Dust collector

Abstract

Calculate the fouling resistance value of each of the multiple filters. [Solution] The dust collector comprises a first chamber into which a gas containing foreign matter is introduced, and a second chamber into which the gas introduced into the first chamber and passing through each of the multiple filters is introduced, and further comprises an acquisition unit that acquires the fouling resistance value of each of the multiple filters from a plurality of different physical quantities for estimating the fouling resistance of each of the multiple filters.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a dust collector.

Background Art

[0002] The dust collecting device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of filters, a first chamber into which gas containing foreign substances such as dust is introduced, and a second chamber into which the gas introduced into the first chamber and passed through the plurality of filters is introduced. In this dust collecting device, when the differential pressure between the first chamber and the second chamber becomes equal to or higher than a preset reference value, it is assumed that each filter is clogged, and compressed gas is ejected from the second chamber side toward the first chamber side to remove the foreign substances attached to each filter.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, the value indicating the clogging state of each of the plurality of filters is also called the dirt resistance value. The above prior art determines the dirt resistance value of the filter based on the differential pressure.

[0005] However, it is difficult to calculate the dirt resistance value of each of the plurality of filters only by the differential pressure.

[0006] The technology of the present disclosure has been made in view of the above facts, and a first object thereof is to provide a dust collector capable of calculating the dirt resistance value of each of a plurality of filters.

[0007] Also, in the above dust collecting device, compressed gas is ejected onto each filter to remove the foreign substances attached to each filter.

[0008] However, brushing away debris clears blockages in the filter's pores. As a result, airflow concentrates in those pores. Consequently, some of the foreign matter in the incoming airflow remains in the filter cloth, increasing fouling resistance. This, in turn, increases the overall airflow resistance of the system (accelerating the increase in pressure loss).

[0009] The technology disclosed herein has been made in view of the above facts, and its second objective is to provide a dust collector that can reduce the overall airflow resistance of the dust collector. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To achieve the first objective described above, a dust collector according to a first aspect of the technology of the present disclosure comprises a first chamber into which a gas containing foreign matter is introduced, and a second chamber into which the gas introduced into the first chamber and passing through each of the plurality of filters is introduced, and further comprises an acquisition unit that acquires a fouling resistance value for each of the plurality of filters from a plurality of different physical quantities for estimating the fouling resistance of each of the plurality of filters.

[0011] To achieve the second objective described above, a dust collector of a second aspect of the technology of the present disclosure comprises: a first chamber into which a gas containing foreign matter is introduced, having a plurality of rows of filters; a second chamber into which the gas introduced into the first chamber and passing through the plurality of rows of filters is introduced; a brushing unit that acts on each of the plurality of rows of filters to remove foreign matter adhering to each filter; and a control unit that controls the brushing unit to act on two or more rows of filters, and at least one row less than all rows combined. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] A first aspect of the technology of this disclosure uses a plurality of different physical quantities to calculate the fouling resistance of each of the plurality of filters, so that the fouling resistance of each of the plurality of filters can be calculated.

[0013] A second aspect of the technology of this disclosure controls the brushing section to act on two or more rows of filters among multiple rows, and at least one row less than all rows combined. This prevents clogging of certain holes in the filters, concentrates the airflow in those holes, and consequently prevents some of the foreign matter contained in the incoming airflow from remaining in the filter cloth, increasing fouling resistance and ultimately increasing the overall airflow resistance of the device, thereby lowering the overall airflow resistance of the dust collector. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an example of a dust collector according to an embodiment. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a horizontal cross-section of the first chamber 21. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B is a top view of several inlet pipes 42c1, 42c2, 42c3, 42c4, ... [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an example of the electrical system of dust collector 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 illustrates an example of the processing performed by each functional unit of the CPU 504. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A is a flowchart of an example of a dirt resistance calculation program. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B is a flowchart of an example injection control program. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows how the processing gas AR3 is injected in a very short pulse-like manner from all the holes 421 in each of the c1 and c2 rows. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows how the processing gas AR3 is injected in a very short pulse-like manner from all the holes 421 in each of the c3 and c4 columns. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows how foreign matter attached to the filter 31 is blown off (i.e., detached) to the outside of the filter 31, thereby clearing the blockage of the filter 31. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the technology of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] [Embodiment] (Configuration) FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an example of a dust collector according to the present embodiment. For convenience of explanation hereinafter, the upper side in FIG. 1 is referred to as "upper (or upper side)", and the lower side is referred to as "lower (or lower side)".

[0017] The dust collector 1 shown in FIG. 1 is installed, for example, in industrial facilities such as iron and steel plants, in addition to treatment facilities for treating industrial waste, household waste, etc., and is used to purify the gas containing foreign substances, that is, the dusty air AR1, discharged from incinerators, steelmaking electric furnaces, sintering furnaces, or crushing equipment, etc. (hereinafter represented by "incinerator"). This dust collector 1 includes a housing 2 which is the apparatus main body, a capturing part 3 for capturing foreign substances EM such as dust (including dust) contained in the dusty air AR1, a jetting part 4 for jetting a processing gas AR3, and a suction part including a suction fan (not shown) for sucking the purified air AR2. Hereinafter, the configurations of the housing 2, the capturing part 3, and the jetting part 4 will be described.

[0018] In the present embodiment, the shape of the housing 2 is such that the upper part is a rectangular parallelepiped or the like with a rectangular cross-section, and the lower part is a pyramid shape corresponding to the shape of the upper part. Note that the shape of the lower part is a shape in which the top of the pyramid is smoothed, for example, a shape obtained by inverting a solid with the upper part of a pyramid smoothed into a trapezoid. This housing 2 has its interior partitioned vertically into two spaces by a partition part 23. The lower space is a first chamber 21 through which the dusty air AR1 passes. The upper space is a second chamber 22 into which the gas introduced into the first chamber 21 and passing through the capturing part 3 (specifically, a plurality of filters 31) is introduced. The purified air AR2 purified by removing the foreign substances EM from the dusty air AR1 by the filter 31 is introduced into the second chamber 22.

[0019] A dusty air introduction pipe 28 for introducing the dusty air AR1 into the first chamber 21 of the housing 2 and a discharge pipe 52 for discharging the purified air AR2 from the second chamber 22 of the housing 2 are connected to the side wall part 27 of the housing 2.

[0020] The dust-containing air introduction pipe 28 is located below the partition wall 23 and communicates with the first chamber 21. The dust-containing air introduction pipe 28 is also connected to the housing 2 and the incinerator. As a result, the dust-containing air AR1 generated in the incinerator is introduced into the first chamber 21 of the housing 2 via the dust-containing air introduction pipe 28. In this embodiment, the incinerator is described as representative, and the dust-containing air AR1 is introduced into the first chamber 21 from the incinerator via the dust-containing air introduction pipe 28. However, it is not limited to an incinerator, and the dust-containing air AR1 may be introduced into the first chamber 21 via the dust-containing air introduction pipe 28 from a steelmaking electric furnace, sintering furnace, or crushing equipment, etc.

[0021] The discharge pipe 52 is positioned above the partition wall 23 and communicates with the second chamber 22. The discharge pipe 52 is equipped with a blower (not shown) that discharges the purified air AR2 from the second chamber 22 to the outside via the discharge pipe 52. As a result, the purified air AR2 from the second chamber 22 is discharged through the discharge pipe 52.

[0022] The bottom 24 of the housing 2 has a tapered shape, with the cross-section becoming smaller towards the bottom. This allows foreign matter EM to be concentrated and collected in the center of the bottom 24 when it falls in, as will be described later.

[0023] A discharge pipe 25 for discharging foreign EM is connected to the center of the bottom 24. The foreign EM collected in the center of the bottom 24 is quickly discharged to the outside through the discharge pipe 25. This prevents foreign EM from remaining in the housing 2.

[0024] Furthermore, a rotary valve 26 is installed in the discharge pipe 25. When the rotary valve 26 is activated, foreign matter EM is forcibly discharged through the discharge pipe 25, thereby shortening the discharge time of the discharge pipe 25.

[0025] The capture unit 3 is located in the first chamber 21 and has a plurality of filters 31 that remove foreign matter EM from the dust-containing air AR1. As will be described in detail later, the plurality of filters 31 are arranged in a matrix (see also Figure 2A).

[0026] Each filter 31 is formed in a long, cylindrical (or rectangular) shape along the vertical direction. As the dust-laden air AR1 passes through the filter 31 from the outside to the inside, foreign matter EM contained in the dust-laden air AR1 is captured by the filter 31, as shown in Figure 1. This removes foreign matter EM from the dust-laden air AR1, thereby generating purified air AR2. This operation is called "dust collection operation".

[0027] Furthermore, the partition wall portion 23 of the housing 2 has the same number of through holes 231 as the number of filters 31. The filters 31 are installed by being inserted through the through holes 231, and their upper parts are fixed to the partition wall portion 23. As a result, the filters 31 extend outwards from the partition wall portion 23 in a suspended state, ensuring a sufficient surface area for capturing foreign matter EM.

[0028] The ejection section 4 introduces the treatment gas AR3 from a tank (not shown) that stores the treatment gas AR3 in a compressed gas state into a plurality of inlet pipes 42 inserted into the second chamber 22 of the housing 2. The inlet pipes 42 have a plurality of holes 421 facing the filter 31 through through holes 231 in the partition wall section 23. The holes 421 are burred (i.e., hole flanged). Specifically, a rise (i.e., burring) is formed around the hole 421 toward the filter 31. This reduces air resistance when air passes through. Each hole 421 can eject the treatment gas AR3 toward the inside of the filter 31 facing the hole 421. This allows foreign matter EM adhering to the filter 31 to be blown off and removed to the outside of the filter 31, thus eliminating clogging of the filter 31. The processing gas AR3 is air, but nitrogen gas or other gases may also be used.

[0029] The foreign matter EM that has detached from the filter 31 falls through the first chamber 21 of the housing 2 and reaches the bottom 24 of the housing 2. The foreign matter EM is then collected in the center of the bottom 24 and discharged from the discharge pipe 25.

[0030] The discharge section 4 includes a high-pressure air discharge section 44. The high-pressure air discharge section 44 includes a high-pressure air supply passage 441, a pressure regulating valve 442, and a plurality of release valves 443 connected to a plurality of inlet pipes 42. The release valves 443 are not limited to being located on the front side of the tank (i.e., the housing 2 side). For example, the release valves 443 may be directly connected to the rear of the tank, with the diaphragm valves in contact with the ends of the inlet pipes 42 inside the tank. This type is more energy-efficient.

[0031] The high-pressure air ejection unit 44 is configured to eject high-pressure processing gas AR3 into the inside of each filter 31 via the inlet pipe 42 in an extremely short pulse, i.e., in a very short pulse. An extremely short time means a very short time compared to the dust collection operation time.

[0032] The high-pressure air ejection unit 44 adjusts the pressure of the treatment gas AR3 via a pressure regulating valve 442 provided in the high-pressure air supply passage 441. The high-pressure air ejection unit 44 can then eject the pressure-adjusted treatment gas AR3 into the inside of each filter 31 via the introduction pipe 42.

[0033] The dust collector 1 includes a first pressure sensor 29 located in the first chamber 21 for detecting the first pressure in the first chamber 21, and a second pressure sensor 49 located in the second chamber 22 for detecting the second pressure in the second chamber 22.

[0034] Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a horizontal cross-section of the first chamber 21. Figure 2B is a top view of the multiple inlet pipes 42c1, 42c2, 42c3, 42c4, ... The right side of Figure 1 corresponds to the bottom side of Figure 2B. As shown in Figure 2A, the shape of the area in the first chamber 21 that houses the filters 31 is a rectangular prism shape. Multiple filters 31 are arranged in a matrix within the first chamber 21. Specifically, multiple filters 31 are arranged in multiple rows r1, r2, r3, r4, ... and multiple columns c1, c2, c3, c4, ... Corresponding to each column c1, c2, c3, c4, ... of the filters 31, inlet pipes 42c1, 42c2, 42c3, 42c4, ... each provided with a hole 42 are arranged. One end (i.e., the tip) of each inlet pipe 42c1, 42c2, 42c3, 42c4, ... is located in the second chamber 22 (see Figure 1), and the other end (i.e., the base) is connected to an on / off valve 43c1, 43c2, 43c3, 43c4, ... The holes 421 of each inlet pipe 42c1, 42c2, 42c3, 42c4, ... are located in the upper center of each row c1, c2, c3, c4, ... filter 31.

[0035] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an example of the electrical system of the dust collector 1. As shown in Figure 3, the dust collector 1 includes a computer 502. The computer 502 includes a CPU 504, RAM 506, storage device 508, and input / output (I / O) ports 510. The CPU 504, RAM 506, storage device 508, and input / output (I / O) ports 510 are connected to each other via a bus 512 so that they can communicate with one another.

[0036] The memory device 508 stores the threshold value 508T, the concentration of foreign matter 508D, the learned model 508M, the dirt resistance calculation program 508P1, and the injection control program 508P2.

[0037] The threshold value 508T, as will be described in detail later, is the fouling resistance value of filter 31 after a set time has elapsed since the fouling resistance calculation program 508P1 was executed. The threshold value 508T is an estimated value of the fouling resistance value of filter 31.

[0038] The foreign matter concentration 508D is the concentration of foreign matter contained in the gas inside the dust collector 1, for example, the gas inside the first chamber 21. The foreign matter concentration 508D may also be the concentration of foreign matter contained in the gas inside the second chamber 22 of the dust collector 1, or the concentration of foreign matter contained in the total gas between the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22. The foreign matter concentration 508D is measured in advance and stored in the storage device 508. However, it is not limited to storing the foreign matter concentration 508D in the storage device 508. For example, the dust collector 1 may be equipped with a sensor for detecting the foreign matter concentration, and the foreign matter concentration may be detected by this sensor.

[0039] The trained model 508M is a trained model that has been trained using multiple training datasets in which multiple different physical quantities are input data for estimating the fouling resistance of a filter and the fouling resistance of the filter is output data. The trained model 508M is a model (theoretical formula or empirical formula) used in the fouling resistance calculation program. The multiple physical quantities mentioned above are, for example, firstly, the difference between the first pressure in the first chamber 21 and the second pressure in the second chamber 22 (i.e., differential pressure), and secondly, the concentration of foreign matter contained in the gas inside the first chamber 21 of the dust collector 1.

[0040] RAM506 is memory that temporarily stores information and is used as work memory by the CPU504. Examples of RAM506 include DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or SRAM (Static Random Access Memory).

[0041] The functional units of the CPU 504 include an intake unit 504A, a calculation unit 504B, a reading unit 504C, a judgment unit 504D, an injection control unit 504E, and a storage processing unit 504F. The CPU 504 reads the dirt resistance calculation program 508P1 from the storage device 508 and performs dirt resistance calculation processing by executing the read dirt resistance calculation program 508P1 on the RAM 506. The CPU 504 reads the injection control program 508P2 from the storage device 508 and performs injection control processing by executing the read injection control program 508P2 on the RAM 506. The CPU 504 operates as the intake unit 504A, calculation unit 504B, reading unit 504C, judgment unit 504D, injection control unit 504E, and storage processing unit 504F according to the dirt resistance calculation program 508P1 and injection control program 508P2 executed on the RAM 506.

[0042] A first pressure sensor 29 for detecting the first pressure in the first chamber 21 and a second pressure sensor 49 for detecting the second pressure in the second chamber 22 are connected to the input / output (I / O) port 510. A pressure regulating valve 442 for adjusting the pressure of the processing gas AR3 is connected to the input / output (I / O) port 510. Multiple on-off valves 443C1... are connected to the input / output (I / O) port 510. Figure 3 shows an on-off valve 443C1, but the on-off valves 443C1... are the on-off valves 43c1, 43c2, 43c3, 43c4,... of the inlet pipes 42c1, 42c2, 42c3, 42c4,... respectively, as shown in Figure 2B.

[0043] Figure 4 illustrates an example of the processing performed by each functional unit of the CPU 504.

[0044] The intake unit 504A takes in the first pressure of the first chamber 21 from the first pressure sensor 29, and the second pressure of the second chamber 22 from the second pressure sensor 49. The calculation unit 504B calculates the difference (i.e., differential pressure) between the first pressure of the first chamber 21 and the second pressure of the second chamber 22. The reading unit 504C reads the concentration of foreign matter 508D in the dust collector 1 from the storage device 508. The calculation unit 504B reads from the storage device 508 to the learned model 508M. The calculation unit 504B calculates the fouling resistance value of the filter 31 by inputting the difference (i.e., differential pressure) between the first pressure of the first chamber 21 and the second pressure of the second chamber 22 and the concentration of foreign matter 508D in the dust collector 1 into the learned model 508M. The reading unit 504C reads the threshold value 508T from the storage device 508, and the determination unit 504D determines whether the dirt resistance value of the filter 31 is different from the threshold value 508T.

[0045] If it is determined that the fouling resistance value of filter 31 is different from the threshold value 508T, the calculation unit 504B calculates the operating conditions for the filter's fouling resistance value to become the threshold value, so that they are different from the previous operating conditions. The storage processing unit 504F stores the calculated operating conditions in the storage device 508 (i.e., overwrites them). The calculation unit 504B calculates (i.e., estimates) the filter's fouling resistance value after the set time. The storage processing unit 504F stores (i.e., overwrites) the estimated filter's fouling resistance value as the threshold value in the storage device 508.

[0046] The reading unit 504C reads the operating conditions from the storage device 508. The injection control unit 504E controls the pressure regulating valve 442 and the on / off valves 43c1, 43c2, 43c3, 43c4, ... to inject processing air according to the read operating conditions.

[0047] (action) Figure 5A is a flowchart of an example of the dirt resistance calculation program 508P1. When the CPU 504 executes the dirt resistance calculation program 508P1, the dirt resistance calculation process and dirt resistance calculation method are executed. The dirt resistance calculation program 508P1 is executed repeatedly at set time intervals.

[0048] In step 102, the intake unit 504A takes in the first pressure from the first pressure sensor 29, and in step 104, the intake unit 504A takes in the second pressure from the second pressure sensor 49, and in step 104, the intake unit 504A takes in the second pressure from the second chamber 22. The order in which the pressures are taken in may be reversed.

[0049] In step 106, the calculation unit 504B obtains the difference (i.e., differential pressure) between the first pressure in the first chamber 21 and the second pressure in the second chamber 22 by calculating it.

[0050] The difference between the first pressure and the second pressure is one of the physical quantities used to estimate the fouling resistance of the filter 31.

[0051] In step 108, the reading unit 504C obtains the concentration 508D of foreign matter inside the dust collector 1 (for example, inside the first chamber 21) by reading it from the storage device 508.

[0052] The concentration of foreign matter 508D inside the dust collector 1 (for example, inside the first chamber 21) is one of the physical quantities used to estimate the fouling resistance of the filter 31.

[0053] Note that the order of processing in steps 102-106 and step 108 can be reversed.

[0054] In step 110, the calculation unit 504B calculates the fouling resistance value of the filter 31 from the difference between the first pressure in the first chamber 21 and the second pressure in the second chamber 22 (i.e., differential pressure) and the concentration of foreign matter 508D in the dust collector 1. Specifically, the calculation unit 504B calculates the fouling resistance value of the filter 31 by inputting the differential pressure and the concentration 508D into the learned model 508M.

[0055] The calculation unit 504B in step 110 is an example of the "acquisition unit" of the technology of this disclosure.

[0056] The fouling resistance value of filter 31 is the fluid resistance value during airflow caused by particles that penetrate the inside of the filter and cannot be removed even after a brushing operation.

[0057] The calculation unit 504B calculates the fouling resistance value of the filter 31 by inputting the differential pressure and concentration 508D into the learned model 508M, but the technology of this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a data table of multiple combinations of the differential pressure and concentration 508D and the fouling resistance value of the filter 31 is stored in the storage device 508. In step 110, the calculation unit 504B may extract the fouling resistance value of the filter 31 corresponding to the differential pressure and concentration 508D from the data table. Alternatively, a map may be used instead of such a data table.

[0058] In step 112, the reading unit 504C reads the threshold value 508T from the storage device 508, and in step 114, the determination unit 504D determines whether the fouling resistance value of the filter 31 is the same as the threshold value 508T. If it is determined that the fouling resistance value of the filter 31 is different from the threshold value 508T, the injection control process proceeds to step 116. If it is determined that the fouling resistance value of the filter 31 is not different from the threshold value 508T, the injection control process proceeds to step 120.

[0059] In step 116, the calculation unit 504B calculates operating conditions that are different from the previous operating conditions for the filter's fouling resistance value to be the same as the threshold value.

[0060] In this embodiment, the operating conditions for the filter's fouling resistance value to become a threshold value are determined in advance through experiments or other means for each combination of the filter's fouling resistance value and the threshold value. Multiple combinations of the filter's fouling resistance value and threshold value, and the operating conditions for the filter's fouling resistance value to become that threshold value are pre-stored in the storage device 508.

[0061] In step 116, the calculation unit 504B calculates (extracts) from the above multiple combinations the operating conditions for the filter's fouling resistance to become the threshold value, based on the filter's fouling resistance value calculated in step 110 and the threshold value read in step 112.

[0062] Now, let's explain the operating conditions.

[0063] As described above, by controlling the on-off valves 43c1, 43c2, 43c3, 43c4, ... corresponding to each inlet pipe 42c1, 42c2, 42c3, 42c4, ... the treatment gas AR3 is injected in a very short pulse-like manner from the holes 421 of each inlet pipe 42c1, 42c2, 42c3, 42c4, .... In addition, by controlling the pressure regulating valve 442, the pressure of the treatment gas AR3 is adjusted.

[0064] Operating conditions include, for example, the number of rows of holes into which the treatment gas AR3 is injected, the pressure of the treatment gas AR3, the injection time, and the injection interval.

[0065] The number of holes in each row can be, for example, every two rows, every three rows, etc. For example, the on / off valves 43c1, 43c2, 43c3, 43c4, etc., corresponding to each row c1, c2, c3, c4, etc., are controlled so that the processing gas AR3 is injected from the holes in a pulse-like manner for a very short time every two rows.

[0066] The pressure of the processing gas AR3 is the pressure of the processing gas AR3 injected from hole 421 in a very short pulse. The pressure regulating valve 442 is controlled so that the pressure of the processing gas AR3 injected from hole 421 in a very short pulse equals the calculated pressure. The following relationship holds. The pressure of the processed gas AR3 is greater than or equal to the pressure of the processed gas from the hole, and equal to the pressure inside the filter 31.

[0067] The injection time is the injection time of the treatment gas AR3, which is injected from hole 421 in a very short pulse. The on / off valves 43c1, 43c2, 43c3, 43c4, ... corresponding to each inlet pipe 42c1, 42c2, 42c3, 42c4, ... are controlled so that the treatment gas AR3 is injected from hole 421 for the calculated injection time.

[0068] The injection interval is the interval between injections of the treatment gas AR3, which is injected from hole 421 in a very short pulse. This is because the on-off valves 43c1, 43c2, 43c3, 43c4, ... corresponding to each inlet pipe 42c1, 42c2, 42c3, 42c4, ... are controlled so that the treatment gas AR3 is injected from hole 421 at the calculated injection interval.

[0069] In step 118, the memory processing unit 504F stores (i.e., overwrites) the operation condition 508S calculated in step 116 in the memory storage device 508. The operation condition before overwriting and the operation condition 508S after overwriting are examples of the "first condition" and "second condition" of the technology disclosed herein, respectively.

[0070] In step 120, the calculation unit 504B calculates (i.e., estimates) the filter's fouling resistance value after a set time.

[0071] In step 122, the memory processing unit 504F stores (i.e., overwrites) the estimated filter fouling resistance value as a threshold value in the memory device 508.

[0072] When the process in step 122 is completed, the execution of the dirt resistance calculation program 508P1 ends. After a set time has elapsed since the execution of the dirt resistance calculation program 508P1 ended, the execution of the dirt resistance calculation program 508P1 starts again. When the execution of the dirt resistance calculation program 508P1 starts again, in step 112, the dirt resistance value stored (i.e., overwritten) in the memory device 508 is read out as the threshold value.

[0073] Next, a flowchart of an example of the injection control program 508P2 shown in Figure 5B will be explained. The injection control process and injection control method are executed when the CPU 504 executes the injection control program 508P2. The injection control program 508P2 is executed repeatedly at set intervals.

[0074] The setting time for the repeated execution of the fouling resistance calculation program 508P1 shown in Figure 5A is the first time, and the setting time for the repeated execution of the injection control program 508P2 shown in Figure 5B is the second time. The second time is shorter than the first time. For example, (first time, second time) = (6 months, 1 hour), (5 months, 2 hours), (4 months, 3 hours), or (3 months, 4 hours), etc.

[0075] In step 142, the reading unit 504C reads the operating conditions 508S stored in the memory device 508.

[0076] In step 144, the injection control unit 504E controls the drive unit 422 and the pressure regulating valve 442 so that the processing air is injected from the hole 421 in a pulse-like manner for a very short time (i.e., acts on the filter 31) according to the read-out operating conditions, thereby dislodgeing any foreign matter adhering to the filter 31. The method for removing foreign matter adhering to the filter 31 may also include mechanical vibration of the filter, ultrasonic vibration, backwashing, or hammering. In addition, the treatment gas AR3 may be injected into the filter 31 from the hole 421, and the filter 31 may be mechanically vibrated. This can further detach the foreign matter EM adhering to the filter 31 and more effectively eliminate clogging of the filter 31.

[0077] For example, if the calculated operating conditions are that there are two rows of holes and the injection time is T1, then, for example, as shown in Figure 6, the treatment gas AR3 is injected in a very short pulse manner for an injection time T1 from all the holes 421 in each of the c1st and c2nd rows, and then, as shown in Figure 7, the treatment gas AR3 is injected in a very short pulse manner for an injection time T1 from all the holes 421 in each of the c3rd and c4th rows. Note that this is not limited to every two rows, but may be every three rows, every four rows, etc.

[0078] Hole 421 is an example of a "brushing section" in the technology of this disclosure. The injection control unit 504E is an example of a "control unit" in the technology of this disclosure.

[0079] As a result of the process in step 144, when the treatment gas is injected so that the fouling resistance value of the filter 31 becomes less than the threshold value, the foreign matter EM attached to the filter 31 is blown off (i.e., detached) to the outside of the filter 31, as shown in Figure 8, and the clogging of the filter 31 is resolved.

[0080] The foreign EM that has detached from the filter 31 falls through the first chamber 21 of the housing 2 and reaches the bottom 24 of the housing 2. After that, the foreign EM is collected in the center of the bottom 24 and discharged from the discharge pipe 25.

[0081] Once step 144 is completed, the execution of the injection control program 508P2 ends. After a set time has elapsed since the end of the execution of the injection control program 508P2, the execution of the injection control program 508P2 starts again.

[0082] As described above, the set time for the fouling resistance calculation program 508P1 in Figure 5A to be repeatedly executed is the first time, and the set time for the injection control program 508P2 in Figure 5B to be repeatedly executed is the second time (= shorter than the first time). For example, suppose the first time is 6 months and the second time is 1 hour. And, for example, suppose the fouling resistance calculation program 508P1 is executed on January 14th.

[0083] If the judgment in step 114 is negative, the newly calculated operating conditions are stored (overwritten) in the memory device 508, and the injection control program 508P2 is executed every hour for a period of six months from January 14 to July 14, and processing air is injected every hour according to these newly calculated operating conditions.

[0084] On the other hand, if the judgment in step 114 is affirmative, the operating conditions are not calculated, and the contents of the memory device 508 are not changed. Therefore, for the six months from January 14 to July 14, the injection control program 508P2 is executed every hour, and every hour, the processing air is injected under the previous operating conditions.

[0085] The reason why the setting time for the repeated execution of the injection control program 508P2 in Figure 5B (= second time) is shorter than the setting time for the repeated execution of the fouling resistance calculation program 508P1 in Figure 5A (= first time) is that the fouling resistance value of each filter does not change frequently during the first time. Therefore, it is not necessary to calculate the fouling resistance value of each filter for each injection control process, which occurs every second time, which is shorter than the first time. In this embodiment, the fouling resistance value after the next first time is predicted at each first time interval, and the treatment air is injected under the already calculated operating conditions until the next first time.

[0086] (effect) As explained above, in this embodiment, the fouling resistance value of each of the multiple filters is calculated from the differential pressure and concentration used to calculate the fouling resistance value of each of the multiple filters, so the fouling resistance value of each filter can be calculated.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the calculation unit 504B calculates the fouling resistance value of the filter 31 by inputting the differential pressure and concentration 508D into the learned model 508M. As described above, the learned model 508M is optimized for calculating the fouling resistance value of the filter 31. Therefore, this embodiment can determine the fouling resistance value of the filter 31 with high accuracy.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the process in step 144 (see Figure 5B) causes the processing gas to be injected into the filter 31 in a very short pulse-like manner according to the read operating conditions. As a result, foreign matter EM adhering to the filter 31 is blown off (i.e., detached) from the filter 31, and clogging of the filter 31 can be resolved without removing the filter 31.

[0089] In this embodiment, the calculation unit 504B calculates (i.e., estimates) the filter's fouling resistance value after a set time (first time), and the storage processing unit 504F stores (i.e., overwrites) the estimated filter fouling resistance value as a threshold in the storage device 508. Subsequently, when the execution of the fouling resistance calculation program 508P1 restarts after the set time (first time) has elapsed, the threshold value (estimated value of fouling resistance) stored (i.e., overwritten) in the storage device 508 is read. If the fouling resistance value of the filter 31 is different from the read threshold value, the calculation unit 504B calculates operating conditions different from the previous operating conditions for the filter's fouling resistance value to become the threshold value. During the first time, at second time intervals shorter than the first time, the injection control unit 504E injects processing air according to the operating conditions read from the storage device 508. As described above, the fouling resistance value of each filter is not changed frequently during the first time. In this embodiment, the operating conditions are controlled according to the conditions for the fouling resistance value to be less than a threshold, so that the fouling resistance value becomes less than the threshold and foreign matter adhering to the filter 31 can be properly brushed off. In this embodiment, the process of calculating the fouling resistance value of the filter and comparing the calculated fouling resistance value with a threshold is not performed at every second time interval, so the injection control process can be simplified.

[0090] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the processing gas is injected from all the holes 421 in each of every two rows, for example, every two rows. The effects of performing this operation to remove multiple rows are as follows.

[0091] Firstly, because the dust removal effect is improved compared to single-row dust removal (i.e., the resistance to fouling is lower), the rate at which the differential pressure of the dust collector rises during operation due to dust collection is slowed down. In constant-pressure dust removal operations, the time to reach constant pressure is increased, and the number of dust removal cycles is reduced. This prevents a decrease in filter lifespan due to the mechanical deterioration caused by dust removal.

[0092] Furthermore, if the brushing effect becomes too high due to brushing multiple rows, the brushing pressure can be reduced to weaken the effect. By changing the brushing operation conditions, such as by lowering the brushing pressure, energy-saving effects can be achieved by reducing the consumption of processing gas (air).

[0093] Furthermore, being able to operate the dust collector for extended periods with low differential pressure means that the average differential pressure of the dust collector during operation is lower, which has a significant effect in reducing the power consumption of the blower when dust collection is performed.

[0094] [Differentiation] The following describes various modifications of the above embodiment. The configuration of each modification is substantially the same as that of the above embodiment. Furthermore, the operation of each modification is substantially the same as that of the above embodiment. The following describes the main differences.

[0095] (First variation) In the embodiment described above, the fouling resistance value of the filter 31 is determined using the difference between the first pressure in the first chamber 21 and the second pressure in the second chamber 22, and the concentration of foreign matter in the first chamber 21 of the dust collector 1. The technology of this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0096] For example, the physical quantities used to calculate the fouling resistance of the filter 31 include the diameter of the foreign matter contained in the gas inside the dust collector 1, the composition of the foreign matter contained in the gas inside the dust collector 1, and the particle size distribution of the foreign matter contained in the gas inside the dust collector 1.

[0097] Furthermore, the physical quantities used to calculate the fouling resistance value of the filter 31 include the temperature of the gas inside the dust collector 1 and the viscosity of the gas inside the dust collector 1.

[0098] Furthermore, the physical quantities used to calculate the fouling resistance value of the filter 31 include the concentrations of gas components inside the dust collector 1, such as hydrogen chloride (HCl), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and methane (CH4).

[0099] Furthermore, a physical quantity used to calculate the fouling resistance value of the filter 31 is the amount of chemicals, such as slaked lime, added to the gas inside the dust collector 1.

[0100] Furthermore, one of the physical quantities used to calculate the fouling resistance value of filter 31 is the filtration rate at which the gas passes through filter 31.

[0101] In particular, three or more physical quantities are selected from a group of multiple physical quantities, and the fouling resistance value is calculated from these three or more selected physical quantities. Selecting three or more physical quantities in this way allows for a more accurate calculation of the fouling resistance value of the filter 31 than selecting only two physical quantities. This is because filter clogging is not caused by a single factor, but can occur due to a combination of multiple factors, and calculating the fouling resistance value of the filter 31 from a wider variety of physical quantities allows for a more accurate calculation.

[0102] (Second variation) In the embodiment described above, a first pressure is detected in the first chamber 21 by a first pressure sensor, a second pressure is detected in the second chamber 22 by a second pressure sensor, the difference between these pressures is calculated, and the concentration of foreign matter in the first chamber 21 of the dust collector 1 is read from a storage device. The technology of this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the difference between the first pressure in the first chamber 21 and the second pressure in the second chamber 22 may be calculated using a trained model. Alternatively, the concentration of foreign matter may be detected by a concentration sensor provided in the first chamber 21 of the dust collector 1. Other physical quantities may also be detected by sensors or calculated using a trained model.

[0103] When the above physical quantity is detected by a sensor, it can be detected in real time. In contrast, when the above physical quantity is calculated using a trained model, the mechanical configuration of the sensor can be omitted, and the configuration of the dust collector 1 can be simplified.

[0104] (Third variation) Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the treatment gas is injected from all the holes 421 in each of every two rows. This embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the treatment gas may be injected from all the holes 421 in each of every three or more rows (however, one less row than all rows combined).

[0105] In this modified example, the filter fouling resistance value can be calculated from a single physical quantity (for example, only the differential pressure mentioned above), and if the calculated filter fouling resistance value differs from the threshold, the operating conditions can be calculated and the treatment gas can be injected under the calculated operating conditions. Alternatively, in this modified example, without calculating the operating conditions, the treatment gas can be injected at set intervals from all holes 421 in each row (however, one less row than all rows combined) under predetermined operating conditions.

[0106] In conventional technology, clogging of certain holes in the filter is resolved by brushing off foreign matter adhering to each filter. However, this results in a concentration of airflow in those holes, and consequently, some of the foreign matter contained in the incoming airflow remains in the filter cloth, increasing fouling resistance and, consequently, increasing the overall airflow resistance of the device. However, as described above, in this modification, the treatment gas is injected from all the holes 421 in each row (however, for each row of multiple rows (however, at least one row less than all rows combined) so that the overall airflow resistance of the dust collector can be reduced.

[0107] (Fourth variation) In the embodiment described above, if the fouling resistance value of the filter 31 differs from the read threshold, the calculation unit 504B calculates operating conditions different from the previous operating conditions for the filter's fouling resistance value to become the threshold. However, the technology of this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, if the fouling resistance value of the filter 31 is smaller than the read threshold, the operating conditions may be calculated to reduce the fouling effect. To reduce the brushing effect, the operating conditions include, for example, controlling the pressure regulating valve 442 so that the injection pressure of the treatment gas AR3 is reduced. This prevents filter deterioration.

[0108] Based on the above disclosures, the following addendum is proposed.

[0109] (Note 1) A first chamber equipped with multiple filters into which gas containing foreign matter is introduced, A second chamber into which the gas introduced into the first chamber and which has passed through each of the plurality of filters is introduced, A dust collector equipped with, An acquisition unit that acquires the fouling resistance value of each of the plurality of filters from a plurality of different physical quantities for estimating the fouling resistance of each of the plurality of filters, A dust collector equipped with the following features.

[0110] (Note 2) A brushing unit that acts on each of the plurality of filters to brush off foreign matter adhering to each of the plurality of filters, A control unit that controls the operating state of the brushing unit, A memory unit that stores thresholds and conditions, Furthermore, The storage unit stores a first threshold value, which is an estimated value of the dirt resistance value after a set time has elapsed, as the threshold value, and also stores the first condition as the condition. The acquisition unit, when the set time has elapsed and the newly calculated dirt resistance value is different from the first threshold value, acquires a second condition for the dirt resistance value to be the same as the threshold value. When the set time has elapsed and the second condition has been met, the storage unit stores the acquired second condition in place of the first condition. The control unit controls the operating state of the brushing unit according to the first condition before the set time has elapsed, and controls the operating state of the brushing unit according to the second condition when the set time has elapsed and the second condition has been stored. The dust collector described in Appendix 1.

[0111] (Note 3) The dust collector as described in Appendix 2, wherein the control unit controls the operating state of the dust removal unit according to the conditions stored in the memory unit each time a period of time shorter than the set time has elapsed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0112] 1. Dust collector 21 The first room 22 Second Chamber 29. First pressure sensor 49. Second pressure sensor 504 CPU 504A Intake Section 504B Calculation section 504C reading section 504D Judgment Department 504E Injection Control Unit 504F Memory Processing Unit 442 Pressure regulating valve 421 holes 443C1, 443C2, 443C3, 443C4 Shut-off valves 508 Storage device

Claims

1. A first chamber equipped with multiple filters into which gas containing foreign matter is introduced, A second chamber into which the gas introduced into the first chamber and which has passed through each of the plurality of filters is introduced, A dust collector equipped with, An acquisition unit that acquires the fouling resistance value of each of the plurality of filters from a plurality of different physical quantities for estimating the fouling resistance of each of the plurality of filters, A dust collector equipped with the following features.

2. The dust collector according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of rows of filters, a brushing unit that acts on each of the plurality of rows of filters to remove foreign matter adhering to each filter, and a control of the brushing unit so as to act on two or more rows of filters, and at least one row less than all rows combined.

3. The aforementioned multiple physical quantities include: The differential pressure between the first pressure in the first chamber and the second pressure in the second chamber, The concentration of foreign matter contained in the gas inside the dust collector, The diameter of foreign matter contained in the gas inside the dust collector, The composition of foreign matter contained in the gas inside the dust collector, The particle size distribution of foreign matter contained in the gas inside the dust collector, The temperature of the gas inside the dust collector, The viscosity of the gas inside the dust collector, The concentration of the gas components inside the dust collector, The amount of chemical agent introduced into the gas inside the dust collector, and filtration rate passing through the aforementioned filter A dust collector according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising at least two of the following.

4. A dust collector comprising: a first chamber into which gas containing foreign matter is introduced, having multiple rows of filters; a second chamber into which gas introduced into the first chamber and passing through the multiple rows of filters is introduced; a brushing unit that acts on each of the multiple rows of filters to remove foreign matter adhering to each filter; and a control unit that controls the brushing unit to act on two or more rows of filters, and at least one row less than all rows combined.

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