Transfer device and transfer method

Abstract

The present invention provides a miniaturized transfer device and transfer method that suppresses the leakage of the transferred material. [Solution] The transfer device 1 comprises a water level adjustment tank 21, a transported material supply tank 22, a water supply means 3 for supplying liquid to the water level adjustment tank 21, a transported material supply means 4 for supplying transported material to the transported material supply tank 22, a connecting part 24 that connects the water level adjustment tank 21 and the transported material supply tank 22 so that liquid can flow from the water level adjustment tank 21 to the transported material supply tank 22, an upper overflow pipe 25 and a lower overflow pipe 26 provided in the water level adjustment tank 21 for draining liquid above a predetermined water level from the water level adjustment tank 21, and a transfer means 5 for transferring the transported material supplied to the transported material supply tank 22 and the liquid that has flowed into the transported material supply tank 22 through the connecting part 24 to the outside of the transported material supply tank 22.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In sewage treatment plants, materials such as sand, sludge, or scum removed from wastewater are stored in underground storage tanks and then transported to the surface using transport equipment. Traditionally, transport equipment has been used that involves transferring materials using conveyors and skip hoists, but conveyors and skip hoists have problems such as emitting odors and being dangerous because their moving parts are exposed.

[0003] To solve this problem, a transfer device has been proposed that transfers the material to be transferred through pipes (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this transfer device of Patent Document 1, the material to be transferred, which has been cut by a crusher, is stored in a storage tank, and the material to be transferred is stirred while water is supplied to turn it into a slurry, which is then sent out of the storage tank by a transfer pump. Compared to conventional transfer devices using conveyors and skip hoists, this transfer device of Patent Document 1 has the advantage of reducing the risk of odor leakage and being less dangerous because there are fewer moving parts. Furthermore, by using a transfer device that transfers the material to be transferred through pipes, as in the transfer device of Patent Document 1, it is also possible to transfer liquids such as sewage and contaminated water as the material to be transferred. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 4-125247 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The storage tank of the transfer device described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with an overflow section that releases water from the storage tank when the water level rises. However, in the transfer device described in Patent Document 1, since the water and the material to be transferred are mixed in the storage tank, there is a problem that when the water flows out from the overflow section, the material to be transferred also flows out with the water. In addition, in the configuration of the transfer device described in Patent Document 1, if the storage tank is small, water and the material to be transferred are likely to flow out from the overflow section. Therefore, a large storage tank must be used to prevent the material to be transferred from flowing out, and the entire transfer device becomes larger to match the size of the storage tank.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a miniaturized transfer device and transfer method that suppresses the leakage of the transferred material. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The transfer device of the present invention, which solves the above problems, A water level adjustment tank, A transported material supply tank, A liquid supply means for supplying liquid to the water level adjustment tank, A means for supplying objects to be transferred to the object to be transferred supply tank, A connecting portion is provided to connect the water level adjustment tank and the material to be transferred, so that liquid can flow from the water level adjustment tank to the material to be transferred supply tank. The water level adjustment tank is provided with an overflow section that drains liquid above a predetermined water level from the water level adjustment tank, The system is characterized by comprising a transfer means for transferring the material to be transferred supplied to the material to be transferred supply tank and the liquid that flows into the material to be transferred supply tank through the connecting portion to the outside of the material to be transferred supply tank.

[0008] With this transfer device, the material to be transferred is transferred from the material supply tank by the transfer means, and only the liquid in the water level adjustment tank is discharged from the overflow section. Therefore, even if small capacities are used for the water level adjustment tank and the material supply tank, it is possible to prevent the material to be transferred from flowing out of the overflow section.

[0009] Here, the transfer means may transfer an amount of material to be transferred and liquid to the outside of the material to be transferred supply tank that is equal to or greater than the amount of material to be transferred supplied from the material to be transferred supply means to the material to be transferred supply tank. Alternatively, the transfer means may transfer an amount of material to be transferred and liquid to the outside of the material to be transferred supply tank that is equal to or less than the total amount of material to be transferred supplied from the material to be transferred supply means to the material to be transferred supply tank and the liquid supplied from the liquid supply means. Furthermore, the connecting portion may connect the water level adjustment tank and the material to be transferred supply tank below the overflow portion.

[0010] In this transfer device, The transfer means may transfer the material to be transferred and the liquid that has flowed into the material to be transferred tank from a downstream position in the direction of inflow of the liquid that flows into the material to be transferred tank through the connecting portion.

[0011] In this way, the liquid that flows through the connecting portion into the material to be transferred supply tank is combined with the material to be transferred supplied to the material to be transferred supply tank, and the liquid and material to be transferred flow toward the transfer means, thus preventing the concentration of the material to be transferred from becoming too high in the liquid and material to be transferred by the transfer means. In addition, the transfer by the transfer means makes it easier for the liquid to flow through the connecting portion into the material to be transferred supply tank.

[0012] Furthermore, in this transfer device, The overflow section is provided in the water level adjustment tank in multiple locations, corresponding to the multiple water levels in the water level adjustment tank. At least the lower overflow section corresponding to the lowest water level among the overflow sections may have a switching means for switching whether or not to drain liquid from the lower overflow section.

[0013] The switching means can selectively lower the water levels of the water level adjustment tank and the transferred object supply tank. By lowering the water level when there is a small amount of the transferred object in the transferred object supply tank, the transfer means can efficiently transfer the transferred object.

[0014] Furthermore, in this transfer device, The liquid supply means may supply a quantity of liquid to the water level adjustment tank that is greater than or equal to the transfer quantity per unit time of the transfer means.

[0015] By doing so, it is possible to prevent the water levels of the water level adjustment tank and the transferred object supply tank from continuously decreasing over time.

[0016] Also, the transfer method of the present invention for solving the above problems is A transfer method of a transfer device including a water level adjustment tank, a transferred object supply tank, liquid supply means for supplying liquid to the water level adjustment tank, transferred object supply means for supplying a transferred object to the transferred object supply tank, a connecting portion connecting the water level adjustment tank and the transferred object supply tank so that liquid can flow from the water level adjustment tank to the transferred object supply tank, an overflow portion for draining the liquid in the water level adjustment tank, and transfer means for transferring the transferred object supplied to the transferred object supply tank and the liquid flowing into the transferred object supply tank through the connecting portion to the outside of the transferred object supply tank, A liquid supply start step of starting the supply of liquid to the water level adjustment tank by the liquid supply means, A transfer start step of starting the transfer by the transfer means, After the liquid supply start step and the transfer start step, by starting the supply of the transferred object to the transferred object supply tank by the transferred object supply means, the supply of liquid to the water level adjustment tank by the liquid supply means, the supply of the transferred object to the transferred object supply tank by the transferred object supply means, and the transfer of the transferred object and liquid in the transferred object supply tank to the outside of the transferred object supply tank are carried out, and it is characterized by having a supply transfer step.

[0017] According to this transfer method, even if a small-capacity water level adjustment tank and transfer object supply tank are used, it is possible to suppress the transfer object from flowing out from the overflow portion in the supply transfer step.

[0018] In this transfer method, the supply transfer step is a step executed in a state where the water level of the water level adjustment tank is at the first water level, it may have a low water level supply transfer step of executing the supply of liquid to the water level adjustment tank by the liquid supply means and the transfer of the transfer object and liquid in the transfer object supply tank to the outside of the transfer object supply tank in a state where the water level of the water level adjustment tank is at a second water level lower than the first water level.

[0019] By executing the low water level supply transfer step when the amount of the transfer object in the transfer object supply tank decreases, the transfer object can be efficiently transferred.

[0020] Here, in the low water level supply transfer step, the supply of the transfer object to the transfer object supply tank by the transfer object supply means may be executed.

Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a transfer device and a transfer method that can be miniaturized and in which the transfer object is suppressed from flowing out.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] [[ID=3l]]It is a schematic diagram schematically showing a transfer device. [Figure 2] It is a flowchart showing the transfer operation of the transfer device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 1 showing a state where the water level adjustment tank is filled with water up to the first water level. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 1 showing a state where the transfer device is operating at the first water level. [Figure 5]This is a schematic diagram similar to Figure 1, showing the transfer device operating at the second water level. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows the transfer operation in the first modified transfer device, which operates without emptying the storage tank. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram similar to Figure 1, illustrating the transfer device of the second modified example. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram similar to Figure 1, illustrating the transfer device of the third modified example. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram similar to Figure 1, showing how the connection position of the transfer pipe is changed. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram similar to Figure 1, which schematically shows the transfer device of the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description of embodiments, a transfer device 1 for transferring sludge, which is an example of a material to be transferred, will be described.

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the transfer device 1.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the transfer device 1 comprises a storage tank 2, a water supply means 3, a means 4 for supplying the material to be transferred, and a transfer means 5. Figure 1 also shows a solid-liquid separation tank 91 and a solid-liquid separator 92, which are the destinations to which the sludge is transferred by the transfer device 1, a hopper 93 that receives the sludge separated from the water, and a truck T that loads the sludge discharged from the hopper 93 and transports it away.

[0026] The storage tank 2 is installed underground and has a box-like shape with an open top. The inside of the storage tank 2 is divided into a water level adjustment tank 21 and a material to be transferred supply tank 22 by a partition plate 23. This partition plate 23 is an example of a partition member. The lower part of the partition plate 23 is bent in a V-shape so that it is positioned towards the material to be transferred supply tank 22 as it goes downwards. The lower end 23A of the partition plate 23 is slightly separated from the tank bottom surface 2A, and a gap is formed between them. This gap between the tank bottom surface 2A and the lower end 23A of the partition plate 23 becomes a connecting part 24 that connects the water level adjustment tank 21 and the material to be transferred supply tank 22. The size of the gap in the connecting part 24 is set to allow water to flow from the water level adjustment tank 21 to the material to be transferred supply tank 22, and to a size that causes a pressure loss. The connecting part 24 may be configured so that the size of this gap can be varied. By doing so, the optimal gap can be set according to the type of material to be transferred, the amount of material to be transferred, the amount of water supplied to the water level adjustment tank 21, and so on.

[0027] The water level adjustment tank 21 is equipped with an upper overflow pipe 25, a lower overflow pipe 26, and a drain pipe 27. The upper overflow pipe 25 is connected near the upper end of the water level adjustment tank 21. This upper overflow pipe 25 is an example of an overflow section. Water is supplied to the water level adjustment tank 21 from the water supply means 3. The water supplied from this water supply means 3 is an example of a liquid. After the water level in the water level adjustment tank 21 reaches the height to which the upper overflow pipe 25 is connected, any water above that height flows out from the upper overflow pipe 25, preventing the water level in the water level adjustment tank 21 from rising above the height to which the upper overflow pipe 25 is connected. The water level at the height to which the upper overflow pipe 25 is connected becomes the first water level. This first water level is an example of a predetermined water level. The water that flows out from the upper overflow pipe 25 is drained into a sedimentation basin or the like at a wastewater treatment facility.

[0028] The lower overflow pipe 26 is located below the upper overflow pipe 25 and is connected to the lower part of the water level adjustment tank 21. This lower overflow pipe 26 also corresponds to an example of an overflow section. In this embodiment, the lower overflow pipe 26 is connected to the water level adjustment tank 21 at a height above the lower end 23A of the partition plate 23 and the withdrawal opening 5A, which will be described later. The lower overflow pipe 26 is provided with a lower valve 261. This lower valve 261 corresponds to an example of a switching means. The lower valve 261 is an automatic valve controlled by a control device (not shown), but it may also be a manual valve. When the lower valve 261 is opened, the water in the water level adjustment tank 21 flows out from the lower overflow pipe 26, preventing the water level in the water level adjustment tank 21 from rising above the height to which the lower overflow pipe 26 is connected. The water level at the height to which the lower overflow pipe 26 is connected becomes the second water level. This second water level also corresponds to an example of a predetermined water level. Furthermore, if the lower valve 261 is opened when the water level in the water level adjustment tank 21 rises above the height to which the lower overflow pipe 26 is connected, the water level in the water level adjustment tank 21 will gradually decrease to the height to which the lower overflow pipe 26 is connected. The water that flows out from the lower overflow pipe 26 is drained into a grit chamber or similar in a wastewater treatment facility.

[0029] The drain pipe 27 is connected to the bottom surface 2A of the tank. The drain pipe 27 is equipped with a tank drain valve 271. The tank drain valve 271 is an automatic valve controlled by a control device (not shown), but it may also be a manual valve. When the tank drain valve 271 is opened, the water from the water level adjustment tank 21 flows out through the drain pipe 27, and the water level adjustment tank 21 and the material supply tank 22 connected to the water level adjustment tank 21 by the connecting section 24 become empty. The water that flows out through the drain pipe 27 is discharged into a sedimentation basin or the like at a wastewater treatment facility.

[0030] The material to be transferred supply tank 22 is a tank in which sludge removed from wastewater in a sedimentation basin or the like is stored. Water flowing in mainly from the water level adjustment tank 21 is also stored in this material to be transferred supply tank 22 along with the sludge. The upstream end of the transfer pipe 51, which will be described later, is connected to the lower part of the side wall of the material to be transferred supply tank 22 that faces the partition plate 23. Water flows into the material to be transferred supply tank 22 from the water level adjustment tank 21 through the connecting section 24. The upstream end of the transfer pipe 51 is connected to the material to be transferred supply tank 22 at a downstream position in the direction of water inflow.

[0031] The water supply means 3 includes a water supply pump 31 and a water supply pipe 32. This water supply means 3 is an example of a liquid supply means. The water supply pump 31 is located in the final sedimentation tank or the like, which is downstream of the grit tank in the wastewater treatment facility, and supplies water that has been purified to some extent by wastewater treatment to the water level adjustment tank 21 through the water supply pipe 32. The amount of water supplied to the water level adjustment tank 21 per unit time by the water supply means 3 (m³ 3 (m³ / min) is the amount of transfer per unit time by the transfer means 5. 3 The amount is greater than or equal to ( / min). This prevents the water levels in the water level adjustment tank 21 and the material to be transferred supply tank 22 from continuously decreasing over time. The water supply pump 31 may be installed in facilities other than wastewater treatment facilities, such as reservoirs. Alternatively, instead of the water supply pump 31, a water tank may be installed above the water level adjustment tank 21, and water may be pumped out from the tank by the potential energy of the water stored in the tank. In that case, the water tank and the water supply pipe 32 constitute an example of a liquid supply means.

[0032] The material to be transported supply means 4 includes a conveyor 41 and a crusher 42. The conveyor 41 is a device that transports the debris removed from wastewater in a sedimentation basin or the like to the crusher 42. This debris is an example of the material to be transported. Note that other transport devices such as a water trough may be used instead of the conveyor 41. If a water trough is used, wastewater mixed with debris will be transported. In this case, the wastewater mixed with debris is an example of the material to be transported.

[0033] The crusher 42 is a machine that shreds the waste transported by the conveyor 41. By shredding the waste in the crusher 42, the waste can be smoothly transported by the transport means 5. The waste shredded by the crusher 42 is fed into the transport material supply tank 22. The crusher 42 may be placed upstream of the conveyor 41 in the waste transport process, or it may be omitted altogether. In those cases, the waste is fed directly from the conveyor 41 into the transport material supply tank 22.

[0034] The material to be transported supply means 4 is driven intermittently. For example, the material to be transported supply means 4 is driven continuously while it is raining and stopped when the rain stops, thus driving intermittently. Normally, when the material to be transported supply means 4 is started to drive, the largest amount of sludge is transported and supplied to the material to be transported supply tank 22, and as the driving time progresses, the amount of sludge supplied to the material to be transported supply tank 22 gradually decreases.

[0035] The transfer means 5 includes a transfer pipe 51 and a transfer pump 52. As described above, the upstream end of the transfer pipe 51 is connected to the side wall of the material to be transferred supply tank 22. The upstream end of the transfer pipe 51 connected to the side wall of the material to be transferred supply tank 22 becomes the withdrawal port 5A. This withdrawal port 5A is set at a height position below the height position of the lower end 23A of the partition plate 23. However, the withdrawal port 5A may also be set at a height position above the height position of the lower end 23A of the partition plate 23. The downstream end of the transfer pipe 51 is located inside the solid-liquid separation tank 91. An outlet 51A is formed at the downstream end of the transfer pipe 51 for discharging the transferred sludge into the solid-liquid separation tank 91.

[0036] The transfer pump 52 is a pump that draws out the sludge supplied to the material supply tank 22 by the material supply means 4 and the water that flows into the material supply tank 22 through the connecting part 24 from the material supply tank 22 through the withdrawal port 5A and transfers it to the solid-liquid separation tank 91 through the transfer pipe 51. This transfer pump 52 is located in the middle of the transfer pipe 51. Transfer amount per unit time by the transfer means 5 (m 3 The maximum amount of sludge supplied per unit time (m³ / min) by the material supply means 4 to the material supply tank 22 is the maximum amount of sludge supplied per unit time (m³ / min). 3The amount is greater than or equal to ( / min). As described above, the largest amount of sludge is transported when the transported material supply means 4 is started to drive, and the maximum supply amount of sludge is supplied to the transported material supply tank 22. Alternatively, the transfer pump 52 may be placed inside the transported material supply tank 22, and the upstream end of the transfer pipe 51 may be connected to the transfer pump 52. However, in that case, the transported material supply tank 22 would need to be large enough to accommodate the transfer pump 52 in addition to the sludge and water. For this reason, as in this embodiment, it is preferable to place the transfer pump 52 outside the transported material supply tank 22 and draw out the sludge and water from the transported material supply tank 22 via the transfer pipe 51.

[0037] The sludge discharged into the solid-liquid separation tank 91 is separated from the water by the solid-liquid separator 92 and fed into the hopper 93. The sludge accumulated in the hopper 93 is then transported away by truck T and processed at the destination. Meanwhile, the water separated from the sludge by the solid-liquid separator 92 is drained from the separated water outlet 91A located at the lower end of the separator drain pipe 911 and returned to the sedimentation tank or the like.

[0038] Next, the transfer method in this transfer device 1 will be described. The transfer device 1 performs transfer operations intermittently and repeatedly. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing one of the repeated transfer operations of the transfer device 1 shown in Figure 1.

[0039] The operation of the transfer device 1 is controlled by a control device (not shown). The operations in the flowchart shown in Figure 2 are executed by commands from that control device. However, the transfer device 1 may also be operated manually, without the control device.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, the transfer operation of the transfer device 1 first performs an initial operation (step S1). In this initial operation, if the lower valve 261 and the tank drain valve 271 are open, these valves are closed.

[0041] Once the initial operation is complete, the water supply pump 31 is started (step S2). Step S2 is an example of the liquid supply start process. By starting the water supply pump 31, the water level in the water level adjustment tank 21 rises. Also, the water supplied to the water level adjustment tank 21 flows into the material to be transferred tank 22 through the connecting part 24, so the water level in the material to be transferred tank 22 rises in the same way. Then, a water level sensor (not shown) detects whether the water level in the water level adjustment tank 21 has risen to a predetermined first water level (step S3). In step S3, instead of detecting the water level in the water level adjustment tank 21, a timer may be used to measure whether a sufficient amount of time has elapsed from the start of operation of the water supply pump 31 until the water level reaches the first water level.

[0042] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram similar to Figure 1, showing the water level adjustment tank 21 filled with water up to the first water level.

[0043] As shown in Figure 3, the first water level is the water level at the height to which the upper overflow pipe 25 is connected. The material supply tank 22 connected by the connecting section 24 also reaches the same water level as the water level adjustment tank 21. When the first water level is reached, the water in the water level adjustment tank 21 flows out through the upper overflow pipe 25. In Figure 3, the water flowing out of the water level adjustment tank 21 and being drained into a sedimentation basin or the like is indicated by a thick black arrow. This maintains the first water level in the water level adjustment tank 21.

[0044] When the water level in the water level adjustment tank 21 rises to the first water level (YES in step S3), the transfer pump 52 is started to operate (step S4). This step S4 corresponds to an example of the transfer start process. As a result, water is drawn out from the upstream end of the transfer pipe 51, and the water transferred to the solid-liquid separation tank 91 begins to be discharged from the downstream end of the transfer pipe 51.

[0045] Next, the drive of the material to be transferred supply means 4 is started to begin feeding the crushed sludge into the material to be transferred supply tank 22 (step S5).

[0046] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram similar to Figure 1, showing the transfer device 1 in operation at the first water level.

[0047] As described above, the amount of water supplied per unit time to the water level adjustment tank 21 by the water supply means 3 (m 3 (m / min) is the amount of transfer per unit time by the transfer means 5 (m 3 Since the amount is greater than ( / min), the water level in the water level adjustment tank 21 does not continue to decrease over time, and the difference between the supply amount and the transfer amount of water is drained from the upper overflow pipe 25. In Figure 4, the drained water is shown by a thick black downward arrow. Also, when the transfer pump 52 is driven, the water and sludge in the material to be transferred supply tank 22 are drawn out, and the water in the water level adjustment tank 21 flows into the material to be transferred supply tank 22 through the connecting part 24. In Figure 4, the flow of water through the connecting part 24 is shown by a white arrow pointing to the right. A pressure loss occurs when water passes through the connecting part 24, so as shown in Figure 4, the water level in the material to be transferred supply tank 22 is slightly lower than the water level in the water level adjustment tank 21, and the water flow is only in the direction from the water level adjustment tank 21 to the material to be transferred supply tank 22. As a result, the sludge supplied to the material to be transferred tank 22 is transferred to the solid-liquid separation tank 91 by the transfer means 5 while being moderately agitated by the water flowing into the material to be transferred tank 22 from the connecting section 24, without moving to the water level adjustment tank 21. In Figure 4, the sludge being introduced into the material to be transferred tank 22 is indicated by a downward-pointing white arrow.

[0048] Through the operations from step S1 to step S5, the supply of water to the water level adjustment tank 21 by the water supply means 3, the supply of sludge to the material to be transferred tank 22 by the material to be transferred means 4, and the transfer of sludge and water to the outside of the material to be transferred tank 22 by the transfer means 5 are all performed simultaneously while the water level in the water level adjustment tank 21 is maintained at the first water level. The process that is started by step S5 and performed during the period of step S6 corresponds to an example of a supply and transfer process.

[0049] When the first predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the supply of debris in step S5 (YES in step S6), the lower valve 261 is opened to allow the water from the water level adjustment tank 21 to flow out through the lower overflow pipe 26 (step S7). As a result, the water level in the water level adjustment tank 21 gradually decreases to the second water level, which is the height to which the lower overflow pipe 26 is connected. As described above, immediately after the drive of the material to be transported supply means 4 is started in step S5, the amount of debris put into the material to be transported supply tank 22 per unit time is the largest, and the amount of debris put in gradually decreases as the drive time elapses. The first predetermined time is set to the time when the amount of debris put in becomes very small or zero. In step S6, instead of determining whether the first predetermined time has elapsed, it may be determined whether the amount of debris supplied to the material to be transported supply tank 22 per unit time has decreased to a predetermined amount or less.

[0050] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram similar to Figure 1, showing the transfer device 1 in operation at the second water level.

[0051] As shown in Figure 5, since the connection position of the lower overflow pipe 26 is at a height above the outlet 5A, the second water level will be at a height equal to or greater than the outlet 5A, and even when the water level in the water level adjustment tank 21 reaches the second water level, water and sediment will continue to be drawn out from the outlet 5A. Also, the amount of water supplied to the water level adjustment tank 21 by the water supply means 3 when the water level is at the second water level (m 3 (m / min) and the amount transferred by the transfer means 5 (m 3The flow rate ( / min) is the same as at the first water level. That is, since the amount of water supplied by the water supply means 3 is greater than or equal to the amount of water transferred by the transfer means 5, the difference between the supply amount and the transfer amount of water is drained from the lower overflow pipe 26. In Figure 5, the drained water is shown by a thick black downward arrow. In addition, since the connection position of the lower overflow pipe 26 is at a height above the lower end 23A of the partition plate 23, even at the second water level, the water on the water surface side of the water level adjustment tank 21 and the water and sediment on the water surface side of the material to be transferred supply tank 22 are separated by the partition plate 23. And, at the second water level, as at the first water level, the water level of the material to be transferred supply tank 22 is slightly lower than the water level of the water level adjustment tank 21, and the water flow between the water level adjustment tank 21 and the material to be transferred supply tank 22 is only in the direction toward the material to be transferred supply tank 22, as shown by the white rightward arrow in Figure 5. Furthermore, the amount of debris introduced into the material to be transferred supply tank 22 is less than or zero compared to the first water level, as shown by the downward-pointing white arrow in Figure 5. The process performed during the period of step S8 with the water level at the second water level achieved in step S7 corresponds to an example of a low-water-level supply and transfer process.

[0052] In step S7, after the lower valve 261 has been opened and the second predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S8), the water supply by the water supply means 3, the supply of debris by the material to be transported means 4, and the transport of debris and water by the transport means 5 are stopped, and the tank drain valve 271 is opened to allow the water from the water level adjustment tank 21 and the water from the material to be transported tank 22 to drain out through the drain pipe 27 (step S9). The transport operation is completed by executing step S9. This second predetermined time is the sum of the time it takes for the water level to decrease from the first water level to the second water level and the time required for the supply of debris to the material to be transported tank 22 by the material to be transported means 4 to stop and for the debris in the material to be transported tank 22 to be almost completely gone. Therefore, even if the water from the material to be transported tank 22 is drained out through the drain pipe 27, the problematic amount of debris will not be washed away with the water. In step S8, instead of determining whether the second predetermined time has elapsed, it may be determined whether the concentration of debris in the material to be transported tank 22 has decreased to below a threshold.

[0053] According to the transfer device 1 and the transfer method of this embodiment, the dregs supplied to the transferred object supply tank 22 are transferred to the solid-liquid separation tank 91 by the transfer means 5 together with the water flowing into the transferred object supply tank 22 from the connecting portion 24 without moving to the water level adjustment tank 21. Then, only the water in the water level adjustment tank 21 is drained from the upper overflow pipe 25 and the lower overflow pipe 26 connected to the water level adjustment tank 21. Therefore, even if small-capacity water level adjustment tank 21 and transferred object supply tank 22 are used, it is possible to suppress the dregs from flowing out from the upper overflow pipe 25 and the lower overflow pipe 26.

[0054] In addition, in the water level adjustment tank 21, since water is drained from the upper overflow pipe 25 or the lower overflow pipe 26, the water supply amount (m 3 / min) by the water supply means 3 is automatically maintained at the desired first water level or second water level even if it is large. Therefore, in order to maintain the water level, it is not necessary to strictly control the driving and stopping of the water supply pump 31 and the transfer pump 52. In addition, since the driving and stopping of the water supply pump 31 and the transfer pump 52 are not repeated in a short time, it is possible to prevent the life of the water supply pump 31 and the transfer pump 52 from being reduced.

[0055] Furthermore, the transfer means 5 has its upstream end connected to the transferred object supply tank 22 at a downstream position in the inflow direction of the liquid flowing into the transferred object supply tank 22 through the connecting portion 24, and transfers the dregs and water in the transferred object supply tank 22 from that downstream position. For this reason, while the dregs in the transferred object supply tank 22 are stirred by the water flowing into the transferred object supply tank 22 through the connecting portion 24, some of the dregs are卷入 by the flow of water and flow toward the upstream end of the transfer means 5. Thereby, it is possible to transfer the dregs while preventing the concentration of the dregs with respect to water from becoming too high when the transfer means 5 transfers the dregs, so that it is possible to avoid the transfer pump 52 from being clogged with dregs. In addition, since the direction in which the transfer means 5 draws water and dregs from the transferred object supply tank 22 coincides with the direction in which water flows into the transferred object supply tank 22 through the connecting portion 24, it becomes easier for water to flow in through the connecting portion 24, and it is possible to further suppress the dregs and water in the transferred object supply tank 22 from flowing into the water level adjustment tank 21.

[0056] Furthermore, a lower valve 261 is provided in the lower overflow pipe 26 to switch whether or not to drain water from the lower overflow pipe 26, allowing for the selective lowering of the water levels in the water level adjustment tank 21 and the material to be transferred supply tank 22. When the amount of sludge in the material to be transferred supply tank 22 is small, lowering the water level increases the concentration of sludge in the material to be transferred supply tank 22, making it possible to transfer the sludge efficiently. In addition, by lowering the water level, sludge floating near the water surface can also be sucked in by the transfer pipe 51, allowing for the transfer of sludge that has a lower specific gravity than water.

[0057] Next, a modified example of the transfer device 1 will be described. In the following description, components with the same names as those described so far will be denoted by the same reference numerals used previously, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0058] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the transfer operation in the first modified transfer device 1, which is operated without emptying the storage tank 2.

[0059] In the description of the transfer operation in the previous embodiment, an example was described in which the storage tank 2 was emptied by draining the water after each transfer operation in the repeatedly performed transfer operation. In contrast, the transfer operation in this first modified example differs from the previous embodiment in that it is operated without emptying the storage tank 2. The mechanical configuration of the transfer device 1 in this first modified example is the same as that of the transfer device 1 in the previous embodiment shown in Figure 1.

[0060] In this first modified example, the lower valve 261 and the tank drain valve 271 are closed, and the transfer operation is started with the water level adjustment tank 21 at the first water level. However, even in this first modified example, when the transfer device 1 is operated for the first time after installation or immediately after maintenance, the open / closed state of the lower valve 261 and the tank drain valve 271 may be unknown, or there may be no water in the water level adjustment tank 21. In that case, steps S1 to S8 are executed as in the previous embodiment, and steps S21 to S23, which will be described later, are executed instead of step S9.

[0061] As shown in Figure 6, in this first modified example, the water level adjustment tank 21 is already at the first water level, so as soon as the water supply pump 31 is started in step S2, the transfer pump 52 is started immediately (step S4).

[0062] After step S4, steps S5 to S8 are performed in the same manner as in the previous embodiment. If it is determined in step S8 that the second predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S8), the supply of sludge by the material to be transferred supply means 4 is stopped, and the lower valve 261 is closed to block the lower overflow pipe 26 (step S21). As a result, the water level in the water level adjustment tank 21 gradually rises.

[0063] Then, a water level sensor (not shown) detects whether the water level in the water level adjustment tank 21 has risen to the first water level (step S22). In step S22, instead of detecting the water level in the water level adjustment tank 21, a timer may be used to measure whether a sufficient amount of time has elapsed since closing the lower valve 261 until the water level reaches the first water level.

[0064] When the water level in the water level adjustment tank 21 rises to the first water level (YES in step S22), the water supply by the water supply means 3 and the transfer of sludge and water by the transfer means 5 are stopped (step S23). The transfer operation is completed by the execution of step S23. That is, the transfer operation is completed when the water level adjustment tank 21 is at the first water level. Therefore, the next transfer operation will start when the water level is at the first water level.

[0065] This first modified transfer device 1 also achieves the same effects as the previous embodiment. Furthermore, since the storage tank 2 is not emptied after each transfer operation, the transfer operation time can be shortened. However, since water is always stored in the storage tank 2, there is a risk that the water in the storage tank 2 may spoil. Note that if the water in the storage tank 2 needs to be drained, for example, for maintenance of the transfer device 1, step S9 should be executed instead of steps S21 to S23.

[0066] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram similar to Figure 1, illustrating the transfer device 1 of the second modified example.

[0067] As shown in Figure 7, the second modified transfer device 1 differs from the previous embodiment in that the separator drain pipe 911 extends to the water level adjustment tank 21 and a water spray 29 is provided. In the second modified transfer device 1, the water separated from the sludge by the solid-liquid separator 92 is returned to the water level adjustment tank 21 from the separated water outlet 91A. As a result, water circulates between the transfer device 1 and the solid-liquid separator 91, so the water supply pump 31 can be stopped except when raising the water level in the water level adjustment tank 21. In this modification, in addition to the water supply means 3, the separator drain pipe 911 also corresponds to an example of a liquid supply means.

[0068] The water spray 29 washes away any residue adhering to the inner wall surface of the material to be transferred supply tank 22. The water discharged from the water spray 29 also serves to replenish the water that has evaporated while the water circulates between the transfer device 1 and the solid-liquid separation tank 91. The water spray 29 may also be installed in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and other modifications.

[0069] The transfer operation in the second modified transfer device 1 differs from the previous embodiment in that, after the transfer pump 52 is started to drive in step S4 in Figure 2, the water supply pump 31 is stopped once a sufficient amount of time has elapsed for the water and sludge to be stably discharged from the discharge port 51A through the transfer pipe 51 by the transfer pump 52. However, the water supply pump 31 may continue to drive as is, or it may continue to drive with a reduced amount of water supplied per unit time.

[0070] This second modified transfer device 1 also achieves the same effects as the previous embodiment. Furthermore, it can reduce the power consumption of the water supply pump 31.

[0071] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram similar to Figure 1, illustrating the transfer device 1 of the third modified example.

[0072] As shown in Figure 8, the third modified transfer device 1 differs from the previous embodiment in the configuration of the water level adjustment tank 21, the material to be transferred supply tank 22, and the connecting section 24. In the third modified transfer device 1, the water level adjustment tank 21 and the material to be transferred supply tank 22 are each composed of separate tanks, and there is no partition plate 23 (see Figure 1). The connecting section 24 is composed of a pipe that connects the water level adjustment tank 21 and the material to be transferred supply tank 22. This connecting section 24 connects the water level adjustment tank 21 and the material to be transferred supply tank 22 below the lower overflow pipe 26. In this way, even if the water level adjustment tank 21 reaches the second water level due to drainage from the lower overflow pipe 26, water flows from the water level adjustment tank 21 to the material to be transferred supply tank 22.

[0073] This third modified example of the transfer device 1 also achieves the same effects as the previous embodiment.

[0074] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram similar to Figure 1, showing how the connection position of the transfer pipe 51 can be changed. Figure 9 shows four ways in which the connection position of the upstream end of the transfer pipe 51 to the material supply tank 22 can be changed. Note that in Figure 9, a portion of the storage tank 2 and the upstream portion of the transfer pipe 51 are shown.

[0075] The transfer pipe 51 shown in Figure 9(a) is connected across the tank bottom surface 2A, which is also the bottom surface of the material to be transferred tank 22, and the side wall of the material to be transferred tank 22. In other words, the withdrawal port 5A is formed across the side wall of the material to be transferred tank 22 and the tank bottom surface 2A. In the transfer pipe 51 shown in Figure 9(b), the lower end of the inner circumference and the tank bottom surface 2A are at the same height. Therefore, the height of the lower end of the withdrawal port 5A coincides with the height of the tank bottom surface 2A. In the transfer pipe 51 shown in Figure 9(c), it is connected to the tank bottom surface 2A. In the transfer pipe 51 shown in Figure 9(d), a portion of the upstream end of the transfer pipe 51 is connected to the tank bottom surface 2A at a position where it is in contact with the lower end of the side wall of the material to be transferred tank 22. In these modified forms, at least a portion of the transfer pipe 51 is connected to the tank bottom surface 2A. In other words, at least a portion of the withdrawal port 5A is formed on the tank bottom surface 2A. By connecting the transfer pipe 51 to the material supply tank 22 in this manner, it is possible to prevent the accumulation of sediment that has settled on the bottom surface 2A of the tank.

[0076] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram similar to Figure 1, illustrating the transfer device 1 of the second embodiment.

[0077] The transfer device 1 of the second embodiment is suitable when the material to be transferred supplied to the material to be transferred supply tank 22 is a liquid. As shown in Figure 10, the transfer device 1 of the second embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in the configuration of the storage tank 2 and the configuration of the material to be transferred supply means 4. It also differs from the previous embodiment in that the destination to which the material is transferred by the transfer device 1 is a liquid tank 94.

[0078] The material to be transferred supply tank 22 is supplied with wastewater such as industrial wastewater. Therefore, the material to be transferred supply means 4 is composed of pipes through which liquid passes. On the other hand, the water level adjustment tank 21 is supplied with liquids that are mixed with the wastewater supplied to the material to be transferred supply tank 22, such as pH adjusters, chlorine water for disinfection, and water for washing. The amount of wastewater supplied to the material to be transferred supply tank 22 per unit time (m 3 The amount of liquid supplied to the water level adjustment tank 21 per unit time (m³ / min) 3 The value ( / min) is small, for example, less than 1 / 3.

[0079] To accommodate this difference in supply volume, the transported material supply tank 22 is set to have a larger capacity than the water level adjustment tank 21. Furthermore, in the transport device 1 of the second embodiment, it is unlikely that the wastewater to be transported will float on the surface of the transported material supply tank 22, so there is little need to lower the water level for transport. For this reason, the lower overflow pipe 26 (see Figure 1) is omitted. However, the lower overflow pipe 26 may be provided as needed, for example, when the liquid to be transported, such as wastewater, has a lower specific gravity than the liquid supplied to the water level adjustment tank 21.

[0080] The amount of transfer per unit time (m³) transferred by the transfer pump 52 3 ( / min) is the amount of liquid supplied to the water level adjustment tank 21 per unit time (m³ / min). 3 The amount of wastewater supplied per unit time (m³ / min) to the material to be transferred supply tank 22 3Total amount supplied (m / min) 3 The amount is set to be less than or equal to the amount of wastewater supplied per unit time to the material to be transferred supply tank 22, and is equal to or equal to that amount.

[0081] This second embodiment of the transfer device 1 also provides the same effects as the previous embodiment. Furthermore, it has the effect of being able to transfer wastewater supplied to the material to be transferred supply tank 22 and washing water supplied to the water level adjustment tank 21 while mixing them.

[0082] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. For example, although this embodiment describes a transfer device 1 for transferring sludge and wastewater, this transfer device 1 can also transfer other solids such as sand or scum, or other liquids such as contaminated water as the material to be transferred. Furthermore, although the example described uses one lower overflow pipe 26, multiple lower overflow pipes 26 connected to the water level adjustment tank 21 at different height positions may be provided. In that case, in step S7, by sequentially opening the lower valves 261 provided on the lower overflow pipes 26 in order of increasing height as time progresses, the water levels in the water level adjustment tank 21 and the material to be transferred supply tank 22 can be gradually lowered. In addition, instead of the water supply pump 31, a water tank may be installed above the water level adjustment tank 21, and water may be sent out from the water tank by the potential energy of the water stored in the tank. In that case, the water tank and the water supply pipe 32 connected to the water tank constitute an example of a liquid supply means. Furthermore, the transfer device 1 may be entirely located above ground or entirely located underground.

[0083] Furthermore, even if a constituent element is included only in the description of each embodiment, each variation, or modification described above, that constituent element may be applied to other embodiments or other variations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1 Transfer device 3 Water supply means (liquid supply means) 4 Transported material supply means 5 Means of transportation 21 Water level adjustment tank 22 Transported material supply tank 24 Connecting part 25. Upper overflow pipe (overflow section) 26 Lower overflow pipe (overflow section)

Claims

1. A water level adjustment tank, A transported material supply tank, A liquid supply means for supplying liquid to the water level adjustment tank, A means for supplying objects to be transferred to the object to be transferred supply tank, A connecting portion is provided to connect the water level adjustment tank and the material to be transferred, so that liquid can flow from the water level adjustment tank to the material to be transferred supply tank. The water level adjustment tank is provided with an overflow section that drains liquid above a predetermined water level from the water level adjustment tank, A transfer device characterized by comprising a transfer means for transferring the object to be transferred supplied to the object to be transferred supply tank and the liquid that flows into the object to be transferred supply tank through the connecting portion to the outside of the object to be transferred supply tank.

2. The transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that the transfer means transfers the object to be transferred supplied to the object to be transferred and the liquid that has flowed into the object to be transferred supply tank from a downstream position in the direction of inflow of the liquid that flows into the object to be transferred supply tank through the connecting portion.

3. The overflow section is provided in the water level adjustment tank in multiple locations, corresponding to the multiple water levels in the water level adjustment tank. The transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least the lower overflow section corresponding to the lowest water level among the overflow sections has a switching means for switching whether or not to drain liquid from the lower overflow section.

4. The transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the liquid supply means supplies to the water level adjustment tank an amount of liquid equal to or greater than the amount transferred per unit time by the transfer means.

5. A transfer device transfer method comprising: a water level adjustment tank; a transport material supply tank; a liquid supply means for supplying liquid to the water level adjustment tank; a transport material supply means for supplying transport material to the transport material supply tank; a connecting part that connects the water level adjustment tank and the transport material supply tank so that liquid can flow from the water level adjustment tank to the transport material supply tank; an overflow part for draining the liquid from the water level adjustment tank; and a transfer means for transferring the transport material supplied to the transport material supply tank and the liquid that has flowed into the transport material supply tank through the connecting part to the outside of the transport material supply tank, wherein A liquid supply start step in which the liquid supply means starts supplying liquid to the water level adjustment tank, A transfer start step in which the transfer by the transfer means is initiated, A transfer method characterized by having a supply transfer step which, after the liquid supply start step and the transfer start step, starts supplying the material to be transferred to the material to be transferred supply tank by the material to be transferred supply means, thereby performing the supply of liquid to the water level adjustment tank by the liquid supply means, the supply of the material to be transferred to the material to be transferred supply tank by the material to be transferred supply means, and the transfer of the material to be transferred and liquid in the material to be transferred supply tank to the outside of the material to be transferred supply tank.

6. The supply transfer process is performed when the water level in the water level adjustment tank is at the first water level. The transfer method according to claim 5, characterized in that it has a low-water-level supply transfer step in which, when the water level in the water level adjustment tank is at a second water level lower than the first water level, the liquid supply means supplies liquid to the water level adjustment tank and transfers the objects to be transferred and the liquid in the objects to be transferred supply tank to the outside of the objects to be transferred supply tank.

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