Sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system, sludge treatment facility operation support method

Abstract

To provide a sludge treatment equipment operation support navigation system, aiming for efficient sludge treatment, as a technique for supporting and controlling the operation of sludge treatment equipment, for example, one for both a sludge dehydration process and a flocculation process in a sewage-treatment plant, by displaying information for proper operation management and enabling even an operator with poor experience to properly operate the equipment.SOLUTION: A sludge treatment equipment operation support navigation system gains an operation flock state which is a flocculated flock state during operation of sludge treatment equipment, gains an operation water content of sludge which is a water content of a dehydrated sludge during operation of the sludge treatment equipment, selects or produces equipment operation content of a flocculation tank and a sludge dehydrator based on the operation flock state, the operation water content of sludge, a desired flocculated flock state, and a desired water content of sludge, and displays the equipment operation content on a display device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] As an example, the present invention relates to a navigation system for assisting in the operation and management of sludge coagulation equipment and dehydration equipment in sewage sludge treatment facilities at sewage treatment plants, and an operation support method.

Background Art

[0002] Regarding sludge dehydration, a sludge drying device has been proposed that includes a pump for supplying sludge containing moisture to be removed, a centrifugal thin-film drying device for expanding the sludge into a thin film and removing the contained moisture by centrifugal force, a dried sludge recovery container for recovering the dried sludge dried by this centrifugal thin-film drying device, an infrared moisture meter for irradiating the dried sludge with infrared rays to measure the moisture content, and a control device for controlling the rotational speed of the centrifugal thin-film drying device based on the output of this infrared moisture meter (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The amount of sludge generated at sewage treatment plants is enormous, the burden of sludge disposal is increasing, and higher efficiency of sludge treatment is required. Sewage treatment generally involves a series of processes including sludge thickening, thickened sludge storage, sludge coagulation, sludge dehydration, and storage and treatment of dehydrated sludge. In particular, in the main treatment processes, the sludge dehydration process of squeezing sludge to separate moisture and solids to reduce the moisture content of the sludge, and the coagulation process before the sludge dehydration process, in which a flocculant is added to coagulate turbidity in the sewage to form flocs as aggregated particles to make the sludge form suitable for dehydration, are processes with many problems in promoting higher efficiency of sludge treatment.

[0005] Here, in order to obtain sludge with a reduced water content within a certain range after dehydration, it is important to manage dehydration and flocculation under conditions combining a flocculation step of adding a flocculant before the sludge dehydration step to flocculate turbidity in the sewage to form flocs as aggregated particles, and the above-described sludge dehydration step. However, Patent Document 1 does not specifically disclose how to manage flocculation.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide, as an example, in sewage treatment facilities at sewage treatment plants, information display for proper operation management regarding both the main sludge dehydration step and the flocculation step related to sludge treatment, enabling even operators with little experience to execute proper facility operation, and to provide a sludge treatment facility operation support and control technology for improving the efficiency of sludge treatment, namely, a sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system and a sludge treatment facility operation support method.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object, the following sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system is provided. That is, the sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system includes a processor, a storage resource, and a display device. In the storage resource, a desired floc state, which is a desired floc state in the flocculation tank of the sludge treatment facility, and a desired sludge water content, which is a desired water content of the dehydrated sludge discharged from the sludge dehydrator of the sludge treatment facility, are stored as data. The processor, by executing an operation content display program, (1) acquires an in-operation floc state, which is the floc state during operation of the sludge treatment facility. (2) Acquires an in-operation sludge water content, which is the water content of the dehydrated sludge during operation of the sludge treatment facility. (3) Selects or generates facility operation contents for the flocculation tank and the sludge dehydrator based on the in-operation floc state, the in-operation sludge water content, the desired floc state, and the desired sludge water content. (4) Displays the facility operation contents on the display device.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object, the following sludge treatment facility operation support method is provided. That is, the sludge treatment facility operation support method uses a computer. This sludge treatment facility operation support method: (1) acquires the in-operation floc state, which is the state of flocs in the coagulation process during the operation of the sludge treatment facility; (2) acquires the in-operation sludge moisture content, which is the moisture content of the dewatered sludge during the operation of the sludge treatment facility; (3) selects or generates the equipment operation details of the coagulation tank and the sludge dewatering machine based on the in-operation floc state, the in-operation sludge moisture content, the desired coagulated floc state that is the desired floc state in the coagulation tank of the sludge treatment facility, and the desired sludge moisture content that is the desired moisture content of the dewatered sludge discharged from the sludge dewatering machine of the sludge treatment facility; (4) displays the equipment operation details on a display device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, particularly regarding the equipment for the sludge dewatering process and the coagulation process at a sludge treatment plant, information is displayed for proper operation management based on digitalized data of the empirical values possessed by skilled operators in sludge treatment. Thus, even an operator lacking in empirical values can execute proper equipment operation, enabling the realization of operation support and control for a sludge treatment facility that aims to improve the efficiency of sludge treatment.

[0010] According to the present invention, when forming desired coagulated flocs in the coagulation process, by making the injection amount of a polymer coagulant with a high chemical agent unit price appropriate, the cost of the chemical agent used can be reduced. As a result, it becomes possible to reduce the cost related to sludge disposal.

[0011] Also, in the sludge dewatering process, by making the dewatering pressure of the sludge dewatering machine appropriate, the moisture content of the dewatered sludge discharged from the sludge dewatering machine can be adjusted to obtain dewatered sludge with desired properties. As a result, it is suitable for conveyance and transportation after discharge (that is, it is possible to facilitate conveyance and transportation after discharge), and it becomes possible to reduce the cost related to sludge disposal.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] In order to solve the problems described in the section of the problems to be solved by the invention, the embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 20. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system.

[0014] The sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system 100 is provided to achieve operation support and control of the sludge treatment facility for improving the efficiency of sludge treatment in a sewage sludge treatment plant where sludge treatment facilities such as a flocculation tank 101, a sludge dehydrator, and a sludge storage tank 104 are installed, as the flow of the sewage sludge treatment process.

[0015] Briefly explaining the above-described sewage sludge treatment equipment, the coagulation tank 101 is a tank used to add a coagulant to coagulate the turbidity in the sewage to form coagulation flocs that become aggregated particles. Generally, a stirring device is provided in the coagulation tank 101, and the inside of the coagulation tank 101 is stirred by the stirring device.

[0016] The sludge dehydrator includes a sludge dehydrator dehydration unit 102 and a sludge dehydrator discharge unit 103. The sludge dehydrator dehydration unit 102 constitutes the dehydration unit of the sludge dehydrator and performs the dehydration treatment of the sludge. The sludge dehydrator dehydration unit 102 can be, for example, a belt press dehydrator, a screw press dehydrator, or a centrifugal dehydrator. The sludge dehydrator discharge unit 103 constitutes the discharge unit of the sludge dehydrator, and the sludge dehydrated by the sludge dehydrator dehydration unit 102 is discharged to the outside of the sludge dehydrator through the sludge dehydrator discharge unit 103. The sludge storage tank 104 is a tank used to store sludge.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the sewage sludge treatment equipment operation support navigation system 100 includes an imaging device 105, an infrared measurement device 106, an imaging signal processing device 107, an infrared signal processing device 108, a computer 109 (electronic computer), and a coagulation tank / sludge dehydrator operation procedure display device 110. The coagulation tank / sludge dehydrator operation procedure display device 110 can be an appropriate display, and may be referred to as the display device 110 in this specification.

[0018] The imaging device 105 is a device having an image sensor that converts an image of light (physical quantity) of an object into an electrical signal (sometimes referred to as an image signal) corresponding to the intensity of the light. The imaging device 105 is provided, for example, so as to be able to image the sludge inside the coagulation tank 101, and the imaging device 105 outputs the image signal acquired by imaging to the imaging signal processing device 107. The imaging signal processing device 107 is a device that performs signal processing on the image signal input from the imaging device 105 to acquire image information, and the acquired image information is output to the computer 109.

[0019] The infrared measurement device 106 is a device having an infrared sensor, which converts the light (infrared rays) in the infrared region received from the target object into an electrical signal (sometimes referred to as a measurement signal). The infrared measurement device 106 is appropriately provided so as to be able to measure the dewatered sludge after the dewatering process by the dewatering unit 102 of the sludge dewatering machine (provided in the sludge dewatering machine discharge unit 103, the flow path between the sludge dewatering machine discharge unit 103 and the sludge storage tank 104 (for example, the conveyance path of the dewatered sludge), the sludge storage tank 104, etc.). The measurement signal acquired by the infrared measurement device 106 is output to the infrared signal processing device 108. The infrared signal processing device 108 performs signal processing on the input measurement signal to acquire the reflectance information (infrared spectrum) of the infrared rays, and the acquired infrared reflectance information is output to the computer 109. Then, by analyzing this infrared reflectance information, the moisture content of the dewatered sludge is obtained.

[0020] In the present embodiment, the computer 109 includes a processor and a storage resource. The processor is configured as an arithmetic unit. The storage resource can be an appropriate recording device (for example, a hard disk drive), and a plurality of data and an appropriate program for performing data processing are stored in the storage resource. The program stored in the storage resource is executed by the processor.

[0021] In the storage resource of the computer 109, a desired floc state, a desired sludge moisture content, and a set of equipment operation procedures are stored as data.

[0022] The desired floc state is data indicating a good floc state in the flocculation tank 101. That is, the desired floc state is data of a floc state that is considered preferable based on the knowledge of, for example, a skilled and experienced person (that is, data indicating the size and shape of the flocs that are considered preferable based on the knowledge of a skilled and experienced person). For this reason, a good floc state can also be said to be the target (desired) floc state.

[0023] The desired sludge moisture content is the data of the good moisture content of the dewatered sludge discharged from the sludge dewatering machine. Similar to the case of the above-described desired floc state, the desired sludge moisture content is, for example, the data of the moisture content of the dewatered sludge considered to be preferable based on the knowledge of a skilled person. For this reason, the good moisture content can also be said to be the targeted (desired) moisture content.

[0024] The equipment operation procedure group is data including the equipment operation procedures of the flocculation tank 101 and the sludge dewatering machine for making the floc state in the flocculation tank 101 into a good floc state (i.e., the desired floc state) and making the moisture content of the dewatered sludge discharged from the sludge dewatering machine into a good moisture content (i.e., the desired sludge moisture content). That is, the equipment operation procedure group includes a plurality of equipment operation procedures, and regarding the flocculation tank 101, it includes an equipment operation procedure for making the flocs larger than the current state and an equipment operation procedure for making the flocs smaller than the current state. As an example, the equipment operation procedure for making the flocs larger than the current state includes the operation procedure of injecting a flocculant into the flocculation tank 101. Further, as an example, the equipment operation procedure for making the flocs smaller than the current state includes the operation procedure of changing the rotation speed of the stirring device to increase the rotation speed. Also, the equipment operation procedure group includes, regarding the sludge dewatering machine, an equipment operation procedure for increasing the dewatering pressure to make the moisture content of the dewatered sludge smaller than the current state and an equipment operation procedure for decreasing the dewatering pressure to make the moisture content of the dewatered sludge larger than the current state. As an example, the equipment operation procedure for making the moisture content of the dewatered sludge smaller than the current state includes the operation procedure of changing the dewatering pressure of the sludge dewatering machine by operating a pressure adjustment mechanism (e.g., a valve) provided in the sludge dewatering machine to increase the dewatering pressure. Further, as an example, the equipment operation procedure for making the moisture content of the dewatered sludge larger than the current state includes the operation procedure of changing the dewatering pressure of the sludge dewatering machine by operating a pressure adjustment mechanism provided in the sludge dewatering machine to decrease the dewatering pressure.

[0025] In this embodiment, an operation procedure display program used to display the facility operation procedures of the flocculation tank 101 and the sludge dewatering machine is stored in the storage resources of the computer 109. In the process of the operation procedure display program, the good flocculation state (i.e., the desired flocculation state) and the good moisture content of the dewatered sludge (i.e., the desired sludge moisture content) are compared with the current flocculation state (the in-operation flocculation state) obtained during the operation of the sewage sludge treatment facility and the current moisture content of the dewatered sludge obtained (the in-operation sludge moisture content). Then, in the operation procedure display program, a process is performed to display on the display device 110 the facility operation procedures for bringing the obtained flocculation state and the obtained moisture content of the dewatered sludge closer to the desired flocculation state and the desired sludge moisture content. In this embodiment, in the process of the operation procedure display program, a process is performed to select an appropriate facility operation procedure from the facility operation procedures stored in the storage resources to bring the desired flocculation state and the desired sludge moisture content closer. For example, when the current flocculation is smaller than the desired flocculation state, a facility operation procedure for making the flocculation larger than the current state is selected from the group of facility operation procedures, and a process is performed to display this facility operation procedure on the display device 110. Also, for example, when the current moisture content is larger than the desired sludge moisture content, a facility operation procedure for reducing the moisture content of the dewatered sludge is selected from the group of facility operation procedures, and a process is performed to display this facility operation procedure on the display device 110.

[0026] Next, an example of the operation of the sewage sludge treatment facility using the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, in the sewage sludge treatment facility, the coagulation treatment of sewage sludge is performed in the upstream flocculation tank 101, and the dehydration treatment of sewage sludge is performed in the sludge dewatering machine on the downstream side of the flocculation tank 101.

[0027] During the operation of the sewage sludge treatment facility, the current state of the flocs (the floc state during operation) generated by the addition of the flocculant is imaged over time by the imaging device 105, and the computer 109 acquires the image information of the current state of the aggregated flocs. Also, during the operation of the sewage sludge treatment facility, the current dewatered sludge discharged from the sludge dewatering machine is measured over time by the infrared measurement device 106, and the computer 109 acquires the infrared reflectance information of the dewatered sludge. Then, based on the analysis of the infrared reflectance information, the computer 109 acquires the current water content of the dewatered sludge (the sludge water content during operation).

[0028] During the operation of the sewage sludge treatment facility, the processor of the computer 109 executes an operation procedure display program to compare the current state of the aggregated flocs (the floc state during operation) and the current water content of the dewatered sludge (the sludge water content during operation) with the desired floc state and the desired sludge water content. Then, the processor outputs the equipment operation procedures for the flocculation tank 101 and the sludge dewatering machine to the display device 110 in order to bring the current state of the aggregated flocs and the current water content of the dewatered sludge closer to the desired floc state and the desired sludge water content, and displays the equipment operation procedures. In the process of the operation content display program, a real-time comparison process is performed, and the equipment operation procedures are output to the display device 110. Therefore, the latest equipment operation procedures are displayed on the display device 110.

[0029] The operator of the sewage sludge treatment facility appropriately operates the flocculation tank 101 and the sludge dewatering machine according to the information on the latest equipment operation procedures displayed on the display device 110, so that the current state of the aggregated flocs and the current water content of the dewatered sludge can be brought closer to the desired floc state and the desired sludge water content, and the sewage sludge treatment facility can be properly operated.

[0030] According to this embodiment, since the equipment operation procedures of the sewage sludge treatment facility for approaching the desired floc state and the desired sludge water content are displayed, for example, even for an operator with little experience, appropriate support for equipment operation can be provided, and appropriate equipment operation can be executed.

[0031] Next, the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system. In the description of this embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those already described may be omitted.

[0032] In the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system 200 in the second embodiment, a computer 109 is installed at a remote location different from the sewage sludge treatment plant where the sewage sludge treatment facility is provided. The computer 109 acquires information from the sewage sludge treatment facility via a communication network 201. Further, a display device 110 is installed at the sewage sludge treatment plant where the sewage sludge treatment facility is provided, and in the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system 200, a display based on the output from the computer 109 via the communication network 201 is performed.

[0033] In this embodiment, the computer 109 includes a processor, a storage resource, and a communication unit. The communication unit is configured as an interface for performing communication. Information output from the imaging signal processing device 107 and the infrared signal processing device 108 is input to the communication unit via the communication network 201. Further, the output from the computer 109 is input to the display device 110 via the communication unit and the communication network 201.

[0034] According to this embodiment, the computer 109 is installed at a remote location different from the sewage sludge treatment plant, and the computer 109 can be utilized as a distribution server for distributing information for supporting the operation of the sewage sludge treatment facility, and it is possible to realize the support of the facility operation of the operator of the sewage sludge treatment facility based on the information from the remote location.

[0035] Next, the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is an example of a display screen of the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system. In the description of this embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those already described may be omitted.

[0036] According to this embodiment, on the operation procedure display device screen 301 of the display device 110 (which may be referred to as the display screen), information related to the current year, date, and time, information related to the flocculation tank 101, and information related to the sludge dewatering machine are displayed. Here, as an example, the information related to the flocculation tank 101 and the information related to the sludge dewatering machine are each classified and displayed. Note that the information on the display screen 301 is displayed by executing an appropriate program. The program is stored in a storage resource and executed by a processor.

[0037] The display of information related to the year, date, and time may be displayed in an appropriate manner so that, for example, an operator can understand it. For the display of information related to the year, date, and time, for example, numbers and symbols are used.

[0038] As an example, the information related to the flocculation tank 101 includes information on the operation start time and operation time of the flocculation tank 101, information on the state of the flocculated flocs, and information on the equipment operation procedure related to the flocculation tank 101.

[0039] The display of the operation start time and operation time of the flocculation tank 101 may be displayed in an appropriate manner so that an operator of the sewage sludge treatment facility can understand it. For the display of the operation start time and operation time of the flocculation tank 101, for example, numbers and symbols are used.

[0040] The display of the flocculated floc state may be displayed in an appropriate manner so that an operator of the sewage sludge treatment facility can understand the current flocculated floc state. The display of the flocculated floc state may include, for example, image information obtained over time using the imaging device 105. Also, for example, the size of the flocculated flocs may be displayed by numerical values or characters, or the shape of the flocculated flocs may be displayed. Further, information related to the desired flocculated floc state may be included.

[0041] The information on the facility operation procedure for the agglomeration tank 101 includes the facility operation procedure for the agglomeration tank 101 selected from the group of facility operation procedures described in the first embodiment. Therefore, for example, it includes a facility operation procedure for adjusting the rotation speed of the stirring device of the agglomeration tank 101 to approach a desired agglomerated floc state, and a facility operation procedure for injecting a flocculant to approach a desired agglomerated floc state. The display information of the facility operation procedure for the agglomeration tank 101 may be displayed in an appropriate manner so that the operator of the sewage sludge treatment facility can understand the facility operation procedure for bringing the current agglomerated floc state closer to the desired agglomerated floc state. Further, by executing the injection amount calculation program, the rotation speed of the stirring device and the injection amount of the flocculant for achieving the desired agglomerated floc state are calculated from the difference between the desired agglomerated floc state and the current floc state, and by executing the operation procedure display program, the facility operation procedure generated by combining the calculated values with the facility operation procedure for the agglomeration tank 101 among the group of facility operation procedures may be displayed. For example, when the current floc state is smaller than the desired agglomerated floc state, by executing the injection amount calculation program, the injection amount of the main polymer flocculant for achieving the desired agglomerated floc state is calculated from the difference between the desired agglomerated floc and the current floc state, and by executing the operation procedure display program, the facility operation procedure including the injection amount of the polymer flocculant for achieving the desired agglomerated floc state may be displayed. Note that the injection amount calculation program is stored in the storage resource and executed by the processor. Also, similar to the case of the first embodiment, the latest facility operation procedure is displayed on the display device 110.

[0042] According to this embodiment, the specific facility operation procedure for achieving the desired agglomerated floc state is displayed. Therefore, for example, in the agglomeration facility, by monitoring the agglomerated flocs and displaying the indicators related to the state of the agglomerated flocs on the monitoring device, different from simply monitoring the state of the treatment plant, since the specific operation content is displayed, even an operator with little experience can perform proper operation management according to the displayed content.

[0043] The information related to the sludge dewatering machine includes, as an example, information on the operation start time and operation time of the sludge dewatering machine, information on the moisture content of the dewatered sludge, and information on the equipment operation procedures related to the sludge dewatering machine.

[0044] The display information on the operation start time and operation time of the sludge dewatering machine may be displayed in an appropriate manner so that the operator of the sewage sludge treatment equipment can understand it. For the display of the operation start time and operation time of the sludge dewatering machine, for example, numbers and symbols are used.

[0045] The information on the moisture content of the dewatered sludge (described as moisture content display in FIG. 3) is information on the moisture content of the dewatered sludge acquired by the infrared measuring device 106. The display of the information on the moisture content of the dewatered sludge may be displayed in an appropriate manner so that the operator of the sewage sludge treatment equipment can understand the current moisture content of the dewatered sludge. Also, information on the desired sludge moisture content may be included.

[0046] The information on the equipment operation procedures related to the sludge dewatering machine includes the equipment operation procedures related to the sludge dewatering machine selected from the equipment operation procedures of the equipment operation procedure group described in the first embodiment. Therefore, it includes the equipment operation procedures for adjusting the dewatering pressure of the sludge dewatering machine in order to approach the desired sludge moisture content. The display information on the equipment operation procedures of the sludge dewatering machine may be displayed in an appropriate manner so that the operator of the sewage sludge treatment equipment can understand the equipment operation procedures for approaching the current moisture content of the dewatered sludge to the desired sludge moisture content. Also, by executing the dewatering pressure calculation program, the dewatering pressure of the sludge dewatering machine for achieving the desired sludge moisture content is calculated from the difference between the desired sludge moisture content and the current moisture content, and by executing the operation procedure display program, the equipment operation procedures generated by combining the calculated dewatering pressure and the equipment operation procedures related to the sludge dewatering machine among the equipment operation procedure group may be displayed. That is, the equipment operation procedures including the dewatering pressure for achieving the desired sludge moisture content may be displayed. Note that the dewatering pressure calculation program is stored in the storage resource and executed by the processor. Also, as in the case of the first embodiment, the latest equipment operation procedures are displayed on the display device 110.

[0047] According to the present embodiment, during the operation of the agitating tank 101 and the sludge dehydrator, an equipment operation procedure for adjusting the dehydration pressure of the sludge dehydrator to achieve a desired sludge moisture content for the dehydrated sludge discharged from the sludge dehydrator, and an equipment operation procedure for injecting a main polymer flocculant to achieve a desired flocculated state of turbidity in the sewage are displayed on the display device 110. The equipment operation procedure for injecting the main polymer flocculant includes the injection amount of the main polymer flocculant.

[0048] Therefore, the equipment operation procedure related to the injection of the main polymer flocculant to approach the desired flocculated state and the equipment operation procedure for adjusting the dehydration pressure of the sludge dehydrator to approach the desired sludge moisture content can be presented to the operator of the sewage sludge treatment facility to provide operation support for the sewage sludge treatment facility.

[0049] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the description of this embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those already described may be omitted.

[0050] In this embodiment, regression line information, which is data of a regression line used to predict and calculate the moisture content of the dehydrated sludge, is stored in the storage resource. Then, in the process of the operation procedure display program, a predicted value of the dehydrated sludge is calculated using the regression line information stored in the storage resource, and the predicted value of the moisture content of the dehydrated sludge is compared with the desired sludge moisture content. Then, a process of displaying on the display device 110 the equipment operation procedure of the sludge dehydrator to bring the predicted value of the moisture content of the dehydrated sludge closer to the desired sludge moisture content is performed.

[0051] The regression line described above is obtained from dewatered sludge with known moisture content. An example of a method for obtaining regression line information will be described. In this method, infrared rays are irradiated onto dewatered sludge with known moisture content, and the infrared rays reflected from the dewatered sludge are measured over time by an infrared measuring device 106 (infrared sensor). Here, the data (time-series measurement information) obtained by the time-series measurement is stored in a storage resource. In order to obtain a highly accurate regression line, in this embodiment, infrared rays in the wavelength range of 1200 nm or more and 2500 nm or less are irradiated. Then, this method calculates the infrared reflectance (infrared spectrum) from the data obtained by the time-series measurement, performs a first-order differential process on the infrared reflectance, and executes a multivariate regression analysis on the result of the first-order differential process to obtain regression line information.

[0052] The method for obtaining regression line information will be described in more detail. The calculated infrared reflectance described above can be considered as spectral data (graph) with the reflectance (%) on the vertical axis and the wavelength (nm) on the horizontal axis as an example. And the result of performing a first-order differential process on the infrared reflectance (more specifically, the result of differentiating the reflectance value of the infrared reflectance) can be considered as a graph with the first-order differential value (dimensionless) on the vertical axis and the wavelength (nm) on the horizontal axis. Then, a regression line is obtained by executing a multivariate regression analysis on the result of the first-order differential process. Here, it is only necessary to be able to obtain an appropriate regression line. In the multivariate regression analysis, the number of variables (that is, the interval of data points in the wavelength range) can be determined as appropriate. And by inputting data based on the infrared reflectance into the regression line, a predicted value of the moisture content can be obtained.

[0053] And as described above, in this embodiment, in the process of the operation procedure display program, using the infrared reflectance acquired over time and the above-described regression line information, a predicted value of the water content of the dehydrated sludge discharged over time is calculated, and a comparison is made between the calculated predicted value of the water content of the dehydrated sludge and the desired sludge water content. Here, when obtaining the above-described regression line information, it is preferable that the dehydrated sludge with a known water content has a water content in the range of 60 wt% or more and less than 90 wt%. Also, the desired sludge water content is preferably a water content in the range of 60 wt% or more and less than 85 wt%. Thereby, a regression line with good accuracy can be obtained, and more appropriate equipment operation support (that is, display of a more appropriate equipment operation procedure) can be performed. Note that this numerical value is an example. Note that the desired sludge water content may be specified as a pinpoint value in addition to such a range specification.

[0054] Also, in this embodiment, the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system can perform the display shown in FIG. 4. The display screen will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is an example of the display screen of the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system.

[0055] On the display screen 401, information on the water content of the dehydrated sludge (in FIG. 4, sludge water content display) and information on the equipment operation procedure of the sludge dehydrator are displayed. Note that the information on the display screen 401 is displayed by executing an appropriate program. The program is stored in a storage resource and executed by a processor.

[0056] The display of the moisture content information of the dewatered sludge can be, for example, a graph including the regression line 403. In the graph, the horizontal axis shows the measured value (the moisture content obtained by actual measurement of the dewatered sludge), and the vertical axis shows the predicted moisture content. Also, for the display of the moisture content information of the dewatered sludge, the value of the desired sludge moisture content 402 may be indicated by a line parallel to the measured value (i.e., the horizontal axis). On the other hand, the display of the equipment operation procedure of the sludge dewatering machine includes the equipment operation procedure of the sludge dewatering machine based on the comparison between the predicted value of the moisture content obtained by inputting the measured value obtained by measuring the current dewatered sludge into the regression line 403 and the desired sludge moisture content. Then, the operator of the sewage sludge treatment facility can operate the sludge dewatering machine with reference to the sludge moisture content display and the display of the equipment operation procedure of the sludge dewatering machine.

[0057] Next, the fifth embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is an example of the display screen of the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system. In the description of this embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those already described may be omitted.

[0058] In this embodiment, on the display screen 501, the transition of the moisture content of the dewatered sludge when the operator operates the sludge dewatering machine according to the display information of the equipment operation procedure of the sludge dewatering machine is displayed. Specifically, on the display screen 501, the display information of the equipment operation procedure of the sludge dewatering machine and the information regarding the sludge moisture content (in FIG. 5, the sludge moisture content display) are displayed. Note that the information on the display screen 501 is displayed by executing an appropriate program. The program is stored in a storage resource and executed by a processor.

[0059] Here, the sludge moisture content display is shown by a graph as an example. The horizontal axis shows the operating time of the dehydrator, and the vertical axis shows the measured moisture content value. The operating time of the dehydrator on the horizontal axis shows the change in the operating time of the sludge dehydrator, indicating that time progresses from the left side to the right side of the graph. Also, the measured moisture content value on the vertical axis (i.e., moisture content value 503) can be shown as a plot for each predetermined time with respect to the operating time of the sludge dehydrator as an example. And the measured moisture content value can be shown as the measured value (i.e., the actual measured moisture content of the dewatered sludge at present) for the leftmost plot in the graph, and the plots on the right side thereof can be shown as predicted values. Note that a curve obtained by curve fitting may be displayed in the sludge moisture content display. Also, in the sludge moisture content display, the desired sludge moisture content 502 (i.e., the value of the desired sludge moisture content 502) may be shown by a straight line parallel to the operating time of the dehydrator (i.e., the horizontal axis).

[0060] When an operator operates the sludge dehydrator according to the display information of the equipment operation procedure of the sludge dehydrator, the change in the moisture content of the dewatered sludge is obtained by implementing an appropriate program. The change in the moisture content of the dewatered sludge (the change in the moisture content of the dewatered sludge until it reaches the desired sludge moisture content) can be obtained, for example, by estimating the time until the moisture content of the dewatered sludge converges to the desired sludge moisture content 502 when the sludge dehydrator is operated according to the equipment operation procedure of the sludge dehydrator displayed on the display screen 501.

[0061] According to the present embodiment, by displaying the change in the moisture content of the dewatered sludge (in other words, changing to the desired sludge moisture content by implementing the operation of the display information) when the sludge dehydrator is operated according to the display information of the equipment operation procedure of the sludge dehydrator, it is possible to support the equipment operation of the operator of the sewage sludge treatment facility.

[0062] Next, the sixth embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is an example of the display screen of the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system. In the description of the present embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those already described may be omitted.

[0063] On the display screen 601, the sludge moisture content display described in the above fifth embodiment, the sludge volume value which is the volume value of the dehydrated sludge, and the sludge disposal cost which is the disposal cost of the dehydrated sludge are displayed. Note that the information on the display screen 601 is displayed by executing an appropriate program. The program is stored in the memory resource and executed by the processor.

[0064] In this embodiment, a sludge volume value calculation program, a disposal cost calculation program, and a prediction display program are stored in the memory resource. Each program is executed by the processor.

[0065] The sludge volume value calculation program is a program used to calculate the sludge volume value which is the volume value of the dehydrated sludge dehydrated using a sludge dehydrator. In the process of the sludge volume value calculation and display program, the sludge volume value may be estimated by an appropriate method. The sludge volume value may be estimated, for example, based on the relationship between the dehydrator operation time (the time from the start of operation to the present) and the moisture content of the dehydrated sludge. For example, assuming that the dehydrated sludge is discharged quantitatively from the sludge dehydrator, the sludge volume value may be estimated based on the dehydrator operation time. Also, the sludge volume value may be estimated by adding an adjustment based on the moisture content. Note that the sludge volume value calculation program may be used to display the calculated sludge volume value on the display device 110. The sludge volume value calculation program may be used, for example, to display the current sludge volume value on the display device 110.

[0066] The disposal cost calculation program is a program used to calculate the sludge disposal cost based on the sludge volume value calculated by executing the sludge volume value calculation program. In the process of the disposal cost calculation program, the sludge disposal cost may be estimated by an appropriate method. For example, the disposal cost data associating the volume value of the dewatered sludge with the disposal cost of the dewatered sludge is stored in the storage resource, and the sludge volume value calculated by executing the sludge volume value calculation program is matched with the data, whereby the sludge disposal cost is estimated. Note that the disposal cost calculation program may be used to display the calculated sludge disposal cost on the display device 110. The disposal cost calculation program may be used to display, for example, the current sludge disposal cost on the display device 110.

[0067] The prediction display program is a program used to predict the sludge volume value and the sludge disposal cost with respect to the operating time of the sludge dehydrator. In the process of the prediction display program, the predicted value of the sludge volume value and the predicted value of the sludge disposal cost may be estimated by an appropriate method.

[0068] The predicted value of the sludge volume value can be obtained, for example, as follows. That is, when the sludge dehydrator operates to obtain dewatered sludge with a desired sludge moisture content (in other words, when the sludge dehydrator is operated according to the equipment operation procedure displayed on the display device 110 and the moisture content of the dewatered sludge changes while converging to the desired sludge moisture content), the data associating the operating time of the sludge dehydrator with the change in the sludge volume value is stored in the storage resource. Then, by applying the operating time of the sludge dehydrator up to the time for predicting the sludge volume value to the data, the sludge volume value (predicted value) at the time of prediction can be obtained.

[0069] On the other hand, the predicted value of the sludge disposal cost can be obtained, for example, by matching the obtained predicted value of the sludge volume value with the disposal cost data described above.

[0070] The prediction display program is a program used to cause the display device 110 to display the predicted value of the sludge volume obtained and the predicted value of the sludge disposal cost. The display mode of the predicted value of the sludge volume and the predicted value of the sludge disposal cost is not particularly limited, and for example, numerical values and characters are used for the display of these predicted values.

[0071] In the process of the above-described prediction display program, predicted values (predicted value of sludge volume, predicted value of sludge disposal cost) after an appropriate predetermined time are calculated. As an example, the predicted value of the annual sludge disposal cost may be obtained. The predicted value of the annual sludge disposal cost can be obtained, for example, by the following method. For example, the predicted value of the sludge volume per day is obtained, and the obtained sludge volume value is converted into the annual sludge volume value (that is, the predicted value of the sludge volume value for one day × 365 is executed). Then, the predicted value of the annual sludge volume value obtained is matched with the data related to the sludge disposal cost (that is, the disposal cost data associating the volume value of the dewatered sludge and the disposal cost of the dewatered sludge), whereby the predicted value of the annual sludge disposal cost is obtained. Also, the predicted value of the sludge volume per day may be obtained, the sludge disposal cost per day may be obtained from the sludge volume value, and the process of converting the sludge disposal cost per day into the annual sludge disposal cost may be performed.

[0072] According to this embodiment, the sludge volume value can be calculated, the calculated sludge volume value can be displayed on the display device 110, the sludge disposal cost can be calculated, and the calculated sludge disposal cost can be displayed on the display device 110, thereby assisting the operation of the sewage sludge treatment facility by the operator.

[0073] Also, according to this embodiment, it is possible to predict the sludge volume value and the sludge disposal cost with respect to the operating time of the sludge dehydrator.

[0074] Also, according to this embodiment, it is possible to predict the annual sludge disposal cost and cause the display device 110 to display the predicted annual sludge disposal cost, thereby assisting the operation of the sewage sludge treatment facility by the operator.

[0075] Next, the seventh embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is an example of a display screen of the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system. In the description of this embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those already described may be omitted.

[0076] In this embodiment, a histogram regarding the state of the flocculated flocs (in the figure, the flocculated floc state histogram) is displayed on the display screen 701. This histogram is obtained by performing image processing on the image information acquired by the imaging device 105, and is data with the number of flocculated flocs as the frequency and the area of the flocculated flocs, which is the area of the flocculated flocs, as the class. Note that the information on the display screen 701 is displayed by executing an appropriate program. The program is stored in a storage resource and executed by a processor.

[0077] Here, the image processing for obtaining the histogram will be described. This image processing includes a process of clarifying the flocculated flocs and calculating the area of the flocculated flocs, which is the area of the flocculated flocs.

[0078] Specifically, this image processing includes a process of converting the image information acquired by the imaging device 105 into a monochrome image, a process of performing histogram equalization processing on the monochrome image, and a process of performing Gaussian filter processing on the image obtained by the histogram equalization processing. That is, the image acquired by the imaging device 105 is converted into a monochrome image and flattened (that is, high-contrasted) by histogram equalization processing. Then, Gaussian filter processing is performed on the image that has undergone histogram equalization processing (that is, processing for blurring the image and smoothly adjusting the luminance is performed).

[0079] Furthermore, this image processing includes a process of performing binarization processing on the image obtained by the above Gaussian filter processing, a process of extracting a pixel region with a sewage region as a background portion from the image obtained by the binarization processing, and a process of extracting the contour of the pixel region and extracting a pixel connected region with respect to the background portion. That is, the image processed by the Gaussian filter is converted into a binary image (for example, black and white) based on the binarization processing. Then, in the binary image, in order to analyze the coagulated flock portion, a pixel region with a sewage region as a background portion is extracted. Thereby, the coagulated flock portion is extracted. Further, the contour of the pixel region is extracted. Then, the connectivity with the contour of the pixel region is determined, a portion having the same value as the pixels of the contour of the pixel region is extracted from the background portion, and a pixel connected region with respect to the background portion is extracted.

[0080] Furthermore, this image processing includes a process of obtaining an integrated pixel number obtained by integrating the number of pixels of the pixel connected region as the shape of the coagulated flock, and a process of calculating the coagulated flock area, which is the area of the coagulated flock, by converting the integrated pixel number based on the area of the image measured (acquired) by the imaging device 105. That is, in these processes, the number of pixels (integrated pixel number) of the pixel connected region is obtained, and the coagulated flock area is converted from the integrated pixel number in consideration of the area of the image acquired by the imaging device 105.

[0081] Then, the above histogram is generated using the coagulated flock area obtained by the above image processing. Here, the number of coagulated flocks can be obtained, for example, by imaging and acquiring with the imaging device 105 or appropriately obtained in the process of image processing. Also, the image processing and the process of generating the histogram are performed by executing an appropriate program.

[0082] In this embodiment, the processor uses an operation procedure display program to compare a histogram obtained from the image information measured over time by the imaging device 105 during the operation of the sewage sludge treatment facility with a histogram related to the desired floc state, and displays on the display device 110 an equipment operation procedure (for example, an operation of injecting a polymer flocculant) for bringing the state of the floc in the sewage sludge treatment facility closer to the floc state based on the desired floc state.

[0083] In FIG. 7, a histogram obtained by performing image processing on the image information acquired by the imaging device 105 during the operation of the sewage sludge treatment facility is displayed on the display screen 701. However, on the display screen 701, for example, histograms of the desired floc state (a histogram in which the floc area is the class and the number of flocs is the frequency) may be displayed together.

[0084] According to this embodiment, a histogram related to the state of the floc and an equipment operation procedure (for example, an operation of injecting a polymer flocculant) for bringing the state of the floc closer to the floc state based on the desired floc state are displayed on the display device 110, and equipment operation support for the operator of the sewage sludge treatment facility can be provided. For example, when the floc is smaller than the desired floc, an equipment operation procedure including the injection amount of the polymer flocculant for bringing it to the desired floc state (in other words, to make it the representative floc area in the histogram) may be displayed in order to add a flocculant to the flocculation tank 101 to increase the floc. On the other hand, for example, when the floc is larger than the desired floc, an equipment operation procedure for increasing the rotation speed of the stirring device to increase the stirring speed of the flocculation tank 101 to reduce the floc may be displayed.

[0085] Further, it is preferable that the aggregated flocs in the image information acquired by the imaging device 105 are aggregates having a length range of 1 mm or more and 50 mm or less. Thereby, it is possible to perform image processing with high accuracy and provide more appropriate facility operation support (that is, display a more appropriate facility operation procedure).

[0086] Next, a description will be given of the eighth embodiment. FIG. 8 is an example of a display screen of the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system. In the description of this embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those already described may be omitted.

[0087] In this embodiment, on the display screen 801, the transition of the floc area is displayed when an operator operates the agitating tank 101 in accordance with the display information of the facility operation procedure of the agitating tank 101. Specifically, on the display screen 801, the display information of the facility operation procedure of the agitating tank 101 and information related to the floc area (in FIG. 8, the number of flocs) are displayed. Note that the information on the display screen 801 is displayed by executing an appropriate program. The program is stored in a storage resource and executed by a processor.

[0088] Here, as an example, the information related to the floc area is shown by a graph, where the horizontal axis represents the operating time of the agitating tank 101 and the vertical axis represents the floc area. The operating time of the agitating tank on the horizontal axis indicates the transition of the operating time of the agitating tank 101, showing that time progresses from the left side to the right side of the graph. Also, as an example, the floc area on the vertical axis can be shown as plots at predetermined time intervals with respect to the operating time of the agitating tank 101. And the floc area can be shown in the graph with the leftmost plot as the measured value (that is, the current floc area), and the plots on the right side thereof as predicted values. Note that a curve obtained by curve fitting may be displayed in the information related to the floc area. Also, in the information related to the floc area, the value of the floc area in the desired aggregated floc state may be shown by a straight line parallel to the operating time of the agitating tank (that is, the horizontal axis).

[0089] Further, in the present embodiment, the flock area can be calculated and used, for example, as the area of a representative aggregated flock from a histogram regarding the state of the aggregated flocks in the seventh embodiment. Also, the transition of the flock area (the change in the flock area until the desired aggregated flock state is achieved) can be determined, for example, when the agitating tank 101 is operated according to the equipment operation procedure of the agitating tank 101 displayed on the display screen 801 (here, the display of the equipment operation procedure of the agitating tank 101 can be made the same as, for example, the display screen 701 described in the seventh embodiment), by estimating the time until the flock area converges to the flock area in the desired aggregated flock state.

[0090] According to the present embodiment, by displaying the transition of the flock area (in other words, the change to the desired aggregated flock state by the execution of the operation of the display information) when the agitating tank 101 is operated according to the display information of the equipment operation procedure of the agitating tank 101, it is possible to support the equipment operation of the operator of the sewage sludge treatment facility.

[0091] Next, the ninth embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is an algorithm flow showing an example of the use of the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system using the image analysis method of the measured aggregated flock image. Note that descriptions overlapping with those already described may be omitted. Also, the algorithm flow in FIG. 9 is a process performed by the processor executing an appropriate program.

[0092] After starting the operation of the sewage sludge treatment facility, image measurement of the agitating tank 101 by the imaging device 105 is performed, and the acquired image information is stored in the storage resource (processes 901 to 903). Then, the image processing described in the above seventh embodiment is performed. That is, for the image information stored in the storage resource, monochrome image conversion processing, histogram averaging processing, Gaussian filter processing, binarization processing, contour extraction, extraction of connected pixel regions, and calculation of the area inside the contour (that is, calculation of the aggregated flock area) are performed (processes 904 to 910).

[0093] Here, the above-described processes (processes 904 to 910) are executed, for example, by a skilled operator who has rich empirical values regarding the operation of sewage sludge treatment facilities. And data on the state of flocculated flocs, which is considered good for a skilled operator, is stored (learned) in a storage resource as a desired floc state (in this example, a histogram of the desired floc state) (process 912).

[0094] In subsequent processes (that is, after process 912 and after saving the learning information), by executing an operation procedure display program by the processor, a histogram obtained by performing image processing on the image information acquired from the sewage sludge treatment facility (that is, the histogram obtained by performing processes 902 to 910) is compared with the histogram of the desired floc state obtained in the above process 912, and a display of the facility operation procedure of the flocculation tank 101 for bringing the current state of the flocculated flocs closer to the desired floc state is performed (process 911). In this process 911, for example, the display screen 701 on which the histogram is displayed can be displayed. And by operating according to the displayed facility operation procedure, even an operator with little empirical value can execute appropriate facility operation.

[0095] Next, the tenth embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is an algorithm flow showing an example of a method for obtaining a regression line from an infrared reflectance and predicting a moisture content using the regression line in a sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system. Note that descriptions overlapping with those already described may be omitted. Also, the algorithm flow in FIG. 10 is a process performed by the processor executing an appropriate program.

[0096] After starting the operation of the sludge dewatering machine (Process 1001), the regression line information described in the above fourth embodiment is obtained. That is, infrared rays are irradiated onto dehydrated sludge with a known water content, and the infrared rays reflected from the dehydrated sludge are measured over time. Then, a first-order differential process is performed on the infrared reflectance calculated from the measurement information, and a multivariate regression analysis is performed on the result of the first-order differential process to calculate a water content regression line (Processes 1002 to 1005). Then, the water content regression line calculated from the dehydrated sludge with a known water content is stored (learned) in the memory resource (Process 1006).

[0097] In the subsequent process (that is, after Process 1006), data based on the infrared reflectance obtained during the operation of the sewage sludge treatment facility is input to the water content regression line stored (learned) in the memory resource, and a predicted value of the water content based on the water content regression line is calculated (Processes 1007 to 1009).

[0098] By the way, the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system (100, 200) described above may be provided with, for example, a temperature sensor. Then, data regarding the temperature of the dehydrated sludge discharged from the sludge dewatering machine is measured and obtained by the temperature sensor, and the data regarding the temperature of the dehydrated sludge may be used to select and display the facility operation procedure of the sludge dewatering machine for bringing the water content of the dehydrated sludge closer to the desired sludge water content in the process of the operation procedure display program.

[0099] Here, in order to bring the water content rate of the dehydrated sludge discharged from the sludge dehydrator closer to the desired sludge water content rate, the method of using the data obtained from the temperature sensor is not particularly limited. For example, the desired sludge temperature as data of the temperature of the dehydrated sludge with the desired sludge water content rate is stored in the storage resource, and in the process of the operation procedure display program, the current temperature of the dehydrated sludge measured by the temperature sensor during the operation of the sewage sludge treatment facility is compared with the desired sludge temperature, and the equipment operation procedure of the sludge dehydrator for bringing the current temperature of the dehydrated sludge closer to the desired sludge temperature may be displayed on the display device 110. For example, when the current temperature of the dehydrated sludge is lower than the desired sludge temperature, since it is considered that the water content rate of the current dehydrated sludge is higher than the desired sludge water content rate, information regarding the equipment operation procedure for increasing the dehydration pressure of the sludge dehydrator among the equipment operation procedure groups may be displayed. Also, for example, when the current temperature of the dehydrated sludge is higher than the desired sludge temperature, since it is considered that the water content rate of the current dehydrated sludge is lower than the desired sludge water content rate, information regarding the equipment operation procedure for decreasing the dehydration pressure of the sludge dehydrator among the equipment operation procedure groups may be displayed. Further, by executing the dehydration pressure calculation program, an appropriate dehydration pressure may be calculated from the difference between the current temperature of the dehydrated sludge and the desired sludge temperature, and the equipment operation procedure including the calculated dehydration pressure may be displayed.

[0100] In the case of sewage sludge treatment facilities, the position of the temperature sensor is not particularly limited as long as it can appropriately measure the temperature of the dehydrated sludge. The temperature sensor can be appropriately provided, for example, at the discharge section 103 of the sludge dehydrator, in the flow path of the dehydrated sludge on the downstream side of the discharge section 103 of the sludge dehydrator (for example, the conveyance path of the dehydrated sludge), in the sludge storage tank 104, etc. Further, as an example, the measurement data of the temperature sensor is signal-processed by an appropriate method and used in the processing of the computer 109. Note that the measurement data of the temperature sensor may be the temperature of the sludge dehydration itself, the temperature (ambient temperature) around the sludge dehydration, or both, as long as it is the temperature related to the sludge dehydration. And a more preferable position of the temperature sensor is preferably around the infrared measurement device or around the position where the infrared measurement device irradiates the dehydrated sludge with infrared rays. As described above or below, the infrared measurement device irradiates the dehydrated sludge with infrared rays and calculates the absorbance based on the reflected light to obtain the basis for calculating the moisture content. Therefore, when the temperatures of the dehydrated sludge and air existing on the infrared irradiation and reflection paths are not constant, the amount of infrared rays emitted by the dehydrated sludge itself and the air itself changes. As a result, the infrared wavelength distribution (infrared spectrum) of the infrared absorbance changes depending on the temperature of the dehydrated sludge and the air on the path, so it is necessary to consider the temperature. Note that the temperature sensor may be installed at an arbitrary position in the sewage sludge treatment facility. Also, the temperature indicated in the meteorological data may be used for measuring the ambient temperature.

[0101] Similar to the case of the above temperature sensor, a humidity sensor may be provided, for example, in the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system (100, 200). And data regarding the humidity around the dehydrated sludge discharged from the sludge dehydrator is measured and obtained by the humidity sensor, and the data regarding the humidity of the dehydrated sludge may be used to select and display the facility operation procedure of the sludge dehydrator for bringing the moisture content of the dehydrated sludge closer to the desired sludge moisture content in the processing of the operation procedure display program.

[0102] Here, the method of using the data obtained from the humidity sensor in order to bring the water content rate of the dehydrated sludge discharged from the sludge dehydrator closer to the desired sludge water content rate is not particularly limited. For example, the desired sludge humidity as data on the humidity of the dehydrated sludge with the desired sludge water content rate is stored in the storage resource, and in the processing of the operation procedure display program, the current humidity of the dehydrated sludge measured by the humidity sensor during the operation of the sewage sludge treatment facility is compared with the desired sludge humidity, and the facility operation procedure of the sludge dehydrator for bringing the current humidity of the dehydrated sludge closer to the desired sludge humidity may be displayed on the display device 110. For example, when the current humidity of the dehydrated sludge is lower than the desired sludge humidity, since it is considered that the water content rate of the current dehydrated sludge is lower than the desired sludge water content rate, information regarding the facility operation procedure for reducing the dehydration pressure of the sludge dehydrator among the facility operation procedure groups may be displayed. Further, for example, when the current humidity of the dehydrated sludge is higher than the desired sludge humidity, since it is considered that the water content rate of the current dehydrated sludge is higher than the desired sludge water content rate, information regarding the facility operation procedure for increasing the dehydration pressure of the sludge dehydrator among the facility operation procedure groups may be displayed. Further, by executing the dehydration pressure calculation program, the dehydration pressure may be calculated from the difference between the current humidity of the dehydrated sludge and the desired sludge humidity, and the facility operation procedure including the calculated dehydration pressure may be displayed.

[0103] Incidentally, the position of the humidity sensor is not particularly limited as long as it can appropriately measure the humidity of the dewatered sludge. The humidity sensor can be appropriately provided, for example, in the sludge dewatering machine discharge section 103, the flow path of the dewatered sludge on the downstream side of the sludge dewatering machine discharge section 103 (for example, the conveyance path of the dewatered sludge), the sludge storage tank 104, etc. Further, as an example, the measurement data of the humidity sensor is signal-processed by an appropriate method and used in the processing of the computer 109. Incidentally, a more suitable position of the humidity sensor is preferably around the infrared measurement device or around the position where the infrared measurement device irradiates the dewatered sludge with infrared rays. This is because if there is high-humidity air on the infrared irradiation and reflection paths, the amount of infrared rays absorbed by the air changes, so it is necessary to consider the humidity. Incidentally, if the humidity is almost unchanged as a whole for the sewage sludge treatment facility, the data of the humidity sensor at an arbitrary position of the sewage sludge treatment facility may be used as a substitute. Furthermore, the humidity indicated in the meteorological data may be used.

[0104] In this way, it is possible to display the facility operation procedure based on the data obtained from the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor, and provide operation support for the operator of the sewage sludge treatment facility.

[0105] Then, the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system (100, 200) may be provided with both the above-described temperature sensor and humidity sensor, or may be provided with either the temperature sensor or the humidity sensor.

[0106] Next, an example of the measurement location by the temperature sensor will be described more specifically. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system according to the 11th embodiment. Incidentally, in the description of this embodiment, descriptions that overlap with the already described content may be omitted.

[0107] In this embodiment, the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system 1100 is provided to achieve operation support and control of the sewage sludge treatment facility for improving the efficiency of sewage sludge treatment in a sewage sludge treatment plant where sewage sludge treatment facilities such as a sludge thickening tank 1101, a thickened sludge storage tank 1102, a flocculation tank 1103, a sludge dehydrator 1104, and a sludge storage tank 1105 are installed, as the flow of the sewage sludge treatment process.

[0108] The sludge thickening tank 1101 is configured as a tank for thickening raw sludge supplied from the upstream side. In the sludge thickening tank 1101, a process of separating moisture from the raw sludge to reduce the water content (for example, a process of sedimenting the sludge by gravity sedimentation and separating the supernatant to increase the concentration) is performed. The thickened sludge storage tank 1102 is configured as a tank for storing the thickened sludge whose water content has been reduced and thickened in the sludge thickening tank 1101. Note that, in the thickened sludge storage tank 1102, a process of thickening the sludge may be performed. In the thickened sludge storage tank 1102, for example, a process based on sedimentation separation may be performed in the same manner as in the case of the sludge thickening tank 1101.

[0109] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, temperature sensors (1106 to 1109) are provided so as to be able to measure the temperature at a plurality of locations. Specifically, the temperature sensor 1106 is provided so as to be able to measure the water temperature of the sludge thickening tank 1101. The temperature sensor 1107 is provided so as to be able to measure the water temperature of the thickened sludge storage tank 1102. The temperature sensor 1108 is provided so as to be able to measure the water temperature of the flocculation tank 1103. Further, the temperature sensor 1109 is provided so as to be able to measure the temperature of the dehydrated sludge.

[0110] Then, the temperature measurement signals acquired by the plurality of temperature sensors (1106 to 1109) are output to the signal processing device 1110. The signal processing device 1110 performs signal processing on the input temperature measurement signals, acquires temperature information, and the acquired temperature information is output to the computer 1111.

[0111] In this embodiment, temperature sensors are appropriately provided in the sludge thickening tank 1101 and the thickened sludge storage tank 1102, which are facilities in the sewage treatment process, to measure the water temperature of the tanks. Thus, the computer 1111 can obtain information on the state of the sludge entering the flocculation tank (1103). Then, by executing the operation procedure display program, the computer 1111 can display the equipment operation content based on the information on the state of the sludge entering the flocculation tank (1103). For example, when the water temperature of the sludge thickening tank 1101 or the thickened sludge storage tank 1102 is higher than that during normal operation, more gas based on fermentation (for example, anaerobic fermentation) is generated from the sludge than during normal operation, and it is considered that the sludge in a state where fermentation has progressed (in other words, sludge with physical properties different from normal) enters the flocculation tank 1103. Therefore, in this case, by executing the injection amount calculation program, the injection amount of the polymer flocculant may be adjusted based on the temperature information obtained from the temperature sensors (1106, 1107), and by executing the operation procedure display program, the equipment operation procedure for injecting the adjusted injection amount of the polymer flocculant may be displayed on the display device 1112. In this way, the display of the equipment operation procedure based on the data obtained by the temperature sensor can be performed to assist the operation of the workers of the sewage sludge treatment equipment. Although an example of obtaining the temperature related to the dewatered sludge through the water temperature has been described in detail, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a temperature sensor may be provided at a position in contact with the dewatered sludge to obtain the temperature of the dewatered sludge.

[0112] Note that, as shown in FIG. 11, the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system 1100 may be appropriately provided with a gas sensor (1107) for detecting gas generated from sludge in the thickened sludge storage tank (1102). The gas measurement signal obtained by this gas sensor (1107) is output to the signal processing device 1110. The signal processing device 1110 performs signal processing on the input gas measurement signal to obtain gas information, and the obtained gas information is output to the computer 1111. Then, similar to the case of the above-described temperature sensors (1106, 1107), the computer 1111 adjusts the injection amount of the polymer flocculant based on the gas information obtained from the gas sensor (1107) by executing the injection amount calculation program, and by executing the operation procedure display program, the equipment operation procedure for injecting the polymer flocculant with the adjusted injection amount may be displayed on the display device 1112. In this way, by incorporating the gas information generated from the sludge entering the flocculation tank (1103) and displaying the equipment operation procedure based on the data obtained by the gas sensor (1107), it is possible to support the operation of the workers of the sewage sludge treatment facility.

[0113] Also, based on the temperature information of the water temperature in the flocculation tank 1103 obtained by the temperature sensor 1108, the equipment operation procedure for performing good flocculation treatment to generate a desired floc state is displayed in the flocculation tank 1103. For example, when the water temperature in the flocculation tank 1103 deviates from the reference temperature or the reference temperature range, it is considered that the solubility of the polymer flocculant decreases and poor flocculation occurs. Therefore, in this case, the injection amount of the polymer flocculant may be adjusted based on the temperature information obtained by the temperature sensor 1109 by executing the injection amount calculation program, and the equipment operation procedure for injecting the polymer flocculant with the adjusted injection amount may be displayed on the display device 1112 by executing the operation procedure display program. Here, the reference temperature and the reference temperature range are data indicating the temperature or temperature range at which appropriate flocculation treatment can be performed to generate a desired floc state, and are stored in the storage resource.

[0114] Also, in the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system 1100 in the present embodiment, the same processing as the description of the temperature sensor in the case of the above sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system (100, 200) is performed. That is, based on the temperature information of the dewatered sludge acquired by the temperature sensor 1109 through the processing of the operation procedure display program, the facility operation procedure for bringing the moisture content of the dewatered sludge closer to the desired sludge moisture content is displayed on the display device 1112.

[0115] Next, the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system 1200 according to the 12th embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system. In the description of the present embodiment, descriptions overlapping with those already described may be omitted.

[0116] In the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system 1200 in the 12th embodiment, the computer 1111 is installed at a remote location different from the sewage sludge treatment plant where the sewage sludge treatment facility is provided, and the computer 1111 acquires information from the sewage sludge treatment facility via the communication network 1201. Further, the display device 1112 is installed at the sewage sludge treatment plant where the sewage sludge treatment facility is provided, and in the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system 1200, display is performed based on the output from the computer 1111 via the communication network 1201.

[0117] In the present embodiment, the computer 1111 includes a processor, a storage resource, and a communication unit. The communication unit is configured as an interface for performing communication. The information output from the signal processing device 1110 is input to the communication unit via the communication network 1201. Further, the output from the computer 1111 is input to the display device 1112 via the communication unit and the communication network 1201.

[0118] According to this embodiment, a computer 1111 is installed at a remote location different from the sewage sludge treatment plant, and the computer 1111 can be utilized as a distribution server for distributing information for assisting the operation of the sewage sludge treatment facility, and it is possible to realize the assistance of the facility operation of the operator of the sewage sludge treatment facility based on the information from the remote location.

[0119] Next, the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system 1300 according to the 13th embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system. In the description of this embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those already described may be omitted.

[0120] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system 1300 includes a plurality of image cameras (1305 to 1308) for photographing the operation panels of the sewage sludge treatment facility. Specifically, the image camera 1305 is provided so as to be able to photograph the operation panel 1301 of the sludge thickening tank. The image camera 1306 is provided so as to be able to photograph the operation panel 1302 of the thickened sludge storage tank. The image camera 1307 is provided so as to be able to photograph the operation panel 1303 of the flocculation tank. The image camera 1308 is provided so as to be able to photograph the operation panel 1308 of the sludge dehydrator.

[0121] Then, the image signals acquired by the plurality of image cameras (1305 to 1308) are output to the signal processing device 1309. The signal processing device 1309 performs signal processing on the input image signals, acquires operation panel information, and the acquired operation panel information is output to the computer 1310.

[0122] In this embodiment, an image capture device for photographing an operation panel for operating a sludge thickening tank 1301, a thickened sludge storage tank 1302, a flocculation tank 1303, and a sludge dehydrator 1304 is appropriately provided, so that the state indicated by the instruments on the operation panel can be obtained by image recognition from the captured image, and an appropriate facility operation procedure can be displayed on a display device 1311. Here, the image recognition can be an appropriate matching process. That is, image data of an image obtained by photographing the state indicated by the instruments on the operation panel in a desired floc state and at a desired sludge moisture content is recorded in a storage resource, and by executing an appropriate image recognition program, a comparison is made between the image data and the image data of the state indicated by the current instruments. Note that the image recognition program is stored in the storage resource and executed by a processor. Then, the computer 1310, by executing an operation procedure display program, appropriately selects from among a group of facility operation procedures an operation procedure for the facility to approach the state indicated by the instruments in the desired floc state and at the desired sludge moisture content based on the result of the image recognition, or appropriately generates an operation procedure for the facility including the injection amount of the polymer flocculant and the dehydration pressure of the sludge dehydrator, and displays the facility operation procedure on the display device 1311. In this way, in this embodiment, the display of the facility operation procedure based on the data of the instruments on the operation panel can be performed, and the operation support for the operator of the sewage sludge treatment facility can be provided.

[0123] Next, a sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system 1400 according to the 14th embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system. Note that, in the description of this embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those already described may be omitted.

[0124] In the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system 1400 in the 14th embodiment, a computer 1310 is installed at a remote location different from the sewage sludge treatment plant where the sewage sludge treatment facility is provided. The computer 1310 acquires information from the sewage sludge treatment facility via a communication network 1401. Also, a display device 1311 is installed at the sewage sludge treatment plant where the sewage sludge treatment facility is provided, and in the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system 1400, a display based on the output from the computer 1310 via the communication network 1401 is performed.

[0125] In this embodiment, the computer 1310 includes a processor, a storage resource, and a communication unit. The communication unit is configured as an interface for performing communication. Information output from the signal processing device 1309 is input to the communication unit via the communication network 1401. Also, the output from the computer 1310 is input to the display device 1311 via the communication unit and the communication network 1401.

[0126] According to this embodiment, the computer 1310 is installed at a remote location different from the sewage sludge treatment plant, and the computer 1310 can be utilized as a distribution server for distributing information for supporting the operation of the sewage sludge treatment facility, and it is possible to realize the support for the facility operation of the operator of the sewage sludge treatment facility based on the information from the remote location.

[0127] As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail for better understanding of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described.

[0128] Also in the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation systems (1100, 1200, 1300, 1400), as described in the case of the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation systems (100, 200), processing using an imaging device 105, an infrared measurement device 106, a humidity sensor, etc. may be performed.

[0129] The position of the infrared measurement device 106 described above is not particularly limited as long as it can appropriately measure the dewatered sludge. The infrared measurement device 106 can be appropriately provided, for example, at the sludge dehydrator discharge section 103, in the flow path of the dewatered sludge on the downstream side of the sludge dehydrator discharge section 103 (for example, the conveyance path of the dewatered sludge), the sludge storage tank 104, etc.

[0130] The position of the imaging device 105 described above is not particularly limited as long as it can appropriately measure the flocculated flocs in the flocculation tank 101. The imaging device 105 can be appropriately provided, for example, at a position where it can measure the flocculated flocs in the flocculation tank 101, inside the flocculation tank 101, outside the flocculation tank 101, in the sludge flow path on the downstream side of the flocculation tank 101, etc.

[0131] In the above embodiment, signal processing of the acquired data is performed by the imaging signal processing device 107 and the infrared signal processing device 108. However, for example, the imaging signal processing device 107 and the infrared signal processing device 108 may be configured as part of a computer to perform signal processing of the data acquired by the computer. Also, the imaging signal processing device 107 and the infrared signal processing device 108 may be omitted, and a program for performing the signal processing may be stored in the storage resources of the computer, and the signal processing may be performed by executing the program by a processor. Similarly, the signal processing devices (1110, 1309) may also be configured as part of a computer. The signal processing devices (1110, 1309) may be omitted, and the computer may perform signal processing.

[0132] As an example of the processor, a CPU can be considered, but other semiconductor devices (for example, a GPU) may also be used as long as it is the main body for executing a predetermined process.

[0133] As an example, the storage resources can be considered to be a hard disk drive (HDD; Hard disk drive), but the storage resources can be an appropriate recording device. The storage resources may be, for example, a solid state drive (SSD; Solid State Drive) which is a drive using a semiconductor element memory.

[0134] The 15th embodiment will be described. Note that the same explanations as above may be omitted. In the 15th embodiment, a form of a sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system that calculates a water content prediction value, which is a predicted value of the water content, by a calculation method different from that in the 4th embodiment will be described. In this form, since the calculation method of the water content is different and the usage method of the water content in the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system is the same as that in the 4th embodiment, the description of the usage method may be omitted.

[0135] In this embodiment, regression line information, which is regression line data used to predict and calculate the water content of dehydrated sludge, is stored in a memory resource. Then, in the process of the operation procedure display program, a predicted value of the dehydrated sludge is calculated using the regression line information stored in the memory resource, and the predicted value of the water content of the dehydrated sludge is compared with the desired sludge water content. Then, a process of displaying on the display device 110 the facility operation procedure of the sludge dehydrator for bringing the predicted value of the water content of the dehydrated sludge closer to the desired sludge water content is performed.

[0136] The regression line is obtained from dehydrated sludge with a known water content. Here, an example of a method for obtaining regression line information will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the analysis process for calculating the water content of dehydrated sludge. This method irradiates dehydrated sludge with a known water content with infrared rays after the start of equipment operation (S101), and measures the infrared rays reflected from the dehydrated sludge over time with an infrared measurement device (infrared sensor). Here, the data (time-series measurement information) obtained by the time-series measurement is stored in the storage resource. In order to obtain a highly accurate regression line, in this embodiment, infrared rays in the wavelength range of 1200 nm or more and 2500 nm or less are irradiated. Then, this method calculates the absorbance (infrared spectrum) of the infrared reflected light from the data obtained by the time-series measurement (S102), performs a smoothing process on the absorbance of the infrared reflected light, and performs an offset correction (baseline correction) on the result of the smoothing process (S103). After that, this method obtains the regression line information (S105) by performing a multivariate regression analysis (in this example, a multiple regression analysis) (S104), and stores (learns) the calculated regression line information of the water content in the storage resource (S106). Note that the regression line information may be, for example, a regression coefficient or a correction coefficient, but may be any other coefficient as long as it is a coefficient that defines the regression line (which may not actually be a linear function based on the definition of statistics). Also, when the regression line can be expressed by a plurality of functions, it may be an identifier assigned to the function indicating which function was applied, or it may be a weighting coefficient for adding the results of the plurality of functions.

[0137] A method for obtaining regression line information will be described in more detail. The calculated absorbance of the infrared reflected light can be considered as spectral data (graph) with absorbance (arbitrary unit) on the vertical axis and wavelength (nm) on the horizontal axis, as an example. Then, smoothing processing is performed on the absorbance of the infrared reflected light, offset correction (baseline correction) is performed on the result of the smoothing processing, and a regression line is obtained by performing multivariate regression analysis on the result. Here, it is only necessary to obtain an appropriate regression line. In multivariate regression analysis, the number of variables (that is, the number of data points in the wavelength range) can be determined as appropriate. And by inputting data based on the absorbance of the infrared reflected light into the regression line, a predicted value of the moisture content can be obtained.

[0138] And as described above, in this embodiment, in the process of the operation procedure display program, a predicted value of the moisture content of the dewatered sludge discharged over time is calculated (S107 to S109) using the absorbance of the infrared reflected light acquired over time and the above-described regression line information, and a comparison is made between the calculated predicted value of the moisture content of the dewatered sludge and the desired sludge moisture content. Here, when obtaining the above-described regression line information, it is preferable that the dewatered sludge with a known moisture content has a moisture content in the range of 60 wt% or more and less than 90 wt%. Also, the desired sludge moisture content is preferably a moisture content in the range of 60 wt% or more and less than 85 wt%. Thereby, an accurate regression line can be obtained and more appropriate equipment operation support (that is, display of a more appropriate equipment operation procedure) can be performed. Note that as described above, the desired sludge moisture content may be specified as a pinpoint value in addition to such range specification.

[0139] Next, details of the content displayed on the execution screen of the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 20.

[0140] Figure 16 shows an example of a menu screen. In this embodiment, when the processor executes a program of the sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system, the menu screen I1 shown in FIG. 16 is displayed on the display device. As shown in FIG. 16, the menu screen I1 includes a plurality of items, and an operator of a sewage treatment plant can appropriately select and determine an item to be referred to. Next, the contents of the items displayed on the menu screen I1 will be described in order.

[0141] In the item of "information input", an operator of a sewage treatment plant can register registration information which is information to be registered in the system. Here, as an example, the registration information includes information such as an operator, temperature, and humidity. The registration method may be a mode that can be selected in a pull-down format, or a mode that allows an operator to directly input information. Also, regarding numerical data such as temperature and humidity, data acquired from sensors may be automatically input (registered). Further, weather data may be appropriately acquired, and numerical data such as temperature and humidity based on the weather data may be automatically input (registered). The weather data can be acquired from the outside via a network as an example.

[0142] Here, the sensors include measuring instruments that measure values related to, in addition to temperature, humidity, imaging devices for agglomerated flocs, and infrared measurement devices for water content, the addition flow rate and concentration of flocculants in the flocculation tank, the rotation speed of the agitator, the flow rate and concentration of sludge, and the squeezing pressure of sludge in the dehydrator. For example, in the case of a centrifuge, the centrifugal force is measured, in the case of a pressure filter, the pressure is measured, in the case of a belt press filter, the tension pressure of the filter cloth is adjusted, in the case of a multi-disc dehydrator, the rotation speed of the sludge is measured, and in the case of a screw press dehydrator, the rotation speed of the screw is measured. However, the sensors are not limited to these exemplified measuring sensors (measuring instruments). Specific examples of some of the exemplified sensors will be described later.

[0143] The item of "Measurement Condition Setting" is mainly for the program developers of the navigation system. The "Measurement Condition Setting" stores the analysis algorithm for the images of the flocs in the flocculation tank and the multiple regression analysis algorithm for calculating the moisture content of the dried sludge (dewatered sludge).

[0144] In the analysis algorithm of the flocs, settings such as the image area, histogram flattening, filter method, and threshold for binarization are possible. Also, settings such as specifying the range of the floc size to be analyzed, the diameter or area of the range of the flocs to be analyzed, the range of the average floc diameter, and the range of the number of flocs may be made. For example, by setting the size of the flocs, the generation state of the flocs within the desired size range can be easily confirmed.

[0145] On the other hand, in the calculation of the moisture content, input (settings) such as the target moisture content range, the measurement conditions of the sensor for measuring the moisture content (number of scans, gain setting, presence or absence of smoothing, measurement speed, etc.), calibration data, and regression coefficients, correction coefficients, etc. for converting the infrared optical information into the moisture content are possible.

[0146] In addition, regarding the measurement of the state of the flocs and the moisture content, it is possible to input and set the processing (update) interval of the real-time data. Also, it is possible to input and set the maximum display time of the data related to these measurements. And by pressing the home button, it is possible to return to the menu screen.

[0147] The items of "Measurement Progress" and "Histogram" are mainly for the program developers of the navigation system, similar to the item of "Measurement Condition Setting". In the item of "Measurement Progress", data related to the measurement progress may be stored. Also, in the item of "Histogram", data used for histogram processing may be stored. However, the display of these items may be omitted.

[0148] Next, the item of "Situation Confirmation" will be described. The item of "Situation Confirmation" mainly relates to the screen for the operators of the sewage treatment plant. An example of "Situation Confirmation", that is, an example of this screen, will be described with reference to FIG. 17. FIG. 17 shows an example of the screen related to situation confirmation.

[0149] Using the screen I2 that can be confirmed from the item of "Situation Confirmation", the operator can grasp numerically the current size and number of flocs and the moisture content situation. Also, using the screen I2, the image of the aggregated flocs can be grasped. Here, regarding the data that can be numerically displayed, information showing the change in numerical values based on the passage of time (for example, a graph associating numerical values with the time axis as shown in FIG. 17) may be displayed. Note that the numerical data of the current number and diameter of flocs, moisture content, and infrared spectrum information for calculating the moisture content can be saved and output.

[0150] Also, regarding the data that can be numerically displayed, an upper limit value and a lower limit value may be set, and a warning may be given when the current value deviates from the set value. As shown in FIG. 17, for example, the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the moisture content of dry sludge (dewatered sludge) are set, and when it deviates from the set value (that is, when it deviates from the target range), the number or display frame may be blinked in red to give a warning indicating an abnormality. Note that a warning may be given by appropriate means, and the form of the warning is not particularly limited as long as the operator or the like can grasp it. For example, a warning may be given by sounding an alarm sound with a buzzer or the like.

[0151] Next, the item of "Operation Instruction" will be described. The item of "Operation Instruction" relates to the screen that displays the content of the operation of the recommended equipment. An example of "Operation Instruction", that is, an example of this screen, will be described with reference to FIG. 18. FIG. 18 shows an example of the screen related to operation instruction.

[0152] On the screen I3 regarding "operation instructions", based on the analysis results of the operation history of the equipment, the size and number of past flocculated flocs, and the moisture content of past dried sludge (dewatered sludge), the recommended equipment operation content is displayed from the current size and number of flocculated flocs and the current moisture content of dried sludge.

[0153] Here, the equipment operation content is associated with a priority which is the value recommending the operation content. When multiple equipment operation contents are displayed, each equipment operation content is displayed on the screen I3 with a priority order according to the priority. Furthermore, the quantity to be operated (operation quantity) is also displayed on the screen I3.

[0154] Examples of equipment for which recommended operations are applicable include flocculation tanks and dehydrators. Here, when multiple flocculation tanks or dehydrators are provided, the recommended operations are displayed in a distinguishable manner as to which equipment is to be operated. For example, when there are multiple units of equipment such as flocculation tanks or dehydrators, a display including information indicating which unit of equipment is the operation target is made. Therefore, by referring to the display, it is possible to easily grasp which equipment should be operated.

[0155] An example using a screw press type dehydrator will be described. In this case, for the flocculation tank, operations such as adding an inorganic flocculant or a polymer flocculant, or increasing or decreasing the addition rate are cited as equipment operation content. On the other hand, for the dehydrator, operations such as increasing or decreasing the screw rotation speed, or the degree of pressure or vacuum for dewatering sludge are cited as equipment operation content. And the quantity to be operated in each operation is displayed in association. Also, the priority of each equipment operation content is displayed, and each equipment operation content is displayed in priority order.

[0156] After the operator of the sewage treatment plant has carried out the recommended operation on the sewage treatment equipment, the operator can input the carried-out operation details. Among the equipment operation details, a convenient mechanism may be provided to transition to the input screen for "implemented details" described later by selecting any of the items (No., recommended operation, quantity to operate, priority) in the row of the actually operated details (i.e., the details of the operation with the highest priority) on the screen. That is, screen I3 may be a screen for inputting the actually operated details using a mouse or the like, and the input of the implemented details may be carried out on screen I3. By configuring it in this way, the implemented details can be easily input using screen I3. On the other hand, the menu screen I2 may be output by selecting the home button or the like, and the "implemented details" may be selected from the menu screen I2 to input the operation details.

[0157] Next, the item of "implemented details" will be described. The item of "implemented details" relates to the input screen of the actually operated equipment operation details. An example of the screen of "implemented details" will be described with reference to FIG. 19. FIG. 19 shows an example of the screen related to the implemented details.

[0158] As shown in FIG. 19, the screen I4 for inputting "implementation details" includes a first area A1, a second area A2, and a third area A3. The first area A1 is an area for inputting implementation details (i.e., the actual equipment operation details). And this first area A1 includes an input field E1 for operation items and an input field E2 for operation quantities. The second area A2 is an area for inputting whether the result of the implementation details is good or bad. The third area A3 is an area for inputting the time of implementation (implementation time). That is, the display device displays a screen having a first area A1 for the user to input or select the actual equipment operation details, a second area A2 for the user to input or select whether the result of the equipment operation details is good or bad, and a third area A3 for inputting the implementation time. In other words, the processor causes the display device to display a screen having a first area A1 for the user to input or select the actual equipment operation details, a second area A2 for the user to input or select whether the result of the equipment operation details is good or bad, and a third area A3 for inputting the implementation time. Note that in FIG. 19, the first area A1, the second area A2, and the third area A3 are arranged side by side as an example, but the arrangement of each area (A1 to A3) on the screen I4 is not particularly limited. And as described above, when the content actually operated on the screen I3 of "operation instruction" is selected, the content related to this operation is automatically input to the input screen I4 of the implementation details (specifically, to the first area A1), and the input content may be displayed. For example, when the operation related to "coagulant polymer addition" shown in FIG. 18 is selected, the content of this operation is automatically input and displayed in the input field E1 of the first area A1, and the operation quantity may also be automatically input and displayed in the input field E2 of the first area A1. That is, the processor may receive the specification of the equipment operation details on the screen I3, specify the operation items and operation quantities related to the received equipment operation details, and input the specified operation items and operation quantities to the first area A1. On the other hand, the input screen I4 of "implementation details" may be a screen for the user to input the implementation details.

[0159] On the screen I4 of "Implementation Details" (specifically, in the input field E2 of the first area A1), the significant figures of the quantity operated, etc., are not particularly limited as long as they are appropriate. For example, they can be determined as appropriate according to the state of the sewage treatment plant (for example, considering the scale of the sewage treatment plant and the treatment capacity per unit time). For example, the quantity of the coagulant addition rate or the screw rotation speed is determined as appropriate according to the state of the sewage treatment plant. As an example, it can be configured to display fine values up to about the second decimal place.

[0160] As a result of the operator of the sewage treatment plant implementing the equipment operation content, the operator can input the results (implementation results) such as whether the floc coagulation state and the water content rate have improved, remained unchanged, or further addition was required, etc., into the second area A2. Note that automatic input may be performed, and the processor may determine the quality of the implementation result from the transition of the coagulated flocs and the transition of the water content rate after implementation, and input the implementation result into the second area A2. Also, the time of implementation is input into the third area A3. The time may be automatically recorded together with the automatic input of the implementation content, or may be input by the operator of the sewage treatment plant.

[0161] Regarding the input of the quantity operated and the implementation result (that is, regarding the input to the input field E2 of the first area A1 and the input to the second area A2), a mechanism for selecting and inputting in a pull-down format may be provided. For example, a plurality of items showing different addition rates may be prepared for the quantity of the operation of "coagulant polymer addition", and the value of the quantity operated may be input by appropriately selecting from these items. Also, for example, regarding the implementation result, items of "Improved", "No change", and "Additional required" may be prepared, and the implementation result may be input by appropriately selecting from these items. By setting the input method of the quantity operated in a pull-down format and further providing a mechanism for manually inputting the operation content, the operator of the sewage treatment plant can manually input the implemented content based on the operator's judgment without relying on the automatic input based on the selection of the equipment operation content.

[0162] The data input into "Implementation Details" (screen I4) (for example, data related to the implemented facility operation details and their results) can be used, as an example, for program settings and the like as described below.

[0163] In the "Operation Instruction" item, after selecting and implementing an operation from the recommended operations, if it can be confirmed on the "Status Confirmation" screen that the desired size and number of agglomerated flocs and the moisture content of the dried sludge have been reached, since the selected and implemented operation is appropriate, hereafter, when displaying the recommended operation in the "Operation Instruction" item, set the program to increase the recommendation level (that is, the priority) (Pattern 1). If, as a result of selecting and implementing an operation from the recommended operations, the desired size and number of agglomerated flocs and the moisture content of the dried sludge are not reached, and the size, number of agglomerated flocs, and moisture content of the dried sludge have deteriorated compared to before the implementation of the recommended operation, set the program to lower the recommendation level (Pattern 2). If, as a result of selecting and implementing an operation from the recommended operations, the desired size and number of agglomerated flocs and the moisture content of the dried sludge are not reached, and there is no change compared to before the implementation of the recommended operation, lower the recommendation level, but set the program to make the reduction range smaller than the setting for lowering the recommendation level in Pattern 2 (Pattern 3). Note that the increase and decrease ranges of the recommendation level here are appropriately set by the developer. In this way, by constructing the display content of the recommended operation in the "Operation Instruction" item, the results of implementing the recommended operation, and the size, number of agglomerated flocs, and moisture content of the dried sludge as a database and repeating learning and analysis, it can be utilized to improve the accuracy of the operation instruction content (that is, output more accurate facility operation details). That is, by executing the steps of acquiring data related to the agglomerated flocs and dewatered sludge after implementing the recommended operation, evaluating the pros and cons of the recommended operation using the acquired data, and varying the priority, which is the value for recommending the recommended operation, according to the evaluation result, the accuracy of the operation instruction content can be improved, and more accurate recommended operations can be output.

[0164] Also, using the acquired data, the accuracy of the value of the operation quantity displayed on the "Operation Instruction" screen I3 may be improved. For example, on the "Implementation Details" screen I4, if it is confirmed from the implementation result (i.e., the input content in the second area A2) that an improvement has been made, without changing the value of the operation quantity for the corresponding equipment operation content, and if it is confirmed from the implementation result that there is no improvement, a process of changing the value of the operation quantity for the corresponding equipment operation content may be performed to improve the accuracy of the value of the operation quantity. In this way, the accuracy of the value of the quantity to be operated can be improved from the quantity of the operations performed (the quantity input on the input screen of the implementation details).

[0165] Similarly, on the "Status Check" screen I2, when it is confirmed that the data regarding the moisture content of the agglomerated flocs or sludge has reached the desired numerical value, without changing the value of the operation quantity, and when it cannot be confirmed that the data has reached the desired numerical value, a process of changing the value of the operation quantity may be performed.

[0166] Next, the item of "Output of Implementation Details" will be described with reference to FIG. 20. FIG. 20 shows an example of a screen related to the output of implementation details.

[0167] When the item of the output of the implementation details in the menu is selected, as shown in FIG. 20, a confirmation screen I5 for the necessity of output is displayed. After that, when "OK" is selected, information such as the operations recommended by the navigation system and the content implemented by the operator of the sewage treatment plant can be output from the measurement results of the size and number of the agglomerated flocs and the moisture content.

[0168] When the output is completed, together with the storage destination of the output file, the content indicating that the output has been completed is displayed. Regarding the format of the output file, in the example of the screen I5 in FIG. 20, a CSV file is described, but the file format can be appropriately selected by the system creator. Also, a set of output files can be transmitted to the information processing device under remote control when under remote control.

[0169] In addition to the above, as information shown on the screen, it also has a function of showing the operators of the sewage treatment plant the prediction information of agglomerated flocs and moisture content. That is, data regarding future predictions may be displayed. For example, data regarding predicted values at a time earlier than the time when the moisture content of the dried sludge is calculated, or the size and number of the agglomerated flocs are calculated, may be acquired and displayed on the "Situation Confirmation" screen I2. In this case, the operation can be performed by grasping the displayed predicted values.

[0170] Also, on the screen, data acquired by the control panel used for equipment monitoring (monitoring) and control may be displayed. Also, an image acquired by imaging the control panel may be displayed on the screen. That is, a control panel camera for imaging the control panel may be provided, and monitoring values acquired by imaging the control panel and performing image processing may be displayed on the screen. By referring to this monitoring value, the information of the control panel can be easily grasped. Note that examples of the monitoring value include the amount of chemical added to the agglomeration tank, the ratio of the chemical, the concentration and flow rate of the sludge, the rotation speed of the agitator, the pressure of the dehydrator, and the like.

[0171] The data used for numerical display may be acquired from sensors (for example, the sensors described above) used for monitoring and measuring each equipment, or may be acquired from the control panel. Note that when the desired agglomerated floc state, the imaging image of the agglomerated floc state, or the moisture content, etc. are displayed on the control panel, the displayed value or information may be obtained by this method.

[0172] The priority only needs to be able to appropriately evaluate the equipment operation content, and may be other than the % value. The operation quantity only needs to be indicated by an appropriate value, and may be other than the % value.

[0173] The content of the execution screen of the above sewage and sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system has been described. However, the words to be displayed and the like may be appropriately replaced with words familiar to the operators of the sewage treatment plant. Although the description has been made with respect to the sewage sludge treatment facility, the system described in the embodiment may also be used for sludge treatment plants other than sewage treatment, such as raw water and industrial wastewater treated using a flocculation tank and a dehydrator.

[0174] The equipment operation procedure includes the equipment operation content. And, by the processing of the processor, the equipment operation content may be displayed on the display device. Further, the operation procedure display program may be used as an operation content display program.

Explanation of Signs

[0175] 100 Sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system 101 Flocculation tank 102 Sludge dehydrator dehydration section 103 Sludge dehydrator discharge section 104 Sludge storage tank 105 Imaging device 106 Infrared measurement device 107 Imaging signal processing device 108 Infrared signal processing device 109 Computer (electronic computer) 110 Flocculation tank and sludge dehydrator operation procedure display device (display device) 200 Sewage sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system 201 Communication network 301 Operation procedure display device screen (display screen) 401 Operation procedure display device screen (display screen) 402 Desired moisture content value (desired sludge moisture content) 403 Moisture content regression line (regression line) 501 Operation procedure display device screen (display screen) 502 Desired moisture content value (desired sludge moisture content) 503 Moisture content value (moisture content measurement value) 601 Operation procedure display device screen (display screen) 701 Operating Procedure Display Device Screen (Display Screen) 801 Operating Procedure Display Device Screen (Display Screen) 1100 Sewage Sludge Treatment Facility Operation Support Navigation System 1101 Sludge Thickening Tank 1102 Thickened Sludge Storage Tank 1103 Coagulation Tank 1104 Sludge Dewatering Machine 1105 Sludge Storage Tank 1106 Temperature Sensor 1107 Sensor (Temperature Sensor, Gas Sensor) 1108 Temperature Sensor 1109 Temperature Sensor 1110 Signal Processing Device 1111 Computer (Electronic Computer) 1112 Operating Procedure Display Device (Display Device) 1200 Sewage Sludge Treatment Facility Operation Support Navigation System 1201 Communication Network 1300 Sewage Sludge Treatment Facility Operation Support Navigation System 1301 Control Panel of Sludge Thickening Tank 1302 Control Panel of Thickened Sludge Storage Tank 1303 Control Panel of Coagulation Tank 1304 Control Panel of Sludge Dewatering Machine 1305 Image Shooting Device 1306 Image Shooting Device 1307 Image Shooting Device 1308 Image Shooting Device 1309 Signal Processing Device 1310 Computer (Electronic Computer) 1311 Operating Procedure Display Device (Display Device) 1400 Sewage Sludge Treatment Facility Operation Support Navigation System 1401 Communication Network I1 Menu Screen I2 Status Confirmation Screen I3 Operation Instruction Screen I4 Input Screen for Implementation Content I5 Output Screen for Implementation Content

Claims

1. A sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system, comprising a processor, memory resources, and a display device, wherein the memory resources store, as data, a desired floc state which is a desired floc state in a flocculation tank of the sludge treatment facility, a desired sludge moisture content which is a desired moisture content of dehydrated sludge discharged from a sludge dehydrator of the sludge treatment facility, and the processor, by executing an operation content display program, (1) obtains an in-operation floc state which is a floc state during operation of the sludge treatment facility, (2) obtains an in-operation sludge moisture content which is a moisture content of dehydrated sludge during operation of the sludge treatment facility, (3) selects or generates facility operation contents of the flocculation tank and the sludge dehydrator based on the in-operation floc state, the in-operation sludge moisture content, the desired floc state, and the desired sludge moisture content, and (4) displays the facility operation contents on the display device, wherein the display device displays a screen for a user to input the facility operation contents after displaying the facility operation contents, and the processor, using information regarding the input or selected facility operation contents, obtains a priority which is a recommended value for the facility operation contents, displays the facility operation contents on the display device with the priority associated therewith, and the processor, after implementing the facility operation contents, obtains data regarding the flocs and dehydrated sludge, evaluates the pros and cons of the facility operation contents using the obtained data, and varies the priority according to the evaluation result.

2. The sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system according to claim 1, wherein the processor causes the display device to display a screen having a first area for a user to input or select actual facility operation contents, a second area for a user to input or select the pros and cons of the result of implementing the facility operation contents, and a third area for a user to input an implementation time.

3. The sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system according to claim 1, wherein the processor obtains a predicted value at a time earlier than a calculation time point of the moisture content of the dehydrated sludge or a calculation time point of data regarding the flocs, and the display device displays the obtained predicted value.

4. The sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system according to claim 2, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The processor receives the specification of the facility operation content on a screen that displays the facility operation content to be implemented, identifies the operation items and operation quantities related to the received facility operation content, and inputs the identified operation items and operation quantities into the first area. A sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system characterized by the above.

5. The sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processor obtains the operation quantity of the recommended facility operation content by using the information related to the input or selected facility operation content. A sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system characterized by the above.

6. The sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system according to claim 1, wherein an electronic computer including the processor, the memory resource, and a communication unit which is an interface for communication is configured, the electronic computer is installed at a remote location different from the sludge treatment plant where the sludge treatment facility is provided, and the display device is installed at the sludge treatment plant. A sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system characterized by the above.

7. The sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system according to claim 1, wherein the facility operation content displayed on the display device includes the procedure for adjusting the dehydration pressure of the sludge dehydrator, and the procedure for injecting a polymer flocculant with a specified injection amount of the polymer flocculant into the sewage. A sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system characterized by including the above.

8. The sludge treatment facility operation support navigation system according to claim 1, wherein in the memory resource, regression line information which is data of a regression line used for predicting and calculating the moisture content of the dehydrated sludge is stored, the regression line information is obtained by irradiating dehydrated sludge with a known moisture content with infrared rays in a wavelength range of 1200 nm or more and 2500 nm or less, measuring the dehydrated sludge over time, performing a first derivative process on the obtained infrared reflectance, and executing a multivariate regression analysis on the result of the first derivative process. The processor, by executing the operation content display program, irradiates the dehydrated sludge discharged from the sludge dehydrator over time with infrared rays in a wavelength range of 1200 nm or more and 2500 nm or less, measures the dehydrated sludge over time, and calculates the moisture content of the sludge during operation by using the obtained infrared reflectance and the regression line information. Select or generate the equipment operation content based on the sludge moisture content during operation and the desired sludge moisture content. A sludge treatment equipment operation support navigation system characterized by the above.

9. The sludge treatment equipment operation support navigation system according to claim 8, wherein the desired sludge moisture content is indicated within a range. A sludge treatment equipment operation support navigation system characterized by the above.

10. The sludge treatment equipment operation support navigation system according to claim 1, wherein the processor calculates a sludge volume value, which is the volume value of the dewatered sludge, by executing a sludge volume value calculation program, and displays the calculated sludge volume value on the display device, and calculates a sludge disposal cost, which is the disposal cost of the dewatered sludge, by executing a disposal cost calculation program, and displays the calculated sludge disposal cost on the display device. A sludge treatment equipment operation support navigation system characterized by the above.

11. The sludge treatment equipment operation support navigation system according to claim 1, wherein the processor performs a prediction of a sludge volume value, which is the volume value of the dewatered sludge with respect to the operating time of the sludge dehydrator, and a prediction of a sludge disposal cost, which is the disposal cost of the dewatered sludge, by executing a prediction display program, and displays the predicted sludge disposal cost on the display device. A sludge treatment equipment operation support navigation system characterized by the above.

12. The sludge treatment equipment operation support navigation system according to claim 1, wherein the desired floc state is obtained by performing image processing of measuring the area of flocs aggregated in sewage over time within a predetermined area range, and clarifying the floc portion in the acquired image information to calculate the floc area, which is the area of the aggregated flocs, and the desired floc state is a histogram with the floc area as the class and the number of flocs as the frequency, wherein the in-operation floc state is obtained by performing the above image processing on the image information acquired by measuring the area of flocs aggregated in sewage over time within a predetermined area range during the operation of the sludge treatment equipment, and the in-operation floc state is a histogram with the floc area as the class and the number of flocs as the frequency, wherein the processor executes the operation content display program. ​ ​ ​ Based on the in-operation flock state and the desired agglomerated flock state, select or generate the equipment operation content. Display the histogram of the in-operation flock state and the equipment operation content on the display device. A sludge treatment equipment operation support navigation system characterized by the above.

13. The sludge treatment equipment operation support navigation system according to claim 1, The sludge treatment equipment is provided with a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the dewatered sludge and / or a humidity sensor for measuring the humidity around the dewatered sludge. By executing the operation content display program, the processor selects or generates the equipment operation content using the data obtained from the temperature sensor and / or the humidity sensor. A sludge treatment equipment operation support navigation system characterized by the above.

14. The sludge treatment equipment operation support navigation system according to claim 1, Obtain monitoring values by imaging and processing the control panel. A sludge treatment equipment operation support navigation system characterized by the above.

15. A method for supporting the operation of sludge treatment equipment using an electronic computer, (1) Obtain the in-operation flock state, which is the agglomerated flock state during the operation of the sludge treatment equipment. (2) Obtain the in-operation sludge moisture content, which is the moisture content of the dewatered sludge during the operation of the sludge treatment equipment. (3) Based on the in-operation flock state, the in-operation sludge moisture content, the desired agglomerated flock state in the agitating tank of the sludge treatment equipment, and the desired moisture content of the dewatered sludge discharged from the sludge dehydrator of the sludge treatment equipment, select or generate the equipment operation content for the agitating tank and the sludge dehydrator. (4) Display the equipment operation content on a display device. After displaying the equipment operation content, display a screen for the user to input the equipment operation content. The electronic computer obtains the priority, which is a value recommended for the equipment operation content, using the information related to the input or selected equipment operation content. Display the equipment operation content by associating the priority. After implementing the equipment operation content, obtain data related to the agglomerated flock and the dewatered sludge, evaluate the pros and cons of the equipment operation content using the obtained data, and vary the priority according to the evaluation result. A method for supporting the operation of sludge treatment equipment characterized by the above.

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