Transfer device and transfer method for the same

Abstract

To provide a transfer device with low power consumption and a transfer method for the same.SOLUTION: A transfer device 1 includes a pump 2 for discharging liquid, a transfer pipe 4 through which liquid discharged from the pump 2 flows, the transfer pipe 4 having an upper extension portion 42 extending upward and a lower extension portion 44 extending downward, a storage tank 3 for storing the material to be transferred, a material-to-be-transferred inflow pipe 5, one end of which is connected to the storage tank 3 and the other end of which is connected to a screen residue inflow portion 411 of the transfer pipe 4, a material-to-be-transferred inflow valve 51 provided on the material-to-be-transferred inflow pipe 5, and an upper valve 47 provided above the downstream end of the lower extension portion 44. The transfer pipe 4 draws the material to be transferred from the storage tank 3 through the material-to-be-transferred inlet pipe 5 by the suction force heading from the material-to-be-transferred inlet pipe 5 toward the transfer pipe 4 generated when the material-to-be-transferred inlet valve 51 and the upper valve 47 are opened, and the pump 2 transfers the material drawn into the transfer pipe 4 downstream within the transfer pipe 4 by discharging fluid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transfer device for transferring an object to be transferred and a transfer method for the transfer device. [Background technology]

[0002] In sewage treatment facilities, materials to be transported, such as sediment and scum removed in grit basins, are stored in underground storage tanks and then transported to the surface by a transport device. Belt conveyors have traditionally been used as the transport device, but they have had the problem of odor leakage. Furthermore, if it is necessary to change the transport direction midway through the transport route, it is necessary to install multiple belt conveyors with different transport directions.

[0003] In response to this, in recent years, a transfer device has been proposed that transfers the material to be transferred using a pipe (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The transfer device of Patent Document 1 uses a jet pump that uses pressurized water supplied from a water supply pipe to create a negative pressure in the suction pipe, thereby drawing the material stored in a storage tank into the suction pipe and discharging it from the downstream end of the transfer device. This transfer device reduces the risk of odor leakage, and the transfer direction can be bent in any direction along the transfer path by using a curved pipe, for example. Furthermore, since this transfer device uses a jet pump, the material to be transferred does not pass through the pump that sucks up water, which has the advantage of preventing the material from clogging the pump impeller, hindering pump operation, or causing pump failure. In addition to screen residue and scum, transfer devices can also transfer food and other materials as transfer targets. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-81917 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in order to construct a jet pump, it is necessary to use a high-performance pump that can deliver pressurized water at high pressure and consumes a lot of power, which results in a problem of high power consumption in the transfer device.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a transport device and a transport method for a transport device that consumes less power. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The transfer device of the present invention that solves the above problems is: a delivery means for delivering a liquid; a transfer pipe connected to the delivery means, through which the liquid delivered from the delivery means flows, the transfer pipe having an upward extension portion extending upward and a downward extension portion disposed downstream of the upward extension portion in the flow of the liquid and extending downward; a storage tank for storing the object to be transferred; an inlet pipe for a transferred object, one end of which is connected to the storage tank and the other end of which is connected to a predetermined portion of the transfer pipe between the delivery means and the upward extension; a transfer object inlet valve provided in the transfer object inlet pipe; a liquid retention valve provided upstream of the downstream end of the downward extension portion, the transfer pipe is configured such that the material to be transferred is drawn from the storage tank through the material to be transferred inlet pipe by a drawing force from the material to be transferred inlet pipe toward the transfer pipe when the material to be transferred inlet valve and the liquid holding valve are opened, The discharge means is characterized in that it discharges fluid while the transported material inlet valve is closed, thereby transporting the transported material drawn into the transfer pipe downstream within the transfer pipe.

[0008] According to this transfer device, the delivery means only needs to deliver the liquid with a discharge pressure sufficient to transfer the object drawn into the transfer pipe, so the delivery means can be driven with little power consumption, thereby reducing the power consumption required to operate this transfer device.

[0009] Here, the transfer device may include a drain pipe having one end connected to a drain portion of the transfer pipe between the predetermined portion and the upward extension and the other end formed with a drain port, and a drain valve provided on the drain pipe. The transfer device may also include a delivery valve provided between the delivery means and the predetermined portion. The drain pipe may discharge liquid that is present upstream of the downward extension from within the liquid filled in the transfer pipe. Additionally, the liquid retention valve may be provided above the downstream end of the downward extension.

[0010] In this transfer device, The downward extension may have a larger inner diameter than the upward extension.

[0011] According to this aspect, the amount of fluid drawn from the inside of the transported material inlet pipe toward the inside of the transport pipe can be increased.

[0012] Furthermore, in this transfer device, The downward extension portion may extend downward beyond the lower end of the upper extension portion.

[0013] This also makes it possible to further increase the amount of fluid drawn from the transported material inlet pipe into the transport pipe.

[0014] Further, the transport method of the transport device of the present invention that solves the above problems includes: a transfer method for a transfer device comprising: a delivery means for delivering a liquid; a transfer pipe connected to the delivery means through which the liquid delivered from the delivery means flows, the transfer pipe having an upward extending portion and a downward extending portion disposed downstream of the upper extending portion in the liquid flow and extending downward; a storage tank for storing a material to be transferred; a material inlet pipe having one end connected to the storage tank and the other end connected to a predetermined portion of the transfer pipe between the delivery means and the upper extending portion; a material inlet valve provided in the material inlet pipe; and a liquid retention valve provided upstream of the downstream end of the downward extending portion, a drawing step in which the material to be transferred stored in the storage tank is drawn into the transfer pipe through the material to be transferred inlet pipe by opening the material to be transferred inlet valve and the liquid holding valve to generate a drawing force from the material to be transferred inlet pipe toward the transfer pipe; The method is characterized by having a transfer step in which the object to be transferred that has been drawn into the transfer pipe in the drawing step is transferred by closing the object to be transferred inlet valve and sending out liquid from the delivery means.

[0015] According to this method for transporting a transport device, the sending means can be driven with low power consumption, so that the power consumption when operating this transport device is low.

[0016] Here, the transfer method of the transfer device may include a liquid filling process in which liquid is sent out from the delivery means to fill the transfer tube with liquid, and a liquid draining process in which liquid other than the liquid in the downward extension portion is discharged, before the retraction process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a transport device and a transport method for a transport device that consumes less power. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a transfer device. [Figure 2] 2 is a flowchart showing a transfer operation of the transfer device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 1, illustrating a state after step S2 is completed. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 1, illustrating a state after step S3 is completed. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 1, illustrating a state after step S4 is completed. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 1, illustrating a state after step S5 is completed. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 1, illustrating a state after step S6 is completed. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 1, showing a transfer device of a first modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 1, but showing a transfer device according to a second modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 1, illustrating a transfer device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 1, showing a transfer device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] 12 is a flowchart showing the transfer operation of the transfer device shown in FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing the second-side transfer preparation operation shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 1, illustrating a transfer device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] 15 is a flowchart showing an operation of transferring screen residue stored in a storage tank, among the transfer operations of the transfer device shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] 15 is a flowchart showing an operation of transferring screen residue stored in a second storage tank, among the transfer operations of the transfer device shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing a transfer operation in a modified example of the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a transfer device for transferring screen residue, which is an example of a transfer target, will be described.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a transfer device 1. As shown in FIG.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 1, the transfer device 1 includes a pump 2, a storage tank 3, a transfer pipe 4, an inlet pipe 5 for a material to be transferred, and a drain pipe 6. Fig. 1 also shows a solid-liquid separation tank 91 and a solid-liquid separator 92, which are destinations for the screened residue to be transferred by the transfer device 1, a hopper 93 that receives the screened residue separated from the wastewater, and a truck T that carries and transports the screened residue discharged from the hopper 93.

[0022] Pump 2 is placed in an aeration tank or final sedimentation tank located downstream of the grit basin in the sewage treatment facility, and pumps out sewage that has been treated to a certain extent. Pump 2 may also be installed in a facility other than a sewage treatment facility, such as a reservoir. The sewage or water pumped out by pump 2 is an example of a liquid. In FIG. 1, the flow direction of the sewage pumped out by pump 2 is indicated by an arrow. Pump 2 is an example of a delivery means. Instead of pump 2, a water tank may be installed above transfer pipe 4, and the sewage or water may be delivered from the water tank using the potential energy of the sewage or water stored in the water tank. In this case, the water tank is an example of a delivery means.

[0023] The storage tank 3 is installed underground and is a tank for storing sediment removed from wastewater in a settling basin, etc. A certain amount of wastewater is stored in this storage tank 3 together with the sediment.

[0024] The transfer pipe 4 has a connecting portion 41, an upward extending portion 42, a horizontal portion 43, a downward extending portion 44, a branch transfer portion 45, a pump valve 46, an upper valve 47, a lower valve 48, and a transfer switching valve 49. Wastewater delivered from the pump 2 flows through the transfer pipe 4. The pump valve 46 is an example of a delivery valve.

[0025] The connecting portion 41 is composed of an upstream portion that rises vertically from the upstream end connected to the pump 2 and a downstream portion that extends horizontally. The connecting portion 41 is provided with a pump valve 46. This pump valve 46 is an automatically operable valve, such as an electric valve or solenoid valve, that blocks the passage of gas and liquid when closed, but it may also be a manual valve or a check valve. The connecting portion 41 is also provided with a screened sediment inlet portion 411 and a drainage portion 412 downstream of the portion where the pump valve 46 is provided. The screened sediment inlet portion 411 is located upstream of the drainage portion 412 and is connected to the material inlet pipe 5. The screened sediment inlet portion 411 is an example of a predetermined portion. The drainage portion 412 is located between the screened sediment inlet portion 411 and the upward extension portion 42 and is connected to the drainage pipe 6.

[0026] The upward extension 42 rises vertically from the downstream end of the connecting portion 41. The upstream portion of the upward extension 42 is located underground, and the downstream portion is located above ground. Note that the upward extension 42 may be inclined as long as its downstream end is located higher than its upstream end.

[0027] The horizontal section 43 is a portion disposed on the ground and extending horizontally, connecting the upper extension section 42 and the lower extension section 44. An upper valve 47 is provided on the horizontal section 43. The upper valve 47 is an automatic valve that blocks the passage of gas and liquid when closed, but may also be a manual valve. This upper valve 47 is an example of a liquid retention valve. The upper valve 47 may be provided upstream of the downstream end of the lower extension section 44, and may be provided on either the upper extension section 42 or the lower extension section 44. However, the upper valve 47 is preferably provided above the downstream end of the lower extension section 44, more preferably above the upper end of the storage tank 3, and even more preferably between the downstream end of the upper extension section 42 and the upstream end of the lower extension section 44 in the transfer pipe 4. The pipe downstream of the upper valve 47 in the transfer pipe 4 has a larger inner diameter than the pipe upstream of the upper valve 47.

[0028] The downward extension 44 extends vertically downward from the downstream end of the connecting portion 41. Because the downward extension 44 is located downstream of the upper valve 47, as described above, it is constructed of a pipe with a larger inner diameter than the upper extension 42. The upstream portion of the downward extension 44 is located above ground, and the downstream portion is located underground. The downstream end of the downward extension 44 is located below the upstream end of the upper extension 42, which is the lowest part of the upper extension 42, and below the sediment inlet portion 411 of the connecting portion 41. A downward valve 48 is provided in the lower portion, i.e., downstream, of the downward extension 44. The downward valve 48 is an automatic valve that prevents the passage of gas and liquid when closed, but may also be a manual valve. This downward valve 48 is also an example of a liquid retention valve. The downward valve 48 may be located upstream of the downstream end of the downward extension 44. However, it is preferable that the downward valve 48 be located below the upper end of the storage tank 3, and more preferably below the upstream end of the upward extension portion 42. The downstream side of the downward extension portion 44 from the downward valve 48 is a throttle portion 441 whose diameter decreases toward the downstream side. The opening at the downstream end of this throttle portion 441 becomes the discharge port 4A through which the wastewater that has passed through the downward extension portion 44 is discharged into the settling basin. Note that the downward extension portion 44 may be inclined as long as its downstream end is located below its upstream end. Furthermore, the throttle portion 441 may be omitted, or a straight pipe with a constant diameter may be used instead of the throttle portion 441.

[0029] The branch transfer section 45 is a section branching off from the downstream end of the upward extension section 42 in a direction different from that of the horizontal section 43. That is, the downstream end of the upward extension section 42 forms a T-shaped branch pipe, one branch of which is connected to the horizontal section 43 and the other to the branch transfer section 45. The branch transfer section 45 is provided with a transfer switching valve 49. This transfer switching valve 49 is an automatic valve that blocks the passage of gas and liquid when closed, but it may also be a manual valve. The downstream end of the branch transfer section 45 is an opening disposed in the solid-liquid separation tank 91, and this opening becomes the discharge port 4B through which the screened residue water that has passed through the branch transfer section 45 is discharged into the solid-liquid separation tank 91. The transfer of the screened residue to the solid-liquid separation tank 91 will be described in detail later.

[0030] The screen residue discharged into the solid-liquid separation tank 91 is separated from the wastewater by a solid-liquid separator 92 and then poured into a hopper 93. The screen residue accumulated in the hopper 93 is then transported by truck T and treated at the destination. Meanwhile, the wastewater separated from the screen residue by the solid-liquid separator 92 is drained from a drain outlet 91A and returned to a settling basin or the like.

[0031] One end of the material inlet pipe 5 is connected to the storage tank 3, and the other end is connected to the residue inlet portion 411 of the transfer pipe 4. The material inlet pipe 5 is provided with a material inlet valve 51. This material inlet valve 51 is an automatic valve that blocks the passage of gas and liquid when closed, but it may also be a manual valve. By opening the material inlet valve 51, the residue stored in the storage tank 3 can flow through the material inlet pipe 5 and into the connecting portion 41 of the transfer pipe 4. However, because the residue contains solid matter and is viscous, the residue may not flow into the transfer pipe 4 simply by opening the material inlet valve 51.

[0032] One end of the drain pipe 6 is connected to the drain portion 412 of the connecting portion 41, and a drain port 6A is formed at the other end. The drain portion 412 may be located at a position other than the connecting portion 41 as long as it is between the pump valve 46 and the upper valve 47 of the transfer pipe 4. The drain pipe 6 is provided with a drain valve 61. This drain valve 61 is an automatic valve that prevents the passage of gas and liquid when closed, but it may also be a manual valve. This drain pipe 6 discharges the liquid in the transfer pipe 4 that is between the pump valve 46 and the upper valve 47 to the outside of the transfer pipe 4.

[0033] Next, we will explain the transfer method in this transfer device 1. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the transfer operation of the transfer device 1 shown in Figure 1.

[0034] The operation of the transfer device 1 is controlled by a control device (not shown). The operations in the flowchart shown in Fig. 2 are performed in response to commands from the control device. However, the transfer device 1 may also be operated manually without relying on the control device.

[0035] 2, the transfer operation of the transfer device 1 begins with an initial operation. In the initial operation, the transfer switching valve 49, the object inlet valve 51, and the drain valve 61 are closed, and the upper valve 47 and the lower valve 48 are opened (step S1). At this time, the pump 2 is stopped.

[0036] After the initial operation is completed, the pump 2 is driven and the pump valve 46 is opened to send out the wastewater from the pump 2 into the transfer pipe 4 (step S2). This step S2 corresponds to an example of a liquid filling step.

[0037] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram similar to Figure 1, showing the state after step S2 is completed. In Figures 3 to 7, open valves are shown in white as in Figure 1, closed valves are shown in black, wastewater in the pipes is shown with a dotted pattern, and screen residue is shown with cross-hatching.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, in step S2, the transfer pipe 4 from the pump 2 to the outlet 4A at the downstream end of the downward extension 44 is filled with wastewater. Then, the wastewater is discharged from the outlet 4A. In Figure 3, the discharged wastewater is indicated by an arrow.

[0039] 3 is reached, the pump valve 46, the upper valve 47, and the lower valve 48 are closed to stop the operation of the pump 2. Next, the drain valve 61 is opened (step S3). This step S3 corresponds to an example of a draining step. Note that in step S3, the lower valve 48 may be left open.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 1, showing the state after step S3 is completed.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4, in step S3, the wastewater in the transfer pipe 4 from the pump valve 46 to the upper valve 47 is discharged from the drain port 6A. The discharged wastewater is indicated by an arrow in Figure 4. In addition, wastewater is held in the transfer pipe 4 from the upper valve 47 to the lower valve 48.

[0042] 4 is reached, the drain valve 61 is closed (step S4). This step S4 corresponds to an example of a drain valve closing step.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 1, showing the state after step S4 is completed.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5, in step S4, the inside of the transfer pipe 4 from the pump valve 46 to the upper valve 47 becomes a closed space closed by the valve.

[0045] 5, the upper valve 47, the lower valve 48, and the transferred material inlet valve 51 are opened (step S5). This step S5 corresponds to an example of a drawing-in process.

[0046] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 1, showing the state after step S5 is completed.

[0047] As shown in Figure 6, in step S5, the wastewater between the upper valve 47 and the lower valve 48 in the transfer pipe 4 descends due to its own weight, and a portion of the wastewater is discharged from the discharge port 4A. In Figure 6, the discharged wastewater is indicated by arrows. As the wastewater descends, the air pressure in the interior space of the transfer pipe 4 from the pump valve 46 to the upper surface of the wastewater in the downward extension 44, the interior space of the material inlet pipe 5 from the material inlet valve 51 to the screened residue inlet portion 411, and the interior space of the drain pipe 6 from the drain valve 61 to the drain portion 412 decreases to negative pressure. This generates a pulling force from the material inlet pipe 5 toward the transfer pipe 4. Combined with the air pressure and the weight of the screened residue stored in the storage tank 3, this force draws the screened residue from the storage tank 3 into the transfer pipe 4 through the material inlet pipe 5. Note that the water surface height of the wastewater in the downward extension portion 44 and the amount of screen waste drawn into the transfer pipe 4 shown in Figure 6 are examples, and the water surface height in the downward extension portion 44 and the amount of screen waste drawn in will vary depending on various conditions such as the amount of screen waste stored in the storage tank 3 and the pipe diameter.

[0048] In step S5, the downward extension 44 has a larger inner diameter than the upper extension 42. This increases the volume of wastewater descending in the downward extension 44 relative to the volume of the internal space of the upper extension 42, and the mass of the wastewater also increases, resulting in a larger amount of wastewater being drawn from the material inlet pipe 5 into the transfer pipe 4. Furthermore, when the wastewater is released from the outlet 4A, the amount of wastewater released per unit time is restricted by the throttle 441, which lengthens the time it takes for the wastewater to descend, thereby lengthening the time it takes for the sediment to be drawn into the transfer pipe 4. Furthermore, since the downward extension 44 extends below the lower end of the upper extension 42, the volume and mass of the wastewater descending in the downward extension 44 increase and the time it takes for the wastewater to descend also increases, allowing a larger amount of sediment to be drawn from the material inlet pipe 5 into the transfer pipe 4. When the water level of the wastewater in the downward extension 44 is above the lower valve 48 and approaches the lower valve 48, the lower valve 48 may be temporarily closed. In that case, it is desirable to open the lower valve 48 in step S6.

[0049] 6, the upper valve 47 and the transferred material inlet valve 51 are closed, the pump 2 is driven, and then the pump valve 46 and the transfer switching valve 49 are opened (step S6). This step S6 corresponds to an example of a transfer step. Note that the transfer switching valve 49 may be opened before the pump 2 is driven.

[0050] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 1, showing the state after step S6 is completed.

[0051] As shown in Figure 7, the screened residue drawn into the transfer pipe 4 in step S5 is transported downstream by the wastewater delivered from the pump 2 in step S6 and discharged from the discharge port 4B into the solid-liquid separation tank 91. In Figure 7, the discharged screened residue is indicated by an arrow. After the screened residue in the transfer pipe 4 has been discharged, the operation of the pump 2 is stopped when the wastewater delivered from the pump 2 is discharged from the discharge port 4B into the solid-liquid separation tank 91. This completes the transfer operation.

[0052] If a large amount of residue remains in the storage tank 3 even after the transfer operation has been performed, the transfer operation described above is counted as one cycle, and multiple cycles of the transfer operation are performed until the residue remaining in the storage tank 3 is reduced to less than a predetermined amount.

[0053] According to the transfer device 1 and transfer method of this embodiment, the potential energy of wastewater is used to draw the screened residue into the transfer pipe 4, and the drawn-in screened residue is then transferred by the pump 2 located upstream of the screened residue. Therefore, the pump 2 only needs to be driven with a discharge pressure sufficient to pump the screened residue and wastewater to the required height, and the screened residue does not clog the pump 2. In other words, the pump 2 can be driven with low power consumption, which reduces the power consumption required for transferring the screened residue in the transfer device 1. Furthermore, since there is no need to use a pump with a high discharge pressure that can form a jet pump or a special pump designed to allow the screened residue to pass through it, a general-purpose, inexpensive pump 2 can be used. As a result, the transfer device 1 can be constructed inexpensively.

[0054] Next, we will explain modified examples of the transfer device 1. In the following explanation, components with the same names as components explained so far will be explained using the same symbols used so far, and duplicate explanations may be omitted.

[0055] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 1, showing a transfer device 1 of a first modified example.

[0056] The transfer device 1 shown in Figure 8 differs from the transfer device 1 shown in Figure 1 in that it does not have a branch transfer section 45 (see Figure 1) and a transfer switching valve 49 (see Figure 1), the length of the upper extension section 42 is long in the vertical direction, and sewage and screen residue are released or discharged from a discharge port 4A at the downstream end of the lower extension section 44 to a solid-liquid separation tank 91. It also differs from the transfer device 1 shown in Figure 1 in that it does not have a throttle section 441 and the lower extension section 44 is configured with the same diameter from the upstream end to the discharge port 4A at the downstream end. In addition, it differs from the transfer device 1 shown in Figure 1 in that the entire lower extension section 44 is located above ground.

[0057] In the transfer method of the transfer device 1 of the first modified example, in step S6, the upper valve 47 is not closed, but the pump valve 46 is opened to drive the pump 2. In step S6, the screen residue drawn into the transfer pipe 4 is transported by the wastewater delivered from the pump 2 and discharged from the discharge port 4A into the solid-liquid separation tank 91.

[0058] The transfer device 1 and the transfer method of the transfer device 1 of this first modified example not only have the same effects as the transfer device 1 of the previous embodiment, but also have the effect of reducing the number of valves by omitting the transfer switching valve 49. On the other hand, because the sediment and wastewater must be transferred to a higher position, the power consumption when the pump 2 is driven is higher than that of the transfer device 1 of the previous embodiment, although not to the extent of forming a jet pump.

[0059] Next, a description will be given of the transfer device 1 of the second modified example. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram similar to Figure 1, which shows the transfer device 1 of the second modified example.

[0060] The transfer device 1 shown in Figure 9 differs from the transfer device 1 shown in Figure 1 in that it includes a separated water downflow pipe 911 having one end connected to the solid-liquid separation tank 91 and the other end connected to the upstream end of the downward extension 44. The separated water downflow pipe 911 is provided with a separated water downflow valve 912. This separated water downflow valve 912 is an automatic valve that prevents the passage of gas and liquid when closed, but it may also be a manual valve.

[0061] In the transfer method of the transfer device 1 of the second modified example, in step S6, the upper valve 47 and the transferred material inlet valve 51 are closed, and the pump valve 46, the transfer switching valve 49, and the separated water flow-down valve 912 are opened to drive the pump 2. Note that the separated water flow-down valve 912 is closed in steps S1 to S5.

[0062] The transfer device 1 and the transfer method of the transfer device 1 of this second modified example not only have the same effects as the transfer device 1 of the previous embodiment, but also have the effect of reducing the amount of piping by using the downward extension 44 as a pipe for draining wastewater from the solid-liquid separation tank 91 to a sewage treatment facility such as a grit basin. This makes it possible to provide an inexpensive transfer device 1. On the other hand, the height of the downward extension 44 tends to be low, which may reduce the amount of sediment drawn from the material inlet pipe 5 into the transfer pipe 4 in step S5.

[0063] Next, a description will be given of the transfer device 1 of the second embodiment. Figure 10 is a schematic view similar to Figure 1, which shows the transfer device 1 of the second embodiment.

[0064] The transfer device 1 shown in FIG. 10 differs from the transfer device 1 shown in FIG. 1 in that it transfers residue from two storage tanks 3. In the following description, components with the same names and functions as those described above will be described with "second" added before the component name and an "X" added after the reference number. The transfer device 1 of the second embodiment includes a second transferred material inlet pipe 5X, one end of which is connected to the second storage tank 3X and the other end of which is connected to the second residue inlet portion 411X of the transfer pipe 4. A second transferred material inlet valve 51X is provided in the second transferred material inlet pipe 5X.

[0065] In the transfer method of the transfer device 1 of the second embodiment, when transferring screened residue from the storage tank 3, the transfer operation shown in Fig. 2 is performed with the second transferred material inlet valve 51X closed. When transferring screened residue from the second storage tank 3X, the transfer operation shown in Fig. 2 is performed with the transferred material inlet valve 51 closed. In the latter case, in step S5, the second transferred material inlet valve 51X is opened instead of the transferred material inlet valve 51, and in step S6, the second transferred material inlet valve 51X is closed instead of the transferred material inlet valve 51. However, the transferred material inlet valve 51 and the second transferred material inlet valve 51X may be opened and closed synchronously to simultaneously draw the screened residue stored in the storage tank 3 and the second storage tank 3X into the transfer pipe 4 and transfer them simultaneously. In addition, in step S5, one of the transfer object inlet valve 51 and the second transfer object inlet valve 51X may be opened, and then the other may be opened, thereby sequentially drawing the screened residue stored in the storage tank 3 and the screened residue stored in the second storage tank 3X into the transfer pipe 4.

[0066] The transfer device 1 and the transfer method of the transfer device 1 of the second embodiment have the same effect as the transfer device 1 of the previous embodiment, and also have the effect of being able to transfer screen residue to multiple storage tanks 3 with one transfer device 1. Note that by providing three or more storage tanks 3 and transfer target inlet pipes 5 connecting each storage tank 3 to the transfer pipe 4, one transfer device 1 may be configured to transfer screen residue to three or more storage tanks 3.

[0067] Next, a description will be given of a transfer device 1 according to a third embodiment. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram similar to Figure 1, which shows the transfer device 1 according to the third embodiment.

[0068] The transfer device 1 shown in Figure 11 differs from the transfer device 1 shown in Figure 1 in that it includes a second pump 2X, a second storage tank 3X, a second object inlet pipe 5X, a second drain pipe 6X, a second connecting portion 41X, a second upward extending portion 42X, a second pump valve 46X, a preparation valve 401, a first upper valve 402, and a second upper valve 403. It also differs from the transfer device 1 shown in Figure 1 in that the horizontal portion 43 is relatively long. The second pump 2X corresponds to an example of a delivery means, and the second pump valve 46X corresponds to an example of a delivery valve.

[0069] The second object inlet pipe 5X is provided with a second object inlet valve 51X, and the second drain pipe 6X is provided with a second drain valve 61X.

[0070] As with the transfer device 1 of the previous embodiment, the upstream end 431 of the horizontal section 43 is connected to the branch transfer section 45 and the upward extension section 42. In addition, the downstream end of the second upward extension section 42X is connected to a second connection site 432 between the upstream end 431 of the horizontal section 43 and the upper valve 47.

[0071] The preparatory valve 401 is provided between the upstream end 431 of the horizontal portion 43 and the second connection portion 432. This preparatory valve 401 is an automatic valve that prevents the passage of gas and liquid when closed, but it may also be a manual valve.

[0072] The first upper valve 402 is provided downstream of the upward extension portion 42, near the upstream end 431 which is the connection portion between the upward extension portion 42 and the horizontal portion 43. The first upper valve 402 is an automatic valve that prevents the passage of gas and liquid when closed, but it may also be a manual valve.

[0073] The second upper valve 403 is provided downstream of the second upward extension portion 42X and near a second connection portion 432, which is a connection portion between the second upward extension portion 42X and the horizontal portion 43. The second upper valve 403 is an automatic valve that prevents the passage of gas and liquid when closed, but may also be a manual valve.

[0074] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the transfer operation of the transfer device 1 shown in Fig. 11. The flowchart shown in Fig. 12 shows an example in which the screened residue stored in the storage tank 3 is transferred and then the screened residue stored in the second storage tank 3X is continuously transferred. Note that the screened residue stored in the storage tank 3 can also be continuously transferred after the screened residue stored in the second storage tank 3X is transferred.

[0075] 12, in the initial operation, the transfer switching valve 49, the transferred material inlet valve 51, the drain valve 61, and the second upper valve 403 are closed, and the upper valve 47, the lower valve 48, the preparation valve 401, and the first upper valve 402 are opened (step S11). At this time, the pump 2 and the second pump 2X are stopped.

[0076] Once the initial operation is complete, the pump 2 is driven and the pump valve 46 is opened to pump out the wastewater from the pump 2 (step S12). This step S12 corresponds to an example of a liquid filling process. Step S12 fills the transfer pipe 4 from the pump 2 to the discharge port 4A at the downstream end of the downward extension 44 with wastewater. The wastewater is then discharged from the discharge port 4A. Note that in this step S12, the second upper valve 403 is closed, so no wastewater flows into the second upward extension 42X.

[0077] After step S12 is completed, the pump valve 46, the upper valve 47, and the lower valve 48 are closed to stop the operation of the pump 2. Next, the drain valve 61 is opened (step S13). This step S13 corresponds to an example of a draining process. By step S13, the wastewater in the transfer pipe 4 from the pump valve 46 to the upper valve 47 is discharged from the drain port 6A. The wastewater is retained in the transfer pipe 4 from the upper valve 47 to the lower valve 48.

[0078] After step S13 is completed, the drain valve 61 is closed (step S14). This step S14 corresponds to an example of a drain valve closing step. By step S14, the inside of the transfer pipe 4 from the pump valve 46 to the upper valve 47 becomes a closed space closed by the valve.

[0079] After step S14 is completed, the upper valve 47, the lower valve 48, and the material to be transferred inlet valve 51 are opened (step S15). This step S15 corresponds to an example of a drawing process. Step S15 causes the wastewater that was between the upper valve 47 and the lower valve 48 in the transfer pipe 4 to descend due to the water falling force caused by its own weight, and some of the wastewater is released from the discharge port 4A. This descent of the wastewater generates a drawing force from the material to be transferred inlet pipe 5 toward the inside of the transfer pipe 4, and combined with the air pressure and the weight of the screened residue stored in the storage tank 3, the screened residue is drawn into the connecting portion 41 and the upward extension portion 42.

[0080] After step S15 is completed, the preparation valve 401 is closed (step S16). After step S16 is completed, the second-side transfer preparation is started (step S17). The second-side transfer preparation will be described later.

[0081] Furthermore, after step S16 is completed, the transferred material inlet valve 51 is closed, the pump 2 is driven, and then the pump valve 46 and the transfer switching valve 49 are opened (step S18). This step S18 corresponds to an example of a transfer step. The transfer switching valve 49 may be opened before the pump 2 is driven. The screened residue that was in the connecting portion 41 and the upward extending portion 42 is transferred by the wastewater sent out from the pump 2 in step S18 and discharged from the discharge port 4B into the solid-liquid separation tank 91. After the screened residue that was in the connecting portion 41 and the upward extending portion 42 has been discharged, the operation of the pump 2 is immediately stopped.

[0082] After starting step S18, the control device determines at predetermined time intervals whether the transfer of the screen residue has been completed and the operation of pump 2 has stopped (step S19). Then, when the transfer is completed and the operation of pump 2 has stopped (YES in step S19), the control device determines whether the above-mentioned second-side transfer preparation has been completed (step S20).

[0083] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the second-side transfer preparation operation shown in FIG.

[0084] The second-side transfer preparation is a process executed in parallel with steps S18 to S20 shown in Fig. 12. As shown in Fig. 13, in the second-side transfer preparation, first, as an initial preparation operation, the second transferred object inlet valve 51X and the second drain valve 61X are closed, and the second upper valve 403 is opened (step S171). Note that the upper valve 47 and the lower valve 48 were opened in step S15 (see Fig. 12) and maintained in the open state, and the preparation valve 401 was closed in step S16 (see Fig. 12) and maintained in the closed state.

[0085] After the initial preparation operation is completed, the second pump 2X is driven and the second pump valve 46X is opened to discharge wastewater from the second pump 2X (step S172). This step S172 corresponds to an example of a liquid filling step. Step S172 fills the transfer pipe 4 from the second pump 2X to the discharge port 4A at the downstream end of the downward extension section 44 with wastewater. The wastewater is then discharged from the discharge port 4A. Note that in step S172, since the preparation valve 401 is closed, wastewater does not flow into the upward extension section 42 or the branch transfer section 45. Note that, although this step is performed after it is determined in step S19 that the transfer is complete, the operation of each valve may be changed so that in step S172, pump 2 is driven instead of second pump 2X to discharge wastewater from pump 2 and send the wastewater into the horizontal section 43 and the downward extension section 44.

[0086] After step S172 is completed, the second pump valve 46X, the upper valve 47, and the lower valve 48 are closed to stop driving the pump 2. Next, the second drain valve 61X is opened (step S173). This step S173 corresponds to an example of a draining process. By step S173, the wastewater in the transfer pipe 4 from the second pump valve 46X to the upper valve 47 is discharged from the second drain port 6AX. The wastewater is retained in the transfer pipe 4 from the upper valve 47 to the lower valve 48.

[0087] After step S173 is completed, the second drain valve 61X is closed (step S174). This step S174 corresponds to an example of a drain valve closing step. By step S174, the inside of the transfer pipe 4 from the second pump valve 46X to the upper valve 47 becomes a closed space closed by the valve.

[0088] After step S174 is completed, the upper valve 47, the lower valve 48, and the second transferred material inlet valve 51X are opened (step S175). This step S175 corresponds to an example of a drawing process. Step S175 causes the wastewater that was between the upper valve 47 and the lower valve 48 in the transfer pipe 4 to fall due to the water falling force caused by its own weight, generating a drawing force from the second transferred material inlet pipe 5X toward the transfer pipe 4. This, combined with the air pressure and the weight of the screened residue stored in the second storage tank 3X, draws the screened residue into the transfer pipe 4. This completes the second-side transfer preparation.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 12, once preparation for second-side transfer is complete (YES in step S20), the upper valve 47, the second transfer object inlet valve 51X, and the first upper valve 402 are closed, the second pump 2X is driven, and then the second pump valve 46X and the preparatory valve 401 are opened (step S21). The transfer switching valve 49 was opened in step S18 and remains open. This step S21 corresponds to an example of a transfer process. The preparatory valve 401 may be opened before the second pump 2X is driven. The screened residue in the second connecting portion 41X and the second upward extending portion 42X is transferred by the wastewater delivered from the second pump 2X in step S21 and discharged from the discharge port 4B into the solid-liquid separation tank 91. After the screened residue in the second connecting portion 41X and the second upward extending portion 42X is discharged, the second pump 2X is immediately stopped. This completes the transfer operation of the transfer device 1 of the third embodiment.

[0090] Furthermore, if a large amount of residue remains in the storage tank 3 and the second storage tank 3X even after the transfer operation has been performed, the transfer operation described above is counted as one cycle, and multiple cycles of the transfer operation are performed until the residue remaining in the storage tank 3 and the second storage tank 3X is reduced to less than a predetermined amount.

[0091] Alternatively, the screened residue stored in the storage tank 3 and the screened residue stored in the second storage tank 3X may be transferred separately. When only the screened residue stored in the storage tank 3 is transferred, steps S11 to S16 and S18 may be executed. When only the screened residue stored in the second storage tank 3X is transferred, step S16, steps S171 to S175, and step S21 may be executed. Note that if the upper valve 47 and the lower valve 48 are closed at the start of step S171, the upper valve 47 and the lower valve 48 are also opened in step S171. Furthermore, if the transfer switching valve 49 is closed at the start of step S21, the transfer switching valve 49 is also opened in step S21.

[0092] Furthermore, the second pump 2X may be omitted, and the connecting part 41 and the second connecting part 41X may be connected to the pump 2. In this case, branch pipes may be attached immediately downstream of the pump 2, with the downstream end of one branch pipe connected to the connecting part 41 and the downstream end of the other branch pipe connected to the second connecting part 41X. Valves for switching the destination of the wastewater pumped by the pump 2 may be provided between the branched part and the connecting part 41 and between the branched part and the second connecting part 41X.

[0093] The transfer device 1 and transfer method of the transfer device 1 of this third embodiment not only have the same effects as the transfer device 1 of the previous embodiment, but also have the effect of allowing a single transfer device 1 to transfer screen residue to multiple storage tanks 3. Furthermore, since the horizontal section 43, downward extension section 44, branch transfer section 45, upper valve 47, lower valve 48, and transfer switching valve 49 are commonly used for the storage tank 3 and the second storage tank 3X, the transfer device 1 can be constructed more inexpensively than if a separate transfer device 1 were provided for each storage tank 3. Furthermore, since second-side transfer preparation is performed in parallel with step S18, the time required for transfer can be shortened. Note that the transfer device 1 can also be used for three or more storage tanks 3 by connecting three or more upward extension sections 42 to the horizontal section 43 and providing upper valves to each of the connected upward extension sections 42.

[0094] Next, a description will be given of a transfer device 1 according to a fourth embodiment. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram similar to Figure 1, which shows the transfer device 1 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0095] The transfer device 1 shown in FIG. 14 differs from the transfer device 1 of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 12 in that the downward extension portion 44, the upper valve 47, the lower valve 48, and the preparation valve 401 are omitted. It also differs from the transfer device 1 of the third embodiment in that the horizontal portion 43 is relatively short. One end of the horizontal portion 43 is connected to the second upward extension portion 42X and terminates at the second connection portion 432, which is the connection portion. In the transfer device 1 of the fourth embodiment, when transferring screened residue stored in the storage tank 3, the second upper valve 403 and the second drainage valve 61X correspond to an example of a liquid retention valve. When transferring screened residue stored in the second storage tank 3X, the first upper valve 402 and the drainage valve 61 correspond to an example of a liquid retention valve.

[0096] FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the operation of transferring the screen residue stored in the storage tank 3, among the transfer operations of the transfer device 1 shown in FIG.

[0097] 15, in the initial operation for transferring the screened residue stored in the storage tank 3, the second pump valve 46X, the transfer switching valve 49, the transferred material inlet valve 51, the second transferred material inlet valve 51X, and the drain valve 61 are closed, and the first upper valve 402, the second upper valve 403, and the second drain valve 61X are opened (step S31). At this time, the pump 2 and the second pump 2X are stopped.

[0098] After the initial operation is completed, the pump 2 is driven and the pump valve 46 is opened to pump out the wastewater from the pump 2 (step S32). This step S32 corresponds to an example of a liquid filling step. In step S32, the inside of the pipe surrounded by the closed valve, including the area from the pump 2 to the second drainage port 6AX, is filled with wastewater. Then, the wastewater is discharged from the second drainage port 6AX.

[0099] After step S32 is completed, the pump valve 46, the second upper valve 403, and the second drain valve 61X are closed to stop the operation of the pump 2. Next, the drain valve 61 is opened (step S33). This step S33 corresponds to an example of a draining process. By step S33, the wastewater that was in the upward extension portion 42, the horizontal portion 43, the connecting portion 41, etc. is discharged from the drain port 6A. The wastewater in the transfer pipe 4, which is surrounded by the second pump valve 46X, the second transferred object inlet valve 51X, the second drain valve 61X, and the second upper valve 403, is maintained.

[0100] After step S33 is completed, the drain valve 61 is closed (step S34). This step S34 corresponds to an example of a drain valve closing step. By step S34, the inside of the transfer pipe 4 from the pump valve 46 to the second upper valve 403 becomes a closed space closed by the valve.

[0101] After step S34 is completed, the second upper valve 403, the second drain valve 61X, and the transferred material inlet valve 51 are opened (step S35). This step S35 corresponds to an example of a drawing process. Step S35 causes the wastewater in the transfer pipe 4 from the second upward extension portion 42X to the second drain valve 61X to descend due to a falling water force caused by its own weight, and a portion of the wastewater is discharged from the second drain port 6AX. This descent of the wastewater generates a drawing force from the transferred material inlet pipe 5 toward the inside of the transfer pipe 4, and combined with the air pressure and the weight of the screened residue stored in the storage tank 3, the screened residue is drawn into the connecting portion 41 and the upward extension portion 42.

[0102] After step S35 is completed, the transfer target inlet valve 51 and the second upper valve 403 are closed, the pump 2 is driven, and then the pump valve 46 and the transfer switching valve 49 are opened (step S36). This step S36 corresponds to an example of a transfer step. The transfer switching valve 49 may be opened before the pump 2 is driven. The screened residue that was in the connecting portion 41 and the upward extending portion 42 is transferred by the wastewater delivered from the pump 2 in step S36 and discharged from the discharge port 4B into the solid-liquid separation tank 91. After the screened residue that was in the connecting portion 41 and the upward extending portion 42 has been discharged, the operation of the pump 2 is immediately stopped. This completes the transfer operation of the screened residue stored in the storage tank 3 of the fourth embodiment.

[0103] If a large amount of residue remains in the storage tank 3 even after the transfer operation has been performed, the transfer operation described above is counted as one cycle, and multiple cycles of the transfer operation are performed until the residue remaining in the storage tank 3 is reduced to less than a predetermined amount.

[0104] Next, an operation for transferring the screen residue stored in the second storage tank 3X according to the fourth embodiment will be described. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation for transferring the screen residue stored in the second storage tank 3X, among the transfer operations of the transfer device 1 shown in Fig. 14.

[0105] 16, in the initial operation for transferring the screen residue stored in the second storage tank 3X, the pump valve 46, the transfer switching valve 49, the transferred material inlet valve 51, the second transferred material inlet valve 51X, and the second drain valve 61X are closed, and the first upper valve 402, the second upper valve 403, and the drain valve 61 are opened (step S41). At this time, the pump 2 and the second pump 2X are stopped.

[0106] After the initial operation is completed, the second pump 2X is driven and the second pump valve 46X is opened to pump out the wastewater from the second pump 2X (step S42). This step S42 corresponds to an example of a liquid filling process. In step S42, the inside of the pipe surrounded by the closed valves, including the area from the second pump 2X to the drain port 6A, is filled with wastewater. Then, the wastewater is discharged from the drain port 6A.

[0107] After step S42 is completed, the second pump valve 46X, the first upper valve 402, and the drain valve 61 are closed to stop the operation of the second pump 2X. Next, the second drain valve 61X is opened (step S43). This step S43 corresponds to an example of a drainage process. By step S43, the wastewater that was in the second upward extension portion 42X, the horizontal portion 43, the second connecting portion 41X, etc. is discharged from the second drain port 6AX. The wastewater in the transfer pipe 4 surrounded by the pump valve 46, the transferred material inlet valve 51, the drain valve 61, and the first upper valve 402 is maintained.

[0108] After step S43 is completed, the second drain valve 61X is closed (step S44). This step S44 corresponds to an example of a drain valve closing step. By step S44, the inside of the transfer pipe 4 from the second pump valve 46X to the first upper valve 402 becomes a closed space closed by the valve.

[0109] After step S44 is completed, the first upper valve 402, the drain valve 61, and the second transferred material inlet valve 51X are opened (step S45). This step S45 corresponds to an example of a drawing process. Step S45 causes the wastewater in the transfer pipe 4 from the upward extension 42 to the drain valve 61 to descend due to a falling force caused by its own weight, and some of the wastewater is released from the drain port 6A. This descent of the wastewater generates a drawing force from the second transferred material inlet pipe 5X toward the inside of the transfer pipe 4, and combined with the air pressure and the weight of the screened residue stored in the second storage tank 3X, the screened residue is drawn into the second connecting portion 41X and the second upward extension 42X.

[0110] After step S45 is completed, the second transfer object inlet valve 51X and the first upper valve 402 are closed, the second pump 2X is driven, and then the second pump valve 46X and the transfer switching valve 49 are opened (step S46). This step S46 corresponds to an example of a transfer step. Note that the transfer switching valve 49 may be opened before the second pump valve 46X is driven. The screened residue in the second connecting portion 41X and the second upward extending portion 42X is transferred by the wastewater delivered from the second pump 2X in step S46 and discharged from the discharge port 4B into the solid-liquid separation tank 91. After the screened residue in the second connecting portion 41X and the second upward extending portion 42X is discharged, the operation of the second pump 2X is immediately stopped. This completes the transfer operation of the screened residue stored in the second storage tank 3X of the fourth embodiment.

[0111] Furthermore, if a large amount of residue remains in the second storage tank 3X even after the transfer operation has been performed, the transfer operation described above is counted as one cycle, and multiple cycles of the transfer operation are performed until the residue remaining in the second storage tank 3X is reduced to less than a predetermined amount.

[0112] According to the transfer device 1 and the transfer method of the transfer device 1 of this fourth embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the third embodiment, the downward extension portion 44, the upper valve 47, the lower valve 48 and the preparation valve 401 are omitted, thereby achieving the effect that the transfer device 1 can be constructed more inexpensively than in the third embodiment.

[0113] Next, a modified example of the fourth embodiment will be described. In this modified example of the fourth embodiment, the configuration of the transfer device 1 is the same as that of the fourth embodiment shown in Fig. 14, and only the transfer operation of the transfer device 1 differs from that of the third embodiment.

[0114] Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing the transfer operation in a modified example of the fourth embodiment. The flowchart shown in Fig. 17 illustrates an example in which the screened residue stored in the storage tank 3 is transferred and then the screened residue stored in the second storage tank 3X is continuously transferred. Note that by interchanging the operation of the valve and pump 2 on the storage tank 3 side with the operation of the valve and second pump 2X on the second storage tank 3X side, it is also possible to transfer the screened residue stored in the storage tank 3 continuously after transferring the screened residue stored in the second storage tank 3X. In Fig. 17, the same operations as those in the fourth embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals as those in the fourth embodiment, and operations different from those in the fourth embodiment will mainly be described.

[0115] As shown in Figure 17, this modified example of the fourth embodiment differs from the transfer operation of the fourth embodiment in that steps S41 (see Figure 16) and S42 (see Figure 16) are omitted, step S361 is executed instead of step S36 (see Figure 15), step S431 is executed instead of step S43 (see Figure 16), and step S441 is executed instead of step S44 (see Figure 16).

[0116] After steps S31 to S35 are completed, the transferred material inlet valve 51 and the second upper valve 403 are closed, the pump 2 is driven, and then the pump valve 46 and the transfer switching valve 49 are opened (step S361). This step S361 corresponds to an example of a transfer step and a liquid filling step. The transfer switching valve 49 may be opened before the pump 2 is driven. The screened residue that was in the connecting portion 41 and the upward extending portion 42 is transferred by the wastewater delivered from the pump 2 in step S361 and discharged from the discharge port 4B into the solid-liquid separation tank 91. After the screened residue that was in the connecting portion 41 and the upward extending portion 42 has been discharged, the pump valve 46 is closed and the operation of the pump 2 is stopped.

[0117] After step S361 is completed, the first upper valve 402 is closed, and then the second drain valve 61X is opened (step S431). This step S431 corresponds to an example of a drainage process. In step S431, if there is wastewater in the second upward extension portion 42X, the horizontal portion 43, the second connecting portion 41X, etc., the wastewater is discharged from the second drain port 6AX. Note that if it is known that there is no wastewater in the second upward extension portion 42X, the horizontal portion 43, the second connecting portion 41X, etc., step S431 may be omitted. The wastewater in the transfer pipe 4, which is surrounded by the pump valve 46, the transferred material inlet valve 51, the drain valve 61, and the first upper valve 402, is maintained.

[0118] After step S431 is completed, the second drain valve 61X and the transfer switching valve 49 are closed (step S441). This step S441 corresponds to an example of a drain valve closing step. By step S441, the inside of the transfer pipe 4 from the second pump valve 46X to the first upper valve 402 becomes a closed space closed by the valve.

[0119] According to the transfer device 1 and the transfer method of the transfer device 1 of this modified example of the fourth embodiment, in addition to the same effects as when the transfer operation shown in Figures 15 and 16 is performed in the fourth embodiment, steps S41 and S42 are not necessary, so the work time can be shortened, and since there is no need to drive the second pump 2X in step S42, the power consumption of the transfer device 1 can be reduced.

[0120] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. For example, in this embodiment, after the transfer pipe 4 is filled with wastewater, a portion of the wastewater is discharged from the drain port. The falling force of the wastewater then generates negative pressure in the transfer pipe 4, drawing the screened residue stored in the storage tank 3 into the transfer pipe 4. However, the wastewater discharge may be omitted, and instead, a siphon-like force may be generated from the material inlet pipe 5 toward the transfer pipe 4, drawing the screened residue stored in the storage tank 3 into the transfer pipe 4. Furthermore, one of the upper valve 47 and the lower valve 48 may be omitted. If the lower valve 48 is omitted, it is preferable to position the discharge port 4A underwater below the water level of the wastewater stored in a facility such as a grit basin to which the wastewater is discharged. This prevents the wastewater from the upper valve 47 to the discharge port 4A from being discharged through the discharge port 4A while the upper valve 47 is closed, even without the lower valve 48. The transfer device 1 may be located entirely above ground or entirely underground. Also, the drain pipe 6 and the drain valve 61 may be omitted. If the drain pipe 6 and the drain valve 61 are omitted, in step S3, the wastewater in the transfer pipe 4 is discharged through the pump 2 without closing the pump valve 46, and in step S4, the pump valve 46 is closed.

[0121] Note that even if a component is included only in the description of each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, that component may be applied to other embodiments or other modifications.

[0122] The above-described transfer method of the transfer device 1 is as follows: a transfer method for a transfer device comprising: a pump for delivering a liquid; a transfer pipe connected to the pump through which the liquid delivered from the pump flows, the transfer pipe having an upward extending portion and a downward extending portion located downstream of the upper extending portion in the liquid flow and extending downward; a storage tank for storing screened residue; a transfer object inlet pipe having one end connected to the storage tank and the other end connected to a screened residue inlet portion of the transfer pipe between the pump and the upper extending portion; a drain pipe having one end connected to a drain portion of the transfer pipe between the screened residue inlet portion and the upper extending portion and having a drain port at its other end; a pump valve provided between the pump and the screened residue inlet portion; a transfer object inlet valve provided in the transfer object inlet pipe; a drain valve provided in the drain pipe; a lower valve provided below the downward extending portion; and an upper valve provided above the lower valve and downstream of the drainage portion, a liquid filling step of pumping liquid from the pump to fill the transfer pipe with liquid; a draining step, which is carried out after the liquid filling step, of closing the upper valve, the lower valve, and the pump valve and opening the drain valve to drain the liquid present in the transfer pipe between the pump valve and the upper valve through the drain pipe; a drainage valve closing step that is executed after the drainage step and closes the drainage valve; a drawing step, which is carried out following the drainage valve closing step, in which the transfer material inlet valve, the upper valve, and the lower valve are opened to create a negative pressure in the transfer pipe, thereby drawing the residue stored in the storage tank into the transfer pipe through the transfer material inlet pipe; The method may also be characterized by having a transfer process that is carried out following the drawing process, in which the object to be transferred that has been drawn into the transfer pipe is transferred by closing the object to be transferred inlet valve and pumping liquid from the pump. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1 Transfer device 2. Pump (delivery means) 3. Reservoir 4 Transfer pipe 5 Transferred material inflow pipe 42 Upper extension part 44 Downward extension 47 Upper valve (liquid retention valve) 48 Downward valve (liquid retention valve) 51 Transferred material inlet valve 411 Sediment inflow site (specified site)

Claims

1. a delivery means for delivering a liquid; a transfer pipe connected to the delivery means, through which the liquid delivered from the delivery means flows, the transfer pipe having an upward extension portion extending upward and a downward extension portion disposed downstream of the upward extension portion in the flow of the liquid and extending downward; a storage tank for storing the object to be transferred; an inlet pipe for a transferred object, one end of which is connected to the storage tank and the other end of which is connected to a predetermined portion of the transfer pipe between the delivery means and the upward extension; a transfer object inlet valve provided in the transfer object inlet pipe; a liquid retention valve provided upstream of the downstream end of the downward extension portion, the transfer pipe is configured such that the material to be transferred is drawn from the storage tank through the material to be transferred inlet pipe by a drawing force from the material to be transferred inlet pipe toward the transfer pipe when the material to be transferred inlet valve and the liquid holding valve are opened, A transfer device characterized in that the discharge means transfers the object to be transferred that has been drawn into the transfer pipe downstream within the transfer pipe by discharging a fluid with the object to be transferred inlet valve closed.

2. 2. The transfer device of claim 1, wherein said lower extension has a larger inner diameter than said upper extension.

3. 3. The transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the downward extension portion extends below the lower end of the upper extension portion.

4. a transfer method for a transfer device comprising: a delivery means for delivering a liquid; a transfer pipe connected to the delivery means through which the liquid delivered from the delivery means flows, the transfer pipe having an upward extending portion and a downward extending portion disposed downstream of the upper extending portion in the liquid flow and extending downward; a storage tank for storing a material to be transferred; a material inlet pipe having one end connected to the storage tank and the other end connected to a predetermined portion of the transfer pipe between the delivery means and the upper extending portion; a material inlet valve provided in the material inlet pipe; and a liquid retention valve provided upstream of the downstream end of the downward extending portion, a drawing step in which the material to be transferred stored in the storage tank is drawn into the transfer pipe through the material to be transferred inlet pipe by opening the material to be transferred inlet valve and the liquid holding valve to generate a drawing force from the material to be transferred inlet pipe toward the transfer pipe; A transfer method for a transfer device, characterized by comprising a transfer step of transferring the object to be transferred that was drawn into the transfer pipe in the drawing step by closing the object to be transferred inlet valve and drawing out liquid from the delivery means.

Images