Adsorbent recovery method

Abstract

To provide an adsorbent recovery method capable of recovering an adsorbent from an adsorption tower after adsorption treatment of a radioactive substance in nuclear facilities.SOLUTION: An adsorbent recovery method for recovering an adsorbent from an adsorption tower includes: a storage container; an adsorbent filled in the storage container; and a shielding container for covering an outside of the storage container with a shielding material. The method includes the steps of: selecting a position of a working hole for taking out the adsorbent in the storage container according to working environment and an internal structure of the adsorption tower; forming an opening in the shielding material according to the position; forming the working hole at the position from the opening; and recovering the adsorbing material from the working hole based on a method for taking out the adsorbing material selected according to the position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for recovering an adsorbent that has adsorbed radioactive substances from a storage container. [Background technology]

[0002] Water handled in nuclear power facilities may contain substances to be treated, such as radioactive strontium ions and radioactive cesium ions. The water containing the substances to be treated is treated by adsorption using, for example, an apparatus (also called an adsorption tower) including a container having a storage space and a particulate adsorbent filled in the storage space (see, for example, Patent Document 1). When the water containing the substances to be treated flows through the internal space of the adsorption tower, the substances to be treated are adsorbed by the adsorbent, and the water is recovered as treated water that meets a predetermined standard. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-187030 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] After the adsorption performance of the adsorbent has decreased, the adsorbent is stored in a storage container for a while, and when it is necessary to process the adsorbent, the adsorbent is recovered from inside the storage container. The recovered adsorbent is solidified using cement or molten glass, and is stored for a predetermined period of time in a predetermined storage facility. Patent Document 1 does not propose a specific method for recovering the adsorbent.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an adsorbent recovery method capable of recovering an adsorbent from an adsorption tower after adsorption treatment of radioactive materials in a nuclear facility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides an adsorbent recovery method for recovering an adsorbent from an adsorption tower including a storage container, an adsorbent filled in the storage container, and a shielding container that covers the outside of the storage container with a shielding material, the method comprising the steps of: selecting a position of a working hole for removing the adsorbent in the storage container according to a working environment and an internal structure of the adsorption tower; forming an opening in the shielding material according to the position; and forming the working hole from the opening to the position. introducing water or compressed air into the container to loosen the adsorbent; and recovering the adsorbent from the work hole based on a removal method of the adsorbent selected according to the position.

[0007] According to the present invention, by selecting a recovery method in a work environment under restricted conditions, it is possible to recover the adsorbent filled inside the storage container while preventing scattering.

[0008] The present invention may further include a step of forming the working hole in a lower portion of the storage container.

[0009] According to the present invention, by forming an access hole in the lower part of the storage container, the adsorbent can be dropped and collected without using any power.

[0010] The present invention may also include a step of attaching a jig to the work hole that is formed to hermetically connect the work hole and a collection container that collects the adsorbent, and a step of dropping the adsorbent through the jig and collecting it in the collection container.

[0011] According to the present invention, by attaching a jig around the working hole, the adsorbent is prevented from scattering to the outside when it falls, and the adsorbent can be guided into the recovery container.

[0012] The present invention may further include a step of forming the working hole in an upper portion of the storage container.

[0013] The present invention can be applied when there is a restriction on the space below the storage container, or when the inside of the storage container is easily accessible from the top.

[0014] The present invention may also include a step of removing the shielding material from an upper portion of the shielding container, and a step of removing the upper portion of the storage container to form the working hole over the entire radial direction of the storage container.

[0015] According to the present invention, by applying it to a case where the top lid of the storage container can be removed, it is possible to easily access the inside of the storage container.

[0016] The present invention may further include the steps of inserting a suction tube into the working hole, and sucking and recovering the adsorbent through the suction tube.

[0017] According to the present invention, by applying the present invention to a case where work is performed through a work hole on the upper side of the storage container, the adsorbent can be sucked upward and recovered.

[0018] The present invention may further include the steps of inserting a screw conveyor into the working hole, and transporting and recovering the adsorbent by the screw conveyor.

[0019] According to the present invention, by applying the operation through the working hole on the upper side of the storage vessel, the adsorbent can be transported upward by the screw conveyor and recovered.

[0020] The present invention may also include a step of sealingly connecting the work hole to a collection container for collecting the adsorbent using a flexible tube, and a step of inverting the storage container and storing the adsorbent in the collection container via the tube.

[0021] According to the present invention, by applying the present invention to a case where the front working holes are formed in the entire radial direction of the storage container, the time required for recovering the adsorbent can be shortened. Also, by inverting the container, even if the adsorbent is stuck inside the storage container, it can be dropped and recovered as it is.

[0022] The present invention may also include a step of recovering the adsorbent from the work hole using a device having a mechanism for scooping up the adsorbent.

[0023] According to the present invention, by applying the present invention to a case where front working holes are formed over the entire radial direction of the storage container, it is possible to improve recovery efficiency by using a device that scoops up the adsorbent.

[0024] The present invention may further comprise the step of cleaning the inside of the container by a cleaning method selected according to the position.

[0025] According to the present invention, by selecting a cleaning method depending on the position of the working hole, cleaning suitable for the working environment can be performed.

[0026] The present invention may further include a step of cleaning the inside of the storage container through the access hole.

[0027] According to the present invention, by utilizing the working hole, the inside of the container can be cleaned while preventing cleaning water from splashing.

[0028] The present invention may also include a step of recovering cleaning water from the working hole.

[0029] According to the present invention, by utilizing the working hole, the washing water can be recovered while preventing the washing water from scattering.

[0030] The present invention may also include a step of forming a drain outlet at the bottom of the storage container, and a step of cleaning the inside of the storage container through the working hole and collecting cleaning water from the drain outlet.

[0031] According to the present invention, by forming a drain outlet in the lower part of the storage container, the efficiency of recovering washing water can be improved. Effect of the Invention

[0032] According to the present invention, it is possible to recover the adsorbent from the adsorption tower after the adsorption treatment of radioactive materials in a nuclear facility. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an adsorption tower to which the present invention is applied. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating each step of the adsorbent recovery method. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a lower structure of the storage container. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the position of an access hole in the lower structure of the storage container. [Diagram 5] 3 is a diagram illustrating each step of dismantling an adsorption tower. FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a diagram illustrating an outline of each step of the adsorbent recovery method according to Modification 1. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a process for recovering an adsorbent according to Modification 2. [Figure 8] 11 is a diagram illustrating an outline of each step of the adsorbent recovery method according to Modification 3. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a process for recovering an adsorbent according to Modification 4. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing each process of an adsorbent recovery method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] 1, the adsorption tower 1 includes a storage container 2 having an internal space S, an adsorbent Q filled in the storage container 2, and a shielding container 10 having a shielding material 11 covering the outside of the storage container 2. The adsorption tower 1 is a purification device that causes water containing a substance to be treated, such as radioactive strontium ions or radioactive cesium ions, to flow through the adsorption tower 1, thereby adsorbing the substance to be treated onto the adsorbent Q. Treated water in which the concentration of the substance to be treated has fallen to a predetermined standard or lower can be recovered from the adsorption tower 1.

[0035] The storage container 2 is formed in a tank shape. The storage container 2 includes a main body 3 formed in a cylindrical shape. A circular opening at the top of the main body 3 is closed by an upper lid 4 (also called an upper mirror) formed in a circular dome shape. The upper lid 4 is welded to the main body 3, for example. The upper lid 4 may be formed integrally with the main body 3. The upper lid 4 may be in a flat plate shape. A circular opening at the bottom of the main body 3 is closed by a lower lid 5 (also called a lower mirror) formed in a circular bowl shape. The lower lid 5 is welded to the main body 3, for example. The lower lid 5 may be formed integrally with the main body 3. The lower lid 5 may be in a flat plate shape. With the above configuration, an internal space S is formed inside the storage container 2.

[0036] The upper lid 4 is provided with a supply pipe 6 for supplying water containing the substance to be treated from the outside of the storage vessel 2 to above the internal space S. The upper lid 4 is provided with an openable inlet 7 for introducing the adsorbent Q into the internal space S. A piping device 8 is provided above the lower lid 5 for sending the treated water from the internal space S to the outside of the storage vessel 2. The piping device 8 is provided with a pipe 9 that communicates with the outside of the storage vessel 2. The pipe 9 may pass through the inside of the storage vessel 2, penetrate the upper lid 4, and reach the outside of the storage vessel 2. A base 5A for supporting the lower lid 5 is provided at the lower part of the lower lid 5. The lower lid 5 may be flat and may not have the base 5A.

[0037] The internal space S is filled with an adsorbent Q. The adsorbent Q is formed into particles having a particle size within a predetermined range. The adsorbent Q adsorbs a substance to be treated, such as strontium ions or cesium ions. The adsorbent Q is formed of, for example, zeolite, silicic titanate, activated carbon, or resin.

[0038] The lateral periphery of the main body 3 is covered by a cylindrical shielding material 11 provided on the side of the shielding container 10. The upper circular opening of the shielding material 11 is covered by a shielding material 12 formed in a disk shape that matches the opening shape. An upper structure 15 that opens at the top and houses piping and a cooling device is provided on the upper part of the shielding material 12. The lower circular opening of the shielding material 11 is covered by a shielding material 13 formed in a disk shape that matches the opening shape. A piping 20 is provided on the lower part of the shielding container 10, through which air for cooling the storage container 2 flows in. A piping 21 is provided on the upper part of the shielding container 10, through which air for cooling the storage container 2 flows out.

[0039] The inner and outer surfaces of the shielding material 11-13 are formed, for example, from metal plates. The end faces of the shielding material 11-13 are covered with metal plates. This forms an internal space in the shielding material 11-13. The internal space of the shielding material 11-13 is filled with lead beads for shielding radiation, or lead is cast in. According to the above configuration, the adsorption tower 1 is configured to be able to protect against the high-dose radiation of the adsorbent Q. On the other hand, the adsorption tower 1 has a structure that makes it difficult to recover the adsorbent Q.

[0040] Next, the adsorbent recovery method will be described. In the adsorbent recovery method, each process is set so as to be remotely operable until the decontamination and dismantling of the storage container 2 is completed while preventing the scattering of the adsorbent Q containing the substance to be treated. In order to remove the adsorbent Q, it is necessary to form a working hole in the storage container 2 for removing the adsorbent Q. The position of the working hole is selected according to the working environment and the internal structure of the adsorption tower 1. It is assumed that the working environment will be performed in a limited space where measures have been taken to prevent the scattering of the substance to be treated, and that remote work will also be used.

[0041] Therefore, it is desirable to set the overall process so that the working space is as small as possible and the process is efficient. It is also required to recover the lead beads or lead metal filled inside the shielding container 10 and the adsorbent Q separately so that they do not mix. First, the position of the working hole for taking out the adsorbent Q in the storage container 2 is selected. Then, each subsequent process is set according to the position of the working hole. First, a first method for recovering the adsorbent Q from the bottom of the adsorption tower 1 is considered.

[0042] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, in the first method, a working hole is drilled in the bottom cover 5 of the lower part of the storage container 2. Therefore, it is necessary to form an opening in the shielding material 13 according to the position of the working hole. The adsorption tower 1 is installed on a work table (not shown) or the like where the lower side of the lower shielding material 13 is exposed in a set work environment. A cylindrical jig G1 is attached to the lower side of the shielding material 13 (see Fig. 2(1)). Inside the jig G1, a circular opening 13A is formed on the lower side of the shielding material 13. The opening 13A is formed using a cutting tool such as a hole saw. The lead beads B filled inside the shielding material 13 are collected from the opening 13A. It is not necessary to collect all of the lead beads B.

[0043] A circular opening 13B is formed on the upper surface of the shielding material 13 through the opening 13A (see FIG. 2(2)). The opening 13B is formed, for example, with the same diameter as the opening 13A using the same method. A cylindrical jig G2 that contacts the bottom cover 5 is attached to the lower surface of the shielding material 13. The jig G2 is formed to hermetically connect the working hole 5B and a collection container that collects the adsorbent Q. The jig G2 is formed with an outer diameter that is slightly smaller than the diameters of the openings 13A and 13B. The jig G2 prevents the lead beads B left in the internal space of the shielding material 13 from leaking out. A collection container (not shown) that stores the adsorbent Q is attached below the jig G1. An opening G1H is provided on the side of the jig G1, into which a tool or a cleaning nozzle can be inserted.

[0044] In the bottom lid 5 of the storage container 2, the working hole 5B is formed at a position where the working hole 5B is to be formed from the openings 13A and 13B via the jig G2 (see FIG. 2(3)). A piping device 8 may be provided above the bottom lid 5 inside the storage container 2. A component 8A of the piping device 8 may be present in the center of the bottom lid 5 (see FIG. 3). In such a case, the working hole 5B is formed at a predetermined position avoiding the center of the bottom lid 5 (see FIG. 4). The adsorbent Q is collected from the working hole 5B based on an adsorbent removal method selected according to the position where the working hole 5B is formed. In the first method, gravity acts to cause the adsorbent Q to fall from the working hole 5B, and the fallen adsorbent Q is collected in a collection container.

[0045] The adsorbent Q is guided by the jigs G2 and G1 and stored in a collection container installed below. The jigs G2 and G1 prevent the adsorbent Q from dispersing to the outside. If the adsorbent Q is stuck in the storage container 2, a cleaning nozzle or the like is inserted through the opening G1H and the working hole 5B, and water is fed into the storage container 2 to release the stuck adsorbent Q. Alternatively, water or compressed air may be fed from the remaining piping 9 and introduced into the storage container 2 via the piping device 8 to release the stuck adsorbent Q. After the adsorbent Q is stored in the collection container, a lid is securely attached to the collection container and it is transported to a specified storage location.

[0046] Next, the inside of the storage vessel 2 is cleaned by a cleaning method selected according to the working environment of the first method and the internal structure of the adsorption tower 1. A cleaning nozzle N is inserted into the storage vessel 2 through the opening G1H and the working hole 5B (see FIG. 2(4)). The nozzle N is a cleaning device that cleans an object by jetting cleaning water at high pressure. The tip of the nozzle N is equipped with, for example, a rotation mechanism that rotates based on water pressure, and is configured to be able to clean the circumferential direction of the inner wall of the storage vessel 2.

[0047] A cleaning water recovery container (not shown) is attached below the jig G1. For example, a camera (not shown) is attached to the tip of the nozzle N, and decontamination work is performed with cleaning water sprayed from the nozzle N while monitoring the inside of the storage container 2. The cleaning water is guided to the jigs G2 and G1 and stored in a cleaning water recovery container installed below. In addition to cleaning with cleaning water, the nozzle N may also perform blasting treatment such as ice blasting using ice or dry ice as a medium.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, after the storage container 2 is decontaminated, the shielding container 10 and the storage container 2 are dismantled. The shielding container 10 and the storage container 2 are melted and reused for metal materials. For example, after the storage container 2 is cleaned, lead beads B are recovered from the shielding container 10 (see FIG. 5(1)). The shielding container 10 from which the lead beads B have been recovered is dismantled and subjected to metal melting in a specified facility (see FIG. 5(2)). The exposed storage container 2 is cut into small pieces and subjected to metal melting in a specified facility (see FIG. 5(3)).

[0049] As described above, according to the adsorbent recovery method of the first method, the adsorbent Q can be recovered from the adsorption tower 1 after adsorption treatment of radioactive materials in a nuclear facility. According to the adsorbent recovery method of the first method, the adsorbent Q can be recovered while preventing the adsorbent Q from dispersing from the adsorption tower 1. According to the adsorbent recovery method of the first method, the adsorbent Q can be recovered in a space-saving working environment that allows remote work. According to the adsorbent recovery method of the first method, the working hole 5B is formed below the storage vessel 2, which makes it easy to recover the adsorbent Q and cleaning water.

[0050] [Variation 1] As shown in Fig. 6, an inlet 7 for introducing the adsorbent Q is provided at the top of the adsorption tower 1. If the inlet 7 is used as a working hole, the step of drilling a hole can be omitted. A second method using the inlet 7 will be described below.

[0051] First, in the working environment, the lid (not shown) of the inlet 7 is removed to form a working hole (see FIG. 6(1)). The lid of the inlet 7 is fixed by, for example, a number of bolts. Therefore, the working hole can be formed by removing the bolts. One end of a suction tube 30 for sucking the adsorbent Q is inserted into the inlet 7. One end of a flexible hose (not shown) is connected to the other end of the suction tube 30. The other end of the hose is connected to a collection container (not shown). The inside of the collection container is adjusted to a negative pressure compared to atmospheric pressure by, for example, an air pump. As a result, the adsorbent Q is sucked from the tip of the suction tube 30 (see FIG. 6(2)).

[0052] The suction pipe 30 is formed of, for example, a metal pipe. The suction pipe 30 does not necessarily have to be formed in a straight pipe shape. The suction pipe 30 may have a curved portion or a bent portion, and may be configured to be able to suck any position in the radial direction of the storage container 2 by adjusting the insertion angle or rotation angle.

[0053] When the adsorbent Q is stuck, water or compressed air may be introduced into the storage container 2 from the suction pipe 30 to loosen the stuck adsorbent Q. Alternatively, water or compressed air may be sent from the remaining piping 9 and introduced into the storage container 2 via the piping device 8 to loosen the stuck adsorbent Q. Alternatively, the suction pipe 30 may be moved to stir the adsorbent Q to loosen the stuck adsorbent Q. Alternatively, a device that applies vibration, such as a vibrator, may be inserted into the inlet 7 in addition to the suction pipe 30 to loosen the stuck adsorbent Q by vibration. Alternatively, the suction pipe 30 may be provided with a device that generates vibration.

[0054] The adsorbent Q is sucked from the tip of the suction tube 30 and stored in a collection container. For example, a camera is attached to the suction tube 30. Based on the image obtained from the camera, an operator brings the suction tube 30 close to the adsorbent Q and sucks in the adsorbent Q. After the adsorbent Q is sucked and removed from the storage container 2, a nozzle N is inserted from the inlet 7 (see FIG. 6(3)). The nozzle N cleans the inside of the storage container 2 with high-pressure cleaning water, thereby performing decontamination. When the cleaning water reaches a predetermined water level inside the storage container 2, or when cleaning of a predetermined cleaning area is completed, the nozzle N is replaced with a drain pipe 40.

[0055] The drain pipe 40 is connected to a suction pump (not shown) and sucks up the cleaning water accumulated inside the storage container 2 and discharges it outside the storage container 2. The drain pipe 40 is connected to, for example, a cleaning water recovery container (not shown), and the cleaning water is recovered in the cleaning water recovery container. If the nozzle N and the drain pipe 40 can be inserted into the inlet 7, cleaning with the nozzle N and drainage with the drain pipe 40 may be performed simultaneously. The cleaning water may be drained outside the storage container 2 using not only the drain pipe 40 but also the piping 9 and piping device 8 left in the storage container 2. After cleaning of the inside of the storage container 2 with the nozzle N is completed, the shielding container 10 and the storage container 2 are dismantled (see FIG. 5).

[0056] As described above, according to the adsorbent recovery method related to the second method, it is possible to recover the adsorbent Q without drilling holes in the storage container 2. According to the adsorbent recovery method related to the second method, by using the inlet 7 as a working hole, it is possible to suck and recover the adsorbent Q while preventing the adsorbent Q from scattering. According to the adsorbent recovery method related to the second method, by using the inlet 7 as a working hole, it is possible to clean the inside of the storage container 2.

[0057] [Variation 2] As shown in Fig. 7, a screw conveyor 50 capable of transporting the adsorbent Q upward may be inserted into the inlet 7. A third method using the screw conveyor 50 will be described below. The screw conveyor 50 includes, for example, a cylindrical sheath tube 51 and an auger screw 52 inserted into the sheath tube 51. The auger screw 52 has, for example, helical teeth, and can forcibly transport the adsorbent Q upward inside the sheath tube 51 by rotating in a predetermined rotational direction. The inside of the storage container 2 is cleaned in the same manner as in the second method.

[0058] According to the adsorbent recovery method relating to the third method, the screw conveyor 50 is inserted into the inlet 7, and the auger screw 52 is rotated in a predetermined rotational direction, thereby transferring the adsorbent Q upward and recovering it. According to the adsorbent recovery method relating to the third method, even if the adsorbent Q is stuck, the stuck adsorbent Q can be excavated by pressing from above, and the adsorbent Q can be transferred upward inside the sheath pipe 51.

[0059] [Variation 3] As shown in Fig. 8, the top lid 4 of the storage container 2 may be removed, and a working hole 2H may be formed in the entire radial direction of the storage container 2 to recover the adsorbent Q. Hereinafter, a fourth method for removing the top lid 4 of the storage container 2 will be described. In the adsorption tower 1, the upper structure 15 and the shielding material 12 of the shielding container 10 are removed (see Figs. 8(1) and 8(2)). The top lid 4 of the storage container 2 is removed from an opening 10H formed in the top of the shielding container 10 (see Fig. 8(3)). The top lid 4 is separated from the main body 3, for example, by using a grinder or gas cutting.

[0060] As a result, a working hole 2H is formed in the entire radial direction of the storage container 2. The working hole 2H and a collection container (not shown) for collecting the adsorbent Q are connected in a sealed manner by a flexible pipe FP (see FIG. 8(4)). The storage container 2 is then inverted. The adsorbent Q falls downward due to the action of gravity. Even if the adsorbent Q is stuck, it falls in the form of clumps. If the adsorbent Q is stuck and difficult to fall, the storage container 2 may be shaken to allow the adsorbent Q to fall. The adsorbent Q is guided by the pipe FP and stored in the collection container without scattering to the outside. The inside of the storage container 2 is washed in the same manner as in the second method. In washing the inside of the storage container 2, the washing water may be collected in a washing water collection container by inverting the storage container 2.

[0061] According to the adsorbent recovery method relating to the fourth method, it is possible to significantly shorten the recovery time of the adsorbent Q by forming the working holes 2H throughout the entire radial direction of the storage vessel 2. According to the adsorbent recovery method relating to the fourth method, even if the adsorbent Q is stuck, it is possible to drop and recover the adsorbent Q by inverting the entire adsorption tower 1.

[0062] [Variation 4] As shown in FIG. 9, when a working hole 2H is formed in the entire radial direction of the storage container 2, the adsorbent Q may be taken out upward from the working hole 2H and collected. Hereinafter, a fifth method for collecting the adsorbent Q above the working hole 2H will be described. When the working hole 2H is formed, the inside of the storage container 2 becomes easier to see, and the state of the adsorbent Q can be grasped in real time. The adsorbent Q is collected from the working hole 2H using a device such as heavy machinery J having a mechanism for scooping up the adsorbent Q. The heavy machinery J is operated, for example, remotely. The heavy machinery J may be operated by a crew member by providing protective measures.

[0063] Besides heavy machinery J, any device may be used as long as it is capable of scooping up the adsorbent Q. In the fifth method, the entire working environment including the adsorption tower 1 and heavy machinery J is enclosed by a building or the like to prevent the adsorbent Q from dispersing. The inside of the storage vessel 2 is washed in the same manner as in the second method. In washing the inside of the storage vessel 2, the washing water may be collected in a washing water collection container by inverting the storage vessel 2.

[0064] As described above, according to the adsorbent recovery method relating to the fifth method, the adsorbent Q can be efficiently recovered by being scooped upward from the working hole 2H by a device such as heavy machinery J.

[0065] [Variation 5] The steps in the first to fifth methods described above may be combined as appropriate. For example, in the cleaning steps in the second to fifth methods, cleaning water is not drained from the bottom of the storage container 2, so there is a risk that the cleaning water will take time to collect and the equipment will become large. Therefore, in the cleaning steps in the second to fifth methods, the water may be drained from the bottom of the storage container 2 as in the first method. Therefore, a drain port may be provided in the bottom cover 5 of the storage container 2 before the cleaning steps in the second to fifth methods. In this case, the drain port may be formed to a diameter large enough to drain the cleaning water. That is, in the second to fifth methods, a drain port may be formed in the bottom of the storage container, and the inside of the storage container may be cleaned through a working hole while the cleaning water is collected from the drain port.

[0066] In the second and third methods, the adsorbent Q is recovered from the inlet 7, so there is a restriction on the radial movement of the storage container 2. For this reason, in the second and third methods, as in the fourth and fifth methods, the working holes 2H may be formed in the entire radial direction of the storage container 2. This makes it possible to move the suction pipe 30 and the screw conveyor 50 to any position in the radial direction of the storage container 2, and the recovery efficiency of the adsorbent Q may be improved.

[0067] The suction pipe 30 or the screw conveyor 50 may be moved in the circumferential direction of the working hole 2H to recover the adsorbent Q while loosening the adhesion of the adsorbent Q. The adsorbent Q may be mainly recovered by the screw conveyor 50, and the adsorbent Q remaining at the bottom of the storage container 2 that cannot be recovered by the screw conveyor 50 may be recovered by the suction pipe 30. In this case, the gap between the working hole 2H and the suction pipe 30 or the screw conveyor 50 is covered with a film or the like to prevent the adsorbent Q from scattering. After the adsorbent Q is recovered, a drainage hole may be formed by drilling in the bottom lid 5 of the storage container 2 from the side of the working hole 2H.

[0068] As described above, the steps included in the adsorbent recovery methods according to the first to fifth methods can be appropriately combined to form the adsorbent recovery method. The steps included in the adsorbent recovery method can be optimally combined in consideration of the working environment, working efficiency, and working costs.

[0069] Selection of the method for recovering the adsorbent Q in the adsorbent recovery method will be described below. As described above, each step of the adsorbent recovery method has advantages and disadvantages, and a method is selected based on constraints such as the working environment, working efficiency, and working costs.

[0070] 10 is a flowchart showing each step from planning to implementation of the adsorbent recovery method. First, the position of a working hole for removing the adsorbent Q in the storage vessel 2 is selected according to conditions such as the space of the working environment, the internal structure of the adsorption tower 1, and the recovery device (step S10). The position of the working hole is selected from among the positions of the inlet 7 of the upper lid 4 of the storage vessel 2, a part of the lower lid 5, and the entire upper lid 4.

[0071] Next, an opening is formed in the shielding material according to the position of the selected working hole (step S12). If the working hole is located at the position of the insertion port 7 of the top lid 4 of the storage container 2 and the entire top lid 4, the shielding material 12 is removed and an opening 10H is formed. If the working hole is located in a part of the bottom lid 5, openings 13A and 13B are formed in the shielding material 13. Next, a working hole is formed at a predetermined position from the formed opening (step S14). The working hole is formed by removing the cover of the insertion port 7 of the top lid 4 of the storage container 2, drilling a hole in a part of the bottom lid 5, and removing the entire top lid 4.

[0072] Next, the adsorbent is collected from the work hole based on the adsorbent removal method selected according to the position of the work hole (step S16). When the work hole is the inlet 7, a method of sucking the adsorbent Q upward with a suction pipe 30 or a method of transporting the adsorbent Q upward with a screw conveyor 50 is applied. When the work hole is formed in the lower cover 5, a method of dropping the adsorbent Q downward and storing it in a collection container is applied. When the work hole is formed over the entire radial direction of the storage container 2, a method of inverting the adsorption tower 1 to drop the adsorbent Q downward and store it in a collection container or a method of scooping the adsorbent Q upward using a device such as heavy machinery J is applied.

[0073] Next, the inside of the storage container 2 is cleaned by a cleaning method selected according to the position of the working hole (step S18). If the working hole is the input port 7, the nozzle N is inserted from the input port 7 to clean the inside of the storage container 2. If the working hole is formed in the bottom cover 5, the nozzle N is inserted from the working hole to clean the inside of the storage container 2. If the working hole is formed throughout the entire radial direction of the storage container 2, the nozzle N is inserted from the working hole to clean the inside of the storage container 2.

[0074] Next, the cleaning water is collected according to the position of the working hole (step S20). When the working hole is the inlet 7, a drain pipe 40 is inserted into the inlet 7, and the cleaning water is sucked upward and drained. When the working hole is formed in the bottom cover 5, the cleaning water falls downward and is collected in a cleaning water recovery container. When the working hole is formed over the entire radial direction of the storage container 2, a method is applied in which the adsorption tower 1 is inverted to cause the cleaning water to fall downward and be collected in a cleaning water recovery container, or a method is applied in which the cleaning water is sucked upward by the drain pipe 40. When the working hole is the inlet 7 or formed over the entire radial direction of the storage container 2, a drain port may be formed in the lower part of the storage container, and the drained cleaning water may be discharged from the drain port and collected in a cleaning water recovery container.

[0075] Next, the shielding container 10 and the storage container are dismantled and separated into individual materials (step S22). Metal components among the dismantled components are melted down and recycled as metal materials if they meet a predetermined standard and can be recycled.

[0076] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0077] For example, the shielding container 10 may be configured to be easily disassembled using bolts or the like. The upper lid 4 of the storage container 2 may be configured to be easily attached and detached using bolts or the like. The lower lid 5 of the storage container 2 may be provided in advance with a pipe for draining cleaning water. The adsorbent Q may be pre-filled in a bag through which water can flow and stored in the storage container 2. The bag may be divided into small portions and stored in the storage container 2. A container other than the bag may be used. The adsorbent Q may be configured by stacking a plurality of cartridges. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1...adsorption tower, 2...container, 2H...work hole, 3...main body, 4...upper cover, 5...lower cover, 5A...base, 5B...work hole, 6...supply pipe, 7...feeding port, 8...piping device, 8A...parts, 9...piping, 10...shielding container, 10H...opening, 11...shielding material, 11-13...shielding material, 12...shielding material, 13...shielding material, 13A...opening, 13B...opening, 15...upper structure, 30...suction pipe, 40...drain pipe, 50...screw conveyor, 51...sheath pipe, 52...auger screw, B...lead beads, FP...pipe, G1...jig, G1H...opening, G2...jig, J...heavy machinery, N...nozzle, Q...adsorbent, S...internal space

Claims

1. 1. An adsorbent recovery method for recovering an adsorbent from an adsorption tower including a storage container, an adsorbent filled in the storage container, and a shielding container that covers an outside of the storage container with a shielding material, comprising: selecting a position of a working hole in the storage vessel for removing the adsorbent according to a working environment and an internal structure of the adsorption tower; forming an opening in the shielding material according to the position; forming the work hole at the location from the opening; introducing water or compressed air into the container to loosen the adsorbent; and recovering the adsorbent from the work hole based on a removal method of the adsorbent selected according to the position. Adsorbent recovery method.

2. forming the working hole in a lower portion of the container; The method for recovering an adsorbent according to claim 1 .

3. a step of attaching a jig to the work hole that is formed so as to hermetically connect the work hole and a collection container that collects the adsorbent; The adsorbent recovery method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step of dropping the adsorbent through the jig and recovering it in the recovery container.

4. forming the working hole in an upper portion of the container; The method for recovering an adsorbent according to claim 1 .

5. removing the shielding material from an upper portion of the shielding container; and removing an upper portion of the container to form the working hole in the entire radial direction of the container. The method for recovering an adsorbent according to claim 1 .

6. Inserting a suction tube into the working hole; and recovering the adsorbent by suction through the suction tube. The method for recovering an adsorbent according to any one of claims 1, 4 and 5.

7. Inserting a screw conveyor into the working hole; and transferring and recovering the adsorbent by the screw conveyor. The method for recovering an adsorbent according to claim 4 or 5.

8. a step of sealingly connecting the working hole to a collection container for collecting the adsorbent by a flexible tube; and inverting the storage container to store the adsorbent in the collection container through the pipe. The method for recovering an adsorbent according to claim 5.

9. recovering the adsorbent from the work hole using a device having a mechanism for scooping the adsorbent. The method for recovering an adsorbent according to claim 5.

10. The adsorbent recovery method according to claim 1 , further comprising the step of cleaning the inside of the storage container with a cleaning method selected according to the position.

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