Sludge property evaluation device, sludge property evaluation method, operation control device, sludge treatment system

Abstract

The object of the present invention is to provide a sludge properties evaluation device and a sludge properties evaluation method that allow for the appropriate assessment of changes in sludge properties without any time delay in understanding changes in sludge properties, and regardless of the skill level of the workers. [Solution] To solve the above problems, a sludge properties evaluation apparatus and a sludge properties evaluation method using this apparatus are provided, comprising a measurement means using spectral imaging technology and a determination unit that determines the properties of sludge based on information acquired by the measurement means. According to this invention, changes in sludge properties can be grasped quickly and appropriately without relying on conventional methods such as measuring sludge moisture content or making judgments based on visual inspection by workers, and in particular, rapid changes in sludge properties can be grasped appropriately.

Description

Technical Field

[0002] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a sludge property evaluation device, a sludge property evaluation method, an operation control device, and a sludge treatment system.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, sludge generated along with wastewater treatment or the like is dehydrated by a dehydrator and then treated as industrial waste or compost raw material as dehydrated sludge, or incinerated by an incineration facility as biomass fuel. In any case, in view of the treatment efficiency and utilization value of dehydrated sludge, it is required to reduce the water content of dehydrated sludge as much as possible.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a sludge dehydration system including a coagulation mixing tank for adding a polymer flocculant to sludge, a belt-type thickener for thickening the coagulated sludge obtained in this coagulation mixing tank on an endless belt, an inorganic flocculant injection means for adding an inorganic flocculant to the coagulated sludge on the endless belt, a concentrated sludge tank for further adding a polymer flocculant to the coagulated sludge concentrated by the belt-type thickener, and a dehydrator for dehydrating the coagulated sludge obtained in the concentrated sludge tank, which suppresses a decrease in dehydration efficiency in the dehydrator. Patent Document 1 also describes measuring the water content of sludge in the treatment process and controlling the addition amount of the flocculant based on the measurement result.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] As shown in Patent Document 1, in the operation of a facility related to sludge treatment, including sludge dewatering (hereinafter also referred to as the "sludge treatment system"), operational control is sometimes performed using the results of measuring the water content of the sludge during the treatment process. However, measuring the water content of the sludge takes a considerable amount of time, making it difficult to quickly and appropriately grasp the decline in the dewatering performance of the sludge treatment system. As a result, there is a problem in that it does not contribute to maintaining the stable operation of the sludge treatment system. Furthermore, one common maintenance method for the stable operation of sludge treatment systems is maintenance based on visual inspection by workers. However, since visual inspection requires workers to accumulate experience, there are challenges in terms of training and securing skilled workers.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a sludge properties evaluation device and a sludge properties evaluation method that allow for the appropriate assessment of changes in sludge properties without any time delay in understanding changes in sludge properties, and regardless of the skill level of the workers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] As a result of diligent research into the above-mentioned problems, the inventors of the present invention have found that by using information obtained based on specific measurement techniques to understand the properties of sludge, it is possible to make quick and appropriate judgments regardless of the skill level of the workers, and in particular, it is possible to appropriately understand rapid changes in sludge properties, thus completing the present invention. In other words, the present invention relates to the following sludge properties evaluation apparatus, sludge properties evaluation method, operation control device, and sludge treatment system.

[0008] The sludge property evaluation apparatus of the present invention, which solves the above problems, is characterized by comprising a determination unit that determines the properties of sludge based on information obtained from spectral imaging technology. As a result of diligent research, the inventors have found that by performing measurements based on spectral imaging technology on the material being treated and / or the treated material in sludge treatment, it is possible to obtain information on the properties of the sludge, and also to distinguish between sludge properties with significant differences. The sludge property evaluation device of the present invention is based on the above-mentioned findings and can quickly and appropriately grasp changes in sludge properties without relying on conventional methods such as measuring sludge moisture content or making judgments based on visual inspection by workers, and can particularly appropriately grasp rapid changes in sludge properties.

[0009] Furthermore, one embodiment of the sludge property evaluation apparatus of the present invention is characterized by further comprising a measurement means for acquiring information. This feature makes it easy to link operations related to acquiring information on sludge properties based on spectral imaging technology with operations related to understanding changes in sludge properties based on this information. In other words, it becomes easier to acquire and update the information necessary to understand changes in sludge properties.

[0010] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the sludge property evaluation apparatus of the present invention, the property of the sludge determined by the judgment unit is characterized by being at least one of the following: water content of the sludge, coagulation state, concentration state, and foreign matter contamination. This feature allows for the assessment of changes in sludge properties using criteria similar to, or even exceeding, those of conventional methods such as measuring sludge moisture content and making judgments based on visual inspection by workers.

[0011] Furthermore, one embodiment of the sludge property evaluation apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that the measurement means uses a target spectral camera. This feature allows for measurements based on spectral imaging technology that limit the wavelength range (or number of wavelengths) used for measurement, enabling rapid acquisition of information on sludge properties and reducing the cost of the measurement method.

[0012] The present invention, which solves the above problems, is characterized by comprising a judgment step that determines the properties of the sludge based on information obtained by spectral imaging technology. The present invention provides a method for evaluating sludge properties, based on the inventors' findings that by performing measurements based on spectral imaging technology on the material being treated and / or treated in sludge treatment, it is possible to obtain information on the properties of the sludge and to distinguish between sludge properties with significant differences. This method allows for the rapid and appropriate understanding of changes in sludge properties without relying on conventional methods such as measuring sludge moisture content or making judgments based on visual inspection by workers, and in particular, it is possible to appropriately understand rapid changes in sludge properties.

[0013] The present invention, which solves the above problems, is an operation control device for controlling the operation of a sludge treatment system, and is characterized by comprising the above-mentioned sludge property evaluation device and a control unit for controlling the amount of coagulant injected and / or the amount of sludge input. This feature allows for no time delay in understanding changes in sludge properties, and regardless of the skill level of the workers, it is possible to appropriately understand changes in sludge properties and then control the operation related to the amount of coagulant injected and / or the amount of sludge input, thereby enabling smooth maintenance and management of the sludge treatment system.

[0014] The present invention, which solves the above problems, is an operation control device for controlling the operation of a sludge treatment system, and is characterized by comprising the above-mentioned sludge property evaluation device and a control unit for controlling the amount of coagulant injected and / or the amount of sludge input. This feature allows for no time delay in understanding changes in sludge properties, and enables appropriate understanding of sludge property changes regardless of the skill level of the workers. This allows for operational control of the amount of coagulant injected and / or the amount of sludge input, thereby facilitating smooth maintenance and management of the sludge treatment system.

[0015] The sludge treatment system of the present invention for solving the above problems is characterized by including the above-described operation control device and a dehydration treatment unit that performs dehydration treatment of sludge. According to this feature, there is no time lag until the change in sludge properties is grasped, and regardless of the skill level of the operator, after appropriately grasping the change in sludge properties, while performing operation control regarding the injection amount of the flocculant and / or the input amount of sludge, dehydration treatment can be performed, and it becomes possible to smooth the maintenance management related to the operation of the sludge treatment system and optimize during continuous operation.

Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, regarding the technology related to sludge treatment, it is possible to provide a sludge property evaluation device and a sludge property evaluation method that can appropriately grasp the change in sludge properties without a time lag until the change in sludge properties is grasped and regardless of the skill level of the operator.

[0017] Further, according to the present invention, by applying the above-described sludge property evaluation device to a sludge treatment system that performs sludge treatment, it is possible to provide an operation control device and a sludge treatment system for the sludge treatment system that can appropriately grasp the change in sludge properties without a time lag until the change in sludge properties is grasped and regardless of the skill level of the operator, and can smoothly perform maintenance management related to operation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the structure of the sludge property evaluation device in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It shows the measurement result of sludge by the measurement means of the sludge property evaluation device in an embodiment of the present invention. Note that the color drawings are submitted separately by the property submission document. [Figure 3] It is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the structure of the operation control device and the sludge treatment system of the sludge treatment system in an embodiment of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] The sludge property evaluation device, sludge property evaluation method, operation control device, and sludge treatment system of the present invention are used in sludge treatment. More specifically, the sludge property evaluation device and sludge property evaluation method of the present invention are used to grasp the properties of sludge to be subjected to sludge treatment. In addition, the operation control device and sludge treatment system of the present invention use the sludge property evaluation device of the present invention to grasp the properties of the sludge to be subjected to sludge treatment and then perform operation control of the facilities related to sludge treatment, so as to smooth the maintenance and management of the sludge treatment system.

[0020] The sludge that is the object of treatment of the present invention may be any dispersion liquid or muddy substance in which particulate solids are dispersed in a liquid. For example, various sludges such as primary sedimentation sludge, excess sludge, and flocculated sludge generated in sewage treatment plants, wastewater treatment plants, etc., papermaking sludge in paper mills, industrial wastewater from food factories, plating factories, etc., and pigment wastewater can be mentioned. In addition, the sludge to be evaluated in the present invention may include sludge at the source among the above-mentioned sludges, but it is preferably the sludge in the process of being subjected to sludge treatment. For example, the sludge in a mixed state with a flocculant or after mixing, the sludge during or after thickening treatment, the sludge after dewatering treatment, etc. can be mentioned, but it is not limited thereto.

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the sludge property evaluation device, sludge property evaluation method, operation control device, and sludge treatment system according to the present invention will be described in detail while referring to the drawings. Note that the sludge property evaluation method of the present invention shall be replaced by the following description of the structure and operation of the sludge property evaluation device. In addition, the sludge property evaluation device, sludge property evaluation method, operation control device, and sludge treatment system described in the embodiments are merely examples for explaining the sludge property evaluation device, sludge property evaluation method, operation control device, and sludge treatment system according to the present invention, and are not limited thereto.

[0022] 〔Sludge Property Evaluation Device and Sludge Property Evaluation Method〕 First, embodiments of the sludge properties evaluation apparatus and sludge properties evaluation method of the present invention will be described by example. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a sludge property evaluation apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the sludge properties evaluation device 1 according to this embodiment comprises a measuring means 2 and a determination unit 3. In Figure 1, the dashed arrows indicate connections that allow for the input and output of information (data). The following describes the various components of the sludge properties evaluation device 1 of this embodiment.

[0023] Measurement means 2 is for performing a measurement step that involves measuring the material to be treated and / or treated material in sludge treatment based on spectral imaging technology. In other words, measurement means 2 is for obtaining information regarding the properties of the sludge. Furthermore, the material to be treated and / or processed in the sludge treatment process that is the target of measurement by measurement means 2 includes not only the sludge itself that is to be evaluated, but also the desorbed liquid (water removed from the sludge) generated during the sludge treatment process. When the measurement target of measurement means 2 is the sludge itself that is to be evaluated, as described above, it is preferable that it is related to the process of being subjected to sludge treatment. This makes it easier to quickly and appropriately grasp the sludge properties during the sludge treatment process and to smoothly perform appropriate operation control (maintenance) based on the information obtained when applying the sludge property evaluation device 1 of this embodiment to the sludge treatment system 100 (operation control device 10 of the sludge treatment system) described later. Specific examples of the materials to be treated and / or processed in sludge treatment that are the target of measurement by measurement means 2 include flocculated mixed sludge obtained by adding a flocculant to sludge and stirring it, concentrated sludge obtained by concentrating flocculated mixed sludge, dewatered sludge (dewatered cake) obtained by dewatering concentrated sludge, and liquid leached from concentrated sludge. The following explanation will primarily focus on the case where the sludge itself, which is the object of evaluation, is used as the object of measurement for measurement method 2, but it is not limited to this case.

[0024] The measurement means 2 in this embodiment only needs to be capable of performing measurements based on spectral imaging technology. Spectral imaging technology involves acquiring location information of a measurement target, spectrally analyzing the reflected or transmitted light from the target, collecting the intensity distribution (spectrum) of light at specific wavelengths, and combining the information related to the measurement location with the spectral information at that location to create an image. Depending on the number of wavelengths used (the so-called number of bands), it is classified into multispectral imaging (several to several dozen bands, no continuity of wavelengths) and hyperspectral imaging (several dozen or more bands, continuous wavelength range). Furthermore, techniques that use wavelengths specifically tailored to detect a target substance or object in the measurement target are called target spectral imaging.

[0025] Preferred examples of instruments for performing measurements based on spectral imaging technology include those equipped with a camera (imaging means) that applies spectral imaging technology and that can easily acquire measurement results as image data. More specifically, examples include hyperspectral cameras, multispectral cameras, and target spectral cameras. Measurement based on spectral imaging technology using a camera (imaging means) makes it possible to obtain information from the measurement target without contact. Therefore, it is possible to perform continuous measurement on the sludge that is the measurement target, and the frequency of maintenance (cleaning, etc.) of the measurement means 2 is reduced, which has the advantage of making the device easy to maintain. In this embodiment, it is particularly preferable to use a target spectral camera as the measurement means 2. A target spectral camera has a more limited wavelength range (number of wavelengths used for measurement) than a hyperspectral camera, in other words, its functionality is simpler than that of a hyperspectral camera. This makes it possible to quickly acquire information on sludge properties and to reduce the cost of the measurement means.

[0026] The inventors have found that by performing measurements on the material to be treated and / or treated material in sludge treatment using measurement means 2 based on spectral imaging technology, response results (image data) corresponding to the properties of the sludge can be obtained. Figure 2 shows the information (image data: left side of Figure 2) obtained by performing measurements on sludge based on spectral imaging technology (measurements using a hyperspectral camera), and the results captured by a digital camera (right side of Figure 2). In Figure 2, the sludge measured is dewatered cake that has undergone dewatering treatment after the addition of a coagulant, and the amount (addition rate) of coagulant added increases from the top to the bottom of Figure 2. Furthermore, the hyperspectral camera used as measurement method 2 at this time had a wavelength range of 900 nm to 1700 nm, a spectral resolution (wavelength resolution) of 10 nm, and an image resolution of 128,000 pixels. Then, using known analysis methods (such as analysis software included with the equipment or commercially available analysis software) from the data obtained as measurement results, the differences in the height of the analysis values ​​(Grade) that appeared are shown in different colors.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the results captured by the digital camera (right side of Figure 2) show no significant difference between the sludge samples (a) to (e) even when the amount of coagulant added changes. On the other hand, the image data obtained by measurement method 2 revealed that there was a significant difference in the frequency of occurrence of the analyzed values ​​(frequency of occurrence of each grade) when the amount of coagulant added was different. Furthermore, when the sludge moisture content was measured by a conventional method, it was found that (a) in Figure 2 showed the highest moisture content and (c) showed the lowest moisture content. More specifically, the moisture content of each grade in Figure 2 increased in the order of (c) < (e) < (d) < (b) < (a), and the frequency of occurrence of Grade 3 and Grade 4 (area ratio in the image data) increased in the order of (a) < (b) < (d) < (e) < (c). In other words, as a result of diligent research by the inventors, we have found that, as shown in Figure 2, there is a correlation between the image data obtained by the measurement means 2 and the sludge moisture content, which is one of the criteria for determining sludge properties. Furthermore, it was suggested that it is possible to distinguish a difference of at least 1.0% in sludge moisture content, and even that it may be possible to distinguish a difference of 0.5%. Furthermore, Figure 2 revealed a tendency for the location (distribution) of each analytical value to differ depending on the amount of coagulant added. In other words, it was suggested that information related to the coagulation state (or concentration state), which is one of the criteria for judging sludge properties, may be obtained from the image data obtained by measurement means 2.

[0028] Furthermore, by performing measurements based on spectral imaging technology as measurement method 2, it is possible to determine that foreign substances (especially oil, metals, etc.) mixed in sludge or desorbed liquid have different light reflection / absorption bands and light transmittance than the main components of the sludge and desorbed liquid (H2O), resulting in significantly different trends in the values ​​obtained as analytical values. In other words, if foreign substances are mixed in the material being treated and / or the material being treated during sludge treatment, the image data obtained by measurement method 2 will contain regions where the analytical values ​​differ significantly from the surrounding areas. In particular, with regard to materials whose main component is H2O, such as desorbed liquid, if a colorless, transparent liquid component such as oil is mixed in, it is extremely difficult for workers to identify it by visual inspection. However, by using measurement method 2, it becomes possible to quickly and accurately identify such foreign substance contamination.

[0029] Furthermore, while Figure 2 shows a measurement method using a hyperspectral camera, if the desired information for understanding sludge properties is sludge water content, by performing measurements using a target spectral camera with a wavelength highly responsive to water (H2O), information (image data) represented by the difference in height of the analytical values ​​as shown in Figure 2 can be obtained. In other words, by performing measurements using a target spectral camera with an appropriate wavelength selected according to the desired content for understanding sludge properties, it is possible to shorten the time required for measurement and reduce the cost of equipment.

[0030] The judgment unit 3 is for performing a judgment step to determine the properties of the sludge. More specifically, the judgment unit 3 performs a judgment step to determine the properties of the sludge based on the information (image data) obtained by the measurement means 2 described above. The determination unit 3 is connected to the measurement means 2 so that it can input and output information from the measurement means 2. This connection may be made directly by wiring or the like, or it may be made indirectly via communication technology such as wireless communication.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the information (image data) obtained by the measurement means 2 shows a high correlation with information related to sludge properties. Therefore, the judgment unit 3 makes a judgment regarding the properties of the sludge measured at that time based on this correlation and the information obtained by the measurement means 2.

[0032] The judgment unit 3 includes a process (step 1) of acquiring information obtained by the measurement means 2, a process (step 2) of converting the acquired information into a form that allows for understanding the relationship with information related to sludge properties, and a process (step 3) of outputting a judgment result related to sludge properties based on the converted information (data). Furthermore, while the judgment unit 3 may include manual operation by an operator, it is preferable to use a computing device that has data input / output functions for acquiring information related to process 1, creates a program for proceeding with subsequent processes (processes 2 and 3), and executes it using a processor such as a CPU. This makes it easier to perform operations related to judgment regarding sludge properties accurately and quickly.

[0033] Each step in the decision-making unit 3 will be explained below. Furthermore, the explanation of the process in the determination unit 3 is merely an example of an embodiment and is not limited thereto.

[0034] First, as step 1, the step of acquiring information obtained by the measurement means 2 is sufficient if it involves collecting image data, which is the measurement result for the object to be measured (sludge), as information (data), as described above. At this time, the timing of data collection may be continuous or at predetermined intervals. Conventional methods, such as measuring sludge moisture content and visually inspecting sludge properties by workers, were based on the results of at most a few measurements (judgments) per day. In contrast, the sludge property evaluation device 1 of this embodiment uses a measurement means 2 that enables rapid and appropriate information acquisition, making it easy to increase the frequency of information input to the judgment unit 3, and enabling rapid assessment of sludge properties. This makes it possible to appropriately grasp even rapid changes in sludge properties.

[0035] Next, in step 2, the process of converting the acquired information into a form in which the relationship with information related to sludge properties can be understood can be described as follows: first, information relating to the correlation between the image data from the measurement means 2 and the information related to sludge properties is acquired, and based on this correlation information, calculations are performed to convert the information collected in step 1 (image data from the measurement means 2) into information related to sludge properties. Furthermore, the means for obtaining information in advance regarding the correlation between the image data of the measurement means 2 and information related to sludge properties is not particularly limited. For example, regarding the correlation between the image data of the measurement means 2 and information related to sludge properties, one could use a computing device that prepares multiple training data (for example, the relationship between image data and sludge moisture content as shown in Figure 2) and generates and executes a machine learning program (learning model) based on this training data, or a computing device that automatically generates and executes a predictive model that predicts the correlation between the image data of the measurement means 2 and information related to sludge properties based on this training data and learning model.

[0036] A specific example of the decision unit 3 that carries out step 2 is shown in Figure 1, in which a calculation means 3a and a data storage means 3b are provided within the decision unit 3, and the data storage means 3b stores previously acquired information (information relating to the correlation between image data from the measurement means 2 and information related to sludge properties). In this case, step 2 involves inputting the image data collected from the measurement means 2 and the information stored in the data storage means 3b into the calculation means 3a, and the calculation means 3a converts the image data from the measurement means 2 into information related to sludge properties.

[0037] In this case, the information related to sludge properties converted by the calculation means 3a represents the characteristics (or state of sludge properties) of the sludge properties that are judged (understood) by the judgment unit 3. Specifically, the sludge properties (characteristics / state) judged by the judgment unit 3 preferably include at least one of the following: sludge water content, coagulation state, concentration state, and foreign matter contamination. This makes it possible to grasp changes in sludge properties with judgment criteria similar to, or even better than, those based on conventional sludge water content measurement or visual inspection by workers.

[0038] The information related to sludge properties that is converted by the calculation means 3a is information that can be converted (calculated) from the image data of the measurement means 2, and should directly or indirectly represent the characteristics of the sludge properties (or the state of the sludge properties) described above. Specific examples of information related to sludge properties include the sludge water content corresponding to the image data, which can be obtained based on the information (learning model / prediction model) stored in the data storage means 3b; the distribution of analytical values ​​on the image data, which represents the coagulation / concentration state based on this distribution of analytical values; and the presence or absence of regions where the analytical values ​​on the image data differ significantly from the surrounding area (exceeding a threshold), which indicates the occurrence of foreign matter contamination.

[0039] Then, in step 3, which involves outputting a judgment result regarding the sludge properties based on the information converted in step 2, the information obtained in step 2 may be output directly to the external system. However, considering the convenience of information use at the output destination, it is preferable to make a judgment regarding the sludge properties (whether it is in a good state where no changes or additions to the processing content are necessary, or whether some kind of action (changes or additions to the processing content) is necessary) and output the result of that judgment.

[0040] A specific example of the decision unit 3 that advances process 3 is, as shown in Figure 1, an output means 3c is provided within the decision unit 3, connected to allow input of the results of the calculation means 3a and the information stored in the data storage means 3b, and the decision result regarding the sludge properties is output externally. In this case, regarding the handling of information in the output means 3c, as described above, the result of the calculation means 3a may be output directly to the outside, but it is preferable to perform calculations for determining the sludge properties from the result of the calculation means 3a and the information stored in the data storage means 3b. Examples of the calculations at this time include obtaining information representing good or bad sludge properties (such as a numerical threshold) from the information stored in the data storage means 3b and performing a comparison calculation by comparing it with the result of the calculation means 3a.

[0041] Furthermore, in step 3, when outputting the judgment result regarding the sludge properties, the content of the judgment result may be notified to the worker using strings of characters, symbols, etc., via a display means such as a monitor, or notification may be given by sound or light.

[0042] Furthermore, the judgment result regarding the sludge properties obtained in step 3 (output data from output means 3c) may also be input to data storage means 3b and used as training data for forming learning models and prediction models within data storage means 3b. Furthermore, in order to suppress the decrease in the accuracy of the judgments made by the judgment unit 3, a program may be executed periodically or as needed to compare the judgment results regarding the sludge properties from the output means 3c with the information in the data storage means 3b, and to automatically reshape (reconstruct) the learning model and prediction model.

[0043] As described above, the sludge property evaluation device of this embodiment is based on the findings that, as a result of diligent research by the inventors, it is possible to obtain information on the properties of sludge by performing measurements based on spectral imaging technology on the material to be treated and / or treated material in sludge treatment, and that it is possible to distinguish between sludge properties with significant differences. By comprising a measurement means using spectral imaging technology and a judgment unit that determines the properties of sludge based on the information obtained by the measurement means, it is possible to quickly and appropriately grasp changes in sludge properties without relying on conventional methods such as measuring sludge moisture content or judgment based on visual inspection by workers, and in particular, it is possible to appropriately grasp rapid changes in sludge properties.

[0044] In this embodiment, the sludge properties evaluation device should include at least a determination unit 3, to which information acquired based on spectral imaging technology regarding the material to be treated and / or treated material in sludge treatment should be input, enabling the acquisition (calculation) of a determination result regarding changes in sludge properties. It is not essential to include a measurement means 2. However, from the viewpoint of facilitating the link between operations related to acquiring information on sludge properties based on spectral imaging technology and operations related to understanding changes in sludge properties based on this information, it is preferable that the sludge properties evaluation device of this embodiment includes a measurement means 2 in addition to the determination unit 3, as shown in Figure 1. This makes it easier to acquire and update information necessary to understand changes in sludge properties, and to appropriately understand changes in sludge properties.

[0045] Furthermore, the sludge property evaluation device of this embodiment can quickly and appropriately grasp changes in sludge properties and is suitable for use in various technologies related to sludge treatment. Hereinafter, as an example of applying the sludge property evaluation device of this embodiment, embodiments relating to the operation control device of a sludge treatment system and the sludge treatment system will be described exemplified.

[0046] [Operation control device and sludge treatment system for sludge treatment systems] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation control device and the structure of the sludge treatment system in an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the operation control device 10 of the sludge treatment system (hereinafter also simply referred to as "operation control device 10") is provided in the sludge treatment system 100, which will be described later, and performs operation control related to the sludge treatment system 100. As shown in Figure 3, it comprises the sludge property evaluation device 1 described above and a control unit 20 that controls the amount of coagulant injected and / or the amount of sludge input. Furthermore, the sludge treatment system 100 of this embodiment is equipped with various facilities related to sludge treatment, and as shown in Figure 3, it includes an operation control device 10 and a dewatering treatment unit 200 that performs sludge dewatering treatment. In this embodiment, the dewatering section 200 in the sludge treatment system 100 refers to the entire facility involved in the dewatering of sludge. For example, as shown in Figure 3, it includes a mixing tank 210 for mixing the coagulant and sludge, a concentration section 220 for concentrating the sludge mixed with the coagulant (coagulated mixed sludge), and a dewatering section 230 forcibly dewatering the concentrated sludge (concentrated sludge) and discharging the dewatered cake and detached liquid. In Figure 3, the white arrows indicate the direction of sludge movement (transportation), and the dashed-dotted arrows indicate connections that enable input / output of information (data) or operational (drive) control of each piece of equipment.

[0047] The following describes the various configurations of the operation control device 10 and the sludge treatment system 100 of this embodiment. Regarding the operation control device 10 and the sludge property evaluation device 1 provided in the sludge treatment system 100 of this embodiment, the same device as the sludge property evaluation device 1 described above can be used, and a description of its configuration will be omitted.

[0048] Here, Figure 3 shows a configuration in the sludge property evaluation device 1 where multiple measurement means 2 are provided to measure sludge (coagulated and mixed sludge, concentrated sludge, dewatered cake) at each stage of sludge treatment. In addition, the measurement targets of the measurement means 2 may include measurement targets other than sludge (the material to be treated and / or treated material in sludge treatment, for example, the eluent discharged from the dewatering section 230). This increases the amount of information on sludge properties obtained by the measurement means 2, thereby improving the accuracy of judgments regarding sludge properties. Specifically, it becomes easier to quickly and accurately grasp at which stage (stage) of sludge treatment changes in sludge properties, and it becomes possible to appropriately select the control target and control content by the operation control device 10. On the other hand, the operation control device 10 and the sludge property evaluation device 1 provided in the sludge treatment system 100 of this embodiment only need to be equipped with at least one measuring means 2, and are not limited to what is shown in Figure 3. For example, considering initial costs and operating costs, any two of the three measuring means 2 shown in Figure 3 may be omitted.

[0049] (Operation control device) The operation control device 10 of this embodiment is installed in the sludge treatment system 100 and controls the amount of coagulant injected and / or the amount of sludge input, which have a particularly large impact on the sludge properties, based on the information related to the sludge properties obtained from the sludge property evaluation device 1 described above, in order to smoothly perform maintenance and management related to the operation of the sludge treatment system 100.

[0050] The control unit 20 in the operation control device 10 of this embodiment only needs to be capable of controlling the amount of coagulant injected and / or the amount of sludge input in the sludge treatment system 100. In other words, it only needs to control equipment and mechanisms within the sludge treatment system 100 that enable adjustment of the amount of coagulant injected and / or the amount of sludge input. Specific examples of controls controlled by the control unit 20 in the operation control device 10 of this embodiment include, as shown in Figure 3, drive control related to the opening and closing of a valve V1 provided as a coagulant adding means 211 for adding a coagulant to a mixing tank 210 in the sludge treatment system 100, and drive control related to the opening and closing of a valve V2 provided on a line L3 connecting the mixing tank 210 and the thickening unit 220 as a means for supplying coagulated mixed sludge to the thickening unit 220.

[0051] The operation control by the control unit 20 described above may include manual operation by an operator, but from the viewpoint of reducing the workload of the operator, it is preferable to make it capable of automatic control. Specifically, the control unit 20 may be a computing device that uses a CPU or other processor to execute programs necessary for acquiring information from the sludge properties evaluation device 1 (acquisition of judgment results related to sludge properties) and for sending control signals related to the injection amount of coagulant and / or the input amount of sludge, thereby enabling automatic control.

[0052] Furthermore, the operation control device 10 of this embodiment can also be applied to existing sludge treatment systems equipped with equipment and mechanisms for adjusting the amount of coagulant injected and / or the amount of sludge input. This allows existing sludge treatment systems to operate without a time delay in understanding changes in sludge properties, and regardless of the skill level of the workers, to appropriately understand changes in sludge properties and perform operational control regarding the amount of coagulant injected and / or the amount of sludge input, thereby enabling smooth maintenance and management of the sludge treatment system.

[0053] (Sludge treatment system) The sludge treatment system 100 of this embodiment performs operational control via an operation control device 10 that controls the amount of coagulant injected and / or the amount of sludge input, based on the information related to sludge properties obtained from the sludge property evaluation device 1 described above, and which has a particularly large influence on sludge properties. This facilitates smooth maintenance and management of the operation of the sludge treatment system 100, or optimizes its operation during continuous operation.

[0054] As shown in Figure 3, the sludge treatment system 100 of this embodiment comprises an operation control device 10 and a dewatering unit 200 for performing sludge dewatering. The dewatering unit 200 further comprises a mixing tank 210 for mixing a coagulant with sludge, a concentration unit 220 for concentrating the sludge mixed with the coagulant (coagulated mixed sludge), and a dewatering unit 230 forcibly dewatering the concentrated sludge (concentrated sludge) and discharging the dewatered cake.

[0055] Herein, the configurations of the operation control device 10 (and sludge property evaluation device 1) in the sludge treatment system 100 of this embodiment are as described above, and below, the configurations of the dewatering treatment unit 200 will be explained by example.

[0056] The mixing tank 210 mixes the sludge to be treated with a coagulant to produce coagulated sludge, which is then used for subsequent sludge treatment. The specific structure of the mixing tank 210 is not particularly limited, but for example, as shown in Figure 3, a tank body equipped with a stirring mechanism may be provided with a line L1 for introducing sludge and a line L2 for introducing a coagulant as a coagulant adding means 211, and a valve V1 controlled by the aforementioned operation control device 10 may be provided on line L2. A valve (not shown) may also be provided on line L1 to control the amount of sludge introduced (input amount) into the mixing tank 210. In this case, the valve on line L1 may also be treated as a control target of the operation control device 10.

[0057] The concentration unit 220 receives the flocculated and mixed sludge from the mixing tank 210 via line L3 and performs a concentration treatment on this flocculated and mixed sludge to prepare it for subsequent sludge treatment. The concentration treatment in the concentration unit 220 preferably involves removing water from the flocculated and mixed sludge without applying any external force, and specifically, gravity filtration is one such method. The specific structure of the concentration unit 220 is not particularly limited, but for example, as shown in Figure 3, it may be provided with a filter medium 221 to which flocculated and mixed sludge is supplied via line L3. In this case, the filter medium 221 is designed to filter out the water contained in the flocculated and mixed sludge and to transport the sludge that has been filtered out and concentrated (concentrated sludge) for use in subsequent sludge treatment. Specifically, the filter medium 221 may be a belt-shaped filter cloth or an endless conveyor formed from a perforated plate or wire, and it may be made movable by a rotating body such as rollers, but it is not limited to this. Furthermore, as mentioned above, it is preferable to provide a valve V2 on line L3 and make it the control target of the operation control device 10.

[0058] In addition, in the sludge treatment system 100 of this embodiment, the coagulated and mixed sludge may be supplied to the dewatering section 230 without undergoing a concentration treatment. In other words, the concentration section 220 may be omitted depending on the components and properties of the coagulated and mixed sludge and the processing efficiency of the equipment used as the dewatering section 230.

[0059] The dewatering unit 230 forcibly dewaters the sludge (concentrated sludge) or coagulated and mixed sludge after concentration treatment by the concentration unit 220, and discharges the dewatered cake and desorbed liquid, respectively, outside the system. The specific structure of the dewatering section 230 is not particularly limited, but for example, as shown in Figure 3, a belt press dewatering machine can be used, which pressurizes and dewaters by sandwiching the material between the moving filter media 221 used in the concentration section 220. Furthermore, the dewatering unit 230 in this embodiment is not limited to a belt press dewatering machine, but can be any machine that separates particulate solids and liquids in sludge and further concentrates the solids. Specifically, examples include screw presses and centrifugal separators.

[0060] As described above, the operation control device and sludge treatment system of this embodiment can appropriately grasp the changes in sludge properties without any time delay in understanding the changes in sludge properties, regardless of the skill level of the workers, and can perform operation control regarding the amount of coagulant injected and / or the amount of sludge input, thereby enabling smooth maintenance and management of the operation of the sludge treatment system.

[0061] The embodiments described above are examples of a sludge property evaluation device, a sludge property evaluation method, an operation control device, and a sludge treatment system. The sludge property evaluation device, sludge property evaluation method, operation control device, and sludge treatment system according to the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above, and the sludge property evaluation device, sludge property evaluation method, operation control device, and sludge treatment system according to the embodiments described above may be modified without changing the gist of the claims.

[0062] For example, in the sludge property evaluation apparatus of this embodiment, a light source may be provided to irradiate the material being treated and / or the material being processed in the sludge treatment process, particularly the sludge, with light. Generally, in the surrounding environment of sludge undergoing treatment, sufficient light for measurement (imaging) by the measurement means 2 may not be available. Therefore, by providing a light source to irradiate the sludge with light, it is possible to improve the measurement accuracy of the sludge by the measurement means 2. In this case, it is preferable to use an LED light source, which has low power consumption and minimal impact on the surrounding environment and the object being measured due to heat. [Industrial applicability]

[0063] The sludge properties evaluation apparatus and sludge properties evaluation method of the present invention are suitably used for the rapid and appropriate acquisition of information regarding sludge properties. Furthermore, the operation control device and sludge treatment system of the present invention are suitably used in various sludge treatment applications. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 1 Sludge properties evaluation device, 2 Measurement means, 3 Judgment unit, 3a Calculation means, 3b Data storage means, 3c Output means, 10 Operation control device, 20 Control unit, 100 Sludge treatment system, 200 Dewatering unit, 210 Mixing tank, 211 Coagulant addition means, 220 Concentration unit, 221 Filter media, 230 Dewatering unit, L1~L3 lines, V1,V2 valves

Claims

1. A sludge property evaluation device characterized by having a judgment unit that determines the properties of sludge based on information acquired by spectral imaging technology.

2. The sludge properties evaluation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a measuring means for acquiring the aforementioned information.

3. The sludge properties evaluation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the properties of the sludge determined by the determination unit are at least one of the following: water content of the sludge, coagulation state, concentration state, and foreign matter contamination.

4. The sludge property evaluation apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the measurement means uses a target spectral camera.

5. A method for evaluating sludge properties, characterized by comprising a judgment step that determines the properties of sludge based on information obtained by spectral imaging technology.

6. An operation control device for controlling the operation of a sludge treatment system, A sludge properties evaluation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An operation control device comprising a control unit for controlling the amount of coagulant injected and / or the amount of sludge added.

7. The operation control device according to claim 6, A sludge treatment system characterized by comprising a dewatering section for performing sludge dewatering treatment.

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