Organic waste treatment device

Abstract

To provide a highly reliable organic waste treatment device capable of obtaining a treated material with high safety and suppressing odor generated from the device.SOLUTION: An organic waste treatment device 100 comprises: a treatment tank 10; an air supply device 20 that sends air into the treatment tank through an air supply passage 22; a crusher 30 that crushes organic waste; an exhaust device 40 that exhausts air in the treatment tank; a heater 50 that heats the organic waste to perform heating sterilization and moisture content adjustment of the organic waste; and an active oxygen generation device 60. An input port 16a for organic waste, an air supply port 16b for taking in air supplied from the air supply device, and an exhaust port 16c through which air exhausted by the exhaust device passes are formed in the treatment tank 10. Active oxygen is supplied to air before being heated by the heater when air heated by the heater in the air supply passage is supplied to the air supply port, and is supplied to air flowing through the air supply passage when the heater heats air in the treatment tank.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an organic waste treatment apparatus for treating organic waste and obtaining a treated product that can be used as fuel or the like. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, an organic waste treatment apparatus is known that treats organic waste and obtains a treated product that can be used as fuel or the like, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2006-007111).

[0003] Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2006-007111) discloses an organic waste treatment device that has good heat conversion efficiency and can be made compact. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-007111 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In organic waste treatment, depending on the organic waste being handled, there is a risk that the organic waste may be contaminated with bacteria or viruses, or that the organic waste may emit an odor.

[0006] In the organic waste treatment device of Patent Document 1 (JP 2006-007111 A), the organic waste is sterilized by heating, and the odor generated by the organic waste can be treated with a deodorizer, but there is room for further improvement from the perspective of producing a highly safe treated product and suppressing the odor emitted from the organic waste treatment device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The organic waste treatment apparatus of the present invention comprises a treatment tank, an air supply device, a crusher, an exhaust device, a heater, and an active oxygen generator. The treatment tank holds organic waste. The air supply device sends air into the treatment tank through an air supply flow path. The crusher crushes the organic waste held in the treatment tank. The exhaust device exhausts the air in the treatment tank through an exhaust flow path. The heater heats the organic waste in the treatment tank to adjust the moisture content of the organic waste and to thermally sterilize the organic waste. The active oxygen generator generates active oxygen. The treatment tank is formed with an inlet, an air supply port, and an exhaust port. Organic waste is introduced into the treatment tank through the inlet. Air sent by the air supply device from the air supply flow path is taken in through the air supply port. The exhaust port is connected to the exhaust flow path and allows air exhausted by the exhaust device to pass through. When air heated by the heater in the air supply flow path is supplied to the air supply port, the active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generator is supplied to the air before it is heated by the heater. When the heater heats the air in the treatment tank, the active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generator is supplied to the air flowing through the air supply passage. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The organic waste treatment device of the present invention produces highly safe treated products due to the bactericidal effect of active oxygen, and is highly reliable because the active oxygen can suppress odors emitted from the organic waste treatment device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an organic waste treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (1) Overall overview An organic waste treatment apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0012] The organic waste treatment device 100 is used to treat organic waste. For example, the organic waste treatment device 100 is used to treat general waste such as food waste and used paper diapers, as well as industrial waste generated from food factories, supermarkets, etc. Note that, for example, in cases where the treated material from the organic waste treatment device 100 is used as fuel, the organic waste may contain plastics and the like.

[0013] The organic waste treatment device 100 will now be outlined.

[0014] The organic waste treatment device 100 has a treatment tank 10 into which organic waste is introduced. Within the treatment tank 10, the organic waste is crushed to an appropriate size by a crusher 30. Furthermore, heated air is blown into the treatment tank 10 by a heater 50. Alternatively, the air blown into the treatment tank 10 may be heated by the heater 50. The organic waste being agitated by the crusher 30 is exposed to the heated air, thereby adjusting the moisture content of the organic waste (drying it) and heat-sterilizing it. The organic waste whose moisture content has been adjusted and heat-sterilized within the treatment tank 10 is preferably processed into pellets by a pelletizer 90. The pelletized treated product is used as fuel. The organic waste treated by the organic waste treatment device 100 may also be used as compost.

[0015] The organic waste treatment device 100 of this embodiment is a batch-type device. In the organic waste treatment device 100, a predetermined amount of organic waste is charged into the treatment tank 10, and after treatment, the treated material (treated organic waste) is removed from the treatment tank 10. This treated material is then processed into pellets using, for example, a pelletizer 90.

[0016] The organic waste treatment apparatus 100 of the present invention includes an active oxygen generator 60, and the active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generator 60 is blown into the treatment tank 10. As disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-16290, active oxygen has deodorizing and sterilizing effects. Active oxygen is also known to have the ability to decompose organic matter.

[0017] Therefore, in the organic waste treatment device 100, the active oxygen can promote sterilization of the organic waste in the treatment tank 10. Also, in the organic waste treatment device 100, the active oxygen can decompose the organic waste in the treatment tank 10 (for example, by destroying the cell membranes of the organic matter), thereby shortening the drying time. Furthermore, in the organic waste treatment device 100, the active oxygen can reduce the bad odor generated in the treatment tank 10.

[0018] (2) Details As shown in FIG. 1, the organic waste treatment device 100 mainly comprises a treatment tank 10, an air supply device 20, a crusher 30, an exhaust device 40, a deodorizer 45, a heater 50, an active oxygen generator 60, an airflow generator 70, a heat recovery heat exchanger 80, and a pelletizer 90.

[0019] The treatment tank 10 is a container that holds the organic waste to be treated by the organic waste treatment device 100. Inside the treatment tank 10, the organic waste is subjected to treatments such as crushing, sterilization, and moisture content adjustment (drying).

[0020] The treatment tank 10 is, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped container, but may also be a cylindrical container, or a container with a rectangular parallelepiped upper portion and a semi-cylindrical lower portion.

[0021] The treatment tank 10 is a container with a predetermined longitudinal direction, and extends from a first end 12 to a second end 14 along the longitudinal direction (see FIG. 1).

[0022] The treatment tank 10 is formed with an inlet 16a, an air inlet 16b, and an exhaust outlet 16c (see FIG. 1). The numbers of the inlets 16a, the air inlet 16b, and the exhaust outlet 16c are not limited to those shown in FIG. 1, and may be determined appropriately.

[0023] An inlet 16a for introducing organic waste into the treatment tank 10 is formed on the first end 12 side of the treatment tank 10 at the top of the treatment tank 10. An unillustrated lid member is provided on the inlet 16a, and the inlet is closed by the lid member except when organic waste is being introduced.

[0024] Furthermore, an air intake port 16b for taking air into the treatment tank 10 is provided on the first end 12 side of the treatment tank 10, at the top of the treatment tank 10. A nozzle or a wind direction adjustment device may be provided in the air intake port 16b (not shown). An air intake flow path 22 is connected to the air intake port 16b, and the air intake port 16b is in communication with the air intake flow path 22. An air intake device 20 is connected to the air intake flow path 22, and takes in outside air (air outside the treatment tank 10) and sends the air to the air intake port 16b. The air intake device 20 is, for example, a fan or a blower.

[0025] In this embodiment, a heater 50 is provided in the air supply passage 22. The heater 50 is a device that heats the organic waste in the treatment tank 10 to adjust the moisture content of the organic waste and also thermally sterilize the organic waste. Specifically, the heater 50 heats the air that flows into the treatment tank 10 through the air supply passage 22, thereby heating the organic waste in the treatment tank 10, adjusting the moisture content of the organic waste, and thermally sterilizing the organic waste.

[0026] The heater 50 is, for example, an electric heater. The heater 50 may be, for example, a device that uses heat obtained by burning fuel such as diesel oil or gas to heat the air flowing through the air intake passage 22 in a heat exchanger (not shown) provided in the air intake passage 22. Alternatively, the heater 50 may be, for example, a device that directly supplies combustion gas generated when burning fuel such as diesel oil or gas to the air intake passage 22.

[0027] As another example, the heater 50 may be provided inside the treatment tank 10, as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 1, instead of in the air supply passage 22. When the heater 50 is provided in this position, the heater 50 heats the air inside the treatment tank 10, thereby heating the organic waste inside the treatment tank 10, adjusting the moisture content of the organic waste and thermally sterilizing the organic waste.

[0028] The heater 50 heats the air to sterilize and adjust the moisture content (dry) of the organic waste, for example, to 80°C, at which point the organic waste is heated to kill common bacteria. For example, the air is heated to about 150°C. However, these values ​​are merely examples, and the temperature to which the air is heated by the heater 50 can be determined as appropriate.

[0029] Preferably, a heat recovery heat exchanger 80 is provided in the intake air passage 22. The heat recovery heat exchanger 80 is disposed across the intake air passage 22 and the exhaust air passage 42, and is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the air flowing through the exhaust air passage 42 and the air flowing through the intake air passage 22, thereby heating (recovering heat from) the air flowing through the exhaust air passage 42. When a heater 50 is disposed in the intake air passage 22 (when the heater 50 is disposed at the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 1 ), the heat recovery heat exchanger 80 is disposed upstream of the heater 50 in the air flow direction of the intake air passage 22. The heat recovery heat exchanger 80 can be, for example, any of various known heat exchangers, such as a total heat exchanger or a plate-type heat exchanger.

[0030] The air supply passage 22 is supplied with active oxygen generated by an active oxygen generator 60 .

[0031] The active oxygen generator 60 includes a main body 62 that generates active oxygen, and a blower 64 that sends the active oxygen generated by the main body 62 to the air intake passage 22. The main body 62 that generates active oxygen may use, for example, an active oxygen generation technology such as that disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-16290 or that disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-273433.

[0032] The active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generator 60 is supplied to the air before heating in order to effectively utilize the active oxygen.

[0033] When air heated by the heater 50 in the air intake flow path 22 is supplied to the air intake port 16b, the active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generator 60 is supplied to the air before it is heated by the heater 50 (see FIG. 1). Also, when the heater 50 heats the air in the treatment tank 10 (the air after it has flowed into the treatment tank 10) (rather than heating the air in the air intake flow path 22) (when the heater 50 is placed at the position indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 1), the active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generator 60 may be supplied to the air intake flow path 22.

[0034] Furthermore, when a heat recovery heat exchanger 80 is provided in the intake air flow path 22, it is preferable that the active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generator 60 is supplied to the intake air flow path 22 upstream of the position where the air flowing through the intake air flow path 22 is heated in the heat recovery heat exchanger 80 (see Figure 1).

[0035] The air taken into the treatment tank 10 through the air inlet 16b (more specifically, air containing active oxygen supplied by the active oxygen generator 60) is blown out toward the lower part of the treatment tank 10 (the area where organic waste is present). Note that the expression "air inlet 16b blows air toward the lower part of the treatment tank 10" is not limited to the case where the air inlet 16b blows air directly downward, but also includes the case where the air inlet 16b blows air downward (diagonally downward). Furthermore, it is not necessary for all the air inlets 16b to blow air toward the lower part of the treatment tank 10; some of the air inlets 16b may blow air in a generally horizontal direction.

[0036] An exhaust port 16c for discharging air from within the treatment tank 10 is provided at the second end 14 of the treatment tank 10, at the top of the treatment tank 10. An exhaust flow path 42 is connected to the exhaust port 16c and is in communication with the exhaust flow path 42. An exhaust device 40 is connected to the exhaust flow path 42, and the exhaust device 40 discharges air sent from the exhaust port 16c through the exhaust flow path 42 to the outside. The exhaust device 40 is, for example, a fan or a blower. In order to prevent dust and the like from being sucked into the exhaust flow path 42, it is preferable that a dust collection unit 44 having a dust collection filter (not shown) therein is provided in the exhaust port 16c or the exhaust flow path 42.

[0037] A crusher 30 is provided at the bottom of the treatment tank 10 to crush the organic waste held in the treatment tank 10. The crusher 30 has the function of crushing the organic waste and agitating the organic waste.

[0038] The crusher 30 includes a rotating shaft 32 that extends along the longitudinal direction of the treatment tank 10 and has blades or paddles attached to its outer surface, and a drive unit 34 such as a motor that rotates the rotating shaft 32. The organic waste is crushed and agitated by rotating the rotating shaft 32 with the drive unit 34. Although not shown, the treatment tank 10 may be provided with a blade (fixed blade) that corresponds to the blade (movable blade) attached to the rotating shaft 32, and the organic waste may be crushed between the movable blade and the fixed blade.

[0039] Although the crusher 30 is a single-shaft device in the above embodiment, the crusher may be a multi-shaft device having multiple rotating shafts extending parallel to each other and installed along the longitudinal direction of the treatment tank 10. The organic waste may be crushed between movable blades installed on adjacent rotating shafts.

[0040] In the organic waste treatment apparatus 100, the organic waste is crushed and agitated by the crusher 30, and during this process, the organic waste is exposed to heated air, which adjusts the moisture content of the organic waste and heat-sterilizes the organic waste. As described above, air containing active oxygen is supplied to the treatment tank 10 from the air inlet 16b, and the organic waste is also sterilized by the active oxygen. As described above, the supply of air containing active oxygen to the treatment tank 10 causes the organic waste to be partially decomposed by the active oxygen, which promotes the removal of moisture from the organic waste.

[0041] The organic waste treatment apparatus 100 preferably includes an airflow generating unit 70 that generates an airflow within the treatment tank 10. The airflow generating unit 70 is, for example, a fan or a blower. The airflow generating unit 70 may be disposed outside the treatment tank 10 as shown in FIG. 1, or may be disposed inside the treatment tank 10.

[0042] The airflow generating unit 70 preferably draws in air (high-temperature air) inside the treatment tank 10 and blows this air into the treatment tank 10. The airflow generating unit 70 may also draw in outside air and blow it out into the treatment tank 10, but in this case the temperature of the air inside the treatment tank 10 will drop, so it is preferable that the airflow generating unit 70 draws in air inside the treatment tank 10 and blows this air out into the treatment tank 10.

[0043] The airflow generating unit 70 is a blower that blows air along the longitudinal direction of the treatment tank 10, from the first end 12 of the treatment tank 10 toward the second end 14 of the treatment tank 10. For example, the airflow generating unit 70 is a blower that blows air along the longitudinal direction of the treatment tank 10 and slightly downward (so that the air is directed toward the organic waste). The airflow generating unit 70 blows air containing active oxygen (air containing active oxygen present in the treatment tank 10) toward the organic waste, at least when the organic waste is being agitated by the crusher. In particular, when air containing active oxygen is supplied while the organic waste is being agitated, the organic waste is more likely to come into contact with the active oxygen evenly, which facilitates sterilization and decomposition of the organic waste.

[0044] Here, we have explained an example in which a blower is provided as the airflow generating unit 70 separately from the air intake device 20, but the air intake device 20 may also be configured to function as the airflow generating unit 70 by arranging a portion of the air intake port 16b in an appropriate position so that air is blown out in the same direction as the airflow generating unit 70 described here.

[0045] Blowing air into the treatment tank 10 using the air supply device 20 can potentially create a positive pressure inside the treatment tank 10. However, the organic waste treatment device 100 has an exhaust device 40, which can create a negative pressure inside the treatment tank 10 by discharging the air inside the treatment tank 10 to the outside via the exhaust port 16c and exhaust flow path 42 (if the exhaust device 40 is appropriately selected). When the pressure inside the treatment tank 10 becomes negative, it is possible to prevent air (bad odors) inside the treatment tank 10 from leaking out through gaps in the opening of the inlet 16a of the treatment tank 10, for example. The exhaust device 40 is a fan or blower that sucks air out of the inside of the treatment tank 10.

[0046] When the exhaust device 40 sucks air out from inside the treatment tank 10, there is a risk that dust and other particles generated when the organic waste is crushed may be sucked out. Therefore, the exhaust port 16c is provided with a dust collection section 44 having a dust collection filter (not shown) inside.

[0047] If the air drawn in by the exhaust device 40 through the exhaust flow path 42 is released directly into the outside air, there is a possibility that bad odors will become a problem. For this reason, a deodorizer 45 is provided in the exhaust flow path 42.

[0048] Devices using various commonly known deodorizing methods can be used as the deodorizer 45. For example, the deodorizer 45 is a device that uses a deodorizing method such as a combustion method, an ozone oxidation method, a catalytic decomposition method, or an adsorption method.

[0049] Furthermore, in order to suppress bad odors, a portion of the active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generator 60 may be supplied to the exhaust flow path 42. The supply position of the active oxygen is not limited, but the active oxygen may be supplied, for example, to the exhaust flow path 42 downstream of the heat recovery heat exchanger 80.

[0050] The organic waste that has been sterilized inside the treatment tank 10 and has had its moisture content adjusted is preferably formed into pellets suitable for use as fuel using a well-known pelletizer 90 that cuts the organic waste into pellets. The pelletizer 90 is a device that, for example, bites the organic waste that has been treated in the treatment tank 10 between a ring die 92 having a large number of holes formed on its outer periphery and a press roll 94 disposed inside the ring die 92, and cuts the material (organic waste) extruded through the holes in the ring die 92 to a predetermined size, thereby forming a pellet-shaped treated material.

[0051] However, if the organic waste that has been crushed inside the treatment tank 10 and has had its moisture content adjusted is already in the desired shape (if no further processing is required), there is no need for treatment with the pelletizer 90. In this case, the organic waste treatment device 100 does not need to have a pelletizer 90.

[0052] (3) Features (3-1) The organic waste treatment apparatus 100 includes a treatment tank 10, an air supply device 20, a crusher 30, an exhaust device 40, a heater 50, and an active oxygen generator 60. The treatment tank 10 holds organic waste. The air supply device 20 sends air into the treatment tank 10 via an air supply path 22. The crusher 30 crushes the organic waste held in the treatment tank 10. The exhaust device 40 exhausts the air inside the treatment tank 10 via an exhaust path 42. The heater 50 heats the organic waste in the treatment tank 10 to adjust the moisture content of the organic waste and to thermally sterilize the organic waste. The active oxygen generator 60 generates active oxygen. The treatment tank 10 is formed with an inlet 16a, an air supply port 16b, and an exhaust port 16c. Organic waste is introduced into the treatment tank 10 through the inlet 16a. The air inlet 16b takes in air sent by the air supply device 20 from the air supply flow path 22. The exhaust port 16c communicates with the exhaust flow path 42, and air exhausted by the exhaust device 40 passes through it. When air heated by the heater 50 in the air supply flow path 22 is supplied to the air inlet 16b, the active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generator 60 is supplied to the air before it is heated by the heater 50. When the heater 50 heats the air in the treatment tank 10, the active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generator 60 is supplied to the air flowing through the air supply flow path 22.

[0053] This organic waste treatment device 100 produces a highly safe treated product due to the sterilizing effect of active oxygen, and the active oxygen can suppress odors emitted from the organic waste treatment device 100, making it highly reliable.

[0054] Furthermore, the organic waste treatment device 100 can destroy the cell membranes of the organic waste with active oxygen, thereby shortening the time it takes to dry the organic waste by heating. In other words, the organic waste treatment device 100 is highly efficient, being able to dry organic waste in a relatively short time.

[0055] (3-2) In the organic waste treatment apparatus 100, the air intake 16b is provided in the upper part of the treatment tank 10. The crusher 30 is provided in the lower part of the treatment tank 10. The air containing active oxygen taken into the treatment tank 10 through the air intake 16b is blown out toward the lower part of the treatment tank 10.

[0056] Here, the upper part of the treatment tank 10 means a part above the center in the height direction of the treatment tank 10. The lower part of the treatment tank 10 means a part below the center in the height direction of the treatment tank 10. The expression that the crusher 30 is provided at the lower part of the treatment tank 10 means that at least a part of the crusher 30 is disposed at the lower part of the treatment tank 10.

[0057] When active oxygen in the air comes into contact with moisture, its functions of deodorization, sterilization, decomposition of organic matter, etc. are reduced. Moisture from organic waste may accumulate in the lower part of the treatment tank 10, and if the air intake 16b is located at the bottom of the treatment tank 10, the air containing active oxygen may suddenly come into contact with moisture, which may reduce its functions of deodorization, sterilization, decomposition of organic matter, etc.

[0058] In contrast, in the organic waste treatment device 100, the air intake 16b is provided at the top of the treatment tank 10, and air containing active oxygen is blown out from the air intake 16b toward the bottom of the treatment tank 10, making it possible to effectively utilize the functions of active oxygen, such as deodorization, sterilization, and organic matter decomposition.

[0059] However, if the possibility that the air containing active oxygen will come into contact with moisture is low, the arrangement of the air inlet 16b and the direction of the air blown out from the air inlet 16b may be changed as appropriate.

[0060] (3-3) The organic waste treatment apparatus 100 preferably includes an airflow generating unit 70 that generates an airflow within the treatment tank 10. The treatment tank 10 extends longitudinally from a first end 12 to a second end 14. An air inlet 16b is provided on the first end 12 side of the treatment tank 10. An exhaust outlet 16c is provided on the second end 14 side of the treatment tank 10. The airflow generating unit 70 blows air from the air inlet 16b toward the exhaust outlet 16c.

[0061] In the organic waste treatment device 100, air containing active oxygen is blown out toward the exhaust port 16c, so that the air discharged from the exhaust port 16c is easily deodorized.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the organic waste treatment device 100 has an airflow generating unit 70 separate from the air intake device 20, but this is not limited to this, and the air intake device 20 may also function as the airflow generating unit 70 (for example, by appropriately designing the position and orientation of some of the air intake ports 16b).

[0063] (3-4) Preferably, the organic waste treatment device 100 includes a deodorizer 45 disposed in the exhaust passage 42 .

[0064] The deodorizer 45 can further reduce the bad odors generated by the organic waste treatment device 100 .

[0065] (3-5) The organic waste treatment device 100 preferably includes a heat recovery heat exchanger 80. The heat recovery heat exchanger 80 exchanges heat between the air flowing through the exhaust passage 42 and the air flowing through the air intake passage 22, and heats the air flowing through the air intake passage 22 with the air flowing through the exhaust passage 42.

[0066] In this case, the active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generator 60 is supplied to the air intake passage 22 upstream of the position where the air flowing through the air intake passage 22 is heated in the heat recovery heat exchanger 80. This is because, in order to effectively utilize the active oxygen, it is preferable that the active oxygen be supplied to the air before it is heated.

[0067] When the heat recovery heat exchanger 80 is provided, heat recovery is performed, so the amount of heat generated by the heater 50 can be reduced, and the amount of energy consumed for heating can be reduced.

[0068] (3-6) The organic waste treatment apparatus 100 is equipped with an airflow generating unit 70 that generates an airflow within the treatment tank 10. In particular, in this embodiment, the airflow generating unit 70 blows air along the longitudinal direction of the treatment tank 10, from the first end 12 of the treatment tank 10 toward the second end 14 of the treatment tank 10, and also blows air slightly downward (toward the organic waste). The airflow generating unit 70 blows air containing active oxygen toward the organic waste at least when the organic waste is being agitated by the crusher 30.

[0069] In the organic waste treatment device 100, high-temperature air containing active oxygen is supplied to the organic waste when the organic exhaust is stirred, so that the active oxygen decomposes the organic waste and allows the organic waste to be dried in a relatively short time.

[0070] Here, the airflow generating unit 70 performs both the role of "blowing air along the longitudinal direction of the treatment tank 10 from the first end 12 side of the treatment tank 10 toward the second end 14 side of the treatment tank 10" and the role of "blowing air containing active oxygen toward the organic waste", but a separate airflow generating unit may be provided for each role.

[0071] (3-7) In the organic waste treatment device 100, the active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generator 60 is preferably supplied to the exhaust passage .

[0072] When configured in this manner, the odors emitted from the exhaust flow path 42 can be reduced by using active oxygen.

[0073] (3-8) The organic waste treatment apparatus 100 preferably includes a pelletizer 90. The pelletizer 90 processes the organic waste, the moisture content of which has been adjusted and which has been heat-sterilized in the treatment tank 10, into pellets.

[0074] With this configuration, the treated material in the treatment tank 10 can be processed into a shape suitable for use as fuel or the like.

[0075] (4) Variations Modifications of the above embodiment are given below. Note that the following modifications may be combined as appropriate with the above embodiment and other modifications as long as they do not contradict each other.

[0076] (4-1) Variation A In the above embodiment, only the treatment for sterilization and drying is carried out on the organic waste, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0077] For example, the organic waste treatment device 100 may first decompose the organic waste using microorganisms in the treatment tank 10 (for example, by not supplying active oxygen to the treatment tank 10 and heating the organic waste only to a temperature suitable for decomposition by microorganisms), and then sterilize the organic waste using heat and active oxygen and adjust the moisture content (dry) as described in the above embodiment.

[0078] (4-2) Variation B In the above embodiment, the organic waste treatment device 100 is a batch type device, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0079] For example, the organic waste treatment device of the present invention may be a continuous device that, when organic waste is (automatically or manually) introduced into the treatment tank 10, processes it, transports it toward an outlet for discharging the treated organic waste, and discharges the treated material from the treatment tank 10 (for example, introduces it into a pelletizer 90) (not shown).

[0080] <Additional Notes> Finally, the technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and other examples (modifications) will be additionally described below.

[0081] An organic waste treatment apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a treatment tank, an air supply device, a crusher, an exhaust device, a heater, and an active oxygen generator. The treatment tank holds organic waste. The air supply device sends air into the treatment tank through an air supply flow path. The crusher crushes the organic waste held in the treatment tank. The exhaust device exhausts the air inside the treatment tank through an exhaust flow path. The heater heats the organic waste in the treatment tank to adjust the moisture content of the organic waste and to thermally sterilize the organic waste. The active oxygen generator generates active oxygen. The treatment tank is formed with an inlet, an air supply port, and an exhaust port. Organic waste is introduced into the treatment tank through the inlet. The air supply port takes in air sent by the air supply device from the air supply flow path. The exhaust port is connected to the exhaust flow path and allows air exhausted by the exhaust device to pass through. When air heated by a heater in the air intake passage is supplied to the air intake port, the active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generator is supplied to the air before it is heated by the heater. When the heater heats the air in the treatment tank, the active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generator is supplied to the air flowing through the air intake passage.

[0082] The organic waste treatment apparatus of the first aspect is highly reliable, since it can obtain a highly safe treated product due to the sterilizing effect of active oxygen, and can also suppress odors emitted from the organic waste treatment apparatus due to active oxygen.

[0083] Furthermore, in the organic waste treatment device of the first aspect, the cell membranes of the organic waste can be destroyed by active oxygen, and the time required to dry the organic waste by heating can be shortened. In other words, the organic waste treatment device of the first aspect can dry the organic waste in a relatively short time, and is therefore efficient.

[0084] An organic waste treatment device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the organic waste treatment device of the first aspect, wherein the air inlet is provided in the upper part of the treatment tank, the crusher is provided in the lower part of the treatment tank, and air containing active oxygen taken into the treatment tank through the air inlet is blown out toward the lower part of the treatment tank.

[0085] Here, the upper part of the treatment tank means the part above the center in the height direction of the treatment tank. The lower part of the treatment tank means the part below the center in the height direction of the treatment tank. The expression "the crusher is provided at the bottom of the treatment tank" means that at least a part of the crusher is disposed at the bottom of the treatment tank.

[0086] When active oxygen in the air comes into contact with moisture, its functions of deodorization, sterilization, decomposition of organic matter, etc. are reduced. Moisture from organic waste may accumulate at the bottom of the treatment tank, and if the air intake is located at the bottom of the treatment tank, the air containing active oxygen may suddenly come into contact with moisture, which may reduce its functions of deodorization, sterilization, decomposition of organic matter, etc.

[0087] In contrast, in the organic waste treatment device of the second aspect, the air intake is located at the top of the treatment tank, and air containing active oxygen is blown out from the air intake toward the bottom of the treatment tank, making it possible to effectively utilize the functions of active oxygen, such as deodorizing, sterilizing, and decomposing organic matter.

[0088] An organic waste treatment device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the organic waste treatment device of the first or second aspect, further comprising an airflow generating unit that generates an airflow within the treatment tank. The treatment tank extends from a first end to a second end along the longitudinal direction. The air inlet is provided on the first end side of the treatment tank. The exhaust outlet is provided on the second end side of the treatment tank. The airflow generating unit blows air from the air inlet towards the exhaust outlet.

[0089] In the organic waste treatment apparatus of the third aspect, air containing active oxygen is blown out toward the exhaust port, so that the air discharged from the exhaust port is easily deodorized.

[0090] An organic waste treatment device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the organic waste treatment device according to any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising a deodorizer disposed in the exhaust flow path.

[0091] In the organic waste treatment apparatus of the fourth aspect, the bad odor is more likely to be suppressed by the deodorizer.

[0092] An organic waste treatment device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the organic waste treatment device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising a heat recovery heat exchanger. The heat recovery heat exchanger exchanges heat between air flowing through the exhaust passage and air flowing through the intake passage, heating the air flowing through the exhaust passage with the air flowing through the intake passage. The active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generator is supplied to the intake passage upstream of the position where the air flowing through the intake passage is heated in the heat recovery heat exchanger.

[0093] In the organic waste treatment apparatus of the fifth aspect, heat recovery is carried out, so the amount of heat generated by the heater can be reduced, and the amount of energy consumed for heating can be reduced.

[0094] An organic waste treatment apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the organic waste treatment apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, further comprising an airflow generating unit that generates an airflow within the treatment tank. The airflow generating unit blows air containing active oxygen toward the organic waste at least when the organic waste is agitated by the crusher.

[0095] In the organic waste treatment device of the sixth aspect, high-temperature air containing active oxygen is supplied to the organic waste when the organic exhaust material is stirred, so that the organic waste can be decomposed by the active oxygen and dried in a relatively short time.

[0096] An organic waste treatment device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the organic waste treatment device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generator is further supplied to an exhaust passage.

[0097] In the organic waste treatment device of the seventh aspect, the active oxygen can be used to reduce the bad odors emitted from the exhaust passage.

[0098] An organic waste treatment device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the organic waste treatment device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, further comprising a pelletizer. The pelletizer processes the organic waste, whose moisture content has been adjusted and which has been heat-sterilized in the treatment tank, into pellets.

[0099] In the organic waste treatment device of the eighth aspect, the treated material can be processed into a shape suitable for use as fuel or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 10 Treatment tank 12 1st end 14 2nd end 16a Inlet 16b Air supply port 16c exhaust port 20 Air supply device 22 Air supply passage 30 Crusher 40 Exhaust system 42 Exhaust flow path 45 Deodorizer 50 Heater 60 Active oxygen generator 70 Airflow generating unit 80 Heat recovery heat exchanger 90 Pelletizer 100 Organic waste treatment equipment

Claims

1. a treatment tank for holding organic waste; an air supply device that supplies air into the treatment tank through an air supply passage; a crusher for crushing the organic waste held in the treatment tank; an exhaust device that exhausts air from within the treatment tank through an exhaust passage; a heater that heats the organic waste in the treatment tank to adjust the moisture content of the organic waste and heat-sterilize the organic waste; an active oxygen generator that generates active oxygen; Equipped with The treatment tank includes: an inlet for introducing the organic waste into the treatment tank; an air intake port that takes in air sent by the air intake device from the air intake flow path; an exhaust port communicating with the exhaust flow path and through which air exhausted by the exhaust device passes; is formed, The active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generator is When the air heated by the heater in the air supply flow path is supplied to the air supply port, the air is supplied to the air before being heated by the heater, When the heater heats the air in the treatment tank, the heater is supplied to the air flowing through the air supply passage. Organic waste treatment equipment.

2. The air inlet is provided in an upper portion of the treatment tank, The crusher is provided at the bottom of the treatment tank, The air containing active oxygen taken into the treatment tank through the air inlet is blown out toward the lower part of the treatment tank. The organic waste treatment device according to claim 1 .

3. further comprising an airflow generating unit that generates an airflow in the treatment tank; The treatment tank extends longitudinally from a first end to a second end, the air supply port is provided on the first end side of the treatment tank, the exhaust port is provided on the second end side of the treatment tank, The airflow generating unit blows air from the first end toward the second end. The organic waste treatment device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Further comprising a deodorizer disposed in the exhaust flow path. The organic waste treatment device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. a heat recovery heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the air flowing through the exhaust passage and the air flowing through the intake passage, and heats the air flowing through the intake passage with the air flowing through the exhaust passage, The active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generator is supplied to the intake air flow path upstream of a position where the air flowing through the intake air flow path is heated in the heat recovery heat exchanger. The organic waste treatment device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. further comprising an airflow generating unit that generates an airflow in the treatment tank; The airflow generating unit blows air containing active oxygen toward the organic waste at least when the organic waste is being agitated by the crusher. The organic waste treatment device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generator is further supplied to the exhaust flow path. The organic waste treatment device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The treatment system further includes a pelletizer that processes the organic waste, whose moisture content has been adjusted and which has been heat-sterilized in the treatment tank, into pellets. The organic waste treatment device according to claim 1 or 2.

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