Moisture content measuring device and moisture content measuring method

Abstract

To provide a moisture content measuring device capable of precisely measuring the moisture content of dehydrated sludge regardless of changes in the measurement environment.SOLUTION: A moisture content measuring device is a device for measuring the moisture content of sludge, which has a processor and a memory. The device includes: an optical sensor that measures optical information by irradiating the sludge with light; a temperature sensor that measures temperature information; a moisture sensor that measures moisture information; and a regression arithmetic unit that calculates the moisture content of the sludge using a preset regression model using at least one or more of the optical information, the temperature information, and the moisture information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to sewage or Waste This relates to a technology for measuring the moisture content of sludge discharged from water treatment facilities. [Background technology]

[0002] Sludge discharged from sewage treatment facilities and the like undergoes dehydration treatment to reduce the moisture content in a sludge dehydrator in order to maintain a constant moisture content for subsequent treatment such as incineration. For example, Patent Document 1 is known as a technique for measuring the moisture content of dehydrated sludge discharged from a sludge dehydrator.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which an infrared moisture meter is placed at the outlet of a dehydrated cake (dehydrated sludge), which is sludge dehydrated by a belt press dehydrator, and the infrared moisture meter measures the moisture content of the dehydrated sludge. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-281570 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the above conventional example, the measurement results of the infrared moisture meter are used as they are, which causes a problem that the measurement accuracy decreases with changes in humidity and temperature. For example, since the absorbance (or reflectance) of dewatered sludge changes with changes in temperature and humidity, if the measurement results of the infrared moisture meter are used as they are, the measurement accuracy may decrease due to fluctuations in the measurement environment, such as temperature and humidity. The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to measure the moisture content of dewatered sludge with high accuracy regardless of fluctuations in the measurement environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is a moisture content measuring device that has a processor and memory and measures the moisture content of sludge, and includes an optical sensor that irradiates light onto the sludge to measure optical information, a temperature sensor that measures temperature information, a humidity sensor that measures humidity information, and a regression calculation unit that calculates the moisture content of the sludge from a preset regression model using at least one of the optical information, temperature information, and humidity information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] Therefore, the present invention makes it possible to measure the moisture content of dewatered sludge with high accuracy regardless of fluctuations in the measurement environment by calculating the moisture content of dewatered sludge using a regression model that corrects for temperature and humidity and a correction calculation unit.

[0008] The details of at least one implementation of the subject matter disclosed herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosed subject matter will become apparent from the following disclosure, drawings, and claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a moisture content measuring system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the configuration of an infrared measuring unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functions of a processing unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a processing unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a screen displayed on the input / output device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functions of a processing unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the relative humidity and the moisture content correction value of the humidity correction calculation unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a function of a processing unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10 is a graph showing the relationship between frequency and absorptance before and after temperature correction according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functions of a processing unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10 is a graph showing the relationship between frequency and absorptance before and after correction for humidity, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a moisture content measuring system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functions of a processing unit according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the input / output device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functions of a processing unit according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functions of a processing unit according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functions of a processing unit according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Example]

[0011] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention and is a configuration diagram showing an example of a moisture content measuring system. Waste It is attached to a sludge dehydrator 6 that reduces the moisture content of sludge discharged from a water treatment facility, and measures the moisture content of the sludge after dehydration (hereinafter referred to as dehydrated sludge) in real time. The moisture content is expressed as a percentage, which is the weight ratio of the moisture contained in the dehydrated sludge.

[0012] The sludge dewatering machine 6 includes a dewatering section 61 that receives sludge and discharges the moisture, and a sludge discharge section 62 that outputs dewatered sludge with reduced moisture. In the moisture content measurement system of this embodiment, a thermometer 3, a hygrometer 4, and an infrared measurement section 2 that measures the moisture content by irradiating light onto the surface of the dewatered sludge are arranged in the sludge discharge section 62.

[0013] The infrared measurement signal output by the infrared measurement unit 2 is input to the infrared signal processing device 5, where it is converted into infrared reflectance information and input to the calculation processing unit 1. The infrared signal processing device 5 is composed of, for example, a spectrometer. The temperature measurement signal from the thermometer 3 and the humidity measurement signal from the hygrometer 4 are input to the calculation processing unit 1.

[0014] The calculation processing unit 1 calculates moisture content information that suppresses the influence of the measurement environment from the input infrared reflectance information, temperature measurement signal, and humidity measurement signal, and outputs the information to the moisture content display unit 7. The moisture content display unit 7 displays the moisture content of the dewatered sludge in the sludge discharge unit 62 in real time. The infrared measurement unit 2 is disposed facing the dewatered sludge discharged from the sludge discharge unit 62, and the thermometer 3 and hygrometer 4 are disposed near the infrared measurement unit 2.

[0015] As the sludge dehydrator, a filter press, a centrifugal dehydrator, a belt press, a screw press, a multi-disk dehydrator, an electro-osmotic dehydrator, etc. can be used.

[0016] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the infrared measuring unit 2. The infrared measuring unit 2 includes an irradiating light probe 21 that irradiates the surface of the dewatered sludge with infrared rays, and a light receiving probe 22 that receives the infrared rays reflected by the surface of the dewatered sludge. The light receiving probe 22 is disposed at an angle θ with respect to the optical axis of the irradiating light probe 21.

[0017] The end face of the irradiating light probe 21 is positioned at a predetermined distance L1 from a reference position (for example, the surface of the dewatered sludge), and the end face of the light receiving probe 22 is positioned at a predetermined distance L2 from the above-mentioned reference position.

[0018] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the arithmetic processing unit 1. The arithmetic processing unit 1 includes a pre-processing unit 32 that receives infrared reflectance information from the infrared signal processing device 5 as infrared information and performs predetermined pre-processing on the infrared information, and a regression calculation unit 33 that receives the pre-processed infrared information output by the pre-processing unit 32, temperature information that is a temperature measurement signal from the thermometer 3, and humidity information that is a humidity measurement signal from the hygrometer 4, obtains a preset regression equation from the regression equation storage unit 41, calculates the moisture content of the dewatered sludge from at least one of the inputs of the pre-processed infrared information, the temperature information, and the humidity information, and outputs the calculated moisture content information.

[0019] The pre-processing unit 32 smooths the input infrared information to remove noise, and also performs preset processing such as offset correction to correct the intensity of the base spectrum to detect the peak of the infrared absorptivity of the dewatered sludge, and outputs the pre-processed infrared information.

[0020] The regression equation storage unit 41 stores regression equations (or regression models) that use infrared information, temperature information, and humidity information as explanatory variables and moisture content as a response variable. The regression equations are preset, and for example, regression equation 42-1 that uses infrared information, temperature information, and humidity information as explanatory variables, regression equation 42-2 that uses infrared information and temperature information as explanatory variables, and regression equation 42-3 that uses infrared information and humidity information as explanatory variables are stored. In the following description, regression equations 42-1 to 42- 3 If the number is not specified, the symbol "42" is used, omitting everything after "-".

[0021] As will be described later, one of these regression equations 42, each with a different explanatory variable, is selected by the user (or administrator) of the moisture content measurement system. The regression calculation unit 33 reads the selected regression equations 42-1 to 42-3 from the regression equation storage unit 41, calculates the moisture content from the explanatory variables, and outputs the calculated moisture content to the moisture content display unit 7 as moisture content information.

[0022] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the arithmetic processing unit 1. The arithmetic processing unit 1 is a computer including a processor 11, a memory 12, a storage device 13, an input / output device 14, and an interface 15.

[0023] The interface 15 is connected to the thermometer 3, hygrometer 4, infrared signal processing device 5, and moisture content display unit 7. The input / output device 14 is made up of a keyboard, mouse, display, and touch panel (not shown). The storage device 13 is made up of a non-volatile storage medium and holds data from the regression equation storage unit 41, etc.

[0024] A control unit 31, a preprocessing unit 32, and a regression calculation unit 33 are loaded as programs into the memory 12 and executed by the processor 11. The control unit 31 controls the calculation process by inputting and outputting information from the input / output device 14. For example, when the control unit 31 receives a selection result of the regression formula 42 from the input / output device 14, it instructs the regression calculation unit 33 on the regression formula 42 to be used.

[0025] The preprocessing unit 32 performs smoothing and offset correction on the input infrared reflectance information as described above and outputs preprocessed infrared information. The regression calculation unit 33 calculates the moisture content using the explanatory variables of the specified regression equation 42.

[0026] The processor 11 operates as a functional unit that provides a predetermined function by processing in accordance with the program of each functional unit. For example, the processor 11 functions as a regression calculation unit 33 by processing in accordance with a regression calculation program. The same applies to other programs. Furthermore, the processor 11 also operates as a functional unit that provides each function of multiple processes executed by each program. A computer and a computer system are devices and systems that include these functional units.

[0027] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the input / output device 14. A measurement start button 51, a measurement stop button 52, correction parameters 53, a moisture content 54, and measurement results 55 are displayed on the display constituting the input / output device 14.

[0028] Operating (for example, clicking) the measurement start button 51 starts the calculation process of the moisture content, and operating the measurement stop button 52 stops the calculation process of the moisture content.

[0029] The correction parameters 53 include a temperature check box 531 and a humidity check box 532, and checked parameters are designated as explanatory variables for the regression calculation unit 33. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which temperature or humidity can be designated as a parameter.

[0030] The moisture content 54 displays the moisture content calculated by the regression calculation unit 33 in chronological order. The measurement result 55 displays the measurement date and time and the moisture content value. The display of the input / output device 14 may be used as the moisture content display unit 7.

[0031] With the above configuration, the calculation processing unit 1 performs a predetermined preprocessing on the infrared reflectance information (infrared information) measured by the infrared measuring unit 2 in the preprocessing unit 32, and then calculates the moisture content of the dewatered sludge using regression equation 42, which uses the infrared information and temperature information or humidity information as explanatory variables.

[0032] As humidity increases, more water vapor is adsorbed onto the surface of the dewatered sludge, affecting the infrared reflectance information, and temperature fluctuations change the intensity of the infrared spectrum measured by the infrared measurement unit 2. Therefore, by generating a regression equation 42 for temperature and humidity information in advance, the regression calculation unit 33 can calculate the moisture content while suppressing temperature and humidity fluctuations. This makes it possible to provide a highly accurate moisture content measurement system that suppresses moisture content errors due to seasonal fluctuations and regional differences.

[0033] In addition, by checking both the temperature checkbox 531 and the humidity checkbox 532, the regression calculation unit 33 can select the regression equation 42-1 to calculate the moisture content while suppressing the effects of temperature and humidity.

[0034] In addition, in the correction parameters 53, by checking at least one of the temperature check box 531 and the humidity check box 532, it is possible to calculate the moisture content with reduced influence of the temperature or humidity.

[0035] In other words, by checking both the temperature check box 531 and the humidity check box 532 and measuring the moisture content while suppressing the effects of temperature and humidity, and then unchecking either the temperature check box 531 or the humidity check box 532 and measuring the moisture content, it is possible to determine whether the temperature or humidity is affecting the current moisture content of the dewatered sludge by comparing the moisture content measured while suppressing the effects of temperature and humidity.

[0036] In the first embodiment, the regression equation 42 is stored in the regression equation storage unit 41, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the regression equation storage unit 41 may store preset models, and the regression calculation unit 33 may calculate the moisture content using these models. The same applies to the following embodiments.

[0037] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned Example 1, an example was shown in which the infrared measuring unit 2 measures the moisture content of the sludge by irradiating it with infrared rays, but the moisture content may also be measured using light of a wavelength other than infrared rays, and the moisture content of the sludge may be measured based on the optical information irradiated onto the sludge. [Example]

[0038] 6 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention, illustrating an example of the functions of the calculation processing unit 1. In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which humidity information was used as an explanatory variable for the regression equations 42-1 and 42-3, but in this embodiment, an example is shown in which a humidity correction calculation unit A35 is added that corrects the moisture content calculated by the regression calculation unit 33 using humidity information. The humidity correction calculation unit A35 is stored in the memory 12 as a program.

[0039] The regression calculation unit 33 receives the infrared information and the temperature information as input, and calculates the moisture content using the infrared information and the temperature information as explanatory variables in the regression equation 42-2 in the regression equation storage unit 41. The regression calculation unit 33 outputs the moisture content in which the influence of temperature has been suppressed.

[0040] The humidity correction calculation unit A35 inputs humidity information from the hygrometer 4, reads the humidity correction formula A preset in the humidity correction formula storage unit A43, and calculates a humidity correction value (humidity correction information).The humidity correction calculation unit A35 then corrects the moisture content, for which the influence of temperature input from the regression calculation unit 33 has been suppressed, with the humidity correction value, and outputs the corrected value to the moisture content display unit 7.

[0041] As a result, the humidity correction calculation unit A35 can calculate the moisture content of the dehydrated sludge with the effects of both temperature and humidity suppressed by correcting the moisture content output by the regression calculation unit 33, with the effects of temperature suppressed, based on humidity information.

[0042] 7 is a graph of humidity correction formula A showing an example of the relationship between the relative humidity and the moisture content correction value of the humidity correction calculation unit A35. In humidity correction formula A, a moisture content correction value corresponding to the relative humidity is set in advance.

[0043] The humidity correction calculation unit A35 calculates a moisture content correction value according to the humidity information using the humidity correction formula A, and calculates the corrected moisture content information by subtracting (or adding) the moisture content correction value from the moisture content inputted from the regression calculation unit 33.

[0044] As described above, in this embodiment, the calculation processing unit 1 calculates the moisture content using the regression equation 42-2 with the infrared information and temperature information as explanatory variables, and then corrects the moisture content output by the regression calculation unit 33 with a moisture content correction value corresponding to the humidity information, thereby making it possible to calculate moisture content information that suppresses the effects of both temperature and humidity. [Example]

[0045] FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of the present invention, and is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functions of the calculation processing unit 1. In the second embodiment, the moisture content calculated by the regression calculation unit 33 from the temperature information and infrared information is corrected by the humidity correction calculation unit A35. In this embodiment, however, a temperature correction calculation unit 34 is added to the configuration of the second embodiment, before the regression calculation unit 33. The other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment. The temperature correction calculation unit 34 is stored in the memory 12 as a program.

[0046] The temperature correction calculation unit 34 inputs the temperature information from the thermometer 3 and stores it in the temperature correction formula storage unit 4. 2 The temperature correction calculation unit 34 calculates temperature correction information (correction coefficient matrix) using a preset temperature correction formula. Then, the temperature correction calculation unit 34 outputs infrared information obtained by correcting the preprocessed infrared information input from the preprocessing unit 32 using the temperature correction information. The corrected infrared information output from the temperature correction calculation unit 34 is an infrared spectrum in which the influence of temperature is suppressed.

[0047] The regression calculation unit 33 receives the infrared information corrected by the temperature correction information and calculates the moisture content using the corrected infrared information as an explanatory variable in a regression equation 42-0 preset in the regression equation storage unit 41. The regression calculation unit 33 outputs the moisture content from the infrared information in which the influence of temperature has been suppressed.

[0048] The humidity correction calculation unit A35 inputs humidity information from the hygrometer 4 and calculates a humidity information value using the humidity correction formula A preset in the humidity correction formula storage unit A43. The humidity correction calculation unit A35 then corrects the moisture content, for which the influence of temperature input from the regression calculation unit 33 has been suppressed, using the humidity information value, and outputs the moisture content. The corrected value is output to the moisture content display unit 7 as moisture content information.

[0049] As a result, the regression calculation unit 33 calculates the moisture content using as input the infrared information corrected by the temperature correction information according to the temperature in the temperature correction calculation unit 34, and can calculate the moisture content with the influence of temperature suppressed, as in Example 2. Then, the humidity correction calculation unit A35 corrects the moisture content with the influence of temperature suppressed output by the regression calculation unit 33 with the humidity information, thereby being able to calculate the moisture content of the dewatered sludge with the influence of both temperature and humidity suppressed.

[0050] 9 is a graph showing an example of correction of infrared information (spectrum) according to temperature, which is performed by the temperature correction calculation unit 34. In the graph shown, the horizontal axis represents frequency and the vertical axis represents absorptance (or emissivity), with a solid line representing an example of 10 degrees and a dashed line representing an example of 40 degrees.

[0051] In the infrared information before correction on the left side of the figure, the absorption rate is higher at 10 degrees compared to the example at 40 degrees, and the infrared information (spectrum) measured by the infrared measuring unit 2 varies due to the influence of temperature. 2 The temperature correction formula is obtained from the above, a coefficient matrix corresponding to the temperature information is calculated, and the absorption rate of the infrared information is corrected using the coefficient matrix. As shown in the graph on the right side of the figure, the corrected infrared information becomes an infrared spectrum with the influence of temperature eliminated.

[0052] As described above, in this embodiment, the calculation processing unit 1 is provided with a temperature correction calculation unit 34 before the regression calculation unit 33 to correct the temperature fluctuation of the infrared information, and then the moisture content is calculated by the regression calculation unit 33. Thereafter, the humidity correction calculation unit A35 corrects the moisture content according to the humidity, thereby making it possible to calculate moisture content information that suppresses the effects of both temperature and humidity. [Example]

[0053] 10 is a block diagram illustrating a fourth embodiment of the present invention, showing an example of the functions of the calculation processing unit 1. In the second and third embodiments, the humidity correction calculation unit A35 corrects the moisture content according to the humidity, but in this embodiment, an example is shown in which infrared information is corrected according to the humidity.

[0054] In this embodiment, instead of the humidity correction calculation unit A35 of the third embodiment, a humidity correction calculation unit B36 that corrects infrared information in accordance with humidity information is provided in front of the regression calculation unit 33. The humidity correction calculation unit B36 is stored in the memory 12 as a program.

[0055] Similar to the third embodiment, a temperature correction calculation unit 34 is disposed downstream of the pre-processing unit 32, and a humidity correction calculation unit B36 is disposed downstream of the temperature correction calculation unit 34 between the temperature correction calculation unit 34 and the regression calculation unit 33. The humidity correction calculation unit B36 receives input of the infrared information corrected by the temperature information and the humidity information, corrects the infrared information according to the humidity, and outputs the corrected infrared information to the regression calculation unit 33.

[0056] The humidity correction calculation unit B36 inputs humidity information from the hygrometer 4 and stores it in the humidity correction storage unit B36. B The humidity correction calculation unit B36 calculates humidity correction information (correction coefficient matrix) using a humidity correction formula preset in the humidity correction calculation unit 44. Then, the humidity correction calculation unit B36 corrects the infrared information corrected by the temperature in the temperature correction calculation unit 34 using the humidity information and outputs the corrected infrared information. The corrected infrared information output from the humidity correction calculation unit B36 is an infrared spectrum in which the effects of both temperature and humidity are suppressed.

[0057] The regression calculation unit 33 receives the infrared information corrected by temperature and humidity and calculates the moisture content using the corrected infrared information as an explanatory variable in a regression equation 42-0 preset in the regression equation storage unit 41. The regression calculation unit 33 outputs the moisture content from the infrared information in which the effects of both temperature and humidity have been suppressed.

[0058] FIG. 11 shows the humidity correction calculation performed in the humidity correction calculation section B36. dampness 1 is a graph showing an example of correction of infrared information (spectrum) according to relative humidity. In the graph shown, the horizontal axis is frequency and the vertical axis is absorptance (or emissivity), with an example where the relative humidity is 40% indicated by a solid line and an example where the relative humidity is 95% indicated by a dashed line.

[0059] The infrared information before correction on the left side of the figure shows a higher absorption rate at 95% compared to 40%, and the infrared information (spectrum) measured by the infrared measurement unit 2 varies due to the influence of humidity. The humidity correction calculation unit B36 obtains a preset humidity correction formula B from the humidity correction formula storage unit B44, calculates a coefficient matrix according to the humidity information, and corrects the absorption rate of the infrared information with the coefficient matrix. As shown in the graph on the right side of the figure, the corrected infrared information is an infrared spectrum with the influence of humidity eliminated.

[0060] As described above, the calculation processing unit 1 of this embodiment is provided with a temperature correction calculation unit 34 and a humidity correction calculation unit B36 in front of the regression calculation unit 33 to correct fluctuations in the infrared information with respect to temperature and humidity, and then calculates the moisture content in the regression calculation unit 33, thereby making it possible to calculate moisture content information that suppresses the effects of both temperature and humidity.

[0061] In the above, the humidity correction calculation section B36 is provided after the temperature correction calculation section 34, but although not shown, the temperature correction calculation section 34 may be provided after the humidity correction calculation section B36. [Example]

[0062] 12 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a moisture content measurement system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The moisture content measurement system of the fifth embodiment is configured in the same manner as the first embodiment, except that a sensor 8 is added to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0063] The sensor 8 is arranged opposite the dewatered sludge in the sludge discharge section 62, similar to the infrared measuring section 2, and is composed of at least one of a distance sensor that measures the distance between the infrared measuring section 2 and the surface of the dewatered sludge, and a color sensor that detects the color of the dewatered sludge.

[0064] Since the intensity of reflected light from infrared measuring unit 2 changes depending on the distance to the surface of the dewatered sludge being measured, fluctuations in distance become noise, which is a source of error. For this reason, the accuracy of calculating the moisture content of the dewatered sludge can be improved by measuring the distance between infrared measuring unit 2 and the dewatered sludge using sensor 8 and correcting the intensity of the infrared information according to changes in distance.

[0065] In addition, the color of the dewatered sludge may not always be constant, and the reflection intensity changes depending on the color of the surface of the dewatered sludge. For this reason, by adopting a color sensor for sensor 8, the processing unit 1 can correct the intensity of the infrared information according to changes in the color of the dewatered sludge, thereby improving the accuracy of calculating the moisture content of the dewatered sludge.

[0066] 13 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functions of the calculation processing unit 1. In this embodiment, a regression equation 42 in which information from the sensor 8 (sensor information) is added as an explanatory variable is preset in the regression equation storage unit 41 of the first embodiment, and a regression calculation unit 33 calculates the moisture content as the objective variable using the sensor information, temperature information, humidity information, and infrared information from the sensor 8 as explanatory variables.

[0067] The regression equation storage unit 41 stores regression equation 42-4 with infrared information, temperature information, humidity information, and sensor information as explanatory variables, regression equation 42-5 with infrared information, temperature information, and sensor information as explanatory variables, regression equation 42-6 with infrared information, humidity information, and sensor information as explanatory variables, and regression equation 42-7 with infrared information and sensor information as explanatory variables.

[0068] As will be described later, one of these regression equations 42, each with a different explanatory variable, is selected by the user of the moisture content measurement system. The regression calculation unit 33 reads the selected regression equations 42-4 to 42-7 from the regression equation storage unit 41, calculates the moisture content from the explanatory variables, and outputs the calculated moisture content to the moisture content display unit 7 as moisture content information.

[0069] The calculation processing unit 1 of this embodiment can calculate the moisture content while suppressing the influence of the distance and color measured by the sensor 8, in addition to suppressing the influence of the temperature and humidity as in the first embodiment.

[0070] 14 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the input / output device 14. The display constituting the input / output device 14 has a configuration similar to that of the first embodiment except that a distance check box 533 and a dye check box 534 for the correction parameters 53 are added to the components of the first embodiment. Note that it is sufficient to display either the distance check box 533 or the dye check box 534 depending on the function of the sensor 8.

[0071] The correction parameters 53 include a temperature check box 531, a humidity check box 532, a distance check box 533, and a pigment check box 534, and checked parameters are designated as explanatory variables of the regression calculation unit 33. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which temperature, humidity, or distance and pigment of sensor information can be designated as parameters.

[0072] With the above configuration, the calculation processing unit 1 performs a predetermined preprocessing in the preprocessing unit 32 on the infrared reflectance information (infrared information) measured by the infrared measuring unit 2, and then calculates the moisture content of the dewatered sludge using regression equation 42, which uses the infrared information, temperature information, and humidity information or sensor information as explanatory variables.

[0073] The regression calculation unit 33 calculates the value of the regression equation 42 stored in advance in the regression equation storage unit 41. warm In addition to suppressing the influence of temperature and humidity, the influence of the distance and color measured by the sensor 8 can be suppressed, thereby improving the accuracy of the moisture content.

[0074] When the sensor 8 measures the distance, the accuracy of measuring the moisture content can be ensured regardless of deviations in the installation position of the infrared measuring unit 2 or distortion of the device due to aging deterioration of the sludge dewatering machine 6. Furthermore, even if the installation accuracy of the infrared measuring unit 2 is low, high measurement accuracy can be ensured because the intensity of the infrared information is corrected according to fluctuations in distance. [Example]

[0075] 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the calculation processing unit 1, illustrating a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the fifth embodiment, an example was shown in which humidity information was used as an explanatory variable for the regression equations 42-4 and 42-6, but in this embodiment, an example is shown in which a humidity correction calculation unit A35 is added that corrects the moisture content calculated by the regression calculation unit 33 using humidity information. The calculation processing unit 1 has the same configuration as that of the fifth embodiment, with the humidity correction calculation unit A35 added.

[0076] The regression calculation unit 33 receives the infrared information, temperature information, and sensor information as input, and calculates the moisture content using the infrared information, temperature information, and sensor information as explanatory variables in the regression equation 42-5 of the regression equation storage unit 41. The regression calculation unit 33 outputs the moisture content in which the influence of the temperature and sensor information is suppressed.

[0077] The humidity correction calculation unit A35 is the same as in the second embodiment, and inputs humidity information from the hygrometer 4 to calculate a humidity correction value (humidity correction information) using a humidity correction formula A preset in a humidity correction formula storage unit A43.

[0078] Then, the humidity correction calculation unit A35 corrects the moisture content, in which the influence of the temperature and sensor information input from the regression calculation unit 33 has been suppressed, with the humidity correction value, and outputs the corrected value to the moisture content display unit 7.

[0079] As a result, the humidity correction calculation unit A35 can calculate the moisture content of the dewatered sludge while suppressing the influence of temperature, humidity, and sensor information by correcting the moisture content, which has been suppressed due to the influence of temperature and sensor information output by the regression calculation unit 33, based on the humidity information. [Example]

[0080] 16 is a block diagram showing a seventh embodiment of the present invention, illustrating an example of the functions of the calculation processing unit 1. In the sixth embodiment, the moisture content calculated by the regression calculation unit 33 from the temperature information, sensor information, and infrared information is corrected by the humidity correction calculation unit A35, but in this embodiment, a temperature correction calculation unit 34 is added to the configuration of the sixth embodiment, before the regression calculation unit 33. The other configurations are the same as those of the sixth embodiment.

[0081] The temperature correction calculation unit 34 is the same as in the third embodiment, and inputs the temperature information from the thermometer 3 to the temperature correction formula storage unit 4. 2 The temperature correction calculation unit 34 calculates temperature correction information (correction coefficient matrix) using a preset temperature correction formula. Then, the temperature correction calculation unit 34 outputs infrared information obtained by correcting the preprocessed infrared information input from the preprocessing unit 32 using the temperature correction information. The corrected infrared information output from the temperature correction calculation unit 34 is an infrared spectrum in which the influence of temperature is suppressed.

[0082] The regression calculation unit 33 receives the infrared information corrected by the sensor information and the temperature correction information, and calculates the moisture content using the corrected infrared information and the sensor information as explanatory variables in a regression equation 42-7 preset in the regression equation storage unit 41. The regression calculation unit 33 outputs the moisture content from the infrared information in which the effects of temperature and sensor information have been suppressed.

[0083] The humidity correction calculation unit A35 inputs humidity information from the hygrometer 4 and calculates a humidity information value using a humidity correction formula A preset in the humidity correction formula storage unit A43. The humidity correction calculation unit A35 then corrects the moisture content, for which the influence of temperature input from the regression calculation unit 33 has been suppressed, using the humidity information value, and outputs the moisture content. The corrected value is then output to the moisture content display unit 7.

[0084] As a result, the regression calculation unit 33 calculates the moisture content using the infrared information and sensor information corrected by the temperature correction information according to the temperature in the temperature correction calculation unit 34 as input, and can calculate the moisture content with the influence of temperature suppressed, as in Example 6. Then, the humidity correction calculation unit A35 corrects the moisture content with the influence of temperature suppressed output by the regression calculation unit 33 with the humidity information, thereby being able to calculate the moisture content of the dewatered sludge with the influence of temperature, humidity, and sensor information suppressed. [Example]

[0085] 17 is a block diagram illustrating an eighth embodiment of the present invention, showing an example of the functions of the calculation processing unit 1. In the sixth and seventh embodiments, the humidity correction calculation unit A35 corrects the moisture content according to the humidity, but in this embodiment, an example is shown in which infrared information is corrected according to the humidity.

[0086] In this embodiment, instead of the humidity correction calculation unit A35 of the seventh embodiment, a humidity correction calculation unit B36 that corrects infrared information in accordance with humidity information is provided in front of the regression calculation unit 33. The humidity correction calculation unit B36 has the same configuration as in the fourth embodiment.

[0087] Similar to the seventh embodiment, a temperature correction calculation unit 34 is disposed downstream of the pre-processing unit 32, and a humidity correction calculation unit B36 is disposed downstream of the temperature correction calculation unit 34 between the temperature correction calculation unit 34 and the regression calculation unit 33. The humidity correction calculation unit B36 receives input of the infrared information and humidity information corrected by the temperature information, corrects the infrared information according to the humidity, and outputs the corrected infrared information to the regression calculation unit 33.

[0088] The humidity correction calculation unit B36 inputs humidity information from the hygrometer 4 and stores it in the humidity correction storage unit B36. B The humidity correction calculation unit B36 calculates humidity correction information (correction coefficient matrix) using a humidity correction formula set in advance in the temperature correction calculation unit 34. Then, the humidity correction calculation unit B36 corrects the infrared information corrected by the temperature correction calculation unit 34 using the humidity information and outputs the corrected information. dampness degree correction calculation section B36 The corrected infrared information output from the is an infrared spectrum in which the effects of both temperature and humidity are suppressed.

[0089] The regression calculation unit 33 receives the infrared information and sensor information corrected by temperature and humidity, and calculates the moisture content using the corrected infrared information and sensor information as explanatory variables in a regression equation 42-7 preset in the regression equation storage unit 41. The regression calculation unit 33 outputs the moisture content from the infrared information in which the effects of temperature, humidity, and sensor information have been suppressed.

[0090] As described above, the calculation processing unit 1 of this embodiment is provided with a temperature correction calculation unit 34 and a humidity correction calculation unit B36 in front of the regression calculation unit 33 to correct fluctuations in the infrared information relative to temperature and humidity, and then calculates the moisture content in the regression calculation unit 33, making it possible to calculate moisture content information that suppresses the effects of temperature, humidity, and sensor information.

[0091] In the above, the humidity correction calculation section B36 is provided after the temperature correction calculation section 34, but although not shown, the temperature correction calculation section 34 may be provided after the humidity correction calculation section B36.

[0092] <Conclusion> As described above, the moisture content measuring systems of the above Examples 1 to 8 can be configured as follows.

[0093] (1) A moisture content measuring device for measuring the moisture content of sludge, having a processor (11) and a memory (12), comprising an optical sensor (infrared measuring unit 2) for irradiating light onto the sludge to measure optical information, a temperature sensor (thermometer 3) for measuring temperature information, a humidity sensor (hygrometer 4) for measuring humidity information, and a regression calculation unit (3) for calculating the moisture content of the sludge from a preset regression model (regression equation 42) using at least one of the optical information, the temperature information, and the humidity information. 3 ) and a moisture content measuring device characterized by having.

[0094] With the above configuration, the calculation processing unit 1 of the moisture content measurement system can calculate the moisture content of dewatered sludge while suppressing the influence of temperature and humidity using regression equation 42, which uses infrared information and temperature information or humidity information as explanatory variables.

[0095] In addition, the calculation processing unit 1 measures the moisture content while suppressing the effects of both temperature and humidity, and then unchecks either the temperature check box 531 or the humidity check box 532 and measures the moisture content again, thereby comparing it with the moisture content while suppressing the effects of temperature and humidity, thereby making it possible to determine which of temperature and humidity is affecting the current moisture content of the dewatered sludge.

[0096] (2) The moisture content measuring device according to (1) above further comprises a first humidity correction unit (35) that inputs the humidity information and corrects the moisture content according to the humidity, and the regression calculation unit (3 3 ) calculates the moisture content using the temperature information and the optical information, and the first humidity correction unit (35) calculates the moisture content using the temperature information and the optical information. 3 ) A moisture content measuring device characterized by correcting the moisture content calculated by the moisture content measuring device.

[0097] With the above configuration, the calculation processing unit 1 calculates the moisture content using the regression equation 42-2 with the infrared information and temperature information as explanatory variables, and then corrects the moisture content output by the regression calculation unit 33 with a moisture content correction value corresponding to the humidity information, making it possible to calculate moisture content information that suppresses the effects of both temperature and humidity.

[0098] (3) The moisture content measuring device according to (1) above further comprises a first humidity correction unit (35) that inputs the humidity information and corrects the moisture content in accordance with the humidity, and a temperature correction unit (34) that inputs the temperature information and corrects the optical information in accordance with the temperature, and the regression calculation unit (3 3 ) calculates the moisture content using the optical information corrected by the temperature correction unit (34), and the first humidity correction unit (35) calculates the moisture content using the optical information corrected by the regression calculation unit (3 3 ) A moisture content measuring device characterized by correcting the moisture content calculated by the moisture content measuring device.

[0099] With the above configuration, the calculation processing unit 1 is provided with a temperature correction calculation unit 34 before the regression calculation unit 33 to correct fluctuations in the infrared information relative to temperature, and then the moisture content is calculated by the regression calculation unit 33. Thereafter, the humidity correction calculation unit A35 corrects the moisture content according to the humidity, making it possible to calculate moisture content information that suppresses the effects of both temperature and humidity.

[0100] (4) The moisture content measuring device according to (1) above further comprises a second humidity correcting unit (36) that inputs the humidity information and corrects the optical information according to the humidity, and a temperature correcting unit (34) that inputs the temperature information and corrects the optical information according to the temperature, and the regression calculation unit (3 3) is a moisture content measuring device characterized in that it calculates the moisture content using the optical information corrected by the temperature correction unit (34) and the second humidity correction unit (36).

[0101] With the above configuration, the calculation processing unit 1 is provided with a temperature correction calculation unit 34 and a humidity correction calculation unit B36 in front of the regression calculation unit 33 to correct fluctuations in the infrared information with respect to temperature and humidity, and then calculates the moisture content in the regression calculation unit 33, thereby making it possible to calculate moisture content information that suppresses the effects of both temperature and humidity.

[0102] (5) The moisture content measuring device according to (1) above further comprises a sensor (8) that measures the distance between the optical sensor and the sludge or the color of the sludge and outputs the result as sensor information, and the regression calculation unit (3 3 ) is a moisture content measuring device characterized by calculating the moisture content of the sludge from a preset regression model using at least one of the optical information, temperature information, humidity information, and sensor information.

[0103] With the above configuration, the calculation processing unit 1 performs a predetermined preprocessing in the preprocessing unit 32 on the infrared reflectance information (infrared information) measured by the infrared measuring unit 2, and then calculates the moisture content of the dewatered sludge using regression equation 42, which uses the infrared information, temperature information, and humidity information or sensor information as explanatory variables.

[0104] The regression calculation unit 33 calculates the value of the regression equation 42 stored in advance in the regression equation storage unit 41. warm In addition to suppressing the effects of temperature and humidity, the accuracy of the moisture content can be improved by suppressing the effects of the distance and color measured by the sensor 8. When the sensor 8 measures the distance, the moisture content measurement accuracy can be ensured regardless of deviations in the installation position of the infrared measuring unit 2 or distortion of the device due to aging deterioration of the sludge dewatering machine 6, etc. Furthermore, even if the assembly accuracy of the infrared measuring unit 2 is low, high measurement accuracy can be ensured because the intensity of the infrared information is corrected according to fluctuations in distance.

[0105] (6) The moisture content measuring device according to (5) above further comprises a first humidity correction unit (35) that inputs the humidity information and corrects the moisture content according to the humidity, and the regression calculation unit (3 3 ) calculates the moisture content using the temperature information, sensor information, and optical information, and the first humidity correction unit (35) calculates the moisture content using the temperature information, sensor information, and optical information. 3 ) A moisture content measuring device characterized by correcting the moisture content calculated by the moisture content measuring device.

[0106] With the above configuration, the humidity correction calculation unit A35 can calculate the moisture content of dewatered sludge while suppressing the influence of temperature, humidity, and sensor information by correcting the moisture content, which has been suppressed from the influence of temperature and sensor information output by the regression calculation unit 33, based on humidity information.

[0107] (7) The moisture content measuring device according to (5) above further comprises a first humidity correcting unit (35) that inputs the humidity information and corrects the moisture content in accordance with the humidity, and a temperature correcting unit (34) that inputs the temperature information and corrects the optical information in accordance with the temperature, and the regression calculation unit (3 3 ) calculates the moisture content using the optical information corrected by the temperature correction unit (34) and the sensor information, and the first humidity correction unit (35 ... 3 ) A moisture content measuring device characterized by correcting the moisture content calculated by the moisture content measuring device.

[0108] With the above configuration, the regression calculation unit 33 calculates the moisture content using the infrared information and sensor information corrected by the temperature correction calculation unit 34 using temperature correction information according to the temperature as input, and can calculate the moisture content while suppressing the influence of temperature, as in Example 6. Then, the humidity correction calculation unit A35 corrects the moisture content while suppressing the influence of temperature output by the regression calculation unit 33 using humidity information, thereby being able to calculate the moisture content of the dewatered sludge while suppressing the influence of temperature, humidity, and sensor information.

[0109] (8) The moisture content measuring device according to (5) above further comprises a second humidity correcting unit (36) that inputs the humidity information and corrects the optical information according to the humidity, and a temperature correcting unit (34) that inputs the temperature information and corrects the optical information according to the temperature, and the regression calculation unit (3 3 ) is a moisture content measuring device characterized in that it calculates the moisture content using the optical information and sensor information corrected by the temperature correction unit (34) and the second humidity correction unit (36).

[0110] With the above configuration, the calculation processing unit 1 is provided with a temperature correction calculation unit 34 and a humidity correction calculation unit B36 in front of the regression calculation unit 33 to correct fluctuations in the infrared information relative to temperature and humidity, and then calculates the moisture content in the regression calculation unit 33, thereby making it possible to calculate moisture content information that suppresses the influence of temperature, humidity, and sensor information.

[0111] 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 to clearly explain the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those including all of the described configurations. Furthermore, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, for part of the configuration of each embodiment, addition, deletion, or substitution of other configurations can be applied alone or in combination.

[0112] Furthermore, the above-described configurations, functions, processing units, and processing means may be partially or entirely implemented in hardware, for example, by designing them as integrated circuits. The above-described configurations and functions may also be implemented in software, with a processor interpreting and executing a program that implements each function. Information such as the programs, tables, and files that implement each function may be stored in a memory, a recording device such as a hard disk or SSD (Solid State Drive), or a recording medium such as an IC card, SD card, or DVD.

[0113] In addition, the control lines and information lines shown are those that are considered necessary for the explanation, and do not necessarily show all the control lines and information lines in the product. In reality, it can be assumed that almost all components are interconnected. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1. Processing unit 2. Infrared measurement unit 3 thermometer 4 Hygrometer 5. Infrared signal processing device 6. Sludge dewatering machine 11 processors 12 Memory 14 Input / Output Devices 32 Pre-processing section 33 Regression calculation unit 34 Temperature correction calculation section 35 Humidity correction calculation section A 36 Humidity correction calculation section B 41 Regression equation storage section 42 Temperature-compensated storage unit 43 Humidity-compensated storage compartment

Claims

1. A moisture content measuring device having a processor and a memory for measuring the moisture content of sludge, an optical sensor that irradiates the sludge with light and measures the spectrum of reflected light; a temperature sensor that measures temperature information; a humidity sensor that measures humidity information; a temperature correction unit that receives the temperature information and corrects the spectrum according to the temperature; a regression calculation unit that calculates the water content of the sludge from a preset regression model using the spectrum corrected by the temperature correction unit; a humidity correction unit that inputs the humidity information and corrects the moisture content calculated by the regression calculation unit according to the humidity; A moisture content measuring device comprising:

2. A moisture content measuring device as described in claim 1, Further, a sensor is provided that measures the distance of the sludge or the color of the sludge and outputs the measured result as sensor information. The regression calculation unit A moisture content measuring device, characterized in that the moisture content is calculated using the spectrum corrected by the temperature correction unit and the sensor information.

3. A moisture content measurement method in which a computer having a processor and a memory measures the moisture content of sludge, comprising: a sensor information acquisition step in which the computer acquires a spectrum of reflected light of light irradiated onto the sludge from an optical sensor, acquires temperature information from a temperature sensor, and acquires humidity information from a humidity sensor; a temperature correction step in which the computer inputs the temperature information and corrects the spectrum according to the temperature; a regression calculation step in which the computer calculates the moisture content of the sludge from a preset regression model using the spectrum corrected in the temperature correction step; a humidity correction step in which the computer inputs the humidity information and corrects the moisture content calculated in the regression calculation step according to the humidity; A moisture content measuring method comprising:

4. A moisture content measuring method according to claim 3, In the sensor information acquisition step, Further acquiring sensor information from a sensor that measures the distance of the sludge or the color of the sludge; In the regression calculation step, A moisture content measuring method, characterized in that the moisture content is calculated using the spectrum corrected in the temperature correction step and the sensor information.

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