Agglomeration granulation device

Abstract

To provide a coagulation granulator, simple in configuration and capable of achieving a stable coagulation-granulating function even if there is fluctuation in flow rate of a raw water.SOLUTION: A coagulation granulator comprises: a flow channel having an introduction port through which a raw water is introduced and a discharge port through which the introduced raw water is discharged; a coagulant injection part for injecting the coagulant in the raw water flowing in the flow channel toward the discharge port from the introduction port; and a revolution flow generator disposed in the flow channel and generating the revolution flow of the raw water. Thereby, a turbid portion included in her raw water is coagulated by the coagulant to granulate a coagulation flock.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an agglomeration granulation apparatus that agglomerates and granulates turbidity contained in raw water in plants such as water purification plants and industrial wastewater, power plants, etc.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in plants such as water purification plants and industrial wastewater, power plants, etc., a solid-liquid separation device separates and removes suspended substances such as metal ions, organic substances, and inorganic salts (hereinafter also referred to as "turbidity") from raw water.

[0003] Typical techniques applied to this type of solid-liquid separation device include coagulation sedimentation treatment technology and centrifugal separation technology.

[0004] In a solid-liquid separation device to which the coagulation sedimentation treatment technology is applied, a coagulant is added to the raw water to be treated, and two types of stirring and mixing are performed. That is, immediately after adding the coagulant, strong stirring (first stirring) called rapid stirring is performed for a short time so that the coagulant is mixed throughout the raw water. Next, weak stirring (second stirring) called slow stirring is performed for a long time, and the aggregates formed by the aggregation of turbidity come into contact and coalesce with each other to coarsen, and then the aggregates sedimented and separated in the sedimentation tank are removed.

[0005] On the other hand, in a solid-liquid separation device to which the centrifugal separation technology is applied, after the solid matter is flocculated, the raw water containing the flocs is swirled by a centrifuge, and due to the action of centrifugal force, flocs with a predetermined particle size or more are separated from the raw water. In a centrifuge, since a centrifugal force with a greater acceleration than gravity is used, solid matter can be separated in a shorter time than when using gravity, so the capacity of the sedimentation tank can be reduced (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0006] However, in a centrifuge, when flocs with weak binding force are rotated at high speed, the once-formed flocs may split and become finer. Therefore, when applying the centrifugation technology, it is necessary to provide a floc formation tank to form flocs that are difficult to split or become finer. Furthermore, in order to form high-density and high-strength flocs, it is necessary to form a flow path with a shelf plate in the floc formation tank so as to promote the collision of the flocs with the wall surface.

[0007] Thus, although the solid-liquid separation device to which the centrifugation technology is applied can reduce the volume of the sedimentation tank, since it is necessary to provide a floc formation tank, it is impossible to achieve miniaturization of the entire device. In addition, since the structure of the floc formation tank is also complex, it is not easy to manufacture.

[0008] Therefore, in order to achieve miniaturization of the entire device, a solid-liquid separation device equipped with an agglomeration granulation function for agglomerating and granulating turbidity contained in raw water by adding an inorganic coagulant, a cationic polymer coagulant f, and an anionic polymer coagulant g to the raw water and stirring in a pipe-type mixer is disclosed.

[0009] The pipe-type mixer can be miniaturized, but since it is necessary to rotate the stirring blade in the pipe for stirring, the structure becomes complex, such as the fixing method of the rotating shaft and the watertight structure.

[0010] A technique of fixing a spiral element in a pipe to generate a spiral flow for stirring is also disclosed. In this case, for example, an element with a shape such that the stirring force is maximized at a flow velocity of 1 to 2 m / s is used, and in order to ensure and maintain the stirring force required for agglomeration and granulation, it is necessary to connect a plurality of pipe-type mixers in series.

[0011] In addition, in order to increase the throughput, it is necessary to use a large-diameter pipe-type mixer or connect a plurality of small-diameter pipe-type mixers in parallel.

[0012] However, when using a large-diameter pipe-type mixer, if the throughput is low, it is impossible to obtain the required stirring force, or the flow velocity in the pipe decreases, and solids precipitate, etc., and it is impossible to cope with fluctuations in the raw water flow rate, and it is not always possible to realize a sufficient agglomeration granulation function.

[0013] On the other hand, when a plurality of small-diameter pipe-type mixers are connected in parallel and used, by adjusting these plurality of pipe-type mixers by valve switching, it is possible to adjust the stirring force required due to fluctuations in the raw water flow rate and fluctuations in the raw water quality. However, since a large number of flow rate adjustment valves and small-diameter pipe mixers need to be installed in parallel, it causes the entire device to become larger and more complex.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0014]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0015] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an agglomeration granulation device that can realize a stable agglomeration granulation function with a simple structure and even when there are fluctuations in the flow rate of raw water.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0016] The agglomeration granulation apparatus according to the embodiment injects a flocculant into raw water flowing in a flow path from an inlet through which the raw water is introduced to an outlet through which the raw water is discharged, and a swirling flow generator disposed in the flow path to generate a swirling flow of the raw water, thereby aggregating turbidity contained in the raw water with the flocculant and granulating agglomerated flocs.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13A

Figure 13B

Figure 14

Figure 15

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, the agglomeration granulation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] (First Embodiment) The agglomeration granulation apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the agglomeration granulation apparatus of the first embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a partial cutaway perspective view and a side sectional view showing a configuration example of the agglomeration granulation apparatus of the first embodiment.

[0022] The agglomeration granulation apparatus 10 is a pipe type configured inside a cylindrical pipe 70. Raw water a is introduced from the inlet 17, and an inorganic flocculant e, a cationic polymer flocculant f, and an anionic polymer flocculant g are injected into the raw water a, thereby aggregating the turbidity contained in the raw water a, granulating the agglomerated flocs, solid-liquid separating the agglomerated flocs, removing the sludge b, and discharging the treated water c from the discharge port 43.

[0023] For this purpose, the agglomeration granulation apparatus 10 includes, in order from the inlet 17 side to the outlet 43 side, an agglomeration unit 14 for agglomeration, a granulation unit 16 for granulation, and a solid-liquid separation unit 22 for solid-liquid separation.

[0024] In addition, in this embodiment, in the agglomeration granulation apparatus 10, the inlet 17 side is also referred to as the upstream side, the outlet 43 side is also referred to as the downstream side, and the direction from the inlet 17 to the outlet 43 is also referred to as the flow direction L.

[0025] The raw water a may have a pH adjuster d added before being introduced into the agglomeration granulation apparatus 10 from the inlet 17.

[0026] The agglomeration granulation apparatus 10 further includes a gate valve 11 for adjusting the amount of the raw water a introduced into the agglomeration unit 14 on the downstream side of the inlet 17.

[0027] The agglomeration unit 14 includes a mixing area 18 which is an area for injecting an inorganic flocculant e into the raw water a and mixing the raw water a and the inorganic flocculant e, and an agglomeration area 19 for injecting a cationic polymer flocculant f and an anionic polymer flocculant g into the raw water a mixed with the inorganic flocculant e to promote the agglomeration of the turbidity contained in the raw water a.

[0028] The granulation unit 16 forms a granulation area 20 where the agglomerated flocs formed in the agglomeration area 19 are granulated.

[0029] As will be described later, FIG. 1 shows an example when there are six flow paths from the first to the sixth in the agglomeration granulation apparatus 10, and the ordinal numbers 1 to 6 shown before the mixing area 18, the agglomeration area 19, and the granulation area 20 correspond to the respective flow paths.

[0030] The solid-liquid separation unit 22 forms a solid-liquid separation area 23 where solid-liquid separation is performed.

[0031] Next, the specific configurations of these aggregation unit 14, granulation unit 16, and solid-liquid separation unit 22 will be described.

[0032] FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing an example of the internal configuration of the aggregation unit 14, granulation unit 16, and solid-liquid separation unit 22.

[0033] The aggregation unit 14 includes two each of an aggregating agent injection pipe module 12 and an aggregating agent injection module 13, and in a pressure-resistant pipe 70a with a gate valve 11, downstream of the gate valve 11, the aggregating agent injection pipe module 12(1), the aggregating agent injection module 13(1), the aggregating agent injection pipe module 12(2), and the aggregating agent injection module 13(2) are arranged in series in this order and loaded to be configured.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the structures of the aggregating agent injection pipe module 12 and the aggregating agent injection module 13.

[0035] The aggregating agent injection pipe module 12 includes two sets of module aggregating agent injection pipe - aggregation unit connection pipes 37. In FIG. 4(c), only the first set of module aggregating agent injection pipe - aggregation unit connection pipe 37 of the two sets of module aggregating agent injection pipe - aggregation unit connection pipes 37 is shown on the front side in the figure, but the second set of module aggregating agent injection pipe - aggregation unit connection pipe 37 is not shown because it is arranged on the back side in the figure.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, each set of module aggregating agent injection pipe - aggregation unit connection pipe 37 can be connected to any one of an inorganic aggregating agent e injection pipe 38, a cationic polymer aggregating agent injection pipe 39, and an anionic polymer aggregating agent injection pipe 40 provided in the pipe 70a.

[0037] The inorganic coagulant e is supplied from the inorganic coagulant e injection pipe 38 to the coagulant injection pipe module 12 through the module coagulant injection pipe - coagulation unit connection pipe 37. The cationic polymer coagulant f is supplied from the cationic polymer coagulant injection pipe 39 to the coagulant injection pipe module 12 through the module coagulant injection pipe - coagulation unit connection pipe 37. The anionic polymer coagulant g is supplied from the anionic polymer coagulant injection pipe 40 to the coagulant injection pipe module 12 through the module coagulant injection pipe - coagulation unit connection pipe 37.

[0038] In the example shown in Fig. 3, the inorganic coagulant e injection pipe 38 is connected to the first set of module coagulant injection pipe - coagulation unit connection pipes 37 of the upstream coagulant injection pipe module 12(1) among the two coagulant injection pipe modules 12. In the example shown in Fig. 3, no injection pipes are connected to the second set of module coagulant injection pipe - coagulation unit connection pipes 37 of the coagulant injection pipe module 12(1).

[0039] Also, in the example shown in Fig. 3, the cationic polymer coagulant injection pipe 39 is connected to the first set of module coagulant injection pipe - coagulation unit connection pipes 37 of the downstream coagulant injection pipe module 12(2) among the two coagulant injection pipe modules 12.

[0040] Furthermore, in the example shown in Fig. 3, the anionic polymer coagulant injection pipe 40 is connected to the second set of module coagulant injection pipe - coagulation unit connection pipes 37 (not shown) of the downstream coagulant injection pipe module 12(2).

[0041] As a result, the coagulant injection pipe module 12(1) can supply the inorganic coagulant e to the coagulant injection module 13(1). Also, as will be described later, the coagulant injection pipe module 12(2) can supply the cationic polymer coagulant f to the coagulant injection module 13(2) and the anionic polymer coagulant g to the coagulant injection module 13(3).

[0042] The granulation unit 16 is configured by loading four stirring modules 15(1) to (4) arranged in series in the pressure-resistant pipe 70b in the flow direction L, and finally loading one flocculant injection module 13 on the most upstream side of the stirring module 15(1). Note that the number of stirring modules 15 is four here as an example, but it is not limited to four and can be a plurality other than four.

[0043] The solid-liquid separation unit 22 is configured by loading a mini-cyclone module 21, which is a solid-liquid separator, into a pressure-resistant pipe 70c to which a sludge recovery pipe 41 and a blow pipe 42 are connected. The opening at the most downstream side of the pipe 70c serves as the discharge port 43. The details of the mini-cyclone module 21 are also described in Patent Document 4.

[0044] The pipes 70a, 70b, and 70c shown in FIG. 3 connected in series in this order correspond to the pipe 70 shown in FIG. 2.

[0045] The pipe 70 can be made of, for example, pressure-resistant stainless steel of 200A. In this case, the flocculant injection pipe module 12 has a cylindrical shape with a total length of 100 (mm) and a diameter of 200 (mm) along the flow direction L so that it can be loaded inside the pipe 70. Similarly, the flocculant injection module 13 and the stirring module 15 can also have a cylindrical shape with a total length of 200 (mm) and a diameter of 200 (mm) so that they can be loaded inside the pipe 70. Since the pipe 70 is pressure-resistant, the flocculant injection pipe module 12, the flocculant injection module 13, and the stirring module 15 are not required to be pressure-resistant, and thus the flocculant injection pipe module 12, the flocculant injection module 13, and the stirring module 15 can be manufactured from resin.

[0046] Next, the detailed configuration of the stirring module 15 will be described.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the structure and assembly method of the stirring module 15. In particular, FIG. 5(a) is a perspective view showing the outer shape of the stirring module 15, FIG. 5(b) is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the stirring module 15 corresponding to FIG. 5(a), and FIGS. 5(c) and 5(d) are perspective views showing the outer shapes of the swirling flow generators 24 and 25 arranged in the slits described later.

[0048] As illustrated in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), eight slits 26(1), 26(2), 27, 28, 29, 30, 31(1), and 31(2) are formed, for example, on the end face of the stirring module 15. The heights H of the respective slits 26(1), 26(2), 27, 28, 29, 30, 31(1), and 31(2) are equal.

[0049] The slits 26(1), 26(2), 27, 28, 29, 30, 31(1), and 31(2) penetrate the stirring module 15 in the flow direction L.

[0050] In each of the slits 26(1), 26(2), 27, 28, 29, 30, 31(1), and 31(2), the swirling flow generator 24 as shown in FIG. 5(c) and the swirling flow generator 25 as shown in FIG. 5(d) are arranged adjacent to each other alternately in parallel with the flow direction L.

[0051] For this purpose, the swirling flow generator 24 and the swirling flow generator 25 are pre-manufactured with dimensions and shapes that can be inserted into the slits 26(1), 26(2), 27, 28, 29, 30, 31(1), and 31(2). Then, the swirling flow generator 24 is inserted into each slit in the flow direction L, and the swirling flow generator 25 is inserted adjacent thereto in the flow direction L. The swirling flow generator 24 and the swirling flow generator 25 are arranged adjacent to each other alternately over the width W direction of the slit and fixed to the inner surface of the slit. In this way, the swirling flow generator 24 and the swirling flow generator 25 are arranged adjacent to each other alternately so as to be parallel to the flow direction L.

[0052] Alternatively, instead of inserting the swirling flow generators 24 and 25 into each slit alternately and then arranging and fixing them, as illustrated in FIG. 5(e), an assembly A in which a plurality of swirling flow generators 24 and a plurality of swirling flow generators 25 are alternately arranged adjacent to each other is pre-formed, and this assembly A is inserted into the slit such that the longitudinal directions of the swirling flow generators 24 and 25 face the flow direction L, and fixed to the inner surface of the slit, which can also be achieved.

[0053] For example, for the wide slits 27, 28, 29, 30 with width W, as shown in FIG. 5(e), the assembly A is composed of six swirling flow generators 24 and six swirling flow generators 25, and for the narrow slits 26(1), 26(2), 31(1), 31(2) with width W, it is composed of three swirling flow generators 24 and three swirling flow generators 25. The number of the swirling flow generators 24 and the swirling flow generators 25 is adjusted according to the width W of the slit.

[0054] Furthermore, instead of fixing the swirling flow generators 24 and 25 in the slit by arranging the assembly A in this way, it may be integrally manufactured with the stirring module 15 in which the swirling flow generators 24 and 25 are alternately arranged adjacent to each other in the slit in advance.

[0055] In the above description, the case where the number of the swirling flow generators 24 and the swirling flow generators 25 arranged in one slit is the same has been described. However, the number of the swirling flow generators 24 and the swirling flow generators 25 arranged in one slit is not limited to being the same. As long as the swirling flow generators 24 and the swirling flow generators 25 are alternately arranged adjacent to each other, one of them may be one more.

[0056] When the raw water a flows in the flow direction L in the slits 26(1), 26(2), 27, 28, 29, 30, 31(1), 31(2) where the swirling flow generators 24 and 25 are arranged in this way, the raw water a flows in the flow direction L while swirling by the respective swirling flow generators 24 and 25.

[0057] For example, as shown in FIG. 5(e), in slits 27, 28, 29, and 30 where six swirling flow generators 24 and six swirling flow generators 25 are arranged, a total of 12 swirling flows are generated, and these 12 swirling flows each independently advance in the flow direction L. The radius of these swirling flows is smaller than the height H of the slit.

[0058] However, the swirling flow generator 24 generates a clockwise swirling flow, and the swirling flow generator 25 generates a counterclockwise swirling flow, so that the swirling flow generator 24 and the swirling flow generator 25 generate swirling flows in opposite directions.

[0059] Therefore, in the slit, although a plurality of swirling flows are generated, in the width W direction of the slit, swirling flows in the same swirling direction do not adjacent to each other, and necessarily, clockwise swirling flows and counterclockwise swirling flows are generated alternately, and each advances in the flow direction L.

[0060] In this way, in the slit, swirling flows in the same swirling direction do not adjacent to each other, so the influence and interference from adjacent swirling flows are reduced. For this reason, each swirling flow can realize a high stirring effect by swirling in order to stably advance in the flow direction L. In addition, since a large number of swirling flows advance through one slit, for example, the possibility of clogging in the slit is reduced compared to the case where the swirling flow advances through a narrow slit provided for each swirling flow generator, so the flow velocity unevenness caused by clogging or the like and the reduction of the stirring force of the flow path at low flow velocity can also be suppressed.

[0061] As shown by returning to FIG. 3, the stirring modules 15(1) to (4) are arranged in a plurality of series along the flow direction L. Also, as described above, each slit serves as a flow path. Therefore, in order to form a continuous flow path across the stirring modules 15(1) to (4), it is necessary to align the slits 26(1), 26(2), 27, 28, 29, 30, 31(1), and 31(2) of the adjacent stirring modules 15 so that they are continuous at the end faces where the adjacent stirring modules 15 in contact.

[0062] For this alignment, as shown in Fig. 5(a), module fixing rod insertion holes 32a and 32b are opened at the upper and lower ends (12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions) of the end face of each stirring module 15.

[0063] The alignment method using the module fixing rod insertion holes 32a and 32b will be described below.

[0064] Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining the alignment method of a plurality of stirring modules 15 arranged in series.

[0065] Fig. 6 shows an example in which four stirring modules 15(1) to (4) are arranged in series as in Fig. 3, but this alignment method can also be applied when arranging a plurality of stirring modules 15 other than four in series.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 6(a), when arranging four stirring modules 15(1) to (4) in series, two module fixing rods 100a and 100b are inserted into the module fixing rod insertion holes 32a and 32b of the stirring module 15(1), the module fixing rod insertion holes 32a and 32b of the stirring module 15(2), the module fixing rod insertion holes 32a and 32b of the stirring module 15(3), and the module fixing rod insertion holes 32a and 32b of the stirring module 15(4) in sequence, so as to arrange the stirring modules 15(1) to (4) in series in this order.

[0067] Further, as indicated by arrow Y1, the stirring module 15(2) is moved toward the stirring module 15(1) until the front (left side in the figure) end face of the stirring module 15(2) contacts the rear (right side in the figure) end face of the stirring module 15(1). Similarly, as indicated by arrow Y2, the stirring module 15(3) is moved toward the stirring module 15(2) until the front end face of the stirring module 15(3) contacts the rear end face of the stirring module 15(2). Furthermore, similarly, as indicated by arrow Y3, the stirring module 15(4) is moved toward the stirring module 15(3) until the front end face of the stirring module 15(4) contacts the rear end face of the stirring module 15(3). As a result, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the four stirring modules 15(1) to 15(4) are connected without gaps.

[0068] Since the four stirring modules 15(1) to 15(4) are aligned by the two module fixing rods 100a and 100b, the corresponding slits 26(1), 26(2), 27, 28, 29, 30, 31(1), and 31(2) of each of the stirring modules 15(1) to 15(4) are also continuous with each other, forming eight continuous flow paths. Note that since the slits 26(1), 26(2), 31(1), and 31(2) are narrower in width W than the other slits 27, 28, 29, and 30, for convenience, the two slits with a narrow width W may be treated as one flow path. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it will be described that the slits 27, 28, 29, and 30 each form one flow path, the slits 26(1) and 26(2) together form one flow path, the slits 31(1) and 31(2) together form one flow path, and a total of six flow paths are formed.

[0069] FIG. 1 corresponds to the configuration when six flow paths are formed in this way, and the first to sixth ordinal numbers shown in front of the mixing area 18, the aggregation area 19, and the granulation area 20 correspond to the six flow paths.

[0070] The module fixing rods 100a and 100b do not necessarily have to be a single long rod, and they can also be formed by connecting rods having a plurality of partial lengths. Connecting a plurality of rods to form the module fixing rods 100a and 100b is more convenient during transportation and assembly than using a single long rod. Also, from the perspective of transportation, it is preferable if the length of the partial length is about the total length of the stirring module 15 (for example, 200 mm).

[0071] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining another alignment method of a plurality of stirring modules 15 arranged in series.

[0072] FIG. 7 also shows a state in which, as an example, four stirring modules 15(1) to (4) are arranged in series.

[0073] The alignment is not limited to being performed using the module fixing rod insertion holes 32a, 32b and the two module fixing rods 100a, 100b as shown in FIG. 6. For example, instead of providing the module fixing rod insertion holes 32a, 32b in the stirring module 15, as shown in FIG. 7(a), protrusions 102a, 102b are provided at the positions of the holes 32a, 32b on the upstream side of the module 15, and depressions 103a, 103b having a shape that fits with the protrusions 102a, 102b are provided at the positions of the holes 32a, 32b on the downstream side. The alignment can also be performed by fitting the protrusions 102a, 102b of the stirring module 15 adjacent to the downstream side into the depressions 103a, 103b of the stirring module 15 on the upstream side.

[0074] FIG. 7(b) is a diagram showing a state in which four stirring modules 15(1) to (4) are arranged in series in this way. For example, the recesses 103a(1) and 103b(1) of the stirring module 15(1) are fitted with the protrusions 102a(2) and 102b(2) of the stirring module 15(2). By fitting the protrusions 102a and 102b of the stirring module 15 adjacent to the downstream side into the recesses 103a and 103b of the stirring module 15 on the upstream side, the corresponding slits 26(1), 26(2), 27, 28, 29, 30, 31(1), and 31(2) of each stirring module 15(1) to (4) are also continuous with each other, and as described above, six flow paths can be formed.

[0075] Next, returning to FIG. 4, the detailed configurations of the flocculant injection pipe module 12 and the flocculant injection module 13 will be described.

[0076] FIG. 4(c) is a perspective view showing the internal structures of the flocculant injection pipe modules 12(1) and (2) and the flocculant injection modules 13(1) and (2) in the flocculation unit 14 shown in FIG. 3.

[0077] The flocculant injection pipe modules 12(1) and (2) have a cylindrical shape with the same diameter as the flocculant injection modules 13(1) and (2). The flocculant injection pipe modules 12(1) and (2) are also provided with slits 26(1), 26(2), 27, 28, 29, 30, 31(1), and 31(2) corresponding to the slits 26(1), 26(2), 27, 28, 29, 30, 31(1), and 31(2) of the flocculant injection modules 13(1) and (2). They are positioned by the positioning method as described above so as to be continuous with the slits 26(1), 26(2), 27, 28, 29, 30, 31(1), and 31(2) of the flocculant injection modules 13(1) and (2), and are fixed to the flocculant injection modules 13(1) and (2).

[0078] However, the swirl generators 24 and 25 are not arranged in the slits 26(1), 26(2), 27, 28, 29, 30, 31(1), and 31(2) of the flocculant injection pipe modules 12(1) and 12(2). Therefore, the overall length of the flocculant injection pipe modules 12(1) and 12(2) is shorter than the overall length of the flocculant injection modules 13(1) and 13(2).

[0079] Next, the flocculant injection module 13 will be described. The flocculant injection module 13 is obtained by adding a flocculant injection function to the agitation module 15. Other configurations are the same as those of the agitation module 15, and the outer shape and dimensions are also identical to those of the agitation module 15. Therefore, the description of the flocculant injection module 13 will only cover the differences from the agitation module 15 to avoid redundant explanations.

[0080] Figure 4(a) is a perspective view showing the outer shape of the flocculant injection module 13.

[0081] Each of the slits 26(1), 26(2), 27, 28, 29, 30, 31(1), and 31(2) provided in the flocculant injection module 13 shown in Figure 4(a) is the same as each of the slits 26(1), 26(2), 27, 28, 29, 30, 31(1), and 31(2) described in the agitation module 15, and the swirl generator 24 and the swirl generator 25 are alternately arranged adjacent to each other in parallel in the flow direction L inside.

[0082] However, different from the agitation module 15, a large number of flocculant injection holes 33 are opened in the upstream side of each of the slits 26(1), 26(2), 27, 28, 29, 30, 31(1), and 31(2) of the flocculant injection module 13, that is, on the bottom surface on the front side in the figure, across the slit width W direction.

[0083] Figure 4(b) is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the flocculant injection module 13 corresponding to Figure 4(a).

[0084] On the upstream end side of each of the slits 26(1), 26(2), 27, 28, 29, 30, 31(1), and 31(2), a flocculant injection pipe 34 is disposed across the slit width W direction. The flocculant injection pipe 34 has holes (for example, holes 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, etc.) formed at regular pitches. The flocculant injection holes 33 are located on the opening sides of these holes (for example, holes 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, etc.).

[0085] The end of the flocculant injection pipe 34 is a flocculant injection pipe 35 to which a module flocculant injection pipe - flocculation unit connection pipe 37 for transferring the flocculant supplied from the flocculant injection pipe module 12 is connected. The flocculant injection pipe 35 is disposed on the back side in the drawing of the flocculant injection module 13 in Fig. 4(b).

[0086] With such a configuration, the flocculant supplied from the flocculant injection pipe module 12 is sent from the module flocculant injection pipe - flocculation unit connection pipe 37 to the flocculant injection pipe 34 via the flocculant injection pipe 35, discharged from the holes (for example, holes 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, etc.), and injected into the raw water a in each slit through the flocculant injection holes 33. Since the flocculant injection holes 33 are provided on the upstream end side of each of the slits 26(1), 26(2), 27, 28, 29, 30, 31(1), and 31(2) as described above, the flocculant is injected into the raw water a at the swirling flow generation point where the swirling of the raw water a starts.

[0087] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 4(b), on the front side surface in the drawing of the flocculant injection module 13, a flocculant supply pipe 36 to the downstream flocculant injection module is disposed along the flow direction L.

[0088] At the upstream end of the flocculant supply pipe 36 to the downstream flocculant injection module, as shown in Fig. 4(c), a module flocculant injection pipe - flocculation unit connection pipe 37 for transferring the flocculant from the flocculant injection pipe module 12 is connected.

[0089] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the flocculant supply pipe 36 to the downstream flocculant injection module is used as a pipe for supplying the flocculant from the flocculant injection pipe module 12(2) to the second flocculant injection module 13(3) arranged on the downstream side of the flocculant injection module 13(2).

[0090] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the connection port of the flocculant supply pipe 35 and the connection port of the flocculant supply pipe 36 to the downstream flocculant injection module 13(3) on the end face of the flocculant injection module 13(2).

[0091] The flocculant injection module 13 has a cylindrical shape as illustrated in FIG. 4(a). Then, as shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), on the end face of the flocculant injection module 13(2) perpendicular to the flow direction L, the connection port of the flocculant supply pipe 35 and the connection port of the flocculant supply pipe 36 to the downstream flocculant injection module 13(3) are arranged at positions that are rotationally symmetric by 180°. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, when one flocculant injection pipe module 12(2) supplies the flocculant to the two flocculant injection modules 13(2) and (3), the downstream flocculant injection module 13(3) is arranged with a 180° rotation on the end face with respect to the upstream flocculant injection module 13(2).

[0092] Therefore, in the flocculant injection module 13(3), the connection port of the flocculant supply pipe 35 is arranged on the front side in FIG. 3, contrary to the connection port of the flocculant supply pipe 35 of the flocculant injection module 13(2). That is, the positional relationship between the connection port of the flocculant supply pipe 35 and the connection port of the flocculant supply pipe 36 on the downstream end face of the flocculant injection module 13(2) and the upstream end face of the flocculant injection module 13(3) is as shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), and the connection port of the flocculant supply pipe 36 of the flocculant injection module 13(2) and the connection port of the flocculant supply pipe 35 of the flocculant injection module 13(3) face each other.

[0093] Accordingly, when the flocculant injection modules 13(2) and 13(3) are arranged in series, it becomes easy to connect the flocculant supply pipe 36 of the flocculant injection module 13(2) and the flocculant supply pipe 35 of the flocculant injection module 13(3). By connecting the flocculant supply pipe 36 of the flocculant injection module 13(2) to the flocculant supply pipe 35 of the opposing flocculant injection module 13(3), the flocculant from the flocculant injection pipe module 12(2) is sent from the module flocculant injection pipe - flocculation unit flocculant supply pipe 37 to the flocculant injection pipe 34 of the flocculant injection module 13(3) via the flocculant supply pipe 36 of the flocculant injection module 13(2) and the flocculant supply pipe 35 of the flocculant injection module 13(3), and is injected into the raw water a at the swirling flow generation point where the swirling of the raw water a starts, similar to the flocculant injection module 13(2).

[0094] In this way, with one flocculant injection pipe module 12(2), it is possible to inject flocculant into two flocculant injection modules 13(2) and 13(3).

[0095] In addition, when supplying flocculant only to one flocculant injection module 13(1), such as the flocculant injection pipe module 12(1) shown in FIGS. 3 and 4(c), the module flocculant injection pipe - flocculation unit flocculant supply pipe 37 of the flocculant injection pipe module 12(1) may be connected to the flocculant supply pipe 36 of the flocculant injection module 13(1).

[0096] In each of the slits 26(1), 26(2), 27, 28, 29, 30, 31(1), 31(2) of the flocculant injection module 13, similar to the agitation module 15, the swirling flow generators 24 and 25 are alternately arranged adjacent to each other in parallel to the flow direction L. Therefore, the raw water a injected with the flocculant is swirled by the swirling flow generators 24 and 25, enhancing the agitation effect between the raw water a and the flocculant.

[0097] The flocculant injection pipe module 12 and the flocculant injection module 13 also have module fixing rod insertion holes 32a and 32b opened at the end face at the same position as the stirring module 15. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, in addition to the four stirring modules 15(1), (2), (3), and (4), the flocculant injection pipe module 12(1), the flocculant injection module 13(1), the flocculant injection pipe module 12(2), the flocculant injection module 13(2), and the flocculant injection module 13(3) are arranged while aligning them. By doing so, the corresponding slits 26(1), 26(2), 27, 28, 29, 30, 31(1), and 31(2) in these modules 12, 13, and 15 are made continuous at their respective end faces, forming eight continuous flow paths from the most upstream end of the flocculation unit 14 to the most downstream end of the granulation unit 16. Also, as described above, these eight flow paths can be treated as six flow paths by combining the narrow slits 26(1) and 26(2) with a width of W into one flow path and similarly combining the slits 31(1) and 31(2) into one flow path.

[0098] Also, as described above, the flocculation granulation apparatus 10 is provided with a gate valve 11 for adjusting the amount of raw water a introduced into the flocculation granulation apparatus 10 on the downstream side of the inlet 17 and on the upstream side of the flocculant injection pipe module 12(1). The gate valve 11 can be lowered and raised in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction L. As a result, when the gate valve 11 is fully open, the raw water a is introduced into all the slits 26(1), 26(2), 27, 28, 29, 30, 31(1), and 31(2) of the flocculant injection pipe module 12(1). However, as the gate valve 11 is lowered, the upper side of the inlet 17 is closed, so that the raw water a is no longer introduced from the upper slits, that is, in the order of the slits 26(1), 26(2), 27, 28, 29, 30, 31(1), and 31(2). When the amount of the raw water a from the inlet 17 is constant, when the number of slits, that is, the number of flow paths, into which the raw water a is introduced decreases, the flow velocity of the raw water a flowing in the flow path increases.

[0099] In this way, according to the opening and closing of the inlet 17 by the gate valve 11, the number of flow paths through which the raw water a is introduced and the flow velocity of the raw water a can be adjusted. Therefore, the gate valve 11 functions as an adjustment unit that adjusts the flow velocity of the raw water a flowing in the flow path within a predetermined range in the flocculation granulation apparatus 10.

[0100] The flocculation granulation apparatus 10 adjusts the opening and closing amount of the inlet 17 by the gate valve 11 and adjusts the number of flow paths through which the raw water a is introduced so as to maintain an optimal stirring force by the stirring module 15 according to the water quality and water volume of the raw water a, thereby adjusting the flow velocity of the raw water a within a predetermined range.

[0101] For example, when the treatment amount of the raw water a is small, the opening degree of the gate valve 11 is reduced and the number of flow paths through which the raw water a is introduced is decreased, so that the flow velocity of the raw water a is adjusted to be within a range where the highest stirring effect can be obtained, for example, 0.5 to 2 (m / sec).

[0102] Since all the flow paths are installed in the pipe 70, when the treatment amount of the raw water a is small as described above, the flow paths through which the raw water a does not flow are filled with water. As a result, a uniform pressure difference is applied between the flow paths. Thereby, each of the modules 12, 13, and 15 can significantly reduce the pressure resistance and the required strength, so that an increase in the manufacturing cost due to the swirling flow generators 24 and 25 having a complex structure can be absorbed.

[0103] Next, the specific configuration of the solid-liquid separation unit 22 will be described.

[0104] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of the solid-liquid separation unit 22.

[0105] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the solid-liquid separation unit 22 in detail.

[0106] The solid-liquid separation unit 22 is configured by connecting in parallel a plurality of solid-liquid separators 44 that perform solid-liquid separation by separating agglomerated flocs from raw water a containing the agglomerated flocs granulated in the first to sixth granulation areas 20 by centrifugal force and recovering the raw water a from which the agglomerated flocs have been separated.

[0107] Each of the solid-liquid separators 44 is provided with a cyclone 47 having a cone shape formed by connecting a cylindrical portion 45 and a hollow conical portion 46.

[0108] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining the mechanism of solid-liquid separation by the cyclone 47.

[0109] The solid-liquid separator 44 is also provided with an inlet pipe 48 that is connected to the cylindrical portion 45 and allows the raw water a containing the agglomerated flocs j sent from the granulation area 20 to flow into the cyclone 47 from the tangential direction of the cylindrical portion 45. Further, an outlet pipe 49 is provided at the center of the closing surface that closes the cylindrical portion 45 and discharges the treated water c, which is the raw water a from which the agglomerated flocs j have been separated by the solid-liquid separation action of the cyclone 47, from the cyclone 47 in a direction orthogonal to the tangential direction. Furthermore, a sludge discharge pipe 50 is provided at the tip of the hollow conical portion 46 and discharges the sludge b containing the agglomerated flocs j separated from the raw water a from the cyclone 47.

[0110] In FIGS. 9 and 10, a configuration in which five cyclones 47 are arranged in parallel is illustrated, while in FIG. 11, a configuration in which three cyclones 47 are arranged in parallel is illustrated. These are all examples, and there is no limitation on the number of cyclones 47 arranged in parallel.

[0111] The inner diameter size of the cylindrical portion 45 is preferably 20 (mm) or more, particularly 30 (mm), for the following reasons.

[0112] That is, in the cyclone 47, the swirling force increases and the solid-liquid separation performance improves as the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 45, that is, the maximum inner diameter of the hollow conical portion 46, becomes smaller. On the other hand, the inner diameters of the inlet pipe 48 and the sludge discharge pipe 50 need to be larger than the size of the agglomerated flocs j contained in the raw water a fed from the granulation area 20. Since the size of the agglomerated flocs j contained in the raw water a fed from the granulation area 20 is several tens (μm) to several (mm), it is necessary to make the inner diameters of the inlet pipe 48 and the sludge discharge pipe 50 larger than that. Therefore, the inner diameter size of the cylindrical portion 45 needs to be at least 20 (mm), and particularly preferably 30 (mm).

[0113] Further, the solid-liquid separation area 23 includes an inflow shell 51 that is spatially connected in common with the inlet pipes 48 of all the plurality of solid-liquid separators 44, an outflow shell 52 that is spatially connected in common with the outlet pipes 49 of all the plurality of solid-liquid separators 44, and a sludge discharge shell 53 that is spatially connected in common with the sludge discharge pipes 50 of all the plurality of solid-liquid separators 44.

[0114] The inflow shell 51, the outflow shell 52, and the sludge discharge shell 53 are separated by a plurality of cyclones 47. As a result, the pressure in each of the inflow shell 51, the outflow shell 52, and the sludge discharge shell 53 becomes uniform.

[0115] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the analysis result of the pressure distribution in the inflow shell 51, the outflow shell 52, and the sludge discharge shell 53.

[0116] From FIG. 12, in the inflow shell 51, the outflow shell 52, and the sludge discharge shell 53, the pressure in each shell becomes uniform. As a result, the pressure difference between the inlet pipe 48, the outlet pipe 49, and the sludge discharge pipe 50 of each cyclone 47 is equalized, and uniform distribution of the raw water (that is, equalization of the inflow amount of the raw water to each cyclone 47 and equalization of the separation performance) in the cyclones 47 arranged in parallel is realized.

[0117] The inflow shell 51 is in spatial communication with the upstream side of the solid-liquid separation area 23 at the inflow shell opening 54, that is, in spatial communication with the granulation area 20. The outflow shell 52 is in spatial communication with the downstream side of the solid-liquid separation area 23 at the outflow shell opening 55.

[0118] The sludge discharge shell 53 has a cylindrical shape, and a plurality of cyclones 47 are arranged with their sludge discharge pipes 50 facing the sludge discharge shell 53 side so as to go around the circumference of the cylinder by 360°.

[0119] Near the downstream end of the sludge discharge shell 53, there is an area 53a that is not circulated by the cyclone 47. In this area 53a, a sludge recovery pipe 41 for recovering the sludge b, which is the sludge of the agglomerated floc j discharged from the sludge discharge pipe 50, is connected via the sludge recovery pipe connection part 56 of the cyclone module 21 so as to extend in the gravitational direction.

[0120] Furthermore, a blow pipe 42 is connected to the sludge discharge shell 53 of the cyclone module 21 via a blow pipe connection part 57. The blow pipe 42 is a pipe for returning the supernatant liquid of the raw water a discharged together with the agglomerated floc j from the sludge discharge pipe 50 to the inlet 17 side as blow water.

[0121] Note that the large agglomerated floc j contained in the raw water a has a strong binding force and a high density, so it will not be broken by the centrifugal force even when centrifuged. Therefore, the agglomeration tank and the sedimentation tank become unnecessary. As a result, the area required for installing the agglomeration tank and the sedimentation tank can be reduced.

[0122] Next, an operation example of the agglomeration granulation apparatus of the first embodiment configured as described above will be described.

[0123] FIGS. 13A and 13B are flowcharts showing an operation example of the agglomeration granulation apparatus 10 of the first embodiment.

[0124] Raw water a discharged from plants such as water purification plants and industrial wastewater, power plants, etc. is introduced into the flocculation granulation device 10 from the inlet 17 (S1).

[0125] In the flocculation granulation device 10, according to the quality and quantity of the introduced raw water a, the opening degree of the gate valve 11 is adjusted, and the flow rate of the raw water a is, for example, within the range of 0.5 to 2 (m / sec) where the highest stirring effect can be obtained, and the number of flow paths through which the raw water a is introduced is adjusted (S2).

[0126] As a result, the raw water a is introduced into the slits among the slits 26(1), 26(2), 27, 28, 29, 30, 31(1), 31(2) provided in the flocculant injection pipe module 12(1) shown in FIG. 3 that are not closed by the gate valve 11.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 3, the flocculant injection pipe module 12(1), the flocculant injection module 13(1), the flocculant injection pipe module 12(2), the flocculant injection module 13(2), the flocculant injection module 13(3), and the four stirring modules 15(1), (2), (3), (4) are aligned with the adjacent modules at the end faces. Therefore, the corresponding slits 26(1), 26(2), 27, 28, 29, 30, 31(1), 31(2) in each of the modules 12, 13, 15 are continuous with each other, and eight flow paths are formed continuously from the most upstream end of the flocculation unit 14 to the most downstream end of the granulation unit 16. Note that, as described above, these eight flow paths can be treated as six flow paths by combining the narrow slits 26(1), 26(2) with a width of W into one flow path and combining the slits 31(1), 31(2) in the same way into one flow path.

[0128] Therefore, the raw water a introduced into the flow path of the flocculant injection pipe module 12(1) flows along this flow path and then passes through the inside of the flocculant injection module 13(1), the flocculant injection pipe module 12(2), the flocculant injection module 13(2), the flocculant injection module 13(3), and the four stirring modules 15(1), (2), (3), (4) in sequence to reach the cyclone module 21.

[0129] In the flocculant injection module 13(1), the inorganic flocculant e supplied by the flocculant injection pipe module 12(1) is discharged from the flocculant injection hole 33 and injected into the raw water a flowing in the flow path (S3).

[0130] In each flow path of the flocculant injection module 13(1), as illustrated in FIG. 5(e), the swirl generators 24 and 25 are arranged adjacent to each other alternately in parallel with the flow direction L. Therefore, the raw water a into which the inorganic flocculant e is injected at the swirl generation point in the flow path is swirled by the swirl generators 24 and 25, and while the inorganic flocculant e is being well stirred, it advances in the flow direction L and passes through the inside of the flocculant injection pipe module 12(2) to reach the flocculant injection module 13(2) (S4).

[0131] At this time, in the same flow path, the raw water a is made to flow in a clockwise swirl by the swirl generator 24 and in a counterclockwise swirl by the swirl generator 25, so that swirl flows in the same swirl direction do not adjacent to each other. Instead, the clockwise swirl flow and the counterclockwise swirl flow always alternate, and each advances as an independent swirl flow in the flow direction L.

[0132] In this way, in the flow path, swirl flows in the same swirl direction do not adjacent to each other, so the influence and interference from adjacent swirl flows are reduced, and the stirring force of each swirl flow is improved. In addition, the flow path has a wide shape that allows multiple swirl flows to proceed side by side, so uneven flow velocity due to clogging or the like and a decrease in the stirring force of the flow path at low flow velocity are also suppressed.

[0133] In the flocculant injection module 13(2), the cationic polymer flocculant f supplied by the flocculant injection pipe module 12(2) is discharged from the flocculant injection hole 33 and injected into the raw water a flowing in the flow path (S5).

[0134] Also in the flow path of the flocculant injection module 13(2), similar to the flocculant injection module 13(1), the swirl generators 24 and 25 are arranged adjacent to each other alternately in parallel with the flow direction L. Therefore, the raw water a injected with the cationic polymer flocculant g at the swirl generation point in the flow path is maintained in a swirling motion by the swirl generators 24 and 25, and while further stirring the cationic polymer flocculant g well, it advances in the flow direction L and reaches the flocculant injection module 13(3) (S6).

[0135] In the flocculant injection module 13(3), the anionic polymer flocculant g supplied by the flocculant injection pipe module 12(2) is discharged from the flocculant injection hole 33 and injected into the raw water a flowing in the flow path (S7).

[0136] Also in the flow path of the flocculant injection module 13(3), similar to the flocculant injection modules 13(1) and (2), the swirl generators 24 and 25 are arranged adjacent to each other alternately in parallel with the flow direction L. Therefore, the raw water a injected with the anionic polymer flocculant f at the swirl generation point in the flow path is maintained in a swirling motion by the swirl generators 24 and 25, and while further stirring the anionic polymer flocculant f well, it advances in the flow direction L and reaches the first stirring module 15(1) of the granulation unit 16 (S8).

[0137] Also in the flow paths of the respective stirring modules 15(1), (2), (3), and (4) of the granulation unit 16, similar to the flocculant injection modules 13(1), (2), and (3), the swirl generators 24 and 25 are arranged adjacent to each other alternately in parallel with the flow direction L. Therefore, the swirling motion is maintained by the swirl generators 24 and 25, and while further stirring the inorganic flocculant e, the cationic polymer flocculant f, and the anionic polymer flocculant g, it advances in the flow direction L (S8).

[0138] In this way, by sufficiently stirring the inorganic flocculant e, the cationic polymer flocculant f, and the anionic polymer flocculant g with the four stirring modules 15(1), (2), (3), and (4), the flocculation flocs j are granulated in the raw water a (S9). Then, the raw water a containing the flocculation flocs j reaches the mini-cyclone module 21 of the solid-liquid separation unit 22.

[0139] The raw water a containing the flocculation flocs j that has reached the mini-cyclone module 21 is sent to a plurality of solid-liquid separators 44 connected in parallel within the mini-cyclone module 21. In these solid-liquid separators 44, the flocculation flocs j are separated from the raw water a by the solid-liquid separation action of the cone-shaped cyclone 47 (S10).

[0140] The raw water a from which the flocculation flocs j have been separated is discharged as treated water c from the discharge port 43 of the cyclone 47 (S11).

[0141] On the other hand, the sludge b containing the flocculation flocs j separated from the raw water a is discharged to the outside from the cyclone 47 through the sludge recovery pipe 41 (S12).

[0142] Thus, according to the flocculation granulation apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, with a simple configuration realized by loading a plurality of modules (flocculant injection pipe module 12, flocculant injection module 13, stirring module 15, and cyclone module 21) into the pipe 70, the flow rate of the raw water a can be adjusted to a speed suitable for stirring the flocculants e, f, and g. Furthermore, the raw water a flows in a plurality of swirling flows in the same flow path in the flow direction L, but the swirling flows in the same swirling direction do not adjacent to each other so that the clockwise swirling flow and the counterclockwise swirling flow alternate. Therefore, the influence and interference from adjacent swirling flows are reduced, and a stable stirring effect is obtained by each swirling flow, and the flocculants e, f, and g can be stirred well. Thus, even when there are fluctuations in the flow rate of the raw water a, stable flocculation flocs j can be granulated. As a result, the separation of the flocculation flocs j from the raw water a is also facilitated, and high-quality water treatment can be realized.

[0143] Furthermore, since the agglomeration granulation device 10 is configured by loading a plurality of modules (the flocculant injection pipe module 12, the flocculant injection module 13, the stirring module 15, and the cyclone module 21) into the pipe 70, the manufacturing cost and the transportation cost can be reduced.

[0144] The specific reasons for being able to reduce the manufacturing cost are as follows.

[0145] Generally, the larger the shaping size is, the higher the initial cost and the shaping cost of the shaping machine (for example, 3D printer) are. However, in the agglomeration granulation device 10, since it is composed of a combination of a plurality of modules 12, 13, and 15, it is not necessary to integrally shape the entire agglomeration granulation device 10, and the shaping can be done for each module. That is, the shaping size can be miniaturized and it can be manufactured with a small 3D printer, so the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0146] In addition, since the pipe 70 has a pressure-resistant structure, as long as the inside of the pipe 70 is filled with the raw water a, the pressure becomes uniform over the flow direction L. That is, since the pressure applied to each module 12, 13, 15 loaded in the pipe 70 is uniform, each module 12, 13, 15 does not require the same pressure resistance as the pipe 70 and no high strength is required. Therefore, the fact that it is not necessary to use expensive materials for each module 12, 13, 15 also contributes to the reduction of the manufacturing cost.

[0147] Note that each of the modules 12, 13, 15 can be manufactured by a method other than a 3D printer. However, even when manufactured by a method other than a 3D printer, it can be manufactured for each small module 12, 13, 15. In particular, since there are a plurality of the flocculant injection modules 13 and the stirring modules 15 and their structures are similar, the mass production effect can be obtained, which also contributes to the reduction of the manufacturing cost.

[0148] Due to these manufacturing cost reduction effects, it is possible to absorb the increase in the manufacturing cost of the swirling flow generators 24, 25 with a complex structure.

[0149] Next, the specific reasons for reducing transportation costs are as follows.

[0150] That is, when installing the agglomeration granulation device 10, instead of the integrally manufactured agglomeration granulation device 10, it can be carried out by transporting the small modules 12, 13, 15, and 21. Therefore, a particularly large transport vehicle is not required, and the transportation cost can be reduced.

[0151] In addition, since the parts of the agglomeration granulation device 10 are modularized, construction in a narrow space is also easy, and the workability is excellent. Furthermore, even after installation, each module can be taken out, so the replaceability, repairability, cleanability, and maintainability are also excellent.

[0152] Also, as a modification, although not shown in the figure, an aggregating agent supply pipe 36 may also be provided in the stirring module 15, and the stirring module 15 may be installed between the aggregating agent injection modules 13. This makes it possible to adjust the interval for injecting the aggregating agent and the stirring time.

[0153] (Second Embodiment) The agglomeration granulation device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0154] The agglomeration granulation device of the second embodiment is a modification of the agglomeration granulation device of the first embodiment, and is different only in that a butterfly valve is applied instead of the gate valve 11.

[0155] Therefore, in the following description, for the same configurations as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used to avoid redundant description, and the different configurations will be described.

[0156] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the agglomeration granulation device of the second embodiment.

[0157] FIG. 14(a) is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the agglomeration unit 14' of the agglomeration granulation apparatus according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 14(b) is an enlarged view of the butterfly valve portion.

[0158] As shown in FIG. 14(a), in the agglomeration unit 14' of the agglomeration granulation apparatus according to the second embodiment, the gate valve 11 is eliminated, and instead, butterfly valves 201(1), 201(2), 202, 203, 204, 205, 206(1), and 206(2) are provided at the inlets of the respective slits 26(1), 26(2), 27, 28, 29, 30, 31(1), and 31(2). The butterfly valves 201(1), 201(2), 202, 203, 204, 205, 206(1), and 206(2) are rotated about their parallel central axes to adjust the degree of opening and closing. By individually changing the degree of opening and closing of each of these butterfly valves 201(1), 201(2), 202, 203, 204, 205, 206(1), and 206(2), the amount of raw water a introduced into each of the slits 26(1), 26(2), 27, 28, 29, 30, 31(1), and 31(2) can be individually adjusted. Thus, the butterfly valves 201 to 206 also function as an adjustment unit for adjusting the number of flow paths through which the raw water a flows and the amount of water flowing through each flow path.

[0159] In this way, by applying the butterfly valves 201 to 206 instead of the gate valve 11, the amount of water can be adjusted for each slit, so that the number of flow paths through which the raw water a flows and the amount of water flowing through each of the flow paths 1 to 6 can be adjusted more finely than in the first embodiment.

[0160] (Third Embodiment) The agglomeration granulation apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0161] The agglomeration granulation apparatus according to the third embodiment is a modified example of the agglomeration granulation apparatuses according to the first and second embodiments.

[0162] Therefore, in the following description, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant description, and the different components will be described.

[0163] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a swirling flow generator 25 and a plate 250 applied to the agglomeration granulation apparatus of the third embodiment.

[0164] In particular, FIG. 15(a) is a perspective view showing the configuration of the plate-like plate 250 while comparing it with the swirling flow generator 25. The plate 250 and the swirling flow generator 25 have the same length in the flow direction L.

[0165] Further, FIG. 15(b) is a perspective view showing the outer shape of an assembly A' applied in place of the assembly A corresponding to FIG. 5(e) in the present embodiment.

[0166] The assembly A' is realized by arranging the plate 250 and the swirling flow generator 25 adjacent to each other alternately in parallel in the flow direction L as illustrated in FIG. 15(b). The plate 250 functions as a partition portion that partitions each swirling flow generator 25.

[0167] As a result, each swirling flow generator 25 is partitioned by the plate 250, and the swirling flows generated by each swirling flow generator 25 are physically isolated. Therefore, the swirling flows can independently proceed in the flow direction L without being affected by interference from adjacent swirling flows, and a stable stirring effect can be achieved.

[0168] According to the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, it is not necessary to reverse the directions of the swirling flows generated by adjacent swirling flow generators. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide two types of swirling flow generators, and it can be realized by one type of swirling flow generator such as the swirling flow generator 25 or the swirling flow generator 24. As a result, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0169] Note that the plate 250 is merely an example, and as long as it functions to physically isolate each swirling flow, other than the plate 250 can also be applied.

[0170] Also, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, as an example of one type of swirling flow generator, an example in which the swirling flow generator 25 is applied is shown. Similarly, the swirling flow generator 24 can also be used. Alternatively, as long as a swirling flow can be generated, the configuration of the swirling flow generator is not limited to the configurations such as the swirling flow generators 24 and 25.

[0171] As described in the above embodiments, it is possible to provide an agglomeration granulation apparatus that can realize a stable agglomeration granulation function with a simple configuration even when there are fluctuations in the flow rate of raw water.

[0172] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

[0173] For example, the swirling flow generator is not limited to the configurations such as the swirling flow generators 24 and 25, and is not limited to its configuration as long as it can generate a swirling flow.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0174] 1 to 6... flow path, 10... agglomeration granulation device, 11... gate valve, 12... flocculant injection tube module, 13... flocculant injection module, 14, 14’... agglomeration unit, 15... stirring module, 16... granulation unit, 17... inlet, 18... mixing area, 19... agglomeration area, 20... granulation area, 21... mini cyclone module, 22... solid-liquid separation unit, 23... solid-liquid separation area, 24... swirling flow generator, 25... swirling flow generator, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31... slit, 32a, 32b... module fixing rod insertion hole, 33... flocculant injection hole, 34... flocculant injection tube, 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d... hole, 35, 36... flocculant supply pipe, flocculant supply pipe 37... module flocculant injection tube - agglomeration unit flocculant supply pipe, 38, 39, 40... injection tube, 41... sludge recovery pipe, 42... blow pipe, 43... discharge port, 44... solid-liquid separator, 45... cylindrical part, 46... hollow conical part, 47... cyclone, 48... inlet pipe, 49... outlet pipe, 50... sludge discharge pipe, 51... inflow shell, 52... outflow shell, 53... sludge discharge shell, 53a... area, 54... inflow shell opening, 55... outflow shell opening, 56... sludge recovery pipe connection part, 57... blow pipe connection part, 70, 70a, 70b, 70c... pipe, 100a, 102b... module fixing rod, 102a, 102b... protrusion, 103a, 103b... depression, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206... butterfly valve, 250... plate, a... raw water, A, A’... assembly, b... sludge, c... treated water, d... pH adjuster, e... inorganic flocculant, f... cationic polymer flocculant, g... anionic polymer flocculant, H... height, j... agglomeration floc, L... flow direction, W... width

Claims

1. A flocculant injection section for injecting a flocculant into the raw water flowing in a flow path from an inlet through which the raw water is introduced to an outlet through which the raw water is discharged; A swirl generator provided with a first swirl generating means for generating a swirl flow in a first direction in the raw water and a second swirl generating means for generating a swirl flow in a second direction different from the first direction in the raw water, the first and second swirl generating means being arranged adjacent to each other in parallel with the flow direction; A flocculation granulation apparatus for aggregating turbidity contained in the raw water with the flocculant to granulate flocculation flocs.

2. The flocculation granulation apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the first direction is a clockwise direction and the second direction is a counterclockwise direction.

3. The flow path is formed by arranging a plurality of modules each forming a part of the flow path in series in the flow direction, The plurality of modules include: One or more agitation modules in which the swirl generator is arranged; and One or more flocculant injection modules in which the swirl generator is arranged and the flocculant injection section is provided, the flocculation granulation apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 2.

4. The flocculation granulation apparatus according to Claim 3, wherein the plurality of modules are arranged in a pipe.

5. The flocculation granulation apparatus according to any one of Claims 3 to 4, further comprising an alignment mechanism for aligning the plurality of modules so that the flow path is formed when the plurality of modules are arranged in series in the flow direction.

6. The alignment mechanism according to Claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of modules includes an alignment through hole opened in the flow direction.

7. The flocculation granulation apparatus according to Claim 6, wherein the alignment mechanism further includes an alignment rod inserted into the alignment through hole.

8. Each of the plurality of modules has the same length in the flow direction, The alignment rod according to Claim 7 is configured by connecting a plurality of partial length alignment rods having the same length as the length of the module in the flow direction.

9. There are a plurality of the flocculant injection modules including at least a first flocculant injection module and a second flocculant injection module, A first flocculant injection section is provided in the first flocculant injection module, A second flocculant injection section is provided in the second flocculant injection module. The first flocculant injection module has, on an end face orthogonal to the flow direction, a first connection port to which a first supply pipe for supplying the flocculant injected into the raw water by the first flocculant injection part to the first flocculant injection part is connected; a second connection port to which a second supply pipe for supplying the flocculant injected into the raw water by the second flocculant injection part to the second flocculant injection module is connected, The flocculation granulation device according to any one of claims 3 to 8, which is arranged at a position that is rotationally symmetric by 180°.

10. Comprising a plurality of the flow paths, The flocculation granulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising an adjustment part that adjusts the number of the flow paths into which the raw water is introduced among the plurality of flow paths so that the flow velocity of the raw water is within a predetermined range.

11. The plurality of flow paths share the inlet, The flocculation granulation device according to claim 10, wherein the adjustment part includes a gate valve that can variably open and close the inlet.

12. The flocculation granulation device according to claim 10, wherein the adjustment part includes a plurality of butterfly valves provided in each of the plurality of flow paths and capable of individually changing the opening degree.

13. The swirl generator has a configuration that can be inserted into the flow path in order to be arranged in the flow path, and the flocculation granulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A plurality of the swirl generators are arranged in parallel in the flow direction within the flow path, The flocculation granulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a partition part for partitioning between two adjacent swirl generators among the plurality of swirl generators is arranged.

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