Drying equipment

Abstract

To efficiently dry the object to be dried. [Solution] The drying apparatus 1 comprises a pair of electrodes 2 that sandwich the moist object to be dried W, and an AC power supply 3 that applies a voltage to the pair of electrodes 2. At least one of the pair of electrodes 2 is a porous electrode.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a drying device.

Background Art

[0002] In the technical field related to drying devices, a wet object drying system as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The object to be dried is dried by being heated. In the case of a drying method in which a high-temperature fluid is supplied to a container containing the object to be dried, a part of the thermal energy of the fluid is taken away by the container, and not only the object to be dried but also the container is heated. When the thermal energy of the fluid is taken away by the container, the energy loss increases.

[0005] The technology disclosed in this specification aims to efficiently dry the object to be dried.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This specification discloses a drying device. The drying device includes a pair of electrodes sandwiching a wet object to be dried, and an AC power source that applies a voltage to the pair of electrodes. At least one of the pair of electrodes is a porous electrode.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the technology disclosed in this specification, the object to be dried can be efficiently dried.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a drying apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a drying apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a drying apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a drying apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view showing a drying apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a porous electrode according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a drying apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the laundry line according to the seventh embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system is defined, and the positional relationships of each part will be described with reference to the three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. The direction parallel to the X-axis in the horizontal plane is defined as the X-axis direction. The direction parallel to the Y-axis in the horizontal plane perpendicular to the X-axis is defined as the Y-axis direction. The direction parallel to the Z-axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane is defined as the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis direction is the up and down direction. The +Z side is the up side, and the -Z side is the down side.

[0010] [First Embodiment] The first embodiment will be described.

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a drying apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The drying apparatus 1 dries a wet object W to be dried. As shown in Figure 1, the drying apparatus 1 comprises a pair of electrodes 2, an AC power supply 3, and a controller 4.

[0012] Examples of items to be dried W include fabric products after washing in a washing machine. Examples of fabric products include bedding from hotels and hand towels from restaurants. Drying device 1 may be installed in a linen supply factory. Examples of items to be dried W include food waste generated in a food factory. Drying device 1 may be installed in a food factory. Examples of items to be dried W include sludge cake produced by dewatering sludge generated in a sewage treatment plant or wastewater treatment plant. Drying device 1 may be installed in a sewage treatment plant or wastewater treatment plant.

[0013] At least one of the pair of electrodes 2 is a porous electrode. A porous electrode is a porous metal member having multiple holes. One of the pair of electrodes 2 may be a porous electrode with multiple holes, while the other electrode 2 does not have holes. In this embodiment, both electrodes 2 of the pair are porous electrodes. In the following description, electrode 2 will be appropriately referred to as porous electrode 2.

[0014] In this embodiment, the outer shape of the porous electrode 2 is plate-shaped. The porous electrode 2 may be a metal mesh. The porous electrode 2 may be a metal plate having multiple holes. The porous electrode 2 may be a sintered body of metal powder. The holes in the porous electrode 2 are formed to penetrate one surface of the porous electrode 2 and the other surface of the porous electrode 2.

[0015] A pair of porous electrodes 2 are provided so as to sandwich the object to be dried W. The porous electrodes 2 are in contact with the object to be dried W. The porous electrodes 2 include a first porous electrode 21 and a second porous electrode 22 positioned on the +X side of the first porous electrode 21. The structure and external dimensions of the first porous electrode 21 and the second porous electrode 22 are substantially equal. The first porous electrode 21 and the second porous electrode 22 are positioned parallel to each other. The object to be dried W is sandwiched between the first porous electrode 21 and the second porous electrode 22 from the X-axis direction.

[0016] The first porous electrode 21 has an inner surface 21A that contacts the surface of the drying target W on the -X side, and an outer surface 21B that faces the opposite side of the inner surface 21A. The second porous electrode 22 has an inner surface 22A that contacts the surface of the drying target W on the +X side, and an outer surface 22B that faces the opposite side of the inner surface 22A. The holes of the first porous electrode 21 are formed so as to penetrate the inner surface 21A and the outer surface 21B of the first porous electrode 21. The holes of the second porous electrode 22 are formed so as to penetrate the inner surface 22A and the outer surface 22B of the second porous electrode 22.

[0017] The AC power supply 3 applies a voltage (AC voltage) to the pair of porous electrodes 2. When a voltage is applied to the pair of porous electrodes 2 with the drying target W sandwiched between the pair of porous electrodes 2, an electric current (AC current) flows between the first porous electrode 21 and the second porous electrode 22 through the drying target W. The drying target W contains moisture. The electric current can flow between the first porous electrode 21 and the second porous electrode 22 through the drying target W. When an electric current flows through the water contained in the drying target W, Joule heat is generated. The water contained in the drying target W is heated by the Joule heat and converted into steam. The drying target W dries by being heated. At least a part of the steam generated from the drying target W is dissipated from the porous electrodes 2 after passing through the holes of the porous electrodes 2.

[0018] The steam generated from the surface of the drying target W on the -X side flows into the holes of the first porous electrode 21 from the inner surface 21A side, flows through the holes of the first porous electrode 21 toward the outer surface 21B, and then is dissipated around the first porous electrode 21.

[0019] The steam generated from the surface of the drying target W on the +X side flows into the holes of the second porous electrode 22 from the inner surface 22A side, flows through the holes of the second porous electrode 22 toward the outer surface 22B, and then is dissipated around the second porous electrode 22.

[0020] In the present embodiment, the porous electrodes 2 are not arranged on the surfaces of the drying target W on the +Z side, -Z side, +Y side, and -Y side, respectively. At least a part of the steam generated from the drying target W is dissipated from the surfaces of the drying target W on the +Z side, -Z side, +Y side, and -Y side, respectively, to the surroundings of the drying target W.

[0021] The controller 4 controls the AC power supply 3. The controller 4 controls the voltage that the AC power supply 3 applies to the pair of porous electrodes 2. The controller 4 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), main memory including non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), storage, and an interface including input / output circuits.

[0022] The controller 4 changes the voltage applied by the AC power supply 3 to the porous electrodes 2 so that the current value between the pair of porous electrodes 2 falls within a predetermined range, based on either or both the moisture content and electrical conductivity of the material to be dried W.

[0023] The controller 4 can change the voltage applied by the AC power supply 3 to the porous electrode 2 based on detection data from a moisture content sensor (not shown) that detects the moisture content of the material W to be dried. The controller 4 can also change the voltage applied by the AC power supply 3 to the porous electrode 2 based on detection data from an electrical conductivity sensor (not shown) that detects the electrical conductivity of the material W to be dried. The higher the moisture content of the material W to be dried, the easier it is for current to flow through the material W. The higher the electrical conductivity of the material W to be dried, the easier it is for current to flow through the material W. The controller 4 lowers the voltage applied by the AC power supply 3 to the porous electrode 2 as the moisture content of the material W to be dried increases, so that the current value between the pair of porous electrodes 2 is within a predetermined range. The controller 4 lowers the voltage applied by the AC power supply 3 to the porous electrode 2 as the electrical conductivity of the material W to be dried increases, so that the current value between the pair of porous electrodes 2 is within a predetermined range.

[0024] Furthermore, the controller 4 may change the voltage applied by the AC power supply 3 to the porous electrodes 2 so that the current value between the pair of porous electrodes 2 becomes a predetermined constant value, based on either or both of the moisture content and electrical conductivity of the material to be dried W.

[0025] As described above, the drying apparatus 1 comprises a pair of porous electrodes 2 that sandwich the moist object to be dried W, and an AC power supply 3 that applies a voltage to the pair of porous electrodes 2.

[0026] According to this embodiment, since the pair of porous electrodes 2 are in contact with the object to be dried W, the drying apparatus 1 can efficiently dry the object to be dried W. When a voltage is applied to the porous electrodes 2, the current flows only through the object to be dried W and not through other objects, so the object to be dried W is dried efficiently. The vapor generated from the object to be dried is dispersed around the porous electrodes 2 by passing through the holes in the porous electrodes 2. Since the accumulation of vapor generated from the object to be dried W is suppressed, the occurrence of condensation is suppressed, and the object to be dried W is dried efficiently.

[0027] When a DC voltage is applied to the pair of porous electrodes 2, hydrogen may be generated in the porous electrodes 2 due to the electrolysis of water, and oxidation of the porous electrodes 2 may progress. In this embodiment, since an AC voltage is applied to the pair of porous electrodes 2, hydrogen generation due to the electrolysis of water and the progression of oxidation of the porous electrodes 2 are suppressed.

[0028] In this embodiment, the distance between the pair of porous electrodes 2 may be variable. The distance between the pair of porous electrodes 2 may be changed to match the dimensions of the object to be dried W in the X-axis direction. The distance between the pair of porous electrodes 2 may be changed so that the porous electrodes 2 are in close contact with the object to be dried W. The distance between the pair of porous electrodes 2 may be changed so that the current value between the pair of porous electrodes 2 falls within a predetermined range.

[0029] In this embodiment, an external force application device may be provided to apply an external force to the porous electrode 2 in order to bring the porous electrode 2 into close contact with the object to be dried W.

[0030] [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment will now be described. In the following description, components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the descriptions of those components will be simplified or omitted.

[0031] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the drying apparatus 11A according to the second embodiment. Figure 3 is a block diagram of the drying apparatus 11A according to the second embodiment. The drying apparatus 11A includes a pair of porous electrodes 12 that sandwich the object to be dried W. In this embodiment, each of the pair of porous electrodes 12 is cylindrical. Similar to the first embodiment described above, the AC power supply 3 applies a voltage to the pair of porous electrodes 12. The controller 4 changes the voltage that the AC power supply 3 applies to the porous electrodes 12.

[0032] The central axis AX and Z axis of the porous electrode 12 are parallel. The porous electrode 12 is rotatable about the central axis AX. The drying apparatus 11A is equipped with an actuator 5 that generates power to rotate the porous electrode 12 about the central axis AX. The pair of porous electrodes 12 rotate with the object to be dried W in between them.

[0033] The porous electrode 12 includes a first porous electrode 121 and a second porous electrode 122 positioned on the +X side of the first porous electrode 121. The structure and external dimensions of the first porous electrode 121 and the second porous electrode 122 may be the same or different. In this embodiment, the structure and external dimensions of the first porous electrode 121 and the second porous electrode 122 are substantially the same. The first porous electrode 121 and the second porous electrode 122 are positioned parallel to each other. The object to be dried W is sandwiched between the first porous electrode 121 and the second porous electrode 122 from the X-axis direction.

[0034] The first porous electrode 121 has an inner surface 121A facing the central axis AX of the first porous electrode 121 and an outer surface 121B that contacts the -X side surface of the object to be dried W. The second porous electrode 122 has an inner surface 122A facing the central axis AX of the second porous electrode 122 and an outer surface 122B that contacts the +X side surface of the object to be dried W. The holes in the first porous electrode 121 are formed to penetrate the inner surface 121A and the outer surface 121B of the first porous electrode 121. The holes in the second porous electrode 122 are formed to penetrate the inner surface 122A and the outer surface 122B of the second porous electrode 122.

[0035] With the object to be dried W sandwiched between a pair of porous electrodes 12, a voltage is applied to the pair of porous electrodes 12, causing a current to flow between the first porous electrode 121 and the second porous electrode 122 through the object to be dried W. As the current flows through the water contained in the object to be dried W, Joule heat is generated. The water contained in the object to be dried is heated by the Joule heat and converted into steam. The object to be dried W is dried by being heated. At least a portion of the steam generated from the object to be dried W passes through the holes of the porous electrodes 12 and is then released from the porous electrodes 12.

[0036] The vapor generated from the -X side surface of the object to be dried W flows into the holes of the first porous electrode 121 from the outer surface 121B side, flows toward the inner surface 121A, and is then radiated inside the first porous electrode 121. The vapor radiated inside the first porous electrode 121 is then radiated from inside the first porous electrode 121 outwards to the area around the first porous electrode 121.

[0037] The vapor generated from the +X side surface of the material to be dried W flows into the holes of the second porous electrode 122 from the outer surface 122B side, flows toward the inner surface 122A, and is then released inside the second porous electrode 122. The vapor released inside the second porous electrode 122 is then released from inside the second porous electrode 122 outwards to the area around the second porous electrode 122.

[0038] The controller 4 controls the AC power supply 3 so that a voltage is applied to the pair of porous electrodes 12, and controls the actuator 5 so that the pair of porous electrodes 12 flanking the object to be dried W rotate. As each of the pair of porous electrodes 12 flanking the object to be dried W rotates around the central axis AX, the object to be dried W is dried evenly.

[0039] Similar to the first embodiment described above, the controller 4 may change the voltage applied by the AC power supply 3 to the porous electrodes 12 so that the current value between the pair of porous electrodes 12 falls within a predetermined range, based on either or both of the moisture content and electrical conductivity of the object to be dried W.

[0040] In this embodiment, the distance between the pair of porous electrodes 12 may be variable. The distance between the pair of porous electrodes 12 may be changed to match the dimensions of the object to be dried W in the X-axis direction. The distance between the pair of porous electrodes 12 may be changed so that the porous electrodes 12 are in close contact with the object to be dried W. The distance between the pair of porous electrodes 12 may be changed so that the current value between the pair of porous electrodes 12 falls within a predetermined range.

[0041] In this embodiment, an external force application device may be provided to apply an external force to the porous electrode 12 in order to bring the porous electrode 12 into close contact with the object to be dried W.

[0042] [Third Embodiment] A third embodiment will now be described. In the following description, components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the embodiments described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the descriptions of those components will be simplified or omitted.

[0043] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the drying apparatus 11B according to the third embodiment. Similar to the second embodiment described above, the drying apparatus 11B includes a cylindrical porous electrode 12. The object to be dried W is sandwiched between a pair of porous electrodes 12.

[0044] In this embodiment, the drying apparatus 11B comprises a chamber 6 having an internal space for housing a pair of porous electrodes 12, and a depressurization device 7 for reducing the pressure in the internal space of the chamber 6. The depressurization device 7 includes a vacuum pump. The depressurization device 7 is connected to the chamber 6. The depressurization device 7 is controlled by a controller 4. The controller 4 controls the depressurization device 7 so that the pressure in the internal space of the chamber 6 is lower than atmospheric pressure.

[0045] The controller 4 controls the AC power supply 3 so that a voltage is applied to the pair of porous electrodes 12 while the internal space of the chamber 6 is depressurized by the depressurization device 7, and controls the actuator 5 so that the pair of porous electrodes 12 that sandwich the object to be dried W rotate.

[0046] Each of the pair of porous electrodes 12 flanking the object to be dried W rotates around the central axis AX, ensuring that the object to be dried W is dried evenly. The internal space of the chamber 6 is depressurized, lowering the boiling point of the water contained in the object to be dried W. This lowering of the boiling point makes the water evaporate more easily, resulting in efficient drying of the object to be dried W. Furthermore, the steam released from the object to be dried W is recovered by the depressurization device 7.

[0047] [Fourth Embodiment] A fourth embodiment will now be described. In the following description, components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the embodiments described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the descriptions of those components will be simplified or omitted.

[0048] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the drying apparatus 11C according to the fourth embodiment. Similar to the third embodiment described above, the drying apparatus 11C comprises a cylindrical porous electrode 12 and a chamber 6 having an internal space that houses a pair of porous electrodes 12. The object to be dried W is sandwiched between the pair of porous electrodes 12.

[0049] In this embodiment, the drying apparatus 11C includes an air supply device 8 that supplies gas to the inside of each of the pair of porous electrodes 12. The air supply device 8 supplies dry air to the inside of the porous electrodes 12. In this embodiment, the air supply device 8 includes a first air supply nozzle 81 that supplies gas to the inside of the first porous electrode 121 and a second air supply nozzle 82 that supplies gas to the inside of the second porous electrode 122. The first air supply nozzle 81 supplies gas to the inside of the first porous electrode 121 from above the first porous electrode 121. The second air supply nozzle 82 supplies gas to the inside of the second porous electrode 122 from above the second porous electrode 122. The air supply device 8 may also include a fan that generates airflow.

[0050] As described above, the vapor generated from the -X side surface of the object to be dried W flows through the holes of the first porous electrode 121 toward the inner surface 121A and is then released into the interior of the first porous electrode 121. The vapor generated from the +X side surface of the object to be dried W flows through the holes of the second porous electrode 122 toward the inner surface 122A and is then released into the interior of the second porous electrode 122.

[0051] As gas from the first air supply nozzle 81 is supplied to the inside of the first porous electrode 121 from above the first porous electrode 121, the vapor released inside the first porous electrode 121 is discharged from inside the first porous electrode 121 downwards. The gas from the first air supply nozzle 81 prevents the vapor released inside the first porous electrode 121 from accumulating inside the first porous electrode 121.

[0052] Similarly, by supplying gas from the second air supply nozzle 82 to the inside of the second porous electrode 122 from above the second porous electrode 122, the vapor dispersed inside the second porous electrode 122 is discharged from the inside of the second porous electrode 122 downwards. The gas from the second air supply nozzle 82 prevents the vapor dispersed inside the second porous electrode 122 from accumulating inside the second porous electrode 122.

[0053] Steam discharged from inside the first porous electrode 121 downwards, and steam discharged from inside the second porous electrode 122 downwards, are discharged to the outside of the chamber 6 through an exhaust port 6A provided at the bottom of the chamber 6.

[0054] [Fifth Embodiment] A fifth embodiment will now be described. In the following description, components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the embodiments described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the descriptions of those components will be simplified or omitted.

[0055] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a porous electrode 12 according to the fifth embodiment. Similar to the second embodiment described above, the porous electrode 12 is cylindrical. The porous electrode 12 is made of metal. In this embodiment, a porous membrane 13 is arranged so as to be in contact with the inner surface of the porous electrode 12. The porous membrane 13 may also be arranged so as to cover the inner ends of the holes in the porous electrode 12. The porous membrane 13 is more water-repellent than the porous electrode 12. The contact angle of the porous membrane 13 with respect to water is greater than the contact angle of the porous electrode 12. Titanium is an example of a material for forming the porous electrode 12. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and silicone resin are example of materials for forming the porous membrane 13.

[0056] The vapor emitted from the object to be dried W passes through the pores of the porous electrode 12, then through the porous membrane 13, and is emitted to the inside of the porous electrode 12 (inside the porous membrane 13). Vapor (gas) can pass through the porous membrane 13. Water (liquid) cannot pass through the porous membrane 13. Even if vapor condenses and water is generated inside the porous electrode 12, the porous membrane 13 prevents the water inside the porous electrode 12 from moving to the outside of the porous electrode 12. The porous membrane 13 prevents the water inside the porous electrode 12 from moving to the outside of the porous electrode 12. Since the water inside the porous electrode 12 is prevented from moving to the outside of the porous electrode 12, the adhesion of the water inside the porous electrode 12 to the object to be dried W is suppressed. In addition, since the porous membrane 13 is water-repellent, water adhering to the inner surface of the porous membrane 13 is easily discharged downwards from the porous electrode 12 due to the action of gravity. The retention of water in the porous membrane 13 is suppressed.

[0057] Similar to the second embodiment described above, the central axis AX of the porous electrode 12 is parallel to the Z-axis. That is, the porous electrode 12 is oriented vertically. In this embodiment, however, the central axis AX of the porous electrode 12 may be perpendicular to the Z-axis. That is, the porous electrode 12 may be oriented horizontally. The porous electrode 12 is rotatable around the central axis AX which is perpendicular to the Z-axis.

[0058] [Sixth Embodiment] A sixth embodiment will now be described. In the following description, components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the embodiments described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the descriptions of those components will be simplified or omitted.

[0059] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of the drying apparatus 11D according to the sixth embodiment. The drying apparatus 11D includes a pair of porous electrodes 32 that sandwich the object to be dried W. In this embodiment, the porous electrodes 32 are annular. The porous electrodes 32 are so-called endless belts. Similar to the first embodiment described above, the AC power supply 3 applies a voltage to the pair of porous electrodes 32. The controller 4 changes the voltage that the AC power supply 3 applies to the porous electrodes 32.

[0060] The porous electrode 32 includes a first porous electrode 321 and a second porous electrode 322 positioned on the -Z side of the first porous electrode 321. The structure and external dimensions of the first porous electrode 321 and the second porous electrode 322 are substantially equal. The object to be dried W is sandwiched between the first porous electrode 321 and the second porous electrode 322 from the X-axis direction.

[0061] The porous electrode 32 is supported by a pair of rollers 33. The pair of rollers 33 are positioned apart from each other in the X-axis direction. The rollers 33 rotate around a rotation axis BX that extends in the Y-axis direction. As the rollers 33 rotate, the porous electrode 32 rotates. The pair of porous electrodes 32 rotate with the object to be dried W in between them.

[0062] The first porous electrode 321 has an inner surface 321A that contacts the roller 33 and an outer surface 321B that contacts the +X side surface of the object to be dried W. The second porous electrode 322 has an inner surface 322A that contacts the roller 33 and an outer surface 322B that contacts the -X side surface of the object to be dried W. The holes in the first porous electrode 321 are formed to penetrate the inner surface 321A and the outer surface 321B of the first porous electrode 321. The holes in the second porous electrode 322 are formed to penetrate the inner surface 322A and the outer surface 322B of the second porous electrode 322.

[0063] With the object to be dried W sandwiched between a pair of porous electrodes 32, a voltage is applied to the pair of porous electrodes 32, causing a current to flow between the first porous electrode 321 and the second porous electrode 322 through the object to be dried W. As the current flows through the water contained in the object to be dried W, Joule heat is generated. The water contained in the object to be dried is heated by the Joule heat and converted into steam. The object to be dried W is dried by being heated. At least a portion of the steam generated from the object to be dried W passes through the holes of the porous electrodes 32 and is then released from the porous electrodes 32.

[0064] The vapor generated from the +X side surface of the material to be dried W flows into the holes of the first porous electrode 321 from the outer surface 321B side, flows toward the inner surface 321A, and is then radiated inside the first porous electrode 321. The vapor radiated inside the first porous electrode 321 is then radiated from inside the first porous electrode 321 outwards to the area around the first porous electrode 321.

[0065] The vapor generated from the -X side surface of the object to be dried W flows into the holes of the second porous electrode 322 from the outer surface 322B side, flows toward the inner surface 322A, and is then released inside the second porous electrode 322. The vapor released inside the second porous electrode 322 is then released from inside the second porous electrode 322 outwards to the area around the second porous electrode 322.

[0066] Similar to the first embodiment described above, the controller 4 may change the voltage applied by the AC power supply 3 to the porous electrodes 32 so that the current value between the pair of porous electrodes 32 falls within a predetermined range, based on either or both the moisture content and electrical conductivity of the object to be dried W.

[0067] In this embodiment, the distance between the pair of porous electrodes 32 may be variable. The distance between the pair of porous electrodes 32 may be changed to match the dimensions of the object to be dried W in the X-axis direction. The distance between the pair of porous electrodes 32 may be changed so that the porous electrodes 32 are in close contact with the object to be dried W. The distance between the pair of porous electrodes 32 may be changed so that the current value between the pair of porous electrodes 32 falls within a predetermined range.

[0068] In this embodiment, an external force application device may be provided to apply an external force to the porous electrode 32 in order to bring the porous electrode 32 into close contact with the object to be dried W.

[0069] [Seventh Embodiment] A seventh embodiment will now be described. In the following description, components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the embodiments described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the descriptions of those components will be simplified or omitted.

[0070] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a laundry line 40 according to the seventh embodiment. The laundry line 40 is installed in a linen supply factory. In this embodiment, an example in which the drying device 11A according to the second embodiment described above is applied to the laundry line 40 will be explained. The laundry line 40 comprises a continuous washing machine 41, a dewatering machine 42, a conveyor 43, the drying device 11A described in the second embodiment described above, and a post-processing machine 44.

[0071] The continuous washing machine 41 washes the items to be processed. Textile products are an example of items to be processed. Examples of textile products include bedding provided by hotels and hand towels provided by restaurants. The items to be processed are sorted into batches and fed into the continuous washing machine 41. The loaded items are washed sequentially in each of the multiple tubs of the continuous washing machine 41.

[0072] The dehydrator 42 dehydrates the items to be processed after they have been washed by the continuous washing machine 41. The items to be processed after they have been washed by the continuous washing machine 41 are transferred to the dehydrator 42 in batches. The dehydrator 42 dehydrates the items to be processed in batches. The items to be processed after being dehydrated in the dehydrator 42 are the items to be dried in the drying device 11A.

[0073] The drying apparatus 11A dries the material to be dried W, which is the material to be processed after being dewatered by the dewatering machine 42. The material to be dried W, after being dewatered by the dewatering machine 42, is transferred to the drying apparatus 11A in batches. In this embodiment, the material to be dried W is transferred from the dewatering machine 42 to the drying apparatus 11A by the conveyor 43. The drying apparatus 11A dries the material to be dried W in batches. The conveyor 43 supplies the material to be dried W between the first porous electrode 121 and the second porous electrode 122. The material to be dried W is sandwiched between the first porous electrode 121 and the second porous electrode 122. A voltage is applied between the first porous electrode 121 and the second porous electrode 122 by the AC power supply 3. As the first porous electrode 121 and the second porous electrode 122, which sandwich the material to be dried W, rotate, the material to be dried W is dried evenly.

[0074] The material to be dried in the drying apparatus 11A (the material to be dried W) is transferred to the post-processing machine 44. Examples of the post-processing machine 44 include a feeder for spreading out the material to be dried, an ironer for ironing the material that has been spread out by the feeder, and a folding machine for folding the material after it has been ironed by the ironer.

[0075] Furthermore, in the drying apparatus 11A applied to the washing line 40, the porous membrane 13 may be arranged so as to contact the inner surface of the porous electrode 12, as described with reference to Figure 6. Also, the central axis AX of the porous electrode 12 may be perpendicular to the Z axis. That is, the porous electrode 12 may be placed horizontally. In addition, the drying apparatus 11D according to the sixth embodiment described above may be applied to the washing line 40. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0076] 1...Drying device, 2...Electrode (porous electrode), 3...AC power supply, 4...Controller, 5...Actuator, 6...Chamber, 6A...Exhaust port, 7...Depressurization device, 8...Air supply device, 11A...Drying device, 11B...Drying device, 11C...Drying device, 11D...Drying device, 12...Porous electrode, 13...Porous membrane, 21...First porous electrode, 21A...Inner surface, 21B...Outer surface, 22...Second porous electrode, 22A...Inner surface, 22B...Outer surface, 32...Porous electrode, 33...Roller, 40...Washing line, 41...Continuous washing machine, 42...Spin dryer, 43...Conveyor, 44...Post-processing machine, 81...First air supply nozzle, 82...Second air supply nozzle, 121...First porous electrode, 121A...Inner surface, 121B...Outer surface, 122...Second porous electrode, 122A...Inner surface, 122B...Outer surface, 321...First porous electrode, 321A...Inner surface, 321B...Outer surface, 322...Second porous electrode, 322A...Inner surface, 322B...Outer surface, AX...Central axis, W...Item to be dried.

Claims

1. A pair of electrodes sandwiching a moist object to be dried, The system comprises an AC power supply that applies a voltage to a pair of electrodes, At least one of the pair of electrodes is a porous electrode. drying equipment.

2. Each of the pair of electrodes is cylindrical and rotates while holding the object to be dried between them. The drying apparatus according to claim 1.

3. A chamber having an internal space that houses a pair of electrodes, The chamber comprises a pressure reducing device for reducing the internal space of the chamber, The drying apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The device includes an air supply device that supplies gas to the inside of each of the pair of electrodes. The drying apparatus according to claim 2.

5. The electrode comprises a porous membrane that is more water-repellent than the porous electrode, which is arranged to be in contact with the inner surface of the electrode. The drying apparatus according to claim 2.

6. The system includes a controller that changes the voltage applied by the AC power supply to the electrodes so that the current value between the pair of electrodes falls within a predetermined range, based on either or both the moisture content and electrical conductivity of the object to be dried. The drying apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The distance between the pair of electrodes is made variable. The drying apparatus according to claim 6.

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