Used paper diaper disposal method and used paper diaper disposal system

Abstract

The object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for disposing of used paper diapers that reduces the processing costs involved in disposing of used paper diapers and enables the components of used paper diapers to be effectively utilized as resources. [Solution] To solve the above problems, we provide a used disposable diaper disposal method and system, which include a transport step of transporting used disposable diapers to a sewage treatment plant and a treatment step of treating used disposable diapers within the sewage treatment plant, the treatment step including a shredding step of shredding used disposable diapers and a separation and recovery step of separating and recovering the used disposable diapers into their constituent components. According to this invention, by transporting used disposable diapers directly to the sewage treatment plant and performing the shredding and separation and recovery processes within the sewage treatment plant, the costs associated with treating used disposable diapers can be reduced and the constituent components of used disposable diapers can be reused.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a system for disposing of used paper diapers. [Background technology]

[0002] As we move towards an aging society, the amount of disposable diapers used is increasing year by year in ordinary households, hospitals, and welfare facilities. In addition, the disposal of large amounts of used disposable diapers is mainly carried out by incineration as general waste.

[0003] However, incineration of used paper diapers, which contain a lot of moisture, poses the problem of a large load on the incineration equipment, as it requires high-temperature treatment and large-scale incineration equipment. In addition, paper diapers generally contain pulp as a main component, and from the perspective of effective resource utilization, there is a demand for recycling used paper diapers without incineration.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a recycling equipment and method for materials used in used paper diapers, in which the used paper diapers are crushed, washed, and separated, and the pulp, polymer, nonwoven fabric, vinyl, etc. that make up the paper diapers are separately separated and recovered. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-84533 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The disposal of used paper diapers described in Patent Document 1 requires a large amount of water and also requires the installation of waste disposal equipment, which results in increased costs for recycling used paper diapers, including investment in the disposal equipment and running costs.

[0007] Meanwhile, as a method of disposing of used disposable diapers disposed of in ordinary households, hospitals, welfare facilities, etc., consideration has been given to installing crushing devices in toilet cubicles to crush the used disposable diapers, and then either collecting the crushed used disposable diapers as garbage or discharging them directly into the sewer system. However, in addition to the cost issue of installing a crushing device in each toilet cubicle, there are many issues to be addressed, such as the cost of collecting the crushed used disposable diapers and the need to verify the impact on sewer pipes and sewage treatment plants when crushed used disposable diapers are discharged into the sewer system.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for disposing of used paper diapers that reduces the processing costs involved in disposing of used paper diapers and enables the effective utilization of the components of used paper diapers as resources. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] As a result of intensive research into the above-mentioned problems, the inventors discovered that by collecting used paper diapers, transporting them to a sewage treatment plant and treating them there, it is possible to reduce the costs associated with treating used paper diapers and make it possible to reuse the components of used paper diapers as resources, and thus completed the present invention. That is, the present invention provides the following method and system for disposing of used paper diapers.

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, the method for processing used paper diapers of the present invention comprises a transporting process for transporting used paper diapers to a sewage treatment plant, and a processing process for processing the used paper diapers within the sewage treatment plant, and the processing process is characterized by comprising a crushing process for crushing the used paper diapers, and a separation and recovery process for separating and recovering the used paper diapers into their constituent components.

[0011] The method for processing used paper diapers of the present invention involves transporting used paper diapers directly to a sewage treatment plant, where they are crushed and separated for recovery, thereby reducing the costs associated with processing used paper diapers and enabling the reuse of the components of the used paper diapers. In particular, in cases where a large amount of used disposable diapers are disposed of in a day, such as at hospitals or welfare facilities, each facility does not need to perform pre-processing such as crushing on the used disposable diapers, which makes it possible to reduce the effort and processing costs involved in processing. It also promotes the use of used disposable diapers as a new resource.

[0012] In addition, in one embodiment of the method for disposing of used paper diapers of the present invention, the disposal process includes a cleaning process for cleaning used paper diapers, and the cleaning process is characterized in that treated water treated at a sewage treatment plant is used. This feature simplifies the process of separating and collecting used paper diapers. In addition, by washing used paper diapers with treated water from a sewage treatment plant, it is possible to significantly reduce the cost of washing water used to wash away waste matter adhering to used paper diapers.

[0013] Furthermore, one embodiment of the method for treating used paper diapers of the present invention is characterized by including an input step of inputting materials removed or separated and recovered from used paper diapers by the treatment step into the sewage treatment facility. This feature eliminates the need to install new treatment facilities to treat waste matter removed from used disposable diapers, and also makes it possible to use pulp, superabsorbent resin, plastics, and other materials separated and recovered from used disposable diapers as new resources in sewage treatment facilities.

[0014] In addition, in order to solve the above problems, the used paper diaper processing system of the present invention comprises a transport means for transporting used paper diapers to a sewage treatment plant, and a processing equipment for processing used paper diapers within the sewage treatment plant, and the processing equipment is characterized in that it comprises a crushing means for crushing used paper diapers, and a separation and recovery means for separating and recovering the used paper diapers into their constituent components. The used paper diaper disposal system of the present invention transports used paper diapers directly to a sewage treatment plant, and disposes of the used paper diapers by providing a treatment facility in the sewage treatment plant for crushing and separating and recovering the used paper diapers. This allows used paper diapers to be disposed of by providing relatively simple equipment in the sewage treatment plant, thereby reducing the cost associated with disposing of used paper diapers and enabling the reuse of the components of the used paper diapers. In particular, it is not necessary for each facility, such as a hospital or welfare facility, to provide pre-treatment equipment for crushing used paper diapers, which reduces the effort and cost involved in processing. In addition, it is possible to promote the use of used paper diapers as a new resource.

[0015] In addition, in one embodiment of the used paper diaper processing system of the present invention, the processing equipment is equipped with a cleaning means for cleaning used paper diapers, and the cleaning means is characterized in that it uses treated water that has been treated at a sewage treatment plant. According to this feature, it is possible to simplify the means for separating and collecting used paper diapers. Also, the used paper diapers can be washed with treated water from a sewage treatment plant, which makes it possible to significantly reduce the cost of washing water used to wash away waste matter adhering to the used paper diapers.

[0016] Furthermore, one embodiment of the used paper diaper disposal system of the present invention is characterized in that it is provided with an input means for inputting materials removed or separated and recovered from used paper diapers by the disposal facility into a sewage treatment facility. This feature eliminates the need to install new treatment facilities for waste matter removed from used disposable diapers, and also makes it possible to reuse pulp, superabsorbent resin, plastic, and other materials separated and recovered from used disposable diapers as new resources in sewage treatment facilities. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method and a system for disposing of used paper diapers that reduce the processing costs involved in disposing of used paper diapers and enable the effective utilization of the components of used paper diapers as resources. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a used paper diaper disposal system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a sewage treatment plant according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing the processing of used paper diapers in the processing system for used paper diapers according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing another aspect of the processing of used paper diapers in the processing system for used paper diapers according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram relating to the processing of used paper diapers in a processing system for used paper diapers according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram relating to the processing of used paper diapers in the processing system for used paper diapers according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a used paper diaper disposal system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a method and system for disposing of used paper diapers according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The method for disposing of used paper diapers according to the present invention shall be replaced with an explanation of the configuration and operation of the system for disposing of used paper diapers according to the present invention. It should be noted that the method and system for disposing of used paper diapers described in the embodiments are merely examples provided to explain the method and system for disposing of used paper diapers according to the present invention, and are not limited thereto.

[0020] [First embodiment] (Used disposable diaper disposal system) FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a system for disposing of used disposable diapers in a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the used paper diaper processing system 1a in this embodiment includes a discharge facility 10 for disposing of used paper diapers D, a transport means 20 for used paper diapers D, a sewage treatment plant 30 equipped with multiple sewage treatment facilities 31, and a treatment facility 40 for treating used paper diapers D. In the used paper diaper treatment system 1a of this embodiment, used paper diapers D discharged from a discharge facility 10 are collected by a transport means 20. The collected used paper diapers D are transported to a sewage treatment plant 30 by the transport means 20 and then put into a treatment facility 40 that treats the used paper diapers D. In addition, some of the sewage treatment facilities 31 and the treatment facilities 40 are connected, making it possible to transfer solids and / or liquids from the sewage treatment facilities 31 to the treatment facilities 40 or from the treatment facilities 40 to the sewage treatment facilities 31 as necessary. In FIG. 1, the arrows indicated by thick lines indicate the flow of movement of the used paper diapers D.

[0021] The disposable diaper in the present invention refers to a known disposable diaper that is generally sold and used. An example of the structure of a disposable diaper is one that includes a surface material that is the inside of the disposable diaper that comes into direct contact with the user's skin, a water-absorbing material that absorbs urine, and a waterproof material (waterproof sheet) that covers the outside of the disposable diaper and corresponds to a diaper cover. Constituent components of disposable diapers include, for example, a surface material such as a nonwoven fabric made of chemical fibers such as polypropylene or polyester, a water-absorbing material such as pulp or a highly water-absorbent resin, and a waterproof material such as a resin film such as a polyethylene film, or a paper or nonwoven fabric that has been treated with a resin, such as polyethylene-laminated paper or polyethylene-laminated nonwoven fabric.

[0022] The used paper diaper D to be treated in the present invention is not particularly limited in its state of use. For example, it may be one with solid waste (feces, etc.) attached, one with liquid waste (urine, etc.) attached, or one with both attached. In addition, one with no waste attached due to regular replacement in a hospital, welfare facility, etc. is also included in the used paper diaper D of the present invention.

[0023] The discharge facility 10 of this embodiment is not particularly limited as long as the above-mentioned used paper diaper D is discharged. For example, it may be a general home, a hospital, a welfare facility, or the like, where a user of the paper diaper lives or stays. Examples of welfare facilities include special nursing homes for the elderly, nursing homes for the elderly, and short-term care facilities for the elderly, as welfare facilities for the elderly stipulated in the Elderly Welfare Act (enforced on April 1, 2016). Other examples of welfare facilities include disability support facilities stipulated in the Comprehensive Support Act for Persons with Disabilities (enforced on April 1, 2018), and child welfare facilities stipulated in the Child Welfare Act (enforced on April 2, 2018), as infant homes, nurseries, certified childcare centers, and facilities for disabled children, which provide care for infants and toddlers. The discharge facility 10 is not legally included in welfare facilities, but it also includes geriatric health facilities and paid nursing homes that provide care for the elderly.

[0024] The disposal facility 10 is preferably provided with a means for separating and collecting used paper diapers D from other waste (general waste) and temporarily storing them. This makes it possible to efficiently collect only used paper diapers D. An example of a means for separating and collecting used paper diapers D is to place used paper diapers D into a dedicated collection box 11 each time they are disposed of by the user himself or a supporter who assists and cares for the user (family members, hospital staff, facility staff, etc.). The collection box 11 may be provided in each room of the user, or in a shared space such as a shared toilet.

[0025] It is preferable that the collection box 11 has a deodorizing function. For example, the material of the collection box 11 itself may have a deodorizing function, or the collection box 11 may be provided with a function for adding and retaining a separate deodorant or odor remover. Furthermore, the collection box 11 may have a sterilization or disinfection function. Examples of the sterilization or disinfection function include a material for the collection box 11 itself having a sterilization or disinfection function, and a function for adding and retaining a disinfectant or bactericide in the collection box 11.

[0026] In addition, the place where the collection box 11 is temporarily stored may be provided with a deodorizing function or a disinfecting function. For example, a space having a mechanism and structure that prevents odors from leaking to the outside may be formed, and the collection box 11 may be stored in this space. In addition, the collection box 11 may be stored in a space equipped with a germicidal lamp.

[0027] When used paper diapers D are discharged from the disposal facility 10, they may be transported as collection boxes 11 or may be transported as a transport container 12 that aggregates a plurality of collection boxes 11. This eliminates the need for new capital investment in the disposal facility 10 to process used paper diapers D.

[0028] Furthermore, the collection box 11 and the transport container 12 may be disposable or reusable. For example, if the collection box 11 and the transport container 12 are disposable, it is preferable that they are made of a material that can be directly inserted into the treatment facility 40 after being transported into the sewage treatment plant 30. This makes it possible to improve the work efficiency in the sewage treatment plant 30. For example, if the collection box 11 and the transport container 12 are reusable, it is preferable that they are made of a material that has a strength that can withstand multiple transports and uses. This makes it possible to reduce the costs associated with the collection box 11 and the transport container 12.

[0029] The transport means 20 of this embodiment is for carrying out a transport process of collecting used paper diapers D discharged from the discharge facility 10 and transporting them to the treatment equipment 40 in the sewage treatment plant 30. The transport means 20 is not particularly limited as long as it can collect and transport used disposable diapers D. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a transport vehicle 21 equipped with a loading platform 21a for loading the collection box 11 or the transport container 12 containing the used disposable diapers D may be used. A loading compartment 21b may be provided on the loading platform 21a using a hood, a panel, or the like. This prevents the collection box 11 from getting wet due to rain or the like. Note that, other than the transport vehicle 21, a moving body (such as a ship) that navigates on water or an aircraft may be used, and transport is not limited to land transport.

[0030] The transport means 20 may be one that transports between only one discharge facility 10 and the treatment equipment 40, or one that transports between multiple discharge facilities 10 and the treatment equipment 40. In particular, in an area where multiple ordinary households or small welfare facilities, which are the discharge facilities 10, exist within a given area, it is preferable to collect and transport used paper diapers D from multiple discharge facilities 10 rather than collecting and transporting used paper diapers D from only one discharge facility 10. This makes it possible to collect and transport used paper diapers D more efficiently than if each discharge facility 10 (ordinary household, welfare facility, etc.) were to respond individually.

[0031] Also, a plurality of conveying means 20 may be provided to collect and transport used paper diapers D. For example, the conveying means 20 may be provided with a plurality of transport vehicles 21, which circulate between the discharge facility 10 and the treatment facility 40. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of collection and transport of used paper diapers D. Also, a conveying means 20 may be assigned to each discharge facility 10 to transport them to the treatment facility 40. When the amount of used paper diapers D collected at the discharge facility 10 and the suitable timing for transporting the used paper diapers D are different, by providing a dedicated conveying means 20 for each discharge facility 10 rather than circulating the discharge facilities 10 with one conveying means 20, it is possible to efficiently collect and transport used paper diapers D and to shorten the period (time) for storing used paper diapers D at the discharge facility 10, thereby reducing the burden on the discharge facility 10 in terms of management of used paper diapers D.

[0032] There is no particular limitation on the timing of collection and transport of the used disposable diapers D by the transport means 20. For example, the transport means 20 may periodically circulate between the discharge facility 10 and the treatment facility 40, or the transport means 20 may move to the discharge facility 10 or the treatment facility 40 as necessary. When the transport means 20 moves as necessary, it may do so, for example, based on a contact from the discharge facility 10 requesting collection or a contact from the sewage treatment plant 30 regarding the availability of transport, or based on information that calculates or predicts the amount of used disposable diapers D discharged at the discharge facility 10.

[0033] In this embodiment, it is preferable to use sewage treatment facilities in an existing sewage treatment plant as the sewage treatment plant 30 and the sewage treatment equipment 31. This makes it unnecessary to make a large-scale capital investment in the treatment of used paper diapers D.

[0034] In addition, the sewage treatment plant 30 of this embodiment is not particularly limited, but preferably includes a sewage treatment facility 31 capable of carrying out a water treatment process, a sludge treatment process, and a digester gas power generation process. This makes it possible to utilize what is discharged from the sewage treatment facility 31 when treating used disposable diapers D, and at the same time, makes it possible to reuse a portion of the treated used disposable diapers D in the sewage treatment facility 31.

[0035] FIG. 2 shows an example of a sewage treatment plant 30 in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the sewage treatment equipment 31 in the sewage treatment plant 30 includes, for example, a primary sedimentation tank 31a, a reaction tank 31b, a final sedimentation tank 31c, and a disinfection equipment 31d as sewage treatment equipment used in the water treatment process. In addition, examples of the sewage treatment equipment used in the sludge treatment process include a thickening equipment 31e, a digestion equipment 31f, a dehydration equipment 31g, and an incineration equipment 31h. In addition, examples of the sewage treatment equipment used in the digestion gas power generation process include a desulfurization equipment 31i, a gas holder 31j, and a power generation equipment 31k.

[0036] In general, sewage that flows into the sewage treatment plant 30 through a sewer (sewer pipe) passes through a primary sedimentation tank 31a, a reaction tank 31b, a final sedimentation tank 31c, and a disinfection facility 31d, and is then discharged into a river or the like as treated water W. The sludge discharged from the primary sedimentation tank 31a and the final sedimentation tank 31c is sent to a thickening facility 31e for thickening, and then anaerobic digestion is carried out in a digestion facility 31f, and digestion gas is recovered. The sludge after digestion is dehydrated in a dehydration facility 31g and incinerated in an incineration facility 31h. The recovered digestion gas is temporarily stored in a gas holder 31j via a desulfurization device 31i, and electric and thermal energy can be recovered in a power generation facility 31k. Of the recovered energy, the electric energy can be used in various facilities in the sewage treatment plant 30, and the thermal energy can be used to heat the fire extinguishing facility 31a. The recovered energy may also be used outside the sewage treatment plant 30.

[0037] The treatment facility 40 is provided within the sewage treatment plant 30 and is used to carry out a treatment process for treating the transported used paper diapers D. The treatment facility 40 also includes a crushing means 41 for crushing the used paper diapers D, and a separation and recovery means 42 for separating and recovering the used paper diapers D into their constituent components. The treatment facility 40 is also connected to a part of the sewage treatment facility 31 so as to be mutually transportable or supplyable.

[0038] The crushing means 41 is for performing a crushing step of crushing used paper diapers D. The shredding means 41 is not particularly limited as long as it can shred the surface material and waterproof material of the used disposable diaper D and release the inner water-absorbing material (pulp and superabsorbent resin) to the outside. Specific examples of the shredding means 41 include a means for cutting with a shredding blade and a means for repeatedly piercing a member with many needles.

[0039] The size of the used disposable diapers CD crushed by the crushing means 41 is not particularly limited. For example, the lower limit may be 1 cm square. This makes it possible to reliably release the water-absorbent material inside the used disposable diapers D to the outside. The upper limit may be 15 cm square. This makes it possible to release the water-absorbent material from inside the used disposable diapers D to the outside, while reducing the time and cost required for crushing. In addition, the shape of the crushed used paper diapers D is not limited to a square, and may be a rectangle or a strip. In addition, the shape of the crushed used paper diapers D is not limited to a fixed shape, and may be an irregular shape. Furthermore, the crushed used disposable diapers D may all be of substantially uniform size and shape, or may be in a state in which diapers of different sizes and shapes are mixed together.

[0040] The crushing means 41 may be operated in either a wet or dry state, but it is preferable to crush in a wet state because this facilitates the operation of the subsequent separation and recovery means 42. When the crushing means 41 is operated in a wet state, the water supply source is not particularly limited, but may be supplied from the sewage treatment facility 31 as described below.

[0041] The separating and collecting means 42 is for carrying out a separating and collecting step of separating and collecting the crushed used disposable diapers CD into their constituent components. The separation and recovery means 42 is not particularly limited as long as it can separate and recover the crushed used disposable diapers CD into their constituent components. For example, classification based on size, separation based on specific gravity difference, and separation based on solubility or insolubility in a solvent may be used.

[0042] In addition, components constituting the crushed used disposable diapers CD include, for example, pulp D1, highly water-absorbent resin D2, plastic D3, waste D4, etc. The separation and recovery means 42 may recover all of the components individually, or may recover some of the components in a mixed state of multiple types.

[0043] A specific example of the separation and collection means 42 is, for example, when the size of the used paper diapers CD crushed in a dry state is made larger than the particles of the superabsorbent resin D2, the crushed used paper diapers CD are passed through a classifier such as a sieve having a mesh size similar to the size of the particles of the superabsorbent resin D2. This makes it possible to separate the superabsorbent resin D2 from the pulp D1, the plastic D3, and the waste D4. After the superabsorbent resin D2 is separated, the pulp D1, the plastic D3, and the waste D4 are put into a separation tank (water tank) equipped with an agitator. After stirring in the separation tank, the stirring is stopped, and the plastic D3 floats to the water surface and is separated from the pulp D1 and the waste D4. The crushed used paper diapers CD can be separated and collected for each component by separating the pulp D1 and the waste D4 using a screen or the like. The source of the water supplied to the separation tank is not particularly limited, but may be supplied from a sewage treatment facility 31, as described below.

[0044] Another example of the separation and recovery means 42 is to add a polymer decomposition agent to used paper diapers CD crushed in a wet state, stir the mixture, and then recover plastics D3 that float to the water surface. The polymer decomposition agent monomerizes and dissolves the superabsorbent resin D2, so that the pulp D1, the superabsorbent resin D2, and the waste D4 can be separated by a screen or the like. This allows the crushed used paper diapers CD to be separated and recovered for each component. By performing the crushing means 41 in a wet state, the crushing means 41 and the separation and recovery means 42 can be performed in one tank. This makes it easier to perform the processing operations related to crushing and separation and recovery in the processing equipment 40, and also makes it possible to save space and reduce costs in the processing equipment 40.

[0045] The treatment facility 40 is not limited to a facility newly installed in the sewage treatment plant 30. For example, if the sewage treatment plant 30 has a history of accepting solid matter such as food waste as biomass, the sewage treatment plant 30 is provided with a pretreatment facility 32 that performs pretreatment such as removing foreign matter and crushing for the digestion facility 31f. The treatment facility 40 of this embodiment may utilize the pretreatment facility 32 to crush and separate and collect used paper diapers D. This makes it possible to reduce the cost of capital investment by using existing facilities for the treatment facility 40.

[0046] The pretreatment device 32 may satisfy all of the structure of the treatment equipment 40 of this embodiment, or may be a part of the structure that can be reused. When the pretreatment device 32 satisfies only a part of the structure of the treatment equipment 40, only the components required for the treatment equipment 40 may be newly provided. This can significantly reduce the cost of new equipment.

[0047] In the disposable diaper disposal system 1a of this embodiment, sewage treatment equipment 31 in an existing sewage treatment plant 30 is used as part of the equipment related to the disposal of used disposable diapers D. Therefore, the disposal equipment 40 itself does not need to be a large-scale facility, and can be a simple facility, such as one consisting of a single tank. This makes it possible to significantly reduce the cost related to the disposal of used disposable diapers D.

[0048] Fig. 3 is a flow diagram showing the processing of used paper diapers in the processing system for used paper diapers according to the present embodiment. Note that Fig. 3 shows a part of the configuration of the sewage treatment facility 31 in the sewage treatment plant 30 shown in Fig. 2 with the omitted parts.

[0049] Used paper diapers D collected from the discharge facility 10 and transported to the sewage treatment plant 30 are first put into a treatment facility 40. In the treatment equipment 40, a crushing process is performed in which used paper diapers D are crushed by crushing means 41, and the crushed used paper diapers D are supplied to a separation and recovery means 42 where a separation and recovery process is performed in which the constituent components (e.g., pulp D1, superabsorbent resin D2, plastic D3, and waste D4, etc.) are separated and recovered.

[0050] At this time, as shown in Fig. 3, treated water W may be supplied to the treatment facility 40 from the final settling tank 31c or disinfection facility 31d to supply water to the crushing means 41 and the separation and recovery means 42. The treated water W may also be used to clean the treatment facility 40 after the used paper diapers D have been treated. This allows the water required for treatment to be supplied within the sewage treatment plant 30, making it possible to significantly reduce the cost of supplying water. In particular, by supplying treated water W from the disinfection facility 31d, a disinfection effect can be obtained in the treatment of used paper diapers D.

[0051] 3, it is preferable to connect the treatment facility 40 to a power generation facility 31k so that the electric energy recovered by the power generation facility 31k is supplied to the treatment facility 40. This allows the electric energy required to drive the treatment facility 40 to be provided within the sewage treatment plant 30, thereby reducing the running costs of the used disposable diaper treatment system 1a.

[0052] After treatment in the treatment facility 40, each of the separated and recovered components may be further treated within the sewage treatment plant 30, or may be used as a resource. Also, each of the separated and recovered components may be transported outside the sewage treatment plant 30 and used as a resource.

[0053] Fig. 4 is a flow diagram showing another embodiment of the processing of used disposable diapers in the processing system for used disposable diapers according to the present embodiment. Note that Fig. 4 shows a part of the configuration of the sewage treatment equipment 31 in the sewage treatment plant 30 shown in Fig. 2 with the omitted parts.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 4, when solid matter such as food waste is received as biomass at a sewage treatment plant 30, a pretreatment facility 32 is provided for the digestion facility 31f, and the biomass is fed into the digestion facility 31f after undergoing pretreatment such as removal of foreign matter and crushing.

[0055] In this embodiment, for example, the pretreatment equipment 32 when no biomass is received may be used as the treatment equipment 40 of this embodiment to treat used paper diapers D. At this time, treated water W may be supplied to the pretreatment equipment 32 from the final settling tank 31c or the disinfection equipment 31d to supply water to the crushing means 41 and the separation and recovery means 42. The treated water W may also be used to wash the pretreatment equipment 32 after the treatment of used paper diapers D. This allows the supply of water required for treatment to be covered within the sewage treatment plant 30, making it possible to significantly reduce the cost associated with the water supply.

[0056] After treatment in the pretreatment facility 32, each of the separated and recovered components may be further treated within the sewage treatment plant 30, or may be used as a resource. Also, each of the separated and recovered components may be transported outside the sewage treatment plant 30 and used as a resource.

[0057] As described above, the method and system for processing used paper diapers in this embodiment collect used paper diapers untreated from disposal facilities and process them using processing equipment and sewage treatment equipment installed in sewage treatment facilities, thereby reducing the cost of processing used paper diapers and enabling the components of used paper diapers to be separated and recovered, making it possible to utilize them as a resource.

[0058] In particular, it is not necessary for each facility, such as a hospital or welfare facility, to provide pre-treatment equipment for crushing used paper diapers, which reduces the effort and cost involved in processing. In addition, it is possible to promote the use of used paper diapers as a new resource.

[0059] [Second embodiment] Fig. 5 is a flow diagram of the processing of used disposable diapers in the processing system for used disposable diapers according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Note that Fig. 5 shows a part of the configuration of the sewage treatment facility 31 in the sewage treatment plant 30 shown in Fig. 2 with the configuration omitted. As shown in Fig. 5, the used paper diaper disposal system 1b according to the second embodiment is the same as the used paper diaper disposal system 1a according to the first embodiment in terms of the disposal equipment 40, but further includes a cleaning means 43 for cleaning used paper diapers D. The cleaning means 43 uses treated water W that has been treated in the sewage treatment plant 30. Note that a description of the same components as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0060] The washing means 43 is for carrying out a washing process in which used paper diapers D are washed to remove waste matter D4. The water used in the washing means 43 is treated water W discharged from the final settling tank 31c or the disinfection equipment 31d in the sewage treatment plant 30. The cleaning means 43 is not particularly limited as long as it can remove waste D4 from used paper diapers D. For example, the cleaning means 43 may be provided with a cleaning tank (water tank), and the used paper diapers D transported into the cleaning tank are introduced, stirred and mixed, and then the water in the cleaning tank is drained to obtain washed used paper diapers D. Another example of the cleaning means 43 may be one that sprays high-pressure water onto the used paper diapers D to peel off and remove the waste D4.

[0061] In the treatment facility 40 of this embodiment, a washing means 43 is provided upstream of the crushing means 41 and the separation and recovery means 42, thereby eliminating the need for a process related to separation of the waste D4 in the separation and recovery means 42. As a result, the components separated and recovered by the separation and recovery means 42 are mainly reusable as resources, making it easy to reuse the components after separation and recovery.

[0062] This embodiment makes it possible to simplify the means for separating and collecting used paper diapers. In addition, the washing of used paper diapers can be performed with treated water from a sewage treatment plant, making it possible to significantly reduce the cost of washing water used to wash away waste matter adhering to used paper diapers.

[0063] [Third embodiment] Fig. 6 is a flow diagram of the processing of used disposable diapers in the processing system for used disposable diapers according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Note that Fig. 6 shows a part of the configuration of the sewage treatment facility 31 in the sewage treatment plant 30 shown in Fig. 2 with the configuration omitted. As shown in Fig. 6, the used paper diaper disposal system 1c according to the third embodiment is the same as the used paper diaper disposal system 1a according to the first embodiment in that the disposal facility 40 further includes an input means 44 for inputting the components of the separated and collected used paper diapers D into the sewage treatment facility 31. Note that a description of the same components as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0064] The input means 44 is for carrying out an input step of inputting the constituent components of the used paper diapers D separated and recovered by the separating and recovering means 42 into the sewage treatment facility 31. The input means 44 is not particularly limited as long as it can transfer the constituents D1 to D4 discharged from the treatment facility 40 to the sewage treatment facility 31. For example, the constituents D1 to D4 having a high water content or fluidity can be transferred by piping. This makes it easy to transfer the constituents and also makes it easy to control the amount of the constituents transferred. Furthermore, the constituents D1 to D4 having a low water content or fluidity can be filled in a transfer container and transferred by a transfer vehicle. This makes it possible to reliably transfer the constituents without the risk of clogging the pipes.

[0065] A specific example of the input means 44 is a pipe for inputting the waste material D4 separated and recovered by the separation and recovery means 42 into the digester 31f (or the primary sedimentation tank 31a). This makes it possible to treat the waste material in the existing sewage treatment facility 31, thereby reducing the cost associated with the treatment of used disposable diapers. The pipe may be open all the time, or may be controlled so as to be opened only when the waste material D4 is input.

[0066] Another example of the input means 44 is a transport container and a transport vehicle for inputting the plastic D3 separated and recovered by the separation and recovery means 42 into the incineration facility 31h. This makes it possible to use the plastic D3 as a fuel and a fuel auxiliary in the incineration facility 31h. The transport vehicle is not limited to a vehicle (such as a dolly) that carries the transport container. For example, a transport vehicle carried by a worker using human power is also included in the transport vehicle 44c of this embodiment.

[0067] The components fed by the feeding means 44 in this embodiment and the sewage treatment facility 31 to which they are fed are not limited to those described above. For example, the pulp D1 and the highly water-absorbent resin D2 may also be fed into the sewage treatment facility 31 for further treatment, or may be used as resources.

[0068] This embodiment eliminates the need to install new treatment facilities for the waste matter removed from used paper diapers. In addition, it makes it possible to reuse pulp, superabsorbent resin, plastic, and the like separated and recovered from used paper diapers as new resources in sewage treatment facilities.

[0069] The input means of this embodiment can also be applied to the treatment facility 40 of the second embodiment. For example, the waste D4 removed by the cleaning means 43 and / or wastewater containing the waste D4 can be input by the input means 44 into the primary sedimentation tank 31a or the digestion facility 31f for waste treatment. This makes it possible to perform waste treatment in the existing sewage treatment facility 31, thereby reducing the cost associated with the treatment of used paper diapers.

[0070] [Fourth embodiment] FIG. 7 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a system for disposing of used paper diapers in a fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 7, a used paper diaper disposal system 1d according to a fourth embodiment is the same as the used paper diaper disposal system 1a according to the first embodiment, except that it is provided with an information management unit 50 that consolidates and manages information related to communication related to the timing of collection and transport of used paper diapers D and information related to the amount of discharge of used paper diapers D. Note that the dashed dotted lines in Fig. 7 indicate controllable connections.

[0071] The information management unit 50 is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of setting and instructing the timing of collection and transportation of used paper diapers D based on communication from the discharge facility 10 and the sewage treatment plant 30 and information related to the amount of used paper diapers D discharged. For example, a device that receives communication from the discharge facility 10 or the sewage treatment plant 30, sets a movement route for the transport means 20 based on the content of the communication, and notifies the operator of the transport means 20. Note that the contact means and notification means are not particularly limited, and known technologies such as telephone, e-mail, and information terminals such as SNS can be used. In addition, a detector 51 for obtaining information on the amount of used paper diapers D discharged may be provided in the discharge facility 10, and the detection results of the detector 51 may be collected in the information management unit 50, and the detection results may be set for the movement route of the transport means 20 and notified to the operator of the transport means 20. The detector 51 may be provided in the collection box 11 or the transport container 12 for temporarily storing the used paper diapers D, and a specific example of the detector 51 may be a weighing scale. This eliminates the need to wait for a contact from the discharge facility 10, and allows the movement route of the transport means 20 to be set in advance, allowing efficient collection of the used paper diapers D. In addition, instead of the detector 51, information showing the operating status of the discharge facility 10 (the number of users residing or staying in the discharge facility 10, the amount of used paper diapers D discharged on the previous day, etc.) may be collected in the information management unit 50. This makes it possible to predict the amount of used paper diapers D discharged, and eliminates the need for investment in new equipment such as the detector 51.

[0072] The information management unit 50 may be a unit that collects various communications and information from an operator and instructs the collection and transportation of used paper diapers D, or it may be a unit that automates the entire process, from automatically responding to various communications, collecting and analyzing information, to instructing the collection and transportation of used paper diapers D, all through a program.

[0073] According to this embodiment, the conveying means 20 can more efficiently collect and convey the used paper diapers D.

[0074] The above-described embodiment shows an example of a method and system for disposing of used paper diapers. The method and system for disposing of used paper diapers according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the method and system for disposing of used paper diapers according to the above-described embodiment may be modified within the scope of the gist of the claims.

[0075] For example, in this embodiment, the used paper diapers to be collected separately from the waste disposal facility may include some used sanitary products. Since general paper diapers and general sanitary products have similar components, the processing method and processing system of the present invention can be suitably applied. This makes it possible to further promote the effective use of new resources such as used paper diapers and used sanitary products.

[0076] In this embodiment, the separation and recovery means may be provided with a screen and other auxiliary equipment capable of separating the pulp into high-quality pulp and low-quality pulp, thereby enabling the components separated and recovered from the used paper diaper D to be further subdivided and each of the components to be reused according to its resource.

[0077] In this embodiment, if the amount of used paper diapers transported is very small, the components are separated by the separation and recovery means into plastic D3 and the rest (pulp D1, superabsorbent resin D2, and filth D4), and only the plastic D3 is fed into an incineration facility as a fuel additive, while the rest are fed into a primary sedimentation tank or digestion facility for treatment. This simplifies the separation and recovery means, and allows used paper diapers to be treated with less impact on the sewage treatment plant. [Industrial Applicability]

[0078] The method and system for disposing of used paper diapers of the present invention are suitable for use in disposing of used paper diapers disposed of from ordinary households, hospitals, welfare facilities, etc., and in reusing the components of used paper diapers. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d treatment system, 10 discharge facility, 11 collection box, 12 transport container, 20 transport means, 21 transport vehicle, 21a loading platform, 21b loading compartment, 30 sewage treatment plant, 31 sewage treatment equipment, 31a primary settling tank, 31b reaction tank, 31c final settling tank, 31d disinfection equipment, 31e concentration equipment, 31f digestion equipment, 31g dehydration equipment, 31h incineration equipment, 31i desulfurization equipment, 31j gas holder, 31k power generation equipment, 32 pretreatment equipment, 40 treatment equipment, 41 crushing means, 42 separation and recovery means, 43 cleaning means, 44 input means, 50 information management unit, 51 detector, D used paper diaper, CD crushed used paper diaper, D1 pulp, D2 superabsorbent resin, D3 Plastic, D4 waste, W treated water

Claims

1. A method for disposing of used paper diapers, comprising: A crushing step of crushing the used paper diapers; A separation and recovery process for separating and recovering the used paper diapers into their constituent components; A method for disposing of used paper diapers, comprising a step of directly disposing the components of the used paper diapers separated and recovered in the separation and recovery step into a digester in a sewage treatment plant.

2. 2. The method for treating used paper diapers according to claim 1, wherein the separating and recovering step separates and recovers at least pulp from the used paper diapers, and the recovered pulp is fed into the fire extinguishing facility.

3. The method for treating used paper diapers according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the digestion facility is an anaerobic digestion facility.

4. In a used paper diaper processing system for processing used paper diapers, A crushing means for crushing the used paper diapers; A separating and collecting means for separating and collecting the used paper diapers into their constituent components; A used paper diaper disposal system comprising: an input means for directly inputting the components of the used paper diapers separated and recovered by the separation and recovery means into a digester in a sewage treatment plant.

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