Organic waste treatment equipment

Abstract

Even if there are large variations in the type of organic waste, the amount input, the location where it accumulates in the treatment tank, the moisture content, etc., the problems related to these variations will be resolved, and the organic waste will be appropriately heat-treated. [Solution] The organic waste treatment device 100 comprises a treatment tank 1, a first space 2 that partially constitutes the inside of the treatment tank 1, a second space 3 located below the first space 2, an input section 4 that enables the acceptance of the organic waste, a partition section 5 configured to allow the organic waste received from the input section 4 to be placed on the first space 2 side and further configured to allow the organic waste placed thereon to be transferred toward the second space 3 side, a partition control section 11a that controls the operation of the partition section 5 to transfer the organic waste placed thereon toward the second space 3 side, and a heating section 6 that heats the organic waste transferred toward the second space 3 side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an organic waste treatment device for treating organic waste.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a technique for treating waste, a technique for heat-treating waste is known. For example, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, a technique for supplying nitrogen, which is an inert gas, during heat treatment is disclosed. Thereby, during heating of the waste, oxygen is depleted and the combustion reaction is suppressed. Therefore, a pyrolysis reaction can be caused and the waste can be gasified.

[0003] Also, in Patent Document 3, a technique for treating organic waste step by step is disclosed. In the first treatment, combustion air is supplied to the organic waste to actively burn the organic waste. In the second treatment, nitrogen is supplied to the organic waste to cause a pyrolysis reaction. Thereby, the heat generated by the combustion in the first treatment can be utilized for the pyrolysis reaction in the second treatment, and the waste can be gasified. Further, in Patent Document 4, a system for burning the gas generated by the pyrolysis of organic waste is disclosed. In this system, the heat generated by the combustion is supplied toward the organic waste that has been conveyed. Also by this, the waste can be gasified.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

[0005] While the technologies described in the aforementioned Patent Documents 1-4 allow for the treatment of organic waste, there is considerable room for improvement. For example, there is significant variation in the type of organic waste, the amount input, the location where it remains in the treatment tank after input, and the moisture content. As a result, the thermal decomposition reaction of the organic waste may terminate before completion. In this case, it becomes necessary to repeat the process, including ignition, in order to treat the remaining organic waste. Consequently, there is a risk of losing time and energy in the treatment of organic waste.

[0006] In particular, pyrolysis and combustion reactions begin only after the moisture content of the organic waste has sufficiently decreased. Therefore, if the moisture content of the organic waste is excessive, drying will take a long time. Consequently, pyrolysis may take a long time to begin, or it may not begin at all. Furthermore, even if pyrolysis does begin, an unbalanced situation may occur. In response to such situations, when the process, including ignition, is restarted, there is a risk of abnormal overheating due to unintended combustion based on residual oxygen, oxygen intake, etc. In particular, when the treatment tank is opened midway through the process for verification purposes, a backdraft may occur due to a sudden intake of oxygen. For these reasons, improvements in safety are also required.

[0007] Furthermore, the treatment tank contains gases generated from the thermal decomposition reaction of organic waste, as well as residual oxygen from the combustion air. Although weak gas circulation occurs due to thermal convection, mixing is not easily promoted sufficiently. As a result, the oxygen concentration and the temperature inside the treatment tank tend to become unbalanced, and the thermal decomposition reaction may also become unbalanced. It is desirable to suppress such phenomena.

[0008] Furthermore, to address the aforementioned variability in organic waste, additional heating using, for example, an electric heater, could be considered. While this would raise the temperature inside the treatment tank to the temperature at which the pyrolysis reaction begins, it would create problems such as the cost of installing the equipment and the running costs involved.

[0009] In view of the above, the object of the present invention is to provide an organic waste treatment device that can solve the problem of variability in organic waste and can appropriately heat-treat organic waste. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The technical means of the present invention for solving this technical problem is characterized by the following: The organic waste treatment apparatus of the present invention comprises at least a treatment tank configured to receive organic waste from the outside and to heat treat the organic waste inside. The organic waste treatment apparatus of the present invention comprises a first space that partially constitutes the inside of the treatment tank, a second space that partially constitutes the inside of the treatment tank and is located below the first space, an input section that connects the outside of the treatment tank and the first space and enables the acceptance of the organic waste, a partition section that divides the first space and the second space and is configured to allow the organic waste received from the input section to be placed on the first space side, and further configured to allow the organic waste placed thereon to be transported toward the second space side, a partition control section that controls the operation of the partition section to transport the organic waste placed thereon to the second space side based on an index representing the change in moisture content of the organic waste placed thereon to the first space side, and a heating section that heats the organic waste transported toward the second space side.

[0011] The organic waste treatment apparatus of the present invention further comprises: a supply unit that supplies a gas containing heated nitrogen toward the inside of the treatment tank; an exhaust unit that connects the outside of the treatment tank and the first space and allows the gas inside the treatment tank to be discharged; a valve unit configured to switch between connecting and shielding the exhaust unit, and which restricts the discharge of gas inside the treatment tank when the exhaust unit is shielded; and a valve control unit that controls the switching of the valve unit based on the pressure inside the treatment tank.

[0012] In the organic waste treatment apparatus of the present invention, the valve control unit switches the valve to communicate with the exhaust section when the pressure rising when the valve section is shielding the exhaust section reaches a first threshold, and then switches the valve section to shield the exhaust section when the pressure falling when the valve section is communicating with the exhaust section reaches a second threshold.

[0013] The organic waste treatment apparatus of the present invention further comprises a canopy portion interposed between the upper side of the first space and the upstream side of the exhaust portion, configured to guide the gas from the treatment tank to the exhaust portion and to reduce in diameter along the direction of guidance to the exhaust portion. The supply portion supplies gas not only to the inside of the treatment tank but also to the most constricted portion of the canopy portion.

[0014] In the organic waste treatment apparatus of the present invention, the treatment tank is configured to have a cylindrical shape with an axis defined in the vertical direction, and the supply unit supplies the gas towards the inside of the treatment tank by rotating around the axis along the inner wall of the cylindrical side surface of the treatment tank.

[0015] The organic waste treatment apparatus of the present invention further comprises a supply control unit that controls the degree of gas supply from the supply unit based on the oxygen concentration inside the treatment tank, and a heating control unit that controls the degree of heating of the gas from the supply unit and / or the degree of heating of the organic waste from the heating unit based on the temperature inside the treatment tank. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, problems related to variations in organic waste can be solved, and the organic waste can be appropriately heat-treated.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] It is an overall schematic view of an organic waste treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view of the treatment tank of the organic waste treatment apparatus shown in FIG. 1 cut in the vertical direction, showing the state inside the treatment tank. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view of the treatment tank of the organic waste treatment apparatus shown in FIG. 1 cut in the horizontal direction, showing the state inside the treatment tank from a top-down perspective. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view of the treatment tank of the organic waste treatment apparatus shown in FIG. 1 cut in the horizontal direction, showing the state inside the treatment tank from a bottom-up perspective. [Figure 5] It is a time chart of the pressure change inside the treatment tank of the organic waste treatment apparatus shown in FIG. 1, showing an example of the control of the pressure inside the treatment tank. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing the treatment of the dehydration process and the pyrolysis process in the organic waste treatment apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, an organic waste treatment apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for heat-treating organic waste. The organic waste may be, for example, waste containing organic substances such as plastic resins, paper, food waste, livestock waste, animal carcasses, felled plants, etc. (preferably those not containing metals), and is not limited thereto.

[0020] The heating treatment in the organic waste treatment device 100 is a process that causes the organic waste to decompose thermally. The temperature of this thermal decomposition may be lower than the temperature that would be reached if the organic waste were burned, and may fluctuate within the range of, for example, 500 to 600°C.

[0021] The process of thermally decomposing organic waste in the organic waste treatment device 100 includes a dewatering step and a thermal decomposition step (see Figure 6). The dewatering step is a process of dewatering the organic waste and is performed before the thermal decomposition step. The organic waste is washed with water beforehand depending on its level of contamination. As a result, the organic waste contains a large amount of moisture. The dewatering step appropriately dewaters the organic waste, allowing it to be sufficiently thermally decomposed in the thermal decomposition step.

[0022] For example, adequate dehydration is sufficient if the amount of water removed is enough to allow for the thermal decomposition of the organic waste without causing problems; complete drying is not required. Furthermore, it is preferable that the water used after washing is treated to meet environmental standards before being discharged.

[0023] The organic waste treatment device 100 comprises a treatment tank 1, a first space 2, a second space 3, an input section 4, a partition section 5, a heating section 6, a supply section 7, an exhaust section 8, a lid section 9, a valve section 10, and a control unit 11 (partition control unit 11a, heating control unit 11b, supply control unit 11c, and valve control unit 11d). The control unit 11 includes a CPU, electrical circuits, memory for storing programs, etc. The corresponding hardware may operate based on the program processing of the CPU.

[0024] The treatment tank 1 is configured to accept organic waste from the outside and to allow the organic waste to be heat-treated inside. The treatment tank 1 is configured to have a cylindrical shape with an axis defined along the vertical direction. The inside of the treatment tank 1 is divided into two spaces: the first space 2 and the second space 3. That is, the first space 2 and the second space 3 each partially constitute the inside of the treatment tank 1. The first space 2 and the second space 3 are located above and below the approximately midpoint in the vertical direction of the treatment tank 1 (the part of the partition 5), respectively. That is, the second space 3 is located coaxially below the first space 2.

[0025] The input section 4 connects the outside of the treatment tank 1 and the first space 2, enabling the acceptance of organic waste. The input section 4 has an end opening that serves as an inlet for organic waste and may be installed on top of the treatment tank 1. The end opening of the input section 4 may be provided with an openable / closable lid.

[0026] The amount of organic waste that can be added is limited to the amount that allows the hinged lid of the input section 4 to close. The amount of organic waste that can be added may be regulated to prevent excessive addition from hindering thermal decomposition. In other words, the input section 4 may have a function to weigh the organic waste. Also, when the hinged lid of the input section 4 is closed, oxygen inflow is prevented. In this closed state, it does not need to be airtight in order to promote gas agitation and discharge inside the treatment tank 1.

[0027] The partition 5 divides the first space 2 and the second space 3, and is configured to allow organic waste received from the input section 4 to be placed on the first space 2 side. The partition 5 may be, for example, a flat metal plate, and may be mechanically openable and closable. When the partition 5 is closed, it extends horizontally, and the upper and lower surfaces of the partition 5 are located on the first space 2 side and the second space 3 side, respectively. At this time, organic waste can be placed on the upper surface of the partition 5.

[0028] The partition 5 is further configured to allow the organic waste placed on it to be transferred toward the second space 3. When the partition 5 is operated from a closed state to an open state, the organic waste placed on its upper surface is transferred to the second space 3. The operation of the partition 5 is controlled, for example, by the partition control unit 11a via an actuator.

[0029] The partition control unit 11a controls the operation of the partition unit 5 to transfer the organic waste placed on the first space 2 side to the second space 3 side, based on an indicator representing the change in moisture content of the organic waste placed on the first space 2 side. The indicator representing the change in moisture content may be, for example, the humidity inside the treatment tank 1 or the weight of the organic waste placed on it. For example, if it is determined that the organic waste placed on the partition unit 5 has been adequately dewatered based on the detection values ​​of the humidity sensor or the weight sensor, the partition control unit 11a may control the operation of the partition unit 5 as described above.

[0030] The heating unit 6 heats the organic waste that has been transferred to the second space 3. The heating unit 6 may be composed of, for example, a magnetic material (metal), a coil, etc., to enable electromagnetic induction heating. Electromagnetic induction heating uses a magnetic field in a coil based on alternating current, generating Joule heat from the magnetic material. Therefore, it has the advantage of lower power consumption and faster response speed compared to using an electric heating wire heater. The magnetic material may be, for example, an inclined metal plate placed at the bottom of the second space 3, and the metal plate may be in contact with the organic waste. The degree of heating of the organic waste in the heating unit 6 is controlled, for example, by the heating control unit 11b. The organic waste that has been heated in the second space 3 is removed as the final product from an outlet provided at the bottom of the treatment tank 1.

[0031] The heating control unit 11b controls the degree of heating of the organic waste in the heating unit 6 based on the temperature inside the processing tank 1. The temperature inside the processing tank 1 may be detected, for example, by a temperature sensor 12. For example, based on the value detected by the temperature sensor 12, the heating control unit 11b may control the power applied to the coil of the heating unit 6 so that the temperature inside the processing tank 1 is maintained and the thermal decomposition reaction continues. In addition to (or instead of) controlling the degree of heating of the heating unit 6, the heating control unit 11b may also control the degree of heating of the gas in the supply unit 7, as described later.

[0032] The supply unit 7 supplies heated nitrogen-containing gas into the processing tank 1. The nitrogen-containing gas may be, for example, high-concentration nitrogen obtained by enriching air with nitrogen. The supply unit 7 may have nozzles, heaters, valves 14, nitrogen generators 15, etc. Multiple nozzles of the supply unit 7 are arranged inside the processing tank 1. In supplying the gas, the gas is supplied from the nozzles along the inner wall of the cylindrical side surface in the processing tank 1, so as to revolve around the central axis of the processing tank 1.

[0033] The nitrogen generator 15 is located outside the treatment tank 1. The nitrogen generator 15 and the nozzle of the supply unit 7 are connected by piping 16. A gas containing nitrogen is supplied from the external nitrogen generator 15 to the inside of the treatment tank 1 via the nozzle. A heater is fixed to the nozzle, allowing control of the degree of gas heating. A valve 14 is provided in the piping 16, allowing control of the gas supply rate. The degree of gas heating and the supply rate of the gas in the supply unit 7 are controlled, for example, by the heating control unit 11b and the supply control unit 11c, respectively.

[0034] The heating control unit 11b controls the degree of heating of the gas in the supply unit 7 based on the temperature inside the processing tank 1. The temperature inside the processing tank 1 may be detected, for example, by a temperature sensor 12. For example, based on the value detected by the temperature sensor 12, the heating control unit 11b may control the power applied to the heater of the supply unit 7 so that the organic waste in the processing tank 1 is properly dewatered, or so that the temperature inside the processing tank 1 is maintained and the thermal decomposition reaction continues.

[0035] The supply control unit 11c controls the amount of gas supplied by the supply unit 7 based on the oxygen concentration inside the treatment tank 1. The oxygen concentration inside the treatment tank 1 may be detected, for example, by an oxygen concentration sensor 13. For example, based on the value detected by the oxygen concentration sensor 13, the supply control unit 11c may control the opening degree of the valve 14 of the supply unit 7 so as to suppress abnormal combustion of organic waste by reducing the oxygen concentration.

[0036] The exhaust section 8 connects the outside of the processing tank 1 to the first space 2, allowing gas from inside the processing tank 1 to be discharged. The exhaust section 8 may be configured, for example, as an exhaust pipe that leads the exhaust to the outside. The canopy section 9 is interposed between the upper side of the first space 2 and the upstream side of the exhaust section 8. The canopy section 9 is configured to guide the gas from the processing tank 1 to the exhaust section 8 and to reduce in diameter along the direction of guidance to the exhaust section 8. For example, the canopy section 9 may have a venturi shape.

[0037] A supply unit 7 is provided in the canopy section 9. In addition to supplying gas to the inside of the processing tank 1 as described above, the supply unit 7 also supplies gas to the narrowest part of the canopy section 9 (the narrowest part 9a). More specifically, the supply unit 7 in the canopy section 9 may be a Bernoulli tube 7a processed into a Y shape.

[0038] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4, the multiple nozzles of the supply unit 7 are installed in each layer of the first space 2 and the second space 3, respectively. The nozzles have an optimal hole diameter, and their angle and direction are adjusted so that gas flows out along the inner wall of the processing tank 1, forming a swirling flow. The formation of the swirling flow suppresses the stagnation of oxygen-containing air inside the processing tank 1, and nitrogen replacement is carried out quickly. In addition, the temperature inside the processing tank 1 is stabilized. In order to achieve these effects, this embodiment employs specific conditions that differ from the conditions for generating a general swirling flow.

[0039] For example, the nozzle arrangement, hole diameter (dh), swivel angle (θ), and elevation angle (α) of the supply unit 7 may be determined using computer simulation as follows. The circumferential pitch (Pp) and step pitch (Hp) of the nozzles of the supply unit 7 are arbitrary as long as they change within the range that satisfies the following conditions. • Exhaust section 8 pipe diameter (dp) = 15~20mm • Diameter (D) of processing tank 1 = Height (H) of processing tank 1 • The hole diameter (dh) of the nozzle in the supply unit 7 is ≤ (1 / 2) * (H) • The nozzles of the supply unit 7 are arranged in two stages. In that case, ·(0.03)*(D)≦(dh)≦(0.06)*(D) ·30°≦Turning angle (θ)≦45° ·10°≦Elevation angle (α)≦30°

[0040] The gas supply rate from the supply unit 7 may be adjusted to 10 L / min by the supply control unit 11c, for example. In this case, the flow rate is adjusted to 3.33 m / sec. The degree of heating of the gas from the supply unit 7 may be adjusted to 150 to 350 W per nozzle by the heating control unit 11b, for example. If all nozzles are heated simultaneously, the power consumption may become excessive, which may cause malfunctions such as heater wire breakage. For this reason, the heating control unit 11b may switch the nozzle to be heated at regular intervals or switch the nozzle to be heated according to the rising temperature. This makes it possible to keep the power consumption below 1500 W, for example, and suppress the above-mentioned malfunctions. The temperature and flow rate of the nitrogen-containing gas supplied from the supply unit 7 are, for example, 500°C and 10 L / min. This promotes the dewatering of organic waste in the first space 2 and the thermal decomposition of organic waste in the second space 3.

[0041] A valve unit 10 is provided in the exhaust section 8. The valve unit 10 is configured to switch between communicating with and shielding the exhaust section 8. When the valve unit 10 shields the exhaust section 8, the discharge of gas from inside the processing tank 1 is restricted. The switching of the valve unit 10 is controlled, for example, by the valve control unit 11d.

[0042] The valve control unit 11d controls the switching of the valve section 10 based on the pressure inside the processing tank 1. The pressure inside the processing tank 1 may be detected, for example, by a pressure sensor 17. For example, based on the value detected by the pressure sensor 17, the valve control unit 11d may control the switching of the valve section 10 between communication and shielding so as to promote the dewatering of organic waste.

[0043] As shown in Figure 5, when the pressure rising while the valve section 10 is shielding the exhaust section 8 reaches a first threshold P1, the valve section 10 switches to open the exhaust section 8. Then, when the pressure falling while the valve section 10 is open reaches a second threshold P2 (< first threshold P1), the valve section 10 switches to shielding the exhaust section 8. The valve section 11d may repeatedly alternate between opening and closing the valve section 10, and may complete the repetition of opening and closing when it is determined that adequate dewatering of the organic waste has been completed.

[0044] The actual operation of the organic waste treatment device 100 will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 6. First, when the dewatering process (S1 to S8) is started, in step S1, organic waste is introduced from the input section 4 into the first space 2. The introduced organic waste is placed on the partition section 5. Next, in step S2, the start switch of the organic waste treatment device 100 is turned ON, enabling various controls and operations. Next, in step S3, a nitrogen-containing gas is supplied from the supply section 7 into the treatment tank 1. The temperature and flow rate of the supplied gas are adjusted by the heating control unit 11b and the supply control unit 11c.

[0045] Next, in step S4, the exhaust section 8 is shielded by switching the valve section 10. The pressure inside the processing tank 1 increases. Next, in step S5, the increasing pressure reaches the first threshold P1. Next, in step S6, the exhaust section 8 is opened by switching the valve section 10. The pressure inside the processing tank 1 decreases. Next, in step S7, the decreasing pressure reaches the second threshold P2. Next, in step S8, it is determined whether the humidity inside the processing tank 1 has reached the specified humidity. If it is determined that the humidity has not reached the specified humidity and the result is "NO", the process from steps S4 to S8 is executed again. The switching of the valve section 10 is controlled by the valve control unit 11d.

[0046] As long as "NO" is determined in step S8, it is assumed that the organic waste has not been properly dewatered, and the process from steps S4 to S8 is repeated. As a result, the pressure inside the treatment tank 1 periodically oscillates between the first threshold P1 and the second threshold P2. This dewaters the organic waste. On the other hand, when the humidity reaches the specified humidity and "YES" is determined in step S8, it is assumed that the organic waste has been properly dewatered, and after the dewatering process is completed, the process moves on to the next pyrolysis process (S9 to S18).

[0047] When the pyrolysis process begins, in step S9 following step S8, the partition 5 is activated, and the organic waste placed on the first space 2 side is transferred to the second space 3 side. The operation of the partition 5 is controlled by the partition control unit 11a. Next, in step S10, the heating unit 6 starts heating the organic waste transferred to the second space 3 side. The degree of heating (e.g., temperature) of the organic waste in the heating unit 6 is controlled by the heating control unit 11b. The temperature inside the treatment tank 1 rises. Also, since nitrogen-containing gas is continuously supplied from the supply unit 7 from the dewatering process described above, the oxygen concentration decreases.

[0048] Next, in step S11, measurement of the temperature inside the processing tank 1 begins. Then, in step S12, it is determined whether the measured temperature is "OK" or "NG". If the measured temperature has not reached a temperature at which the thermal decomposition reaction can continue inside the processing tank 1, the temperature is determined to be "NG", and the process remains in step S12, allowing the temperature to continue rising. If the measured temperature has reached a temperature at which the thermal decomposition reaction can continue inside the processing tank 1, the temperature is determined to be "OK", and the process proceeds to the next step, S13.

[0049] In step S13, it is determined whether the oxygen concentration inside the treatment tank 1 is "OK" or "NG". If the oxygen concentration has not reached a level that can suppress abnormal combustion of organic waste inside the treatment tank 1, the oxygen concentration is determined to be "NG", and the process remains in step S13, continuing the nitrogen supply. If the oxygen concentration has reached a level that can suppress abnormal combustion of organic waste inside the treatment tank 1, the oxygen concentration is determined to be "OK", and the process proceeds to the next step, S14.

[0050] In step S14, the supply of nitrogen-containing gas by the supply unit 7 is stopped. Next, in step S15, the heating unit 6 maintains and keeps the organic waste warm. Then, in step S16, it is determined whether the oxygen concentration inside the treatment tank 1 is "OK" or "NG". If the oxygen concentration is determined to be "NG", the process proceeds to step S17, where the supply of nitrogen-containing gas by the supply unit 7 is restarted, and the process from steps S12 to S16 is executed again.

[0051] As long as the result in step S16 is determined to be "NG", it is assumed that the thermal decomposition of the organic waste has not progressed sufficiently, and the process from steps S12 to S16 is repeated. This ensures that abnormal combustion is suppressed and the temperature at which thermal decomposition can continue is maintained, allowing the thermal decomposition of the organic waste to proceed. On the other hand, if the result in step S16 is determined to be "OK", it is assumed that the thermal decomposition of the organic waste has progressed sufficiently, and the process proceeds to the next step S18, where the thermal decomposition process is completed after the set operating time has been reached. Then, the series of processes of the dewatering process and the thermal decomposition process are completed, and the operation of the organic waste treatment device 100 is stopped.

[0052] [Effects of the Embodiment] As described above, the organic waste treatment apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises at least a treatment tank 1 configured to receive organic waste from the outside and to allow the organic waste to be heat-treated inside. The organic waste treatment device 100 comprises a first space 2 that partially constitutes the interior of the treatment tank 1, a second space 3 that partially constitutes the interior of the treatment tank 1 and is located below the first space 2, an input section 4 that connects the outside of the treatment tank 1 and the first space 2 and enables the acceptance of the organic waste, a partition section 5 that divides the first space 2 and the second space 3 and is configured to allow the organic waste received from the input section 4 to be placed on the first space 2 side, and further configured to allow the organic waste placed thereon to be transferred toward the second space 3 side, a partition control section 11a that controls the operation of the partition section 5 to transfer the organic waste placed thereon to the second space 3 side based on an index representing the change in moisture content of the organic waste placed thereon, and a heating section 6 that heats the organic waste transferred toward the second space 3 side.

[0053] According to this method, even if there are large variations in the type of organic waste, the amount input, the location where it remains in the treatment tank after input, the moisture content, etc., the problems related to variations in organic waste can be solved, and the organic waste can be appropriately heat-treated.

[0054] The organic waste treatment device 100 further comprises: a supply unit 7 that supplies heated nitrogen-containing gas toward the inside of the treatment tank 1; an exhaust unit 8 that connects the outside of the treatment tank 1 and the first space 2, and allows the gas inside the treatment tank 1 to be discharged; a valve unit 10 that is configured to switch between connecting and shielding the exhaust unit 8, and when the exhaust unit 8 is shielded, restricts the discharge of gas inside the treatment tank 1; and a valve control unit 11d that controls the switching of the valve unit 10 based on the pressure inside the treatment tank 1.

[0055] According to this system, heated nitrogen is supplied to the organic waste from the supply unit 7. By heating, the cells, tissues, and materials of the organic waste are softened, allowing the nitrogen to impregnate the organic waste. When the moisture contained in the organic waste is replaced by the impregnated nitrogen, it destroys the cells, tissues, and materials of the organic waste. As a result, the mixed gas containing moisture and nitrogen easily escapes from the organic waste and is discharged to the outside of the treatment tank 1 from the exhaust unit 8. Thus, the organic waste can be effectively dehydrated.

[0056] In the organic waste treatment device 100, the valve control unit 11d switches the valve unit 10 to communicate with the exhaust unit 8 when the pressure rising when the valve unit 10 is shielding the exhaust unit 8 reaches a first threshold P1, and then switches the valve unit 10 to shield the exhaust unit 8 when the pressure falling when the valve unit 10 is communicating with the exhaust unit 8 reaches a second threshold P2.

[0057] According to this method, pressurization and depressurization can be repeatedly performed inside the treatment tank 1, allowing nitrogen to penetrate deeper into the organic waste. Furthermore, by increasing the width between the first threshold P1 and the second threshold P2, the differential pressure during pressurization and depressurization can be increased. Therefore, organic waste can be dewatered more effectively.

[0058] The organic waste treatment device 100 further comprises a canopy portion 9 interposed between the upper side of the first space 2 and the upstream side of the exhaust portion 8, which is configured to guide the gas from the treatment tank 1 to the exhaust portion 8 and to reduce in diameter along the direction of guidance to the exhaust portion 8. The supply unit 7 supplies gas not only to the inside of the treatment tank 1 but also to the most constricted portion of the canopy portion 9.

[0059] According to this design, the gas inside the processing tank 1 can be guided to the exhaust section 8 via the canopy section 9. Furthermore, by supplying unheated gas to the narrowest part of the canopy section 9 under the same pressure and flow rate conditions as the gas supplied to the processing tank 1, the Bernoulli effect can occur. As a result, the gas inside the processing tank 1 can be easily discharged to the outside of the processing tank 1.

[0060] In the organic waste treatment device 100, the treatment tank 1 is configured to have a cylindrical shape with an axis defined in the vertical direction, and the supply unit 7 supplies the gas towards the inside of the treatment tank 1 by rotating around the axis along the inner wall of the cylindrical side surface of the treatment tank 1.

[0061] According to this, a swirling flow can be created inside the treatment tank 1, and the Lagrangian vortex effect can be generated. Therefore, in combination with the Bernoulli effect mentioned above, the gas inside the treatment tank 1 can be quickly discharged to the outside of the treatment tank 1.

[0062] The organic waste treatment device 100 further comprises a supply control unit 11c that controls the degree of gas supply from the supply unit 7 based on the oxygen concentration inside the treatment tank 1, and a heating control unit 11b that controls the degree of heating of the gas in the supply unit 7 and / or the degree of heating of the organic waste in the heating unit 6 based on the temperature inside the treatment tank 1.

[0063] According to this, the inside of the treatment tank 1 can be kept warm, and the thermal decomposition of organic waste can be maintained. Furthermore, even if air (oxygen) enters the inside of the treatment tank 1 through gaps in the tank 1, the supply of nitrogen from the supply unit 7 can be increased in response to changes in the oxygen concentration inside the treatment tank 1 to expel the air (oxygen). [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1... Processing tank, 2... First space, 3... Second space, 4... Input section, 5... Partition section, 6... Heating section, 7... Supply section, 8... Exhaust section, 9... Cover section, 10... Valve section, 11a... Partition control section, 11b... Heating control section, 11c... Supply control section, 11d... Valve control section, 100... Organic waste treatment device, P1... First threshold, P2... Second threshold

Claims

1. In an organic waste treatment apparatus comprising at least a treatment tank configured to receive organic waste from the outside and to heat-treat the organic waste internally, A first space partially constitutes the interior of the aforementioned processing tank, The interior of the processing tank is partially comprised of a second space located below the first space, An input section that connects the outside of the processing tank and the first space, enabling the acceptance of the organic waste, A partition section is provided to separate the first space and the second space, to allow the organic waste received from the input section to be placed on the first space side, and to allow the organic waste placed thereon to be transported toward the second space side. A partition control unit controls the operation of the partition to transfer the organic waste placed in the first space to the second space based on an indicator representing the change in moisture content of the organic waste placed in the first space, A heating unit for heating the organic waste that has been transferred to the aforementioned second space, Equipped with Organic waste treatment equipment.

2. In the organic waste treatment apparatus according to claim 1, A supply unit that supplies a gas containing heated nitrogen towards the inside of the processing tank, An exhaust section is provided which connects the outside of the processing tank and the first space, and which allows gas inside the processing tank to be discharged. The valve is configured to allow switching between opening and closing the exhaust section, and when the exhaust section is closed, the discharge of gas from inside the processing tank is restricted. A valve control unit controls the switching of the valve based on the pressure inside the processing tank, Furthermore, it is equipped with Organic waste treatment equipment.

3. In the organic waste treatment apparatus according to claim 2, The valve control unit, When the pressure rises while the valve is shielding the exhaust section, the valve is switched to communicate with the exhaust section when the pressure falls while the valve is communicating with the exhaust section when the pressure falls to a second threshold, the valve is switched to shield the exhaust section when the pressure falls. Organic waste treatment equipment.

4. In the organic waste treatment apparatus according to claim 3, A canopy is interposed between the upper side of the first space and the upstream side of the exhaust section, and is configured to guide the gas from the processing tank to the exhaust section and to reduce in diameter along the direction of guidance to the exhaust section. Furthermore, The aforementioned supply unit is In addition to supplying gas to the inside of the processing tank, gas is also supplied to the narrowest part of the canopy. Organic waste treatment equipment.

5. In the organic waste treatment apparatus according to claim 4, The aforementioned processing tank is It is configured to have a cylindrical shape with an axis defined along the vertical direction, The aforementioned supply unit is In supplying the gas towards the inside of the processing tank, the gas is supplied along the inner wall of the cylindrical side surface of the processing tank so as to rotate around the axis. Organic waste treatment equipment.

6. In the organic waste treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, A supply control unit controls the degree to which the gas is supplied by the supply unit based on the oxygen concentration inside the processing tank, A heating control unit controls the degree of heating of the gas in the supply unit and / or the degree of heating of the organic waste in the heating unit based on the temperature inside the treatment tank, Furthermore, it is equipped with Organic waste treatment equipment.

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