward to the vicinity of the rear end, and then the fourth preparation step is carried out between the fixed second set of square beams and the scraper.

[0013] Furthermore, the cleaning method includes a fifth step of, after carrying out the fourth step, retracting the portable jack to release the fixation, removing the portable jack from the inspection hatch, and then advancing the scraper and stopping it near the front end. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the cleaning method for an ash extrusion device of the present invention, the number and volume of square timbers can be reduced compared to conventional methods, while preventing the metal cleaning tool from floating up, allowing incineration ash to be efficiently discharged. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an ash extrusion device for explaining the basic configuration of the ash extrusion device to which the cleaning method of the present invention is applied and the first step of the cleaning method of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a metal cleaning tool used in the ash extrusion device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the ash extrusion device illustrating a part of the second step of the cleaning method of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the ash extrusion device illustrating another part of the second step of the cleaning method of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the ash extrusion device illustrating a part of the third step of the cleaning method of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the ash extrusion device illustrating a part of the fourth step of the cleaning method of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the ash extrusion device illustrating another part of the fourth step of the cleaning method of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the ash extrusion device illustrating a part of the fifth step of the cleaning method of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the ash extrusion device illustrating a part of the fourth step when the third to fifth steps are repeated after the fifth step. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the ash extrusion device illustrating the state at the end of cleaning work. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating how to arrange square timbers in the cleaning method of the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating how to arrange the square timbers in the cleaning method of the first modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating how to arrange the square timbers in the cleaning method of Modification 1A. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating how to arrange the square timbers in the cleaning method of Modification 1B. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating how to arrange the square timbers in the cleaning method of modification 1C. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating how to arrange the timbers in the cleaning method of modification 1D. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating how to arrange the square timbers in the cleaning method of the second modified example. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating how to arrange the square timbers in the cleaning method of Modification 2A. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating how to arrange the square timbers in the cleaning method of modification 2B. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating how to arrange the timbers in the cleaning method of modification 2C. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating how to arrange the timbers in the cleaning method of modified example 2D. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The cleaning method of the present invention will be described below using several drawings showing the state of the ash extrusion device corresponding to each step of the process. In these drawings, for ease of explanation, an orthogonal coordinate system with X, Y, and Z axes is used as appropriate. The cleaning methods of the following embodiments and modifications are merely examples, and are not intended to exclude the application of various modifications and techniques not explicitly stated in the following embodiments and modifications. Each step of the cleaning methods shown in the embodiments and modifications, except for essential steps, can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the method.

[0017] Hereinafter, using Figures 1 and 2, we will first explain the basic configuration of the ash extrusion device to which the cleaning method of the present invention is applied and an example of a metal cleaning tool used in cleaning work, and then using Figures 3 to 10, we will explain each step of the cleaning method of the embodiment.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, an ash extrusion device 1 generally comprises a cooling tank 2 in which water for cooling incineration ash is stored up to a predetermined water level indicated by a two-dot chain line, a scraper 3 arranged in the cooling tank 2 and a drive unit 4 for driving the scraper 3, an inlet 5 through which incineration ash is introduced from the incinerator, and a discharge outlet 6 through which the incineration ash cooled in the cooling tank 2 is discharged by the scraper 3 and the drive unit 4. The inlet 5 of the cooling tank 2 is formed by a cylindrical (e.g., rectangular) wall. This wall is connected to an ash chute (not shown). The upper end of the ash chute is connected to the post-combustion stage of a stoker furnace, which is a waste incinerator, for example. The bottom surface 7 of the cooling tank 2 has a first inclined surface 7a that slopes upward from a lowest surface 7c, which is the lowest position on the bottom surface directly below the inlet 5, toward the outlet 6, and a second inclined surface 7b that slopes upward from the lowest surface 7c toward the opposite side of the first inclined surface 7a. That is, the first inclined surface 7a is formed so as to gradually increase in height toward the forward direction Df (here, the +X-axis direction), and the second inclined surface 7b is formed so as to gradually increase in height toward the backward direction Dr (here, the -X-axis direction). Therefore, the bottom surface 7 has a downwardly convex curved shape. The cross-sectional shape of the cooling tank 2 is uniform in the width direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of Figure 1, in this case the Y-axis direction), and the width dimensions of the first inclined surface 7a, the bottom surface 7c, and the second inclined surface 7b are all the same.

[0019] The scraper 3 includes an upper plate 3a, a push-out plate 3b connected to the upper plate 3a and facing the discharge port 6, and both side plates connected to the upper plate 3a and the push-out plate 3b (only one of the two side plates, 3c, is shown in FIG. 1). Because there is no bottom plate facing the upper plate 3a, the scraper 3 has a box-like shape that is open to the bottom surface 7 of the cooling tank 2. The scraper 3 is moved forward and backward along the bottom surface 7 by the drive device 4 while the lower end of the push-out plate 3b (the tip 3d of the scraper 3) is in contact with the entire width of the bottom surface 7 of the cooling tank 2. Note that the "forward movement" of the scraper 3 means that the pusher plate 3b of the scraper 3 moves in the pushing direction (forward direction Df, i.e., the +X-axis direction) in which it pressurizes the incineration ash and pushes it toward the discharge port 6. Furthermore, the "reverse movement" of the scraper 3 means that it moves in the opposite direction to the forward movement (reverse direction Dr, i.e., the -X-axis direction). Furthermore, the "total width" of the bottom surface 7 means the substantial size in the width direction (Y-axis direction) inside the cooling tank 2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5 described later, this means a dimension that is the same as or slightly smaller than the distance between both side walls 9 of the cooling tank 2, that is, the dimension between the side wall 9a (first side wall) and the side wall 9b (second side wall).

[0020] The drive device 4 is a device that drives the scraper 3 and is disposed above the second inclined surface 7b. The drive device 4 includes a drive shaft 4a that can rotate in two directions, and an arm 4b that connects the scraper 3 to the drive shaft 4a. By rotating the drive shaft 4a, the drive device 4 can cause the scraper 3 connected to the arm 4b to move back and forth (forward and backward, in the ±X-axis directions).

[0021] Of the two side walls 9 of the cooling tank 2, a rectangular inspection hatch 8 (so-called manhole) is provided in the first side wall 9a near the bottom surface 7c, as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 1. The inspection hatch 8 is provided with a sealed door (not shown) that can be opened and closed by an operator. The inspection hatch 8 is formed large enough to allow at least a metal cleaning tool 10 (described below) (hereinafter simply referred to as "cleaning tool") to be inserted with ease. When viewed in the X-axis direction (in other words, the direction of the reciprocating motion of the scraper 3), the end of the inspection hatch 8 that is closer to the discharge outlet 6 is referred to as the front end 8a. The opposite side of the front end 8a, i.e., the end of the inspection hatch 8 that is closer to the drive unit 4, is referred to as the rear end 8b.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a metal cleaning tool 10 as an example of a cleaning tool. Cleaning tool 10 is a cleaning tool described in Japanese Patent No. 6823753 by the inventor of the present invention, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 2, the front surface of this cleaning tool 10, facing the discharge port 6 in the forward direction Df (+X-axis direction), is closed by a planar member, whereas the rear surface, both left and right side surfaces, and the top surface, facing the scraper 3 in the backward direction Dr (-X-axis direction), are simply surrounded by an L-shaped cross-section frame that gives cleaning tool 10 a rectangular parallelepiped shape. In other words, the rear surface, both left and right side surfaces, and the top surface surrounded by the frame are open and not closed.

[0023] The cleaning tool 10 can be separated into, for example, two blocks 10A and 10B, so that an operator can easily carry each of the separated blocks 10A and 10B individually into the inside of the ash extrusion device 1 through the inspection hatch 8 and assemble them into the cleaning tool 10. The width of the cleaning tool 10 is the overall width of the bottom surface 7. By combining the blocks 10A and 10B, the cleaning tool 10 can form a rectangular extrusion plate of the entire width, and this extrusion plate can push the incineration ash toward the discharge outlet 6. Here, cleaning tool 10 is illustrated as being configured by integrating two blocks 10A and 10B, but it may also be configured by integrating three or more blocks in line with the spirit of Japanese Patent No. 6823753. Furthermore, as long as it is possible to carry it into ash extrusion device 1 through inspection hatch 8, it is not necessary to use the cleaning tool described in Japanese Patent No. 6823753. Depending on the situation, a different cleaning tool, for example, a cleaning tool similar in shape to the cleaning tool described in Patent Document 1 but formed as an inseparable unit, may be used.

[0024] 3 to 11, the steps of the cleaning method of the embodiment, that is, the cleaning method for discharging the incineration ash inside the ash push-out device 1 from the discharge port 6, will be sequentially described. Note that, since Figs. 3 to 10 are diagrams showing the same state of the ash push-out device 1 as Fig. 1 at a certain point in time, not all reference numerals are shown in all the figures, and for the purpose of facilitating understanding, reference numerals will be omitted as appropriate. Also, Fig. 11 is a perspective view illustrating how to arrange timber (wood) in the cleaning method of the embodiment described using Figs. 3 to 10.

[0025] [First step] In the first step, as shown in Figure 1, with water (reserved water) stored in the cooling tank 2, first the drive unit 4 is driven to cause the scraper 3 to move back and forth, pushing out as much incineration ash as possible toward the discharge outlet 6, and then the drive unit 4 is stopped. At this time, the scraper 3 is moved backward near the rear end 8b so that the tip 3d of the scraper 3 stops near the rear end 8b of the inspection hatch 8, and the drive unit 4 is stopped. Then, all the water stored in the cooling tank 2 is drained. There are various possible methods for draining the water. For example, the water may be drained by installing a drain valve (not shown) on the bottom surface 7 of the cooling tank 2. Alternatively, the water may be drained by inserting a hose into the cooling tank 2 from above the drive device 4 and driving a drain pump connected to the hose. Thereafter, the worker opens the sealed door of the inspection hatch 8 and opens the inspection hatch 8. In the following steps, when referring to the inspection hatch 8, it means the inspection hatch 8 with the airtight door open.

[0026] [Second process] After the first step, the worker inserts or carries the cleaning tool 10 into the cooling tank 2 through the inspection hatch 8. Then, the worker places the cleaning tool 10 in the space between the push-out plate 3b of the scraper 3 and the incineration ash so that it is in contact with the entire width of the bottom surface 7. Then, after carrying out either a first preparation step or a second preparation step described below, the worker advances the scraper 3 and stops it near the front end 8a of the inspection hatch 8. The first and second preparation steps in the second step are both steps of placing a square timber (wood) on the scraper 3 side of the cleaning tool 10, and the main difference between the first and second preparation steps is whether the square timber that is initially placed is placed vertically or horizontally. The definitions of "vertical placement" and "horizontal placement" will be described later. First, a case where the first preparation step is carried out in the second step will be described. The case where the second preparation step is performed in the second step will be described later in Modification 2.

[0027] <First preparation process> In the first preparation step of the second step, as shown in Figures 3 and 11, multiple (six in this case) first square timbers 11 are inserted or carried into the cooling tank 2 through the inspection hatch 8 and positioned closer to the extrusion plate 3b of the scraper 3 than the cleaning tool 10, in other words, arranged vertically in the width direction (Y axis direction) so as to be in contact with the cleaning tool 10 in the -X axis direction from the cleaning tool 10. Thereafter, a plurality of second beams 12 (three in this case) are inserted or carried into the cooling tank 2 through the inspection hatch 8 and placed at a position closer to the scraper 3 than the first beams 11 already placed, in other words, as a set of second beam sets 12A, in which a plurality of second beams 12 are stacked in multiple layers (three layers in this case) in a horizontal position in the -X-axis direction from the first beam 11 to a height less than the height H (length in the Z-axis direction) of the cleaning tool 10. In other words, the second beam set 12A is a set of a plurality of horizontally placed second beams 12 stacked in multiple layers in the height H direction of the cleaning tool 10 (Z-axis direction, up and down direction). 3 and 11 show an example in which three second beams 12 are stacked in the vertical direction as one second beam set 12A in the first preparation step. It should be noted that a plurality of second sets of square members 12A can be arranged side by side in the direction of reciprocating motion of the scraper 3 (X-axis direction).

[0028] The first block 11 has a length L1 equal to the height H (length in the Z-axis direction) of the cleaning tool 10, and is placed first in the first preparation step, and is placed vertically so as to be in contact with the cleaning tool 10. "Vertical placement" means that the rectangular timbers are arranged upright in the vertical direction with the length direction of the timbers aligned with the height H of the cleaning tool 10. Here, the first rectangular timbers 11 are arranged upright with the length direction of the first rectangular timbers 11 aligned with the height H of the cleaning tool 10 (vertical placement). In FIG. 11, six vertically placed first rectangular timbers 11 are arranged side by side in the width direction (Y-axis direction) with adjacent timbers in the width direction in contact with each other. The number of first square members 11 arranged in the width direction is set based on the relationship between the total width of the plurality of first square members 11 and the width W of the cleaning tool 10. In Fig. 11, the number of first square members 11 is set so that the total width is narrower than the width W of the cleaning tool 10. The length L1 of the first beam 11 being equal to the height H includes the length L1 being the same as the height H, or the length L1 being within a range of about ±10 cm of the height H. In FIG. 11, the length L1 of the first beam 11 is slightly longer than the height H of the cleaning tool 10. The reason for setting the length L1 of the first rectangular timber 11 in this manner will be explained. As shown in Figure 2, the top, back, and side surfaces of the cleaning tool 10 are open. Therefore, when a first rectangular timber 11 with length L1 is placed during cleaning work, if the length L1 is less than the height H, incineration ash that has entered from the top or back surface of the cleaning tool 10 may infiltrate behind the first rectangular timber 11 (towards the scraper). Therefore, in order to make the first rectangular timber 11 function as a wall surface that prevents incineration ash from infiltrating, the length L1 of the first rectangular timber 11 is set to be equal to the height H of the cleaning tool 10. In order to enhance the infiltration prevention effect, it is desirable that the length L1 of the first rectangular timber 11 be longer than the height H of the cleaning tool 10.

[0029] The second beam 12 has a length L2 equal to the width W (length in the Y-axis direction) of the cleaning tool 10, and is placed horizontally next to the first beam 11 in the first preparation step. "Laterally placed" means that the rectangular timber is laid horizontally with its length aligned along the width W (Y-axis direction) of the cleaning tool 10 or along a plane (XY plane) perpendicular to the height direction of the cleaning tool 10. Here, the second rectangular timber 12 is laid horizontally with its length aligned along the width W (Y-axis direction) of the cleaning tool 10 (horizontally placed state). The length L2 of the second beam 12 being equal to the width W includes the length L2 being the same as the width W, or the length L2 being within a range of about ±10 cm of the width W. In FIG. 11, the length L2 of the second beam 12 is shorter than the width W. Note that the length L2 of the second beam 12 is shorter than the distance between both side walls 9 of the cooling tank 2, i.e., the overall width of the bottom surface 7, in order to ensure installation space for the portable jack 13, which will be described later.

[0030] In the additional second set of timbers 14 that are "apparently" stacked in multiple layers in variant example 1 described below, some of the timbers in the first layer are arranged with their length direction lying flat on a plane (XY plane) perpendicular to the height direction of the cleaning tool 10, but are not necessarily aligned with the width W (Y-axis direction) of the cleaning tool 10.However, since the definition of "horizontal placement" is as described above, some of the timbers in the first layer are also "horizontally placed." Furthermore, although the third rectangular member 16 in the variant 1B described below is arranged with its length lying flat on the plane (XY plane), it is arranged lying flat in the direction perpendicular (X-axis direction) to the width W (Y-axis direction) of the cleaning tool 10, and is therefore not aligned with the width W (Y-axis direction) of the cleaning tool 10. However, since the definition of "horizontal placement" is as described above, the third rectangular member 16 is also in a "horizontal placement" state.

[0031] When arranging a set of second beams 12A, as shown in Fig. 5 described below, each second beam 12 is arranged so that one end 12a of each second beam 12 contacts the second side wall 9b that faces the first side wall 9a in which the inspection hatch 8 is installed. In other words, the other end 12b of each second beam 12 that constitutes a set of second beams 12A does not contact the first side wall 9a, and there is a space between each other end 12b and the first side wall 9a. Furthermore, when multiple sets of second square timber groups 12A are arranged sequentially in the -X axis direction, it is desirable to arrange one end 12a of all second square timbers 12 included in each second square timber group 12A so that they are in contact with the second side wall 9b. The number (number of layers) of the second rectangular members 12 stacked in the second rectangular member group 12A is set so that the height h1 of the second rectangular member group 12A is less than the height H of the cleaning tool 10. For example, in Figure 11, when the second beams 12 are stacked in four layers, the height h1 of the second beam set 12A exceeds the height H of the cleaning tool 10, and when the second beams 12 are stacked in three layers or less, the height h1 of the second beam set 12A is less than the height H of the cleaning tool 10. Therefore, Figure 11 illustrates a case where the second beams 12 are stacked in three layers in the second beam set 12A.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which, after six first beams 11 have been arranged vertically in the first preparation step, one set of second beams 12A is arranged horizontally. 3 to 10 show the ash extrusion device 1 after the water has been completely drained, and therefore there is no dashed two-dot line indicating a predetermined water level as in FIG. After carrying out the first preparation step, the worker remotely controls the drive unit 4 to advance the scraper 3 while looking inside the cooling tank 2 through the inspection hatch 8, and stops the scraper 3 when the tip 3d of the scraper 3 reaches the vicinity of the front end 8a of the inspection hatch 8, as shown in Figure 4. By stopping the scraper 3 at this position, a gap large enough to allow at least the worker's hands and arms to fit between the pusher plate 3b of the scraper 3 and the front end 8a of the inspection hatch 8 can be created, as shown in Figure 4. In addition, the second set of rectangular beams 12A is positioned slightly further in the +X-axis direction than the front end 8a of the inspection hatch 8. At this time, the first rectangular member 11 and the second rectangular member set 12A are sandwiched between the scraper 3 and the cleaning tool 10 and are fixed in place.

[0033] 3 and 4 show an example in which the first beam 11 and one set of second beam pairs 12A are arranged between the scraper 3 and the cleaning tool 10, but the same applies when multiple sets of second beam pairs 12A are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. That is, the first beam 11 and multiple sets of second beam pairs 12A are sandwiched and fixed between the scraper 3 and the cleaning tool 10. Also, even when multiple sets of second timber groups 12A are installed, when the scraper 3 is advanced and stopped in the second step as in Figure 4, the second timber group 12A among the multiple sets of second timber groups 12A that is closest to the scraper 3, i.e., the second timber group 12A that comes into direct contact with the scraper 3 when it moves toward the discharge outlet 6 (the second timber group 12A that is closest to the -X-axis direction), will be positioned slightly further in the +X-axis direction than the front end 8a of the inspection hatch 8. Hereinafter, whether only one set of second square timber groups 12A is placed between the scraper 3 and the cleaning tool 10 or multiple sets of second square timber groups 12A are placed between the scraper 3 and the cleaning tool 10, the second square timber group 12A that comes into direct contact with the scraper 3 when it moves toward the discharge outlet 6, in other words, the second square timber group 12A that is located closest to the -X axis direction, will simply be referred to as the "nearest second square timber group." In addition, not limited to the second timber set 12A, the timber or timber set that is located between the scraper 3 and the cleaning tool 10 at a given point in time and that is stacked vertically and is closest to the -X axis direction is referred to as the "closest" timber or timber set.

[0034] [Third step] After the second step, as described above, the nearest second beam pair 12A is sandwiched between the scraper 3 and the cleaning tool 10 and fixed together with the first beam pair 11. When multiple second beam pairs 12A are installed, not only the nearest second beam pair 12A but also all the other second beam pairs 12A are sandwiched between the scraper 3 and the cleaning tool 10 and fixed together with the first beam pair 11. Therefore, there is no risk of the nearest second beam pair 12A moving naturally. Therefore, in the third step, the worker inserts his or her hand or arm through the gap described in the second step (the gap between the push plate 3b of the scraper 3 and the front end 8a of the inspection hatch 8) and inserts the portable jack 13 between the other end 12b of the uppermost second beam 12 (indicated by "(1)" in FIG. 11) of the nearest second beam group 12A inside the cooling tank 2 and the first side wall 9a, aligning it as shown in FIG. 5, and then extends the cylinder of the portable jack 13. As a result, the uppermost second beam 12 of the nearest second beam group 12A is firmly fixed between the first side wall 9a and the second side wall 9b. Note that FIG. 5 is a diagram of the alignment stage (before fixing), so there is space between the portable jack 13 and the other end 12b of the uppermost second beam 12 and between the portable jack 13 and the first side wall 9a.

[0035] Here, the portable jack 13 is used to firmly secure the uppermost second beam 12 of the nearest second beam group 12A between the first side wall 9a and the second side wall 9b, thereby resulting in the most stable fixation of the entire nearest second beam group 12A between the first side wall 9a and the second side wall 9b. However, according to the inventor's testing, it has been found that if the portable jack 13 is used to secure the second beams 12 located in the uppermost half or more of the nearest second beam group 12A, counting from the bottom, between the first side wall 9a and the second side wall 9b, the entire nearest second beam group 12A can be stably fixed between the first side wall 9a and the second side wall 9b. For example, in a second timber group 12A in which second timbers 12 are stacked in three layers as shown in Figure 11, if the second timber 12 in the top layer of the nearest second timber group 12A is fixed with a portable jack 13 as described above, the entire second timber group 12A can be fixed most stably between the first side wall 9a and the second side wall 9b, and even if the second timber 12 in the bottom layer of the nearest second timber group 12A is fixed with a portable jack 13 as described above, the entire second timber group 12A can be fixed stably between the first side wall 9a and the second side wall 9b. Of course, if the second beam 12 at the bottom of the nearest second beam group 12A is fixed between the first side wall 9a and the second side wall 9b with the portable jack 13, the entire nearest second beam group 12A can be fixed between the first side wall 9a and the second side wall 9b so as not to move. Therefore, depending on the design and specifications of the ash extrusion device 1 and the total number of stages (number of layers) of the second beam groups 12A, it is possible to appropriately select which stage of the second beam 12 from the bottom to the top of the nearest second beam group 12A to fix with the portable jack 13.

[0036] In the third step illustrated here, the uppermost second beam 12 in the nearest second beam set 12A, which is secured by the portable jack 13, is positioned slightly in the +X-axis direction from the front end 8a of the inspection hatch 8. Therefore, the worker can safely perform the work of aligning the portable jack 13 and securing the uppermost second beam 12 in the nearest second beam set 12A by inserting only his or her hands or arms through the inspection hatch 8, rather than his or her entire body. The portable jack 13 is a small jack that can be easily installed by a single worker with one or both hands inside the cooling tank 2 of the ash extrusion device 1 through the gap between the extrusion plate 3b of the scraper 3 and the front end 8a of the inspection hatch 8. From the standpoint of load-bearing capacity, a hydraulic cylinder type jack is preferable for the portable jack 13, but an air cylinder type jack may also be used as long as it can sufficiently support and secure the second beam 12. In this embodiment, the portable jack 13 is described as a jack with an extendable cylinder, but the portable jack 13 may also be a manual jack in which a pantograph or the like extends and retracts when the handle is rotated, as long as it can firmly secure the second beam 12 on the top row. That is, in the present invention, when the portable jack is extended, it means that the cylinder, pantograph, etc. are extended, and when the portable jack is retracted, it means that the cylinder, pantograph, etc. are retracted.

[0037] [Fourth step] After the second beam 12 of the nearest second beam set 12A is fixed in the third step, in the fourth step, the worker remotely controls the drive unit 4 while looking inside through the inspection hatch 8 to move the scraper 3 backward, and stops the scraper 3 when the tip 3d of the scraper 3 reaches the vicinity of the rear end 8b of the inspection hatch 8, as shown in Figure 6. By stopping the scraper 3 at this position, a large space is created inside the cooling tank 2 between the front end 8a and the rear end 8b of the inspection hatch 8, allowing the worker to insert a new beam (additional beam). Therefore, after stopping the scraper 3, as shown in Figure 7, the worker inserts ``additional beams'' into the cooling tank 2 through the inspection hatch 8 between the scraper 3 and the nearest second beam set 12A, which includes the top second beam 12 fixed with a portable jack 13, and then sequentially arranges them in a line on the bottom surface 7 of the cooling tank 2 so that there are no large gaps. In the fourth step, the "additional timber" is placed. Specifically, if the first preparation step is performed in the second step, then any one of the third preparation step, the fourth preparation step, or the fifth preparation step is performed, and if the second preparation step is performed in the second step, then the fourth preparation step is performed. Here, we will first explain an example in which the first preparation step is performed in the second step and the "third preparation step" is performed in the fourth step. The fourth preparation step and the fifth preparation step will be explained in Modifications 1 to 1D below.

[0038] <Third preparation process> In the third preparation step of the fourth step, one or more sets of additional second beam sets 14 are arranged side by side, each set having second beams 12 stacked in the same number of layers as the nearest second beam set 12A, including the topmost second beam 12 (the second beam 12 numbered "(1)" in Figure 11) fixed with a portable jack 13. As will be described later, in Fig. 11, three additional second beam sets 14 are arranged in the X-axis direction in each fourth step. Also, in Fig. 11, the numbers "(1)", "(2)", and "(3)" indicate the order of the uppermost second beam 12 of the nearest beam set (second beam set 12A or additional second beam set 14) fixed by the portable jack 13 at each point in time for each step that differs in time. The second beams 12 used in the additional second beam set 14 are the same as the second beams 12 used in the second beam set 12A. Therefore, the height of the additional second beam set 14 is the same as that of the second beams 12. In the fourth step, in the state shown in Figure 6, the uppermost second beam 12 is firmly fixed with the portable jack 13, and the large space described above is available inside the cooling tank 2, so when placing one or more sets of additional second beams 14, the worker can insert only his or her hands or arms through the inspection hatch 8 and place the second beams 12 for the new additional second beam sets 14. This allows the work of placing the second beams 12 for the additional second beam sets 14 inside the cooling tank 2 to be carried out safely.

[0039] [Fifth step] After the fourth step, in the fifth step, the worker retracts the cylinder of the portable jack 13, releases the second beam 12 at the top that was fixed by the portable jack 13, and removes the portable jack 13 from the inspection hatch 8. At this time, the first square timber 11, the second square timber set 12A and multiple additional second square timber sets 14 are arranged on the bottom surface 7 of the cooling tank 2 with virtually no gaps between the cleaning tool 10 and the scraper 3, so even if the portable jack 13 is removed, these multiple square timbers (the first square timber 11, the second square timber set 12A and the additional second square timber sets 14) will not move naturally. Furthermore, as described above, the length L2 of the second square bars 12 is shorter than the length of the cleaning tool 10 in the width direction (Y-axis direction), and one end 12a of each second square bar 12 is positioned so as to contact the second side wall 9b, so that there is a gap between the other end 12b of each second square bar 12 and the first side wall 9a large enough to allow the operator's hands or arms to pass through (see Figure 5). Therefore, the worker can safely and easily remove the portable jack 13 by inserting only his hands or arms, rather than his entire body, through the inspection hatch 8 and take it out of the cooling tank 2 of the ash extrusion device 1.

[0040] Then, while looking inside the cooling tank 2 through the inspection hatch 8, the worker remotely operates the drive unit 4 to move the scraper 3 forward, and stops the scraper 3 when the tip 3d of the scraper 3 reaches the vicinity of the front end 8a of the inspection hatch 8, as shown in Figure 8. By stopping the scraper 3 at this position, a gap large enough to allow at least the operator's hands and arms to fit between the push-out plate 3b of the scraper 3 and the front end 8a of the inspection hatch 8 can be created, as shown in Figure 8. In addition, the additional second set of square timbers 14 closest to the scraper 3, i.e., the additional second set of square timbers 14 that comes into direct contact with the scraper 3 when it moves toward the discharge outlet 6 (the additional second set of square timbers 14 that is closest to the -X-axis direction), will be located slightly further in the +X-axis direction than the front end 8a of the inspection hatch 8. Of the additional second beam groups 14 newly added in the fourth step, the additional second beam group 14 closest to the scraper 3 becomes the nearest additional second beam group 14 in Figure 8 in the fifth step.

[0041] Thereafter, the third step, the fourth step, and the fifth step are sequentially repeated in a circular manner a plurality of times until the cleaning tool 10 reaches the vicinity of the discharge port 6. As an example, Figures 9 and 11 show the state immediately after each process has been carried out in the following order in chronological order: first process, second process (first preparatory process carried out), third process (third process carried out for the first time), fourth process (fourth process carried out for the first time: third preparatory process carried out), fifth process, third process (third process carried out for the second time), and fourth process (fourth process carried out for the second time: third preparatory process carried out). In Figure 11, the uppermost second beam 12 to be fixed with the portable jack 13 in the first third step is indicated by "(1)", and the uppermost second beam 12 to be fixed with the portable jack 13 in the second third step is indicated by "(2)". Note that in the state of Figure 11, the third third step has not yet been carried out, but for reference, the uppermost second beam 12 to be fixed with the portable jack 13 in the third third step is indicated by "(3)".

[0042] The third, fourth, and fifth steps are repeated in sequence, and when the fifth step is finally performed, the position of the cleaning tool 10 on the first inclined surface 7a is only a short distance away from the discharge outlet 6. At this time, most of the incineration ash in the cooling tank 2 has already been discharged from the discharge outlet 6. 10, while looking at the discharge outlet 6 from outside the ash pusher 1, the worker remotely controls the drive unit 4 to move the scraper 3 forward just enough to prevent the cleaning tool 10 from falling out of the discharge outlet 6, and stops the scraper 3 at a position where the cleaning tool 10 can be seen from the discharge outlet 6. This allows almost all of the incineration ash in the cooling tank 2 to be discharged from the discharge outlet 6, completing the cleaning work of discharging the incineration ash from inside the ash pusher 1 through the discharge outlet 6. According to the above cleaning method, as shown in FIG. 11, as one moves from the cleaning tool 10 toward the scraper 3, the height h1 of the second set of square beams 12A (second square beams 12) becomes lower than the height L1 of the first square beams 11 placed in contact with the cleaning tool 10 and the height H of the cleaning tool 10 (see the dashed arrows in FIG. 11). Therefore, the number and volume of square beams can be reduced compared to conventional methods, while preventing the cleaning tool 10 from floating up, allowing the cleaning work of the ash extrusion device 1 to be carried out efficiently and safely.

[0043] After completing the cleaning work, the worker sequentially removes the cleaning tools 10, the first timber 11, the second timber set 12A, the additional second timber set 14, and other timbers from the discharge outlet 6 to the outside of the ash extrusion device 1, or sequentially removes these timbers and cleaning tools 10 from the inspection hatch 8. Here, even if the worker removes these timbers and cleaning tools 10 from the inspection hatch 8, all of the incineration ash has already been discharged, and the weight of the incineration ash does not apply to the timbers and cleaning tools 10, so they do not naturally move toward the inspection hatch 8. Therefore, the worker can safely remove the timbers and cleaning tools 10 to the outside of the ash extrusion device 1.

[0044] [Variation 1] Figure 12 is a perspective view illustrating how to arrange the timbers in the cleaning method of Modification 1. The cleaning method of Modification 1 differs from the way to arrange the timbers in the cleaning method of the embodiment described in Figures 3 to 11 in that a fourth preparation step (described later) is carried out in the first fourth step, and a third preparation step is carried out in the second fourth step. Except for the above-mentioned differences, the cleaning method of the first modification is the same as the cleaning method of the embodiment, so a duplicated description will be omitted. Figure 12 shows the state immediately after each process is carried out in chronological order: first process, second process (first preparatory process carried out), third process (first third process), fourth process (first fourth process: fourth preparatory process carried out), fifth process, third process (second third process), and fourth process (second fourth process: third preparatory process carried out).

[0045] <Fourth preparation process> In the fourth preparation step of the fourth process, additional vertically placed beams 15 of length L3 that can at least contact the scraper 3 side surface of the topmost second beam 12 (numbered "(1)" in Figure 12) of the nearest second beam group 12A fixed with a portable jack 13 are placed at a position closer to the scraper 3 than the second beam group 12A, in other words, on the -X axis direction side of the second beam group 12A, with their length direction aligned with the height direction (Z axis direction), and multiple beams (here, for example, six beams) are placed along the width direction (Y axis direction). Then, one or more sets (here, for example, one set) of additional second beam sets 14' are placed in a position closer to the scraper than the additional vertical beam sets 15, in other words, on the -X axis direction side of the additional vertical beam sets 15, and are made by stacking second beam sets 12 with the same number of layers or less (here, two layers) as the second beam set 12A. In the fourth preparation step, after placing the additional vertical square timbers 15, one or more sets of additional second square timber sets 14' may be replaced by one or more additional second square timbers 12 arranged horizontally in the X-axis direction in a single row.

[0046] The additional vertically placed square timber 15 is a square timber separate from the first square timber 11, and its length L3 is equal to or shorter than the length L1 of the first square timber 11. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the length L3 of the additional vertically placed square timber 15 is the same as the height h1 of the second square timber set 12A and is shorter than the length L1 of the first square timber 11. Here, the length L3 of the additional vertically placed square timber 15 is a length that allows it to at least come into contact with the surface of the uppermost second square timber 12 facing the scraper 3. In other words, the length L3 of the additional vertically placed square timber 15 can also be said to be the length at which the upper end of the additional vertically placed square timber 15 overlaps with the surface of the uppermost second square timber 12 facing the scraper 3, when looking at the uppermost second square timber 12 in the +X-axis direction from the scraper 3. Therefore, the length L3 of the additional vertically placed beam 15 is greater than the height h2 of the second beam set 12A excluding the uppermost second beam 12 (here, the height of two layers of second beams 12 stacked together). In addition, from the viewpoint of reducing the volume of the timbers, it is desirable that the length L3 of the additional vertically placed timber 15 be equal to or less than the overall height h1 of the second timber set 12A.

[0047] After the first fourth step (implementation of the fourth preparation step), the first fifth step is implemented, and then the second third step, the second fourth step (implementation of the third preparation step), and the second fifth step are repeated sequentially and cyclically multiple times. However, in Figure 12, unlike the additional second set of square timbers 14 in the third preparation step described in the cleaning method of the embodiment of Figure 11, in the second fourth step (implementation of the third preparation step), three sets of additional second set of square timbers 14' are arranged, in which the second set of square timbers 12 are stacked in multiple layers (two layers in this case) in an "apparent" manner in order to reduce the number or volume of square timbers. In these "apparently" three additional second beam sets 14', there are three second beams 12 in the second row, but only two second beams 12 in the first row. Of the two second beams 12 arranged in the first row, one second beam 12x is arranged so as to support both two second beams 12y and 12z of the three second beams 12 arranged in the second row. To make it easier to support the two second beams 12y and 12z, the second beam 12x may be arranged at an angle in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. Even with the second timbers 12 arranged in an "apparent" stacked configuration like this, the cleaning method of the present invention prevents the uppermost second timber 12 from collapsing and changing its position, for example, changing from the second tier to the first tier. Furthermore, the number of second timbers 12 can be reduced compared to when three sets of two second timbers 12 are actually stacked one above the other, and as a result, the volume of timber (wood) can be reduced.

[0048] Here, as an example, three "apparent" additional second beam sets 14' are arranged, but it is also possible to actually arrange three additional second beam sets, each consisting of two second beams 12 stacked one on top of the other. The same effects as those of the cleaning method of the embodiment can be obtained in Modification 1. Furthermore, in Modification 1, the number of second beams 12 can be reduced compared to the cleaning method of the embodiment.

[0049] [Variation 1A] 13 is a perspective view illustrating how to arrange the beams in the cleaning method of Modification 1 A. The cleaning method of Modification 1 A is the same as the cleaning method of Modification 1 except for the width wX of the first beam 11′, so a duplicated description will be omitted. 13, the width wX of the first rectangular members 11' arranged on the outer side in the width direction among the multiple (six) first rectangular members 11 is wider than the other first rectangular members 11, and the six first rectangular members 11, 11' cover the entire width W of the cleaning tool 10. In other words, the entire back surface of the cleaning tool 10 is covered by the first rectangular members 11, 11'. As described above, in the cleaning method of the embodiment and the cleaning method of variant 1, the end face of the second beam 12 on the first side wall 9a side is set to be flush with the end faces of the multiple first beams 11 located on the first side wall 9a side. Since the length L2 of the second beam 12 is shorter than the width W of the cleaning tool 10, part of the back surface of the cleaning tool 10 is not covered by the first beam 11. Normally, there is almost no amount of incineration ash that penetrates from the back surface of the cleaning tool 10 to the scraper 3 side, so cleaning work can be carried out without any problems even with the first beam 11 shown in Figures 11 and 12. However, if the amount of incineration ash penetrating from the back surface of the cleaning tool 10 to the scraper 3 side is too large to ignore, it is desirable to make the width wX of the first rectangular members 11' arranged on the outer side in the width direction wider than the other first rectangular members 11, as in variant 1A, so that the entire back surface of the cleaning tool 10 is covered with the first rectangular members 11, 11'. This makes it possible to prevent incineration ash from penetrating from the back surface of the cleaning tool 10 to the scraper side.

[0050] [Variation 1B] Figure 14 is a perspective view illustrating how to arrange the timbers in the cleaning method of Variation 1B. The cleaning method of Variation 1B differs from Figure 12, which shows the cleaning method of Variation 1, in that a fifth preparation step, described below, is performed in the second fourth step, and in that the fourth step is shown up to the third time it is performed. Apart from these differences, the cleaning method of Variation 1B is the same as the cleaning method of Variation 1, so a duplicated explanation will be omitted. In FIG. 14, the fifth preparation step is also performed in the third fourth step. Figure 14 shows the state immediately after each process is carried out in chronological order: first process, second process (first preparatory process carried out), third process (third process carried out for the first time), fourth process (fourth process carried out for the first time: fourth preparatory process carried out), fifth process (fifth process carried out for the first time), third process (third process carried out for the second time), fourth process (fourth process carried out for the second time: fifth preparatory process carried out), fifth process (fifth process carried out for the second time), third process (third process carried out for the third time), and fourth process (fourth process carried out for the third time: fifth preparatory process carried out).

[0051] <Fifth preparation process> In the fifth preparation step of the fourth step, third beams 16 stacked in the same number of layers (two layers in this case) as the uppermost second beam 12 of the nearest additional second beam group 14' fixed with the portable jack 13 in the immediately preceding third step are arranged in a position closer to the scraper 3 than the nearest additional second beam group 14', in other words, in the -X-axis direction of the nearest additional second beam group 14', with their length direction aligned horizontally in the X-axis direction, and lined up in the Y-axis direction. In other words, multiple third beams 16 are arranged lined up in the Y-axis direction so that they are perpendicular to the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the second beams 12. Thereafter, a new additional second beam group 14' is placed in a position closer to the scraper 3 than the third beam 16, in other words, in the -X-axis direction of the third beam 16, by stacking second beams 12 in the same number of layers as the third beam 16 (i.e., the same number of layers as the nearest additional second beam group 14', two layers in this case). Note that in this fifth preparation step, multiple additional second beam groups 14' may be placed side by side in the X-axis direction. Each third beam 16 has the same length and the same cross-sectional dimensions as the second beam 12. In Figure 14, sets of third beams 16, each consisting of two stacked third beams 16, are arranged in two rows (two) in the Y-axis direction. The sets of third beams 16 in the two rows arranged in the Y-axis direction are spaced apart from each other. In other words, the multiple third beams 16 are spaced apart from each other in the stacking direction. This allows the number and volume of the rectangular beams to be reduced compared to when the sets of third rectangular beams 16 are arranged without gaps in the Y-axis direction. The cleaning method of Modification 1B also provides the same effects as the cleaning method of the embodiment. Furthermore, in the cleaning method of Modification 1B, the number and volume of timbers can be further reduced compared to the cleaning method of the embodiment.

[0052] [Variation 1C] 15 is a perspective view illustrating how to arrange timbers in the cleaning method of Variation 1C. In the cleaning method of Variation 1C, in the second step (first preparation step), a plurality (here, two) of vertically placed first timbers 11 are arranged at intervals from each other in the Y-axis direction, and in the fourth step (here, four preparation step), a plurality (here, two) of additional vertically placed timbers 15 are arranged at intervals from each other in the Y-axis direction. Except for this point, the cleaning method of Variation 1C is similar to the cleaning method of Variation 1B, so repeated explanations will be omitted. In FIG. 15, two first rectangular timbers 11 and two additional vertically placed rectangular timbers 15 are arranged vertically at intervals in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the cleaning method of Modification 1C can further reduce the number and volume of lumber pieces compared to the cleaning method of Modification 1B.

[0053] [Variation 1D] 16 is a perspective view illustrating how to arrange the timbers in the cleaning method of Modification 1D. The cleaning method of Modification 1D is similar to the cleaning method of Modification 1B except that the fourth preparation step is performed in the third fourth step, so duplicated explanations will be omitted. In Figure 16, in the fourth preparation step of the third fourth step, an additional vertically placed square timber 15' having a length L4 that allows it to contact at least the scraper 3-side surface of the uppermost second square timber 12 (denoted by the number "(3)" in Figure 16) in the nearest additional second square timber set 14' is placed, and then one tier, i.e., one second square timber 12, is placed. The second square timbers 12 in this tier may be arranged horizontally in the direction of the reciprocating motion of the scraper 3, i.e., in the X-axis direction. The length L4 of the additional vertically placed square timber 15' is equal to or slightly shorter than the number of rows (two rows in this case) of the nearest additional second square timber set 14', and is shorter than the length L3 of the additional vertically placed square timber 15 placed in the first fourth step (fourth preparation step). Also, in Figure 16, two additional vertically placed square timbers 15' are placed with a gap between them in the Y-axis direction, reducing the number of additional vertically placed square timbers 15'. In the cleaning method of variant 1D, the height of the vertically placed square timbers (first square timber 11, additional vertically placed square timber 15, additional vertically placed square timber 15') gradually decreases as one moves from the cleaning tool 10 to the scraper 3, and the number of rows of horizontally placed square timbers (second square timber set 12A, additional second square timber set 14', second square timber 12) gradually decreases, so that the number and volume of square timbers can be further reduced compared to the cleaning method of the embodiment.

[0054] [Variation 2] 17 is a perspective view illustrating how to arrange the timbers in the cleaning method of Modification 2. The cleaning method of Modification 2 is a cleaning method in which a second preparation step is carried out in the second step. Figure 17 shows the state immediately after each process is performed in chronological order: first process, second process (second preparatory process performed), third process (third process for the first time), fourth process (fourth process for the first time: fourth preparatory process performed), fifth process (fifth process for the first time), third process (third process for the second time), fourth process (fourth process for the second time: fourth preparatory process performed), fifth process (fifth process for the second time), third process (third process for the third time), and fourth process (fourth process for the third time: third preparatory process performed).

[0055] <Second preparation process> 17, in the second preparation step of the second process, a second beam set 12A is arranged in a position closer to the scraper 3 than the cleaning tool 10, in other words, in the -X axis direction of the cleaning tool 10, so as to be in contact with the cleaning tool 10, and is made up of a plurality of second beams 12 stacked in multiple layers (four layers in this case) at a height h2 equal to the height H of the cleaning tool 10. Note that a plurality of second beam sets 12A may be arranged side by side in the X axis direction. The phrase "height h2 of the second beam set 12A is equivalent to height H of the cleaning tool 10" includes the case where height h2 is the same as height H of the cleaning tool 10, or the case where height h2 is within a range of about ±10 cm of height H. In Fig. 17, for example, height H of the cleaning tool 10 is lower than height h2 of four stacked second beams 12, and higher than height of three stacked second beams 12. In this case, because height h2 is higher than height H, the upper end side of second beam set 12A can prevent incineration ash from invading the scraper 3 side.

[0056] As shown in Figure 17, after the second preparation step is performed in the second step, in the third step (first third step), the second beam 12 at the top of the nearest second beam set 12A (numbered "(1)" in Figure 17) is fixed with a portable jack 13. Then, in the fourth step (first fourth step), a fourth preparation step is carried out. Here, a plurality of (six in this case) additional vertically placed square timbers 15A, each having a length L5 that allows them to contact at least the scraper 3-side surface of the second square timber 12 (square timber numbered (1)) secured by the portable jack 13, are arranged along the Y-axis direction, and then one or more (one in this case) additional second square timber sets 14, each made up of stacked second square timbers 12 in the same number of layers as the second square timber set 12A or less (three layers in this case), are arranged in a position closer to the scraper 3 than the additional vertically placed square timber 15A.

[0057] In Figure 17, the fourth preparation step is also carried out in the second fourth step. Here, in the second third step, after the top second beam 12 (numbered "(2)" in Figure 17) of the nearest additional second beam group 14 is fixed with the portable jack 13, multiple (six in this case) new vertically placed beams 15B, each having a length L6 that allows them to at least contact the scraper 3-side surface of the top second beam 12 (the beam numbered "(2)"), are placed along the Y-axis direction, and then one or multiple sets (for example, one set in this case) of new additional second beam groups 14' are placed in a position closer to the scraper 3 than the additional vertically placed beams 15B, each set comprising second beams 12 stacked in the same number of rows or less (two rows in this case) as the nearest additional second beam group 14. Thereafter, in Figure 17, the third preparation step is carried out in the fourth step for the third time. Here, three "apparent" additional second beam sets 14' are arranged, as in Variation 1. Of course, in Figure 17, three additional second beam sets, each consisting of two second beams 12 stacked one above the other, may also be arranged.

[0058] In Figure 17, the height (length) L5 of the additional vertically placed square timber 15A is shorter than the height of the second square timber group 12A, and the height of the additional second square timber group 14 arranged in the first fourth step is shorter than the height (length) L5 of the additional vertically placed square timber 15A. Also, the height (length) L6 of the additional vertically placed square timber 15B is shorter than the height of the additional second square timber group 14, and the height of the additional second square timber group 14' arranged in the second fourth step is shorter than the height (length) L6 of the additional vertically placed square timber 15B. Therefore, the height of the arranged timber gradually decreases from the cleaning tool 10 toward the scraper 3, in other words, from the cleaning tool 10 toward the −X-axis direction. Therefore, the volume of the timber can be reduced compared to the cleaning method of the embodiment.

[0059] [Variation 2A] 18 is a perspective view illustrating how to arrange the beams in the cleaning method of Modification 2 A. The cleaning method of Modification 2 A is the same as the cleaning method of Modification 2 except for the width wY of some of the second beams 12' in the second beam set 12A arranged in the second step (second preparation step), so a duplicated explanation will be omitted. In variant example 2A, of the four second beams 12 that make up the second beam set 12A, the width wY of the three second beams 12' arranged below the topmost second beam 12 is wider than that of the topmost second beam 12 and is the same as or equivalent to the width W of the cleaning tool 10. As described above, normally, incineration ash does not penetrate from the back surface of the cleaning tool 10 to the scraper 3 side, so cleaning work can be carried out without any problems even if the width of the second set of square timbers 12A is shorter than the width W of the cleaning tool 10 as shown in variant example 2 of Figure 17. However, if the amount of incineration ash penetrating from the back surface of the cleaning tool 10 toward the scraper 3 cannot be ignored, the width wY of a part of the second square bars 12' of the second square bar set 12A can be widened as shown in variant example 2A in Figure 18, and the entire back surface of the cleaning tool 10 or most of the second square bar 12' can be covered by the second square bar 12', thereby preventing the incineration ash from penetrating toward the scraper 3. The width of the uppermost second beam 12 is set shorter than the width wY of the three second beams 12' in order to ensure space for inserting the portable jack 13.

[0060] [Variation 2B] Figure 19 is a perspective view illustrating how to arrange the timbers in the cleaning method of Modification 2B. The cleaning method of Modification 2B differs from the cleaning method of Modification 2 in Figure 17 in that the fifth preparation step is performed in the fourth step of the third run and in that the fourth step is shown up to the fourth run. Apart from these differences, the cleaning method of Modification 2B is the same as the cleaning method of Modification 2, so a duplicated explanation will be omitted. In FIG. 19, the fifth preparation step is also performed in the fourth step of the fourth run. Figure 19 shows the state immediately after each process is performed in chronological order: first process, second process (second preparatory process performed), third process (third process for the first time), fourth process (fourth process for the first time: fourth preparatory process performed), fifth process (fifth process for the first time), third process (third process for the second time), fourth process (fourth process for the second time: fourth preparatory process performed), fifth process (fifth process for the second time), third process (third process for the third time), fourth process (fourth process for the third time: fifth preparatory process performed), fifth process (fifth process for the third time), third process (third process for the fourth time), and fourth process (fourth process for the fourth time: fifth preparatory process performed). The fifth preparation step is the same as that described above in Modification 1B of FIG. 14, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] [Variation 2C] 20 is a perspective view illustrating how to arrange the square timbers in the cleaning method of Modification 2C. In the cleaning method of Modification 2C, multiple (here, two) additional vertically placed square timbers 15A arranged in the first fourth step (fourth preparation step) are arranged vertically at intervals from each other in the Y-axis direction, and multiple (here, two) additional vertically placed square timbers 15B arranged in the second fourth step (fourth preparation step) are arranged at intervals from each other in the Y-axis direction. Except for these points, the cleaning method of Modification 2C is the same as the cleaning method of Modification 2B, so repeated explanations will be omitted. In Figure 20, two additional vertically placed square timbers 15A and two additional vertically placed square timbers 15B are arranged vertically at a distance from each other in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the number and volume of square timbers can be reduced compared to the cleaning method of variation 2B in which six additional vertically placed square timbers 15A and six additional vertically placed square timbers 15B are arranged.

[0062] [Variation 2D] 21 is a perspective view illustrating how to arrange the timbers in the cleaning method of Modification Example 2D. The cleaning method of Modification Example 2D is similar to the cleaning method of Modification Example 2C except that the fourth preparation step is performed in the fourth step of the fourth run, so duplicated explanations will be omitted. In Figure 21, in the fourth preparation step of the fourth step, an additional vertically placed square timber 15C is placed having a length L7 (here, the height of two tiers, the same as the nearest additional second square timber set 14') that allows it to at least contact the scraper 3-side surface of the uppermost second square timber 12 (denoted by the number "(4)" in Figure 21) in the nearest additional second square timber set 14', and then one tier, i.e., one second square timber 12, is placed. Multiple second square timbers 12 in this tier may be arranged side by side in the direction of the reciprocating motion of the scraper 3, i.e., in the X-axis direction.

[0063] According to the above-described embodiment and each modified example, the number and volume of timbers can be reduced compared to the conventional method, while preventing the cleaning tool 10 from floating up, thereby enabling the cleaning work of the ash extrusion device 1 to be carried out efficiently and safely. In the cleaning methods of the embodiments and each modified example, the number of stacked timber sets, the number of timbers placed vertically, and the number of sets or pieces arranged in a line facing the reciprocating direction are not limited to the examples shown in Figures 3 to 21, and can be changed as appropriate in line with the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1. Ash extrusion device 2 Cooling tank 3 Scraper (3a upper plate, 3b push plate, 3c side plate, 3d tip) 4. Drive unit (4a drive shaft, 4b arm) 5 Introduction 6 Outlet 7 Bottom surface (7a first slope, 7b second slope, 7c bottom surface) 8 Inspection hatch (8a: front end of inspection hatch, 8b: rear end of inspection hatch) 9 side walls (9a first side wall, 9b second side wall) 10 Cleaning equipment (10A first block, 10B second block) 11, 11' First beam 12, 12', 12x, 12y, 12z Second beam (12a one end of beam, 12b other end of beam) 12A Second beam set 13 Portable Jack 14, 14' Additional second beam set 15, 15A, 15B, 15C, 15′ Additional vertical square beams 16 Third beam Df forward direction Dr Reverse direction

Claims

1. The cooling tank has an inlet made of a cylindrical wall surface into which incineration ash is introduced and an outlet through which the incineration ash cooled by stored water is discharged, a scraper disposed in the cooling tank, the tip of which contacts the entire width of the bottom surface of the cooling tank and pushes the incineration ash toward the outlet side, and a drive device disposed on the opposite side of the inlet from the outlet side to drive the scraper, and the bottom surface of the cooling tank has a first inclined surface that slopes upward from directly below the inlet toward the open end where the outlet is formed, and a second inclined surface having the same width as the bottom surface and sloping upward from directly below the inlet toward the opposite side of the first inclined surface, the stored water being stored in the cooling tank at a predetermined water level above the lower end of the wall surface and below the outlet, the drive device having a drive shaft disposed above the second inclined surface, and an arm connected to the drive shaft and the scraper by rotating the drive shaft causes the scraper to reciprocate forward and backward along the bottom surface, The ash extrusion device has an inspection opening in a first side wall immediately below the inlet, the inspection opening having a front end close to the discharge opening and a rear end located opposite the front end when viewed in the direction of reciprocating motion of the scraper; a first step of discharging the stored water from the cooling tank, moving the scraper backward to the vicinity of the rear end, and opening the inspection hatch; After the first step, a metal cleaning tool that contacts the entire width of the bottom surface is inserted into the cooling tank through the inspection hatch and installed therein, a first preparation step of arranging a plurality of first square pieces of wood, each having a length equivalent to the height of the metal cleaning tool, in a position closer to the scraper than the metal cleaning tool in the cooling tank, in a state in which the length direction of the first square piece of wood is aligned vertically along the width direction of the metal cleaning tool, and then arranging a plurality of second square pieces of wood, each having a length equivalent to the width of the metal cleaning tool, in a position closer to the scraper than the first square piece of wood, in a state in which the length direction of the second square piece of wood is aligned horizontally along the width direction of the metal cleaning tool ... to a height less than the height of the second square piece set, in a state in which the length direction of the second square piece set is aligned horizontally along the width direction of the metal cleaning tool; or a second preparation step of arranging one or more sets of second beams in a position closer to the scraper than the metal cleaning tool in the cooling tank, the second beams being stacked in multiple stages in a horizontal position at a height equal to that of the metal cleaning tool, along the direction of the reciprocating motion; a second step of advancing the scraper and then stopping it near the front end after performing any one of the steps above; a third step of inserting a portable jack between the first side wall and the second set of beams arranged nearest to the scraper, which has been pushed out to the vicinity of the front end by the advancement of the scraper, and extending the portable jack to fix the nearest set of beams between the first side wall and a second side wall arranged opposite the first side wall; When the first preparation step is performed in the second step, In the third step, the nearest second set of beams is fixed by the portable jack, and then the scraper is moved backward to the vicinity of the rear end, A third preparation step of arranging one or more additional second beam sets, each of which is formed by stacking the second beams in the same number of layers as the fixed second beam set, between the fixed second beam set and the scraper along the direction of the reciprocating motion; or a fourth preparation step of arranging a plurality of additional vertically placed square timbers, each having a length sufficient to contact at least the scraper-side surface of the uppermost second square timber of the fixed second square timber set, in the vertically placed state along the width direction of the metal cleaning tool, between the fixed second square timber set and the scraper, and then arranging one or more additional second square timber sets, each having the second square timbers stacked in the same number of tiers or less as the fixed second square timber set, in a position closer to the scraper than the additional vertically placed square timbers, in a row along the direction of the reciprocating motion, or arranging one or more second square timbers in a row along the direction of the reciprocating motion; or a fifth preparation step of stacking third beams having the same cross-sectional dimensions and the same length as the second beams in the same number of layers as the fixed second beam set between the fixed second beam set and the scraper, and arranging a plurality of third beams in parallel in a horizontal position with their length direction perpendicular to the length direction of the second beams, and then arranging one or more additional second beam sets in which the second beams are stacked in the same number of layers as the stacked third beams at a position closer to the scraper than the third beams, in line with the direction of the reciprocating motion; Implement one of the following: When the second preparation step is performed in the second step, the nearest second set of beams is fixed with the portable jack in the third step, and then the scraper is moved backward to the vicinity of the rear end, and then the fourth preparation step is performed between the fixed second set of beams and the scraper; a fifth step of retracting the portable jack to release the fixing, removing the portable jack from the inspection hatch, and then moving the scraper forward and stopping it near the front end; A method for cleaning an ash extrusion device having the following features.

2. A method for cleaning an ash extrusion device as described in claim 1, wherein in the third step, the portable jack fixes the second beam at the top of the nearest second beam group or the second beam located at more than half the top of the nearest second beam group, counting from the bottom, between the first side wall and the second side wall, thereby fixing the nearest second beam group between the first side wall and the second side wall.

3. 3. The method for cleaning an ash pusher according to claim 2, wherein the third step, the fourth step, and the fifth step are sequentially repeated until the metal cleaning tool reaches the vicinity of the discharge port.

4. The first beams are arranged at intervals, or The plurality of third square members are arranged at intervals except in the stacking direction, or In the third preparation step, the total number of the second beams arranged in at least the first row is less than the total number of the second beams arranged in the top row. The method for cleaning an ash extrusion device according to claim 3.

5. A method for cleaning an ash extrusion device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the height of the timbers including the first timber arranged in the vertical position, or the height of the second timbers stacked in the horizontal position, gradually decreases from the metal cleaning tool toward the scraper.

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