Separation and removal apparatus

Abstract

To prevent separation of foreign matter by a separation part from being hindered when the separation part separates the foreign matter and a removal part removes a liquid.SOLUTION: A separation and removal apparatus includes a separation unit configured to separate a foreign substance from a liquid containing the foreign substance in a state in which the foreign substance partially contains moisture and release the foreign substance while separating the foreign substance, a holding unit disposed outside the separation unit and configured to hold the foreign substance released by the separation unit and discharge the held foreign substance, and a removal unit configured to store the foreign substance discharged from the holding unit and remove the moisture from the stored foreign substance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a separation and removal device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a dehydration treatment device including a cyclone filter consisting of a sealed cylindrical container, a valve disposed below the cyclone filter, and a filtration filter disposed below the valve. The cyclone filter generates a cyclone flow to remove foreign matter such as sludge from a liquid (waste liquid) containing the foreign matter, causing the foreign matter to settle at the bottom of the sealed cylindrical container. The valve intermittently discharges the foreign matter that has settled at the bottom of the sealed cylindrical container into the filtration filter. The filtration filter dehydrates the intermittently discharged foreign matter.

[0003] In such a dehydration treatment device, it is conceivable to operate the cyclone filter at all times while causing the filtration filter to dehydrate the foreign matter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-045562 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, if a cyclone filter consisting of a sealed cylindrical container is constantly operated while the filtration filter dehydrates foreign matter, the valve intermittently discharges the foreign matter into the filtration filter, and the foreign matter continues to settle at the bottom of the sealed cylindrical container when the valve is closed. Therefore, the foreign matter settling at the bottom of the sealed cylindrical container prevents the generation of a cyclone flow and prevents the removal of the foreign matter from the liquid.

[0006] The technology disclosed herein aims to provide a separation and removal device that can prevent the separation of foreign matter by the separation unit from being hindered when the separation unit is separating foreign matter and the removal unit is removing liquid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a separation and removal device according to a first aspect of the disclosed technology includes a separation section that separates the foreign matter from a liquid containing the foreign matter while the foreign matter contains some moisture and releases the foreign matter while separating the foreign matter, a holding section that is positioned outside the separation section and holds the foreign matter released by the separation section and discharges the held foreign matter, and a removal section that receives the foreign matter discharged from the holding section and removes the moisture from the received foreign matter. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] In a first aspect of the technology disclosed herein, even if the separation unit releases foreign matter while separating the foreign matter from the liquid, the holding unit located outside the separation unit holds the released foreign matter, thereby preventing the separation of the foreign matter by the separation unit from being hindered when the separation unit is separating the foreign matter and the removal unit is removing the liquid. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a separation and removal device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control device for the separation and removal device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing by each functional unit of the control device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a separation and removal processing program executed by the processor of the control device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the operation or state of each part of the separation and removal device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a separation and removal device according to the seventh modified example. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a disassembled state of the removal unit of the separation and removal device of the seventh modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a gas injection unit of a separation and removal apparatus according to an eighth modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the technology of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] [Embodiment Mode] (composition) Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a separation and removal apparatus 100 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the separation and removal apparatus 100 includes a cyclone 10 that separates foreign matter, such as sludge, from a liquid containing sludge, such as a coolant liquid, in a state where the sludge contains some water, and discharges the sludge while separating it.

[0012] The separation and removal device 100 is disposed outside (specifically, below) the cyclone 10, and includes a holding section 14 that holds the sludge released by the cyclone 10 and discharges the held sludge. The separation and removal device 100 includes a removal section 18 that receives the sludge discharged from the holding section 14 and removes moisture from the received sludge.

[0013] The retaining unit 14 serves as a buffer for the time it takes for the removal unit 18 to remove the moisture.

[0014] The cyclone 10, the holding section 14, and the removal section 18 are provided in a housing 40. This allows the cyclone 10, the holding section 14, and the removal section 18 to be handled as a single unit.

[0015] A discharge pipe 12 is connected between the cyclone 10 and the holding section 14. A discharge pipe 16 is connected between the holding section 14 and the removal section 18.

[0016] The separation and removal device 100 includes a sludge storage section 22 that stores the sludge from which water has been removed by the removal section 18.

[0017] The separation and removal device 100 includes a liquid container 24 that includes a first liquid container 28 and a second liquid container 26.

[0018] Coolant liquid containing sludge is supplied from the outside to first liquid storage section 28, and water removed from sludge by removal section 18 is supplied via supply pipe 20. First liquid storage section 28 stores these supplied liquids.

[0019] The purified liquid remaining after sludge has been separated from the sludge-containing coolant liquid by the cyclone 10 is supplied to the second liquid storage section 26 via the supply pipe 36. The second liquid storage section 26 stores the supplied purified liquid. Note that if the second liquid storage section 26 is already storing the purified liquid up to its capacity and more purified liquid is supplied, the purified liquid will flow out of the second liquid storage section 26 into the first liquid storage section 28.

[0020] The separation and removal device 100 includes a coolant supply pump 30 that supplies the liquid (i.e., coolant liquid containing sludge) contained in the first liquid container 28 to the cyclone 10 via a liquid supply pipe 34. A coolant on-off valve 32 is provided in the liquid supply pipe 34.

[0021] While the removal unit 18 is removing water from the sludge, the cyclone 10 continues to separate the sludge from the coolant liquid, and the retention unit 14 stops discharging foreign matter. While the removal unit 18 is removing water from the sludge, the retention unit 14 continues to hold the sludge released by the cyclone 10, and while the removal unit 18 is storing the sludge, the retention unit 14 discharges the sludge it has held. Specifically, the retention unit 14 includes a sludge pod 44 and a sludge pod opening / closing valve 46. The sludge pod 44 stores the sludge released by the cyclone 10. The sludge pod opening / closing valve 46 is disposed in the discharge pipe 16 between the sludge pod 44 and the removal unit 18 (more specifically, below the sludge pod 44). When the sludge pod on-off valve 46 is opened, it discharges (that is, drops (that is, gravity flows down)) the sludge stored in the sludge pod 44, and when it is closed, it stops the discharge of the sludge. Instead of the sludge pod opening / closing valve 46, a throttle mechanism capable of adjusting the flow rate of sludge between 0% (fully closed) and 100% (fully open) may be used.

[0022] The removal unit 18 includes a belt filter unit 50 and a pressure unit 60 .

[0023] The belt filter unit 50 includes a belt filter housing unit 52 that houses sludge, a belt filter 58 that is disposed below the belt filter housing unit 52, and a belt drive roller 54 and a driven roller 56 for rotating the belt filter 58. The belt drive roller 54 is rotated by a belt drive motor 55 (see also FIG. 2), thereby rotating the belt filter 58.

[0024] The pressurizing unit 60 increases the pressure inside the space above the belt filter 58 in the belt filter housing unit 52. The pressurizing unit 60 includes a pump 62 that supplies pressurized air to the belt filter housing unit 52 via a supply pipe 64, and a pressurized air on-off valve 66 provided in the supply pipe 64. The supply pipe 64 is provided with a check valve 68 that prevents backflow of the pressurized air. Instead of the pressurized air on-off valve 66, a throttle mechanism that can adjust the flow rate of the pressurized air between 0% (fully closed) and 100% (fully open) may be used.

[0025] A discharge pipe 16 and a supply pipe 64 are connected to the upper part of the belt filter accommodating section 52. A discharge port 53 for discharging the water removed from the sludge is formed in the lower part of the belt filter accommodating section 52. One end of a supply pipe 20 is connected to the discharge port 53. The other end of the supply pipe 20 is located in the liquid storage container 24. The space above the belt filter 58 in the belt filter accommodating section 52 is an enclosed space.

[0026] The separation and removal device 100 includes a control device 42 disposed within a housing 40 .

[0027] The cyclone 10 is an example of a "separation section" of the technology disclosed herein. The sludge pod 44 is an example of a "storage section" of the technology disclosed herein. The belt filter 58 is an example of a "filtration section" of the technology disclosed herein. The pressurizing section 60 is an example of an "increase section" of the technology disclosed herein.

[0028] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the control device 42 of the separation and removal device 100. As shown in Fig. 2, the control device 42 is configured by a computer. The control device 42 includes a processor 80, a non-volatile memory (NMV) 82, a random access memory (RAM) 84, and an input / output (I / O) port 86. The processor 80, the NMV 82, the RAM 84, and the input / output (I / O) port 86 are connected by a bus 88 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0029] The input / output (I / O) port 86 is connected to the cyclone 10, the sludge pod on-off valve 46, the pressurized air on-off valve 66, the belt drive motor 55, the coolant on-off valve 32, and the coolant supply pump 30.

[0030] The processor 80 is a processing device including a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and the DSP and GPU operate under the control of the CPU and are responsible for executing the separation and removal process. Here, a processing device including a DSP, a CPU, and a GPU is given as an example of the processor 80, but this is merely an example, and the processor 80 may be one or more CPUs and DSPs with integrated GPU functionality, one or more CPUs and DSPs without integrated GPU functionality, or may be equipped with a TPU (Tensor Processing Unit).

[0031] The NVM 82 is a nonvolatile storage device that stores the separation and removal processing program 82P, various parameters, etc. The NVM 82 may be, for example, a flash memory (for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory)).

[0032] The RAM 84 is a memory that temporarily stores information and is used as a work memory by the processor 80. The RAM 84 may be, for example, a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM).

[0033] The functional units of the processor 80 include an on / off processing unit 80A, a timing unit 80B, a valve control unit 80C, and a drive unit 80D. The processor 80 reads a separation and removal processing program 82P from the NVM 82 and executes the read separation and removal processing program 82P on the RAM 84 to perform the separation and removal processing. The processor 80 operates as the on / off processing unit 80A, the timing unit 80B, the valve control unit 80C, and the drive unit 80D in accordance with the separation and removal processing program 82P executed on the RAM 84. By executing the separation and removal processing program 82P, the processor 80 controls (sequence controls) the cyclone 10, the sludge pod on-off valve 46, the pressurized air on-off valve 66, the belt drive motor 55, the coolant on-off valve 32, and the coolant supply pump 30. In this way, the separation and removal processing is performed.

[0034] Next, a description will be given of the processing of each functional unit of the control device 42. Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of the processing of each functional unit of the control device 42.

[0035] When a start button (not shown) is operated, the on / off processing unit 80A opens the coolant on-off valve 32, operates the coolant supply pump 30, and operates the cyclone 10.

[0036] The timer 80B determines whether a predetermined amount of sludge has been stored in the sludge pod 44 by determining whether a first time period has elapsed since the cyclone 10 was put into operation.

[0037] When a first time period has elapsed since the cyclone 10 was operated, the valve control unit 80C opens the sludge pod on-off valve 46 for a second time period and opens the pressurized air on-off valve 66 for a third time period. The drive unit 80D moves the belt filter 58.

[0038] When a stop button (not shown) is operated, the on / off processing unit 80A closes the coolant on-off valve 32, stops the operation of the coolant supply pump 30, and stops the operation of the cyclone .

[0039] (action) The operation of the separation and removal apparatus 100 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a separation and removal processing program 82P executed by the processor 80 of the control device 42. FIG. 5 is a diagram (specifically, graphs G1 to G6) showing an example of the operation or state of each part of the separation and removal apparatus 100. Specifically, graph G1 shows the operation of the cyclone 10. Graph G2 shows the state of the sludge pod 44 (change in the amount of sludge stored). Graph G3 shows the operation of the sludge pod opening / closing valve 46. Graph G4 shows the state of the belt filter housing section 52 (change in the amount of sludge stored). Graph G5 shows the operation of the pressurized air opening / closing valve 66. Graph G6 shows the operation of the belt drive motor 55.

[0040] The separation and removal processing program 82P is started by operating a start button (not shown). When the separation and removal processing program 82P starts, in step 102, the on / off processing unit 80A opens the coolant on-off valve 32, operates the coolant supply pump 30, and operates the cyclone 10 (see time t1 in graph G1 in FIG. 5). As a result, the cyclone 10 separates sludge, some of which contains water, from the sludge-containing coolant liquid and discharges the sludge into the sludge pod 44 while separating it. As a result, the amount of sludge stored in the sludge pod 44 increases from time t1, as shown in graph G2 in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, the cyclone 10 continues to operate (see graph G1) until execution of the separation and removal processing program 82P is terminated, as will be described later.

[0041] In step 104, the timing unit 80B determines whether a first time T1 (see also graph G2 in FIG. 5) has elapsed since the execution of step 102 was completed, thereby determining whether a predetermined amount Q of sludge has been stored in the sludge pod 44. Note that the predetermined amount Q is an amount that is smaller than the maximum storage amount of the sludge pod 44 by a predetermined value. This is to prevent sludge from being released into the sludge pod 44 in excess of the maximum storage amount for some reason before the determination in step 104 becomes positive.

[0042] If it is not determined that the first time T1 has elapsed since the execution of step 102 was completed, the determination process of step 102 is repeated until it is determined that the first time T1 has elapsed since the execution of step 102 was completed.

[0043] If it is determined that the first time T1 has elapsed since the execution of step 102 was completed, the separation and removal process proceeds to step 106.

[0044] In step 106, the valve control unit 80C opens the sludge pod on-off valve 46 for a second time T2 (see time t2 to time t3 in graph G3 in FIG. 5). Specifically, the valve control unit 80C opens the sludge pod on-off valve 46 at time t2, keeps it open until time t3, and closes it at time t3. As shown in graph G2 in FIG. 5, at time t2, a predetermined amount Q of sludge is stored in the sludge pod 44. Thereafter, the sludge pod on-off valve 46 opens (see graph G3 in FIG. 5), and the sludge stored in the sludge pod 44 is discharged via the sludge pod on-off valve 46 to the belt filter accommodating section 52 of the removal section 18. Therefore, from time t2 in graph G2 in FIG. 5, the amount of sludge stored in the sludge pod 44 gradually decreases, and as shown in graph G4 in FIG. 5, the amount of sludge stored in the belt filter accommodating section 52 gradually increases.

[0045] When the sludge pod opening / closing valve 46 is open for a second time T2 (see time t3 in graph G3 of FIG. 5), all of the sludge stored in the sludge pod 44 is discharged into the belt filter housing portion 52.

[0046] In step 108, the valve control unit 80C opens the pressurized air on-off valve 66 for a third time T3 (see time t3 to time t4 in graph G5 of FIG. 5). Specifically, the valve control unit 80C opens the pressurized air on-off valve 66 at time t3, keeps it open until time t4, and closes it at time t4. When the pressurized air on-off valve 66 opens, pressurized air from the pump 62 is supplied to the belt filter housing portion 52. This removes moisture from the sludge housed in the belt filter housing portion 52 (i.e., the sludge held on the belt filter 58), specifically, the sludge is dehydrated. The dehydrated moisture is supplied to the liquid storage container 24 (first liquid storage portion 28) via the outlet 53 and the supply pipe 20. Since moisture is removed from the sludge housed in the belt filter housing portion 52 in this manner, the amount of sludge housed in the belt filter housing portion 52 is reduced by the amount of moisture supplied to the liquid storage container 24 (first liquid storage portion 28). The sludge from which the water has been removed is retained on the belt filter 58.

[0047] As described above, the sludge pod on-off valve 46 closes at time t3, and the pressurized air on-off valve 66 opens at time t3. Therefore, the pressure inside the belt filter accommodating section 52 increases as pressurized air is supplied to the belt filter accommodating section 52, and while moisture is being removed from the sludge, the sludge pod 44 stores the sludge from the cyclone 10 and does not release the sludge from the sludge pod 44 into the belt filter accommodating section 52. In other words, while moisture is being removed from the sludge, the cyclone 10 continues to separate the sludge from the coolant liquid, and the sludge pod 44 stops discharging the sludge.

[0048] In step 110, the drive unit 80D controls the belt drive motor 55 so that the belt drive roller 54 rotates to move the belt filter 58 for a fourth time T4, from time t4 to time t5, as shown in graph G6 in FIG. 5, in order to store the sludge from which moisture has been removed that is held on the belt filter 58 in the sludge storage unit 22. As a result, the sludge from which moisture has been removed that is held on the belt filter 58 is stored in the sludge storage unit 22.

[0049] Incidentally, when the sludge pod opening / closing valve 46 is closed at time t3, the cyclone 10 continues to operate, so sludge from the cyclone 10 is discharged into the sludge pod 44, and the discharged sludge is stored therein.

[0050] In step 112, the on / off processing unit 80A determines whether a stop button (not shown) has been operated to instruct the execution of the separation and removal processing program 82P to be stopped. If it is determined that the stop button has not been operated, the separation and removal processing returns to step 104, and the above processing (steps 104 to 112) is repeated. Therefore, the sludge pod on-off valve 46 is open from time t3 to time t6 to t7, when the first time T1 has elapsed (i.e., the second time T2) (see graph G3). The pressurized air on-off valve 66 is open from time t7 to t8, when the sludge pod on-off valve 46 is closed (i.e., the third time T3) (see graph G5). The belt drive motor 55 is controlled to move the belt filter 58 from time t8 to t9, when the pressurized air on-off valve 66 is closed (i.e., the fourth time T4) (see graph G6).

[0051] If it is determined that the stop button has been operated, the separation and removal process proceeds to step 114. In step 114, the on / off processing unit 80A closes the coolant on-off valve 32, stops the operation of the coolant supply pump 30, and stops the operation of the cyclone 10. When the processing of step 114 is completed, the separation and removal processing program 82P (separation and removal processing) ends.

[0052] (effect) As described above, the separation and removal apparatus 100 of this embodiment is disposed outside the cyclone 10 and includes the holding section 14 for holding the sludge released by the cyclone 10, and even if the cyclone 10 is operated while the removal section 18 is removing water from the sludge, the sludge is released from the cyclone 10 into the holding section 14. Therefore, in this embodiment, the holding section can hold the sludge while the cyclone 10 is separating the sludge and the removal section 18 is removing the liquid, so that foreign matter does not accumulate at the bottom of the cyclone 10 and can prevent the separation of the sludge from being hindered. In this embodiment, since the cyclone 10 continues to separate foreign matter while the removal section 18 is removing moisture, it is possible to prevent the operation of the cyclone 10 from being impaired, and since the holding section 14 does not discharge foreign matter while the removal section 18 is removing moisture, it is possible to prevent the discharge of foreign matter from the holding section 14 from interfering with the removal section 18's removal of moisture.

[0053] In this embodiment, holding unit 14 continues to hold the sludge released by cyclone 10 while removal unit 18 is removing moisture from the sludge, and discharges the held sludge while removal unit 18 is storing the sludge. In this way, holding unit 14 does not discharge sludge to removal unit 18 while removal unit 18 is removing moisture from the sludge, so this embodiment can prevent the removal of moisture by removal unit 18 from being hindered by the discharge of sludge from holding unit 14 to removal unit 18.

[0054] In the holding section 14 of this embodiment, the sludge pod 44 stores the sludge released by the cyclone 10, and the sludge pod on-off valve 46, which is disposed between the sludge pod 44 and the removal section 18, discharges the stored sludge to the removal section 18 when opened, and stops the discharge of the sludge when closed. In this way, the sludge pod on-off valve 46 discharges the stored sludge to the removal section 18 when opened, so that the sludge stored in the sludge pod 44 can fall (gravity flow), and this embodiment does not require power to discharge the sludge to the removal section 18, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0055] In this embodiment, the removal unit 18 includes a belt filter housing unit 52 that houses sludge, a belt filter 58 disposed below the belt filter housing unit 52, and a pressurizing unit 60 that increases the pressure inside the belt filter housing unit 52. The holding unit 14 stops discharging sludge when the pressure inside the belt filter housing unit 52 is increased by the pressurizing unit 60. As described above, in this embodiment, the pressure inside the belt filter housing unit 52 is increased to filter the moisture in the sludge through the belt filter 58. Furthermore, since the holding unit 14 stops discharging sludge when the pressure inside the belt filter housing unit 52 is increased by the pressurizing unit 60, this embodiment can prevent the increase in the pressure inside the belt filter housing unit 52 caused by the pressurizing unit 60 from being interrupted. Therefore, this embodiment can reduce unnecessary energy consumption that would be otherwise caused by an unnecessary increase in the internal pressure to remove moisture from the sludge even if the increase in the internal pressure is interrupted.

[0056] In this embodiment, the cyclone 10, the holding unit 14, and the removal unit 18 are provided in a housing 40. Therefore, in this embodiment, the cyclone 10, the holding unit 14, and the removal unit 18 can be handled as a single unit. Therefore, in this embodiment, when performing maintenance on the cyclone 10, the holding unit 14, and the removal unit 18, the cyclone 10, the holding unit 14, and the removal unit 18 can all be cleaned together.

[0057] The separation and removal apparatus 100 of this embodiment includes a removal section 18 that stores the sludge discharged from the holding section 14 and removes moisture from the stored sludge, and a sludge storage section 22 that stores the sludge from which moisture has been removed by the removal section 18. Therefore, this embodiment can collect sludge with a low moisture content, and can reduce the effort and cost required to dispose of the collected sludge.

[0058] The cyclone 10 of this embodiment continuously separates the foreign matter from the liquid containing the foreign matter while the liquid contains some water, and releases the foreign matter while separating it. Therefore, this embodiment can prevent a decrease in the availability of the equipment.

[0059] [Variations] Next, modifications of the above embodiment will be described. Since each of the following modifications has the same configuration as the above embodiment, the same reference numerals will be used to designate the same configuration, and the description of those components will be omitted, and only the differences will be described.

[0060] (First Modification) In the embodiment described above, when a first time T1 has elapsed since the cyclone 10 was operated, the valve control unit 80C opens the sludge pod on-off valve 46 for a second time T2, and then opens the pressurized air on-off valve 66 for a third time T3. In other words, the valve control unit 80C performs sequence control. The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the separating and removing device 100 includes a sensor that detects the distance to the top of the sludge contained in the belt filter containing unit 52. The sensor may be a laser distance sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like. The separating and removing device 100 also includes a sensor that detects the amount of dirt on the belt filter 58. The sensor may be an image sensor.

[0061] Based on the output from the sensor, the processor 80 estimates the amount of sludge contained in the belt filter housing portion 52. Based on the estimated amount, the processor 80 discharges the sludge from the sludge pod 44 and removes moisture from the sludge contained in the belt filter housing portion 52 so as not to hinder the separation of the sludge by the cyclone 10 (specifically, it controls the sludge pod opening / closing valve 46 and the pressurized air opening / closing valve 66).

[0062] As described above, in the first modified example, the processor 80 controls the sludge pod on-off valve 46 and the pressurized air on-off valve 66 based on the amount of sludge stored in the belt filter storage section 52, which is estimated based on the output from the sensor, so as not to impede the separation of the sludge by the cyclone 10. Therefore, in the first modified example, sludge is discharged from the sludge pod 44 and moisture is removed from the sludge stored in the belt filter storage section 52 according to the actual amount (estimated value) of sludge stored in the belt filter storage section 52, so that impediments to sludge separation can be more appropriately prevented than in the above embodiment.

[0063] (Second Modification) In the embodiment described above, the amount of sludge stored in the sludge pod 44 is not measured. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0064] For some reason, for example, if the amount of sludge in the coolant is large (high concentration), the amount of sludge stored in the sludge pod 44 may reach a predetermined amount before the first time T1 has elapsed.

[0065] Therefore, the separation and removal device 100 is provided with a sensor that detects the distance to the top end of the sludge stored in the sludge pod 44. The sensor may be a laser distance sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like. The separation and removal device 100 also includes a sensor that detects the pressure in the sludge pod 44. The greater the amount of sludge stored, the higher the pressure in the sludge pod 44 becomes.

[0066] The processor 80 estimates the amount of change in the amount of sludge stored in the sludge pod 44 based on the output of the sensor at regular intervals.

[0067] Processor 80 determines, from the amount of change in the amount of sludge, whether or not there is a risk that the amount of sludge stored in sludge pod 44 will reach a predetermined amount before first time T1 has elapsed. If processor 80 determines that there is a risk that the amount of sludge stored in sludge pod 44 will reach a predetermined amount before first time T1 has elapsed, it prevents the amount of sludge stored in the sludge pod from reaching the predetermined amount.

[0068] Specifically, first, the processor 80 opens the sludge pod shut-off valve 46 sooner and applies a larger amount of pressurized air from the pump 62 to allow for faster dewatering.

[0069] Second, the processor 80 controls at least one of the opening degree of the coolant on-off valve 32 and the amount of coolant supplied from the coolant supply pump so that the amount of coolant supplied to the cyclone 10 is reduced.

[0070] This allows the drying process to be tailored to the actual amount of sludge, compared to when it is controlled by a timer.

[0071] (Third Modification) In the embodiment described above, the on / off processing unit 80A determines whether an instruction to stop execution of the separation and removal processing program 82P has been issued by operating a stop button (not shown). The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a liquid concentration sensor is provided in the liquid storage container 24. Examples of the liquid concentration sensor include sensors that measure the concentration of the liquid using optical methods, refractive index methods, specific gravity methods, viscosity methods, or electrical conductivity methods. Based on the output from the concentration sensor, the processor 80 determines whether the liquid stored in the liquid storage container 24 has been purified to an acceptable range from the concentration of the liquid. If it is determined that the liquid has been purified to an acceptable range, the processor 80 terminates execution of the separation and removal processing program 82P. The third modification makes it possible to accurately determine the timing for terminating the device.

[0072] (Fourth Modification) In the above embodiment, the separation and removal device 100 includes a cyclone 10. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, instead of the cyclone 10 of the separation and removal device 100, a magnetic separator that removes magnetic sludge from a liquid containing magnetic sludge may be provided. The magnetic separator is provided with a squeeze roller for drying purposes, but a separation unit may be used instead of the squeeze roller. Eliminating the squeeze roller allows the magnetic separator to be made smaller. Alternatively, the squeeze roller and separation unit may be used together, in which case the degree of dryness can be further increased.

[0073] (Fifth Modification) In the above embodiment, pressurized air is used to dehydrate the sludge on the belt filter. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a heater may be used to remove water from the sludge discharged from the sludge pod, specifically, to evaporate the water. Using a heater allows for faster dehydration compared to using pressurized air. The heater is an example of the "removal unit" of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0074] (Sixth Modification) In the above embodiment, the cyclone 10, the holding unit 14, and the removal unit 18 are provided inside the housing 40. The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the holding unit 14 and the removal unit 18, other than the cyclone 10, may be provided inside the housing 40. This allows a dewatering mechanism to be retrofitted to an existing cyclone. Furthermore, when performing maintenance on the holding unit 14 and the removal unit 18, the holding unit 14 and the removal unit 18 can be cleaned together.

[0075] Even if the cyclone 10 and the magnetic separator are replaced, the common holding unit 14 and removal unit 18 can be handled as a single unit. In other words, the holding unit 14 and removal unit 18 can be handled as a single unit, and the cyclone 10 or magnetic separator can be replaced as a separation unit depending on the contents of the liquid. In other words, the cyclone 10 or magnetic separator can be retrofitted to existing equipment (holding unit 14 and removal unit 18).

[0076] (Seventh Modification) Next, a seventh modified example will be described.

[0077] (composition) As described above, the seventh modified example has parts with the same configuration as the above embodiment, so the same symbols are used for the parts with the same configuration, and their explanation is omitted, and only the different parts are explained.

[0078] Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a separation and removal apparatus 100H according to a seventh modified example. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a state in which a removal unit 18H of the separation and removal apparatus 100H according to the seventh modified example is disassembled.

[0079] The removal unit 18 in the above embodiment is fixed to the separation and removal device 100 . In contrast to this, the removal unit 18H of the seventh modified example is detachably attached to the separation and removal device 100H.

[0080] The removal unit 18 in the above embodiment includes a belt filter unit 50 and a pressure unit 60 .

[0081] In contrast, the removal unit 18H of the seventh modified example includes a storage unit 52H0 that stores foreign matter, a filter 58H that is arranged below the storage unit 52H0, and a pressurizing unit 60 that increases the pressure inside the storage unit 52H0.

[0082] The storage section 52H0 of the removal unit 18H of the seventh modified example includes a container 52H1 that stores foreign matter and has the filtration unit disposed below it, an upper lid 52H2 that covers the container 52H1 and is connected to the supply pipe 64 of the pressurizing unit 60, a packing 52H3 that is inserted between the container 52H1 and the upper lid 52H2, and a clamp band 52H4 that releasably fastens the container 52H1 and the upper lid 52H2 together with the packing 52H3 inserted between the container 52H1 and the upper lid 52H2. The container 52H1 and the upper lid 52H2 are fastened together with a Ferrule fastener.

[0083] The discharge pipe 16 from the holder 14 and the supply pipe 64 from the pressurizing unit 60 remain connected to the upper cover 52H2 at all times.

[0084] In the seventh modification, the sludge storage section 22 is not provided.

[0085] The filter 58H is an example of a "filtering portion" of the technology of the present disclosure, the pressure applying portion 60 is an example of an "increasing portion" of the technology of the present disclosure, and the clamp band 52H4 is an example of a "fastening portion" of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0086] (action) The operation of the seventh modified example is substantially the same as that of the above embodiment, so a description of the same operations will be omitted and only the different operations will be described.

[0087] In the above embodiment, when the pressurized air on-off valve 66 opens at time t3 (see FIG. 5 ), pressurized air from the pump 62 is supplied to the belt filter housing portion 52. As a result, moisture is removed from the sludge housed in the belt filter housing portion 52 (i.e., the sludge held on the belt filter 58), specifically, the sludge is dehydrated. The dehydrated moisture is supplied to the liquid storage container 24 (first liquid storage portion 28). Since moisture is removed from the sludge housed in the belt filter housing portion 52 in this manner, the amount of sludge housed in the belt filter housing portion 52 is reduced by the amount of moisture supplied to the liquid storage container 24 (first liquid storage portion 28). The sludge from which moisture has been removed is held on the belt filter 58.

[0088] In contrast, in the seventh modified example, when the pressurized air on-off valve 66 opens at time t3, pressurized air is supplied from the pump 62 to the storage unit 52H0. This removes moisture from the sludge stored in the storage unit 52H0 (i.e., the sludge held on the filter 58H), specifically, the sludge is dehydrated. The dehydrated moisture is supplied to the liquid storage container 24 (first liquid storage unit 28). Because moisture is removed from the sludge stored in the storage unit 52H0 in this manner, the amount of sludge stored in the storage unit 52H0 decreases by the amount of moisture supplied to the liquid storage container 24 (first liquid storage unit 28). The sludge from which the moisture has been removed is held on the filter 58H.

[0089] In the seventh modification, at time t4, the operator releases the clamp band 52H4 from fastening the container 52H1 and the top lid 52H2 together. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the storage unit 52H0 is disassembled into the top lid 52H2, the packing 52H3, and the container 52H1. The discharge pipe 16 and the supply pipe 64 remain connected to the top lid 52H2 at all times. Since the sludge from which moisture has been removed remains on the filter 58H as described above, the operator tilts the container 52H1 upside down, removes the sludge from the container 52H1, and empties the container 52H1. Thereafter, the operator releasably fastens the container 52H1 and the top lid 52H2 together with the clamp band 52H4 while inserting the packing 52H3 between the container 52H1 and the top lid 52H2. The operator connects the supply pipe 64 of the pressurizing unit 60 to the upper cover 52H2, and detachably attaches the removal unit 18H to the separation and removal apparatus 100H.

[0090] In the seventh modified example, the container 52H1 and the top lid 52H2 are fastened together with a ferrule, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the container 52H1 may be fastened to the top lid 52H2 by a screw method.

[0091] (effect) The seventh modified example has the same configuration as the above embodiment, and therefore has the same effects as the above embodiment.

[0092] Furthermore, the removal section 18H of the seventh modified example is removably attached to the separation and removal device 100H, so that when removing foreign matter accumulated in the removal section 18H, the removal section 18H can be detached from the separation and removal device 100H, making it easier to remove the foreign matter accumulated in the removal section 18H.

[0093] The removal section 18H of the seventh modification does not include the belt filter section 50, and therefore can be made more space-saving and compact than the above embodiment.

[0094] In the seventh variant, there is no belt drive motor 55 that rotates the belt drive roller 54 for rotating the belt filter 58, and the storage section 52H0 is disassembled and the container 52H1 is turned upside down to remove the sludge, which eliminates the need for motor power and allows for greater energy savings than the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0095] In the seventh variant, the storage section 52H0 is disassembled and the container 52H1 is removed, so that the filter 58H can be easily removed from the container 52H1 and a new filter 58H can be easily attached, making replacement of the filter 58H easier than in the above embodiment.

[0096] In the seventh modification, the filter 58H is attached to the container 52H1, so that a filter suitable for the size of the sludge can be selected and attached to the container 52H1.

[0097] If a transparent portion of a predetermined width in the height direction is formed in the container 52H1, the amount of sludge in the container 52H1 can be grasped through the transparent portion, and a sensor (see the first variant) that detects the distance to the top of the sludge can be eliminated.

[0098] As described above, the seventh modified example can simplify the configuration of the separation and removal apparatus 100H. (Eighth Modification) Next, an eighth modified example will be described.

[0099] (composition) The configuration of the eighth modified example is substantially the same as that of the seventh modified example, so the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their explanation will be omitted, and only the different components will be explained.

[0100] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the gas ejection unit 120 of the separation and removal apparatus 100H of the eighth modified example.

[0101] Similar to the seventh modification, the container 52H1 of the eighth modification is detachably attached to the separation and removal apparatus 100H. The separation and removal apparatus 100H of the eighth modification includes a gas injection unit 120 that discharges sludge 125 present in the container 52H1 that has been removed from the separation and removal apparatus 100H. The gas injection unit 120 includes a compressed air source and piping (not shown).

[0102] At least one through-hole (three through-holes 52H1A to 52H1C in the example shown in Fig. 8) is formed through the upper surface 52HIU of the container 52H1 shown in Fig. 8 (lower surface shown in Fig. 6) and the filter 58H. In the state shown in Fig. 6, moisture from the sludge is discharged through the three through-holes 52H1A to 52H1C.

[0103] The gas injection unit 120 includes at least one gas injection port 120IA-120IC, and in the example shown in FIG. 8, three gas injection ports 120IA-120IC. The three gas injection ports 120IA-120IC are arranged corresponding to the three through-holes 52H1A-52H1C, respectively. Gas from a compressed air source is injected from the gas injection ports 120IA-120IC via piping. For example, the gas injected from the gas injection port 120IA passes through the through-hole 52H1A and is sprayed onto the sludge 125 present in the container 52H1.

[0104] The through holes 52H1A to 52H1C are arranged concentrically, but may also be arranged in a straight line.

[0105] The gas injection unit 120 is an example of the "exhaust unit" of the technology of the present disclosure. In this case, the gas injection unit 120 is disposed outside the removal unit 18 that has been removed from the separation and removal apparatus 100H. The belt filter unit 50 (see FIG. 1) of the above embodiment is also an example of the "discharge unit" of the technology of the present disclosure. In this case, the discharge unit is provided in the removal unit, and the discharge unit discharges foreign matter present in the removal unit while the removal unit is not detached from the separation and removal device.

[0106] (action) The operation of the eighth modified example is substantially the same as that of the seventh modified example, so a description of the same operations will be omitted and only the different operations will be described.

[0107] In the eighth modified example, similarly to the seventh modified example (see FIG. 6), when the pressurized air on-off valve 66 opens at time t3 (see also FIG. 5), pressurized air is supplied from the pump 62 to the storage unit 52H0. This removes moisture from the sludge stored in the storage unit 52H0 (i.e., the sludge held on the filter 58H), specifically, the sludge is dehydrated. The dehydrated moisture is supplied to the liquid storage container 24 (first liquid storage unit 28) shown in FIG. 6 via the through-holes 52H1A to 52H1C (see FIG. 8). In this way, moisture is removed from the sludge stored in the storage unit 52H0, and the sludge from which the moisture has been removed is fixed on the filter 58H (see FIG. 6).

[0108] In the eighth modified example, similarly to the seventh modified example, at time t4, the operator releases the clamp band 52H4 from fastening the container 52H1 and the top lid 52H2 together, thereby disassembling the storage section 52H0 into the top lid 52H2, the packing 52H3, and the container 52H1, as shown in Fig. 7, and removing the container 52H1 from the separation and removal apparatus 100H.

[0109] In the seventh modification, the operator tilts the container 52H1 upside down, and the sludge falls from the container 52H1 under its own weight, emptying the container 52H1. However, the sludge from which the water has been removed may adhere to the filter 58H and may be difficult to drop under its own weight.

[0110] 8, in the gas injection unit 120, gas is injected from each of three gas injection ports 120IA-120IC toward the through holes 52H1A-52H1C. The gas injected from each of the gas injection ports 120IA-120IC passes through the through holes 52H1A-52H1C and is sprayed onto the sludge 125 present in the container 52H1. This forces the sludge to fall from the container 52H1, emptying the container 52H1.

[0111] (effect) The configuration of the eighth modified example is similar to that of the above-described embodiment and the seventh modified example, and therefore the eighth modified example has the same effects as the above-described embodiment.

[0112] Furthermore, in the gas injection unit 120 of the eighth modification, gas is injected from each of the three gas injection ports 120IA-120IC toward the through-holes 52H1A-52H1C. The injected gas passes through the through-holes 52H1A-52H1C and is sprayed onto the sludge 125 present in the container 52H1. This forces the sludge to fall from the container 52H1, emptying the container 52H1. Therefore, it is easier to discharge the sludge present in the container 52H1 than in the seventh modification. Therefore, the time required to clean the container 52H1 can be shorter than in the seventh modification.

[0113] (Modification 1 of the eighth modification) A brush cleaning device including a rotating brush and a drive mechanism for rotating the rotating brush may be provided instead of the gas injection unit 120. The operator places the container 52H1 upside down so that the rotating brush is positioned inside the container 52H1 and operates the cleaning device. As a result, the brush removes sludge adhering to the container 52H1 from the entire inner circumference of the container 52H1. In this way, the brush directly contacts the inside of the container 52H1, so that the sludge can be physically scraped off, and the sludge can be discharged more easily than in the eighth modified example. A stirring blade may be provided instead of the rotating brush.

[0114] (Modification 2 of the eighth modification) Instead of the gas injection unit 120 and the brush (or stirring blade) cleaning device, a vibration device that vibrates the container 52H1 may be provided. The vibration device may be an ultrasonic generator. The vibration device may also be a device including a vibration source such as an electromagnetic actuator or an eccentric rotation motor, and a vibration transmission mechanism that connects the vibration source to the container 52H1. Even if there are recesses that are difficult to reach with a brush or gas jet, or the interior shape of the container 52H1 is complex, in variant 2, vibrations are transmitted evenly, reducing blind spots in cleaning and enabling sludge to be removed more easily than in variant 8.

[0115] (Modification 3 of the eighth modification) In the eighth modification, an operator removes the container 52H1 from the separation and removal apparatus 100H, and then attaches it to the separation and removal apparatus 100H after the sludge has been discharged. In contrast, in the third modification, these steps are performed by a robot. This allows for the automation of sludge discharge and reduces the operator's workload.

[0116] [Note] In light of the above disclosure, the following remarks are proposed:

[0117] (Appendix 1) a separation unit that separates the foreign matter from a liquid containing the foreign matter while the liquid contains a portion of water, and releases the foreign matter while separating the foreign matter; a holding section disposed outside the separation section, holding the foreign matter released by the separation section, and discharging the held foreign matter; a removal unit that receives the foreign matter discharged from the holding unit and removes the moisture from the received foreign matter; A separation and removal device comprising:

[0118] (Appendix 2) 2. The separation and removal device according to claim 1, wherein while the removal unit is removing moisture, the separation unit continues to separate the foreign matter and the holding unit stops discharging the foreign matter.

[0119] (Appendix 3) the holding unit continues to hold the foreign matter released by the separating unit while the removing unit is removing the moisture from the foreign matter and does not discharge the held foreign matter, and discharges the held foreign matter while the removing unit is storing the foreign matter. 10. The separation and removal device according to claim 1 or 2.

[0120] (Appendix 4) The holding portion is a storage section that stores the foreign matter released by the separation section; an on-off valve that is disposed between the storage section and the removal section, and that discharges the stored foreign matter when opened and stops the discharge of the foreign matter when closed; Including, The separation and removal device according to any one of Supplementary notes 1 to 3.

[0121] (Appendix 5) The removal unit a storage section for storing the foreign matter; a filtering section disposed below the storage section; an increasing section that increases the pressure inside the storage section; Equipped with the holding unit stops discharging the held foreign matter when the pressure inside the accommodating unit is increased by the increasing unit; The separation and removal device according to any one of Supplementary notes 1 to 4.

[0122] (Appendix 6) The separation unit, the storage unit, and the removal unit are provided in a housing. The separation and removal device according to any one of Supplementary notes 1 to 5.

[0123] (Appendix 7) The storage unit and the removal unit are provided in a housing. The separation and removal device according to any one of Supplementary notes 1 to 5.

[0124] (Appendix 8) The removal unit is detachably attached to the separation and removal device. The separation and removal device according to any one of Supplementary notes 1 to 7.

[0125] (Appendix 9) The removal unit a storage section for storing the foreign matter; a filtering section disposed below the storage section; an increasing section that increases the pressure inside the storage section; Equipped with The storage section is a container that accommodates the foreign matter and has the filtering unit disposed at a lower portion thereof; a top cover that covers the container and to which the expansion portion is connected; a fastening portion that releasably fastens the container and the top lid; Equipped with 9. The separation and removal device according to claim 8.

[0126] (Appendix 10) Further provided is a discharge unit that discharges the foreign matter present in the removal unit. 10. The separation and removal device according to claim 1.

[0127] (Appendix 11) Further provided is a discharge unit that discharges the foreign matter present in the removal unit removed from the separation and removal device. 9. The separation and removal device according to claim 8.

[0128] (Appendix 12) A separation and removal method for the separation and removal device according to appendix 1, comprising: In the separation unit, the foreign matter is separated from the liquid containing the foreign matter while the liquid contains a portion of water, and the foreign matter is released while being separated; holding the foreign matter released by the separation unit in the holding unit disposed outside the separation unit, and discharging the held foreign matter; In the removal unit, the foreign matter discharged from the holding unit is received and the moisture is removed from the received foreign matter; A separation and removal method comprising:

[0129] (Appendix 13) Further comprising discharging the foreign matter present in the removal section. The separation and removal method described in Appendix 12. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 100 Separation and removal equipment 10. Cyclone 14 Holding part 18 Removal part 40 cabinets 44 Sludgepod 46 Sludge pod on-off valve 50 Belt filter section 60 Pressure section 52 Belt filter housing 58 Belt Filter 60 Pressure section 62 Pump 66 Pressurized air on-off valve

Claims

1. a separation unit that separates the foreign matter from a liquid containing the foreign matter while the liquid contains a portion of water, and releases the foreign matter while separating the foreign matter; a holding section disposed outside the separation section, holding the foreign matter released by the separation section, and discharging the held foreign matter; a removal unit that receives the foreign matter discharged from the holding unit and removes the moisture from the received foreign matter; A separation and removal device comprising:

2. The separation and removal device according to claim 1 , wherein while the removal unit is removing moisture, the separation unit continues to separate the foreign matter and the holding unit does not discharge the foreign matter.

3. the holding unit continues to hold the foreign matter released by the separating unit while the removing unit is removing the moisture from the foreign matter, and discharges the held foreign matter while the removing unit is storing the foreign matter. The separation and removal device according to claim 1 .

4. The holding portion is a storage section that stores the foreign matter released by the separation section; an opening / closing unit that is disposed between the storage unit and the removal unit, and that discharges the stored foreign matter when opened and stops the discharge of the foreign matter when closed; Including, The separation and removal device according to claim 1 .

5. The removal unit a storage section for storing the foreign matter; a filtering section disposed below the storage section; an increasing section that increases the pressure inside the storage section; Equipped with the holding unit stops discharging the held foreign matter when the pressure inside the accommodating unit is increased by the increasing unit; The separation and removal device according to claim 1 .

6. The separating unit, the holding unit, and the removing unit are provided in a housing. The separation and removal device according to claim 1 .

7. The holding unit and the removing unit are provided in a housing. The separation and removal device according to claim 1 .

8. The removal unit is detachably attached to the separation and removal device. The separation and removal device according to claim 1 .

9. Further provided is a discharge unit that discharges the foreign matter present in the removal unit. The separation and removal device according to claim 1 .

10. A separation and removal method for the separation and removal device according to claim 1, In the separation unit, the foreign matter is separated from the liquid containing the foreign matter while the liquid contains a portion of water, and the foreign matter is released while being separated; holding the foreign matter released by the separation unit in the holding unit disposed outside the separation unit, and discharging the held foreign matter; In the removal unit, the foreign matter discharged from the holding unit is received and the moisture is removed from the received foreign matter; A separation and removal method comprising:

11. Further comprising discharging the foreign matter present in the removal section. The separation and removal method according to claim 10.

Images