Organic waste treatment equipment

Abstract

To provide a processing device of organic waste that can efficiently remove a suspended matter contained in condensate water generated in a condensation part.SOLUTION: A processing device includes: a closed container 2 which has a storage part 24 that stores organic waste; a storage part decompression part which decompresses the storage part 24; a storage part heating part which heats the storage part 24; and a condensation part 4 which condenses the steam generated in the storage part 24 in a condensation container 41. The processing device 1 includes a suspended matter removal device 6 for removing a suspended matter in condensate water generated in the condensation part 4. The suspended matter removal device 6 has a gas-liquid separation container 61 which is arranged at a position lower than the condensation container 41 and in which a direction inclined to a horizontal direction is the longitudinal direction. The inside of the condensation container 41 and the inside of the gas-liquid separation container 61 are connected with each other by a connection tube 62. The gas-liquid separation container 61 has a gas outlet 61b that is located in an end on the high position side in the longitudinal direction and a liquid outlet 61a that is located in an end on the low position side in the longitudinal direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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[0005]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating organic waste, and particularly to an apparatus for treating organic waste, which includes a condensation unit that condenses steam generated in a container for storing organic waste.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an apparatus for treating organic waste that includes a sealed container having a storage unit for storing organic waste, a storage unit decompression unit for decompressing the storage unit, a storage unit heating unit for heating the storage unit, and a condensation unit for condensing steam generated in the storage unit in a condensation container, and that decomposes the organic components of the organic waste using microorganisms (see, for example, Patent Document 1). X

[0003] In a conventional apparatus for treating organic waste such as that of Patent Document X, the condensation unit includes a plurality of cooling pipes supported by a pair of heads. These cooling pipes are connected to a cooling tower by a cooling water passage. The cooling pipes are filled with cooling water, and the cooling water circulates through the cooling water passage between the condensation unit and the cooling tower. In the condensation unit, the waste is heated, steam is generated from the heated waste, and condensed water is generated when the generated steam condenses.

[0004] The condensation unit is connected to a vacuum pump via a communication passage. The discharge port side of the vacuum pump is connected to the water receiving tank of the cooling tower through a water conduit. When the vacuum pump operates, the condensed water sucked out from the condensation unit is led to the cooling tower through the communication passage and the water conduit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] It seems there is an error in the original text where "特許文献1のような従来の有機性廃棄物の処理装置では" in line 12 is followed by "特許文献1参照" instead of the actual reference number. I've assumed it should be "Patent Document 1" and translated accordingly. If this is incorrect, please provide the correct information. In the conventional organic waste treatment system described above, organic waste dust was present as suspended matter in the condensate generated in the condensation section. This condensate containing suspended matter was then guided through a vacuum pump to the cooling tower's water tank. This resulted in the problem of suspended matter circulating through the cooling water passages. When suspended matter circulates through the cooling water passages, there is a risk of reduced cooling capacity in the cooling tower and the condensation section. Furthermore, when suspended matter circulates through the cooling water passages, there is a risk of clogging in the piping that forms the cooling water passages.

[0007] This invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an organic waste treatment device that can efficiently remove suspended matter contained in the condensed water generated in the condensation section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention disclosed herein is configured as follows. That is, the first invention is an organic waste treatment apparatus that uses microorganisms to decompose the organic components of the organic waste, comprising a sealed container having a containment section for containing organic waste, a containment section depressurization section for depressurizing the containment section, a containment section heating section for heating the containment section, and a condensation section for condensing the steam generated in the containment section in a condensation container, wherein the apparatus is equipped with a suspended solids removal device for removing suspended solids from the condensed water generated in the condensation section, the suspended solids removal device has a gas-liquid separation container positioned lower than the condensation container and having a longitudinal direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, the inside of the condensation container and the inside of the gas-liquid separation container are connected by a connecting cylinder located between the upper and lower parts of the condensation container and the gas-liquid separation container, and the gas-liquid separation container has a gas outlet provided at the end on the higher side in the longitudinal direction and a liquid outlet provided at the end on the lower side in the longitudinal direction.

[0009] According to the first invention, condensed water containing suspended solids does not remain in the condensing container but moves towards the gas-liquid separation container by gravity. Since the gas-liquid separation container is inclined with respect to the horizontal, the condensed water containing suspended solids is guided to a liquid outlet located at the lower end of the gas-liquid separation container in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, the steam remaining in the condensing container is discharged from a gas outlet located at the upper part of the higher end of the gas-liquid separation container in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the gas-liquid separation container can separate the condensed water containing suspended solids from the steam remaining in the condensing container. If condensed water were stored in the condensing container, suspended solids would adhere to the numerous heat exchange pipes inside the condensing container, making them difficult to remove. In the first invention, the condensed water generated in the condensing container is immediately collected in the gas-liquid separation container through the connecting pipe. This suppresses the adhesion of suspended solids to the pipes inside the condensing container, allowing for efficient removal of suspended solids contained in the condensed water.

[0010] The second invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, the floating matter removal device has a vacuum pump provided in the middle of the gas flow path connected to the gas outlet, and the vacuum pump also serves as the depressurization section of the containment section.

[0011] According to the second invention, when the vacuum pump is activated, a steam flow is formed from the condensing vessel through the connecting cylinder when steam is discharged from the gas outlet of the gas-liquid separation vessel. This steam flow helps the condensate generated in the condensing vessel to move to the gas-liquid separation vessel. This allows for more efficient removal of suspended solids in the condensate. Furthermore, the operation of the vacuum pump can also reduce the pressure in the containment section connected to the condensing vessel. This results in space and cost savings compared to the case where a separate vacuum pump is installed solely for reducing the pressure in the containment section.

[0012] The third invention is characterized in that, in the second invention, the suspended solids removal device has a sedimentation tank, the sedimentation tank is connected to the liquid outlet of the gas-liquid separation container by a liquid flow path, the sedimentation tank is connected to a cooling tower for cooling the cooling water that exchanges heat with the steam in the condensation section by a supernatant water flow path, and only the supernatant water from the condensed water that flows into the sedimentation tank from the liquid outlet by the liquid flow path is supplied to the cooling tower through the supernatant water flow path.

[0013] According to the third invention, condensed water containing suspended solids is guided to the cooling tower after the suspended solids have been reliably removed in the sedimentation tank. This eliminates the conventional problem of suspended solids circulating in the cooling water passages, thus preventing problems such as reduced cooling capacity in the cooling tower and condensation section, and pipe blockages.

[0014] The fourth invention is characterized in that, in the third invention, the suspended solids removal device has a drainage tank, a first shut-off valve located upstream of the drainage tank, and a second shut-off valve located downstream of the drainage tank in the middle of the liquid flow path, an air intake valve connected to the drainage tank, and by opening and closing the first shut-off valve and the second shut-off valve, the condensed water discharged from the gas-liquid separation container is temporarily stored in the drainage tank, and by opening the air intake valve, air is introduced into the drainage tank while the condensed water in the drainage tank flows into the sedimentation tank.

[0015] According to the fourth invention, condensed water containing suspended solids can be smoothly introduced into the sedimentation tank. More specifically, the gas-liquid separation container is under negative pressure due to the action of the vacuum pump. On the other hand, the sedimentation tank is under atmospheric pressure. Therefore, if the gas-liquid separation container and the sedimentation tank are simply connected by piping, a flow will occur in which the air in the sedimentation tank will try to move towards the gas-liquid separation container. In this case, it is difficult to introduce condensed water containing suspended solids into the sedimentation tank. Therefore, with the second shut-off valve closed, the atmospheric intake valve closed, and the first shut-off valve open, the condensed water containing suspended solids is guided to the drainage tank. Next, by closing the first shut-off valve and opening the atmospheric intake valve and the second shut-off valve, the pressure difference between the drainage tank and the sedimentation tank is eliminated. As a result, condensed water containing suspended solids can be smoothly introduced into the sedimentation tank.

[0016] The fifth invention is characterized in that, in the third or fourth invention, the suspended solids removal device has a sludge pump located at the bottom of the sedimentation tank, the sludge pump is connected by a receiving hopper that receives organic waste supplied to the sealed container and a sediment supply channel, and the sediment formed by the sedimentation and separation of the suspended solids from the condensed water in the sedimentation tank is sent to the receiving hopper through the sediment supply channel by the drive of the sludge pump.

[0017] According to the fifth invention, the precipitate can be processed to become finer by repeatedly performing fermentation treatment in the containment section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the organic waste treatment apparatus of the present invention, suspended matter contained in the condensed water generated in the condensation section can be efficiently removed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing the main parts of an organic waste treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]It is a front view showing the main part of the floating matter removal device included in the organic waste treatment device of the present embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a side view showing a part of the floating matter removal device of the present embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the organic waste treatment device of the present embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a front view showing the main part of the organic waste treatment device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the main part of the floating matter removal device 6 included in the organic waste treatment device 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side view showing a part of the floating matter removal device 6. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the organic waste treatment device 1. The organic waste treatment device 1 of the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is a device that decomposes the organic components of organic waste using microorganisms. The target organic waste is, for example, livestock excrement (manure) or organic sludge. The treatment device 1 includes a receiving hopper 8, a sealed container 2 having a storage portion 24, a stirring device 3, a storage portion decompression portion for decompressing the storage portion 24, a storage portion heating portion for heating the storage portion 24, a condensation portion 4 for condensing the vapor generated in the storage portion 24, and a floating matter removal device 6. The storage portion 24 stores organic waste.

[0022] The receiving hopper 8 is a place for temporarily storing organic waste as a fermentation raw material. Excrement is input into the receiving hopper 8. The excrement input into the receiving hopper 8 is transported from the livestock shed by, for example, a dump truck. The receiving hopper 8 and the sealed container 2 are connected by an input conveyor (not shown).

[0023] The sealed container 2 is constructed using a roughly cylindrical pressure tank. The sealed container 2 is mounted on the base frame section B1. The sealed container 2 houses organic waste as fermentation raw material in its containment section 24. In addition, the containment section 24 of the sealed container 2 is subjected to depressurization and heating. The sealed container 2 is airtightly constructed to maintain the containment section 24 below atmospheric pressure. A heating jacket 5 is provided on the peripheral wall of the sealed container 2. The heating jacket 5 is connected to the boiler 50 by a heating steam supply passage (not shown). The heating steam generated in the boiler 50 is supplied to the heating jacket 5. The heating section of the containment section is composed of the heating jacket 5 and the boiler 50.

[0024] A fermentation material inlet 21 is provided at the top of the sealed container 2. This fermentation material inlet 21 is connected to the input conveyor. Organic waste sent from the receiving hopper 8 is fed into the fermentation material inlet 21. Guide sections 23 are also provided protruding from the top of the sealed container 2. These guide sections 23 are provided on one end and the other end of the sealed container 2 in the longitudinal direction. The guide sections 23 guide the steam generated from the heated organic waste toward the condensation section 4. A fermentation product outlet 22 is provided at the bottom of the side wall on the longitudinal end of the sealed container 2. The fermentation product outlet 22 discharges the fermentation products generated by the fermentation of the organic waste.

[0025] The stirring device 3 comprises a stirring shaft 31, stirring members 32, and an electric motor 33. The stirring shaft 31 extends in the longitudinal direction of the sealed container 2 within the housing section 24 of the sealed container 2. Multiple stirring members 32 are provided on the stirring shaft 31. The multiple stirring members 32 are spaced apart in the axial direction of the stirring shaft 31. The electric motor 33 rotates the stirring shaft 31 at a predetermined rotational speed. The electric motor 33 is mounted on a motor mounting base B2.

[0026] When organic waste is introduced through the fermentation raw material inlet 21, it is heated by the heat of the heating steam supplied to the heating jacket 5 while being stirred by the rotational drive of the stirring shaft 31 and stirring member 32. The organic waste is then sent along the longitudinal direction of the sealed container 2 toward the fermentation product discharge port 22 while being heated and stirred.

[0027] Microorganisms are added to the organic waste in sealed container 2. Preferably, the added microorganisms are a complex group of effective microorganisms based on multiple types of indigenous bacteria, which have been cultured in advance. These are commonly known as SHIMOSE 1 / 2 / 3 groups, which form the core of the colony. SHIMOSE 1 is FERM BP-7504 (deposited internationally on March 14, 2003, at the Patent Microorganism Depositary Center of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (1-1-3 Higashi, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan)). SHIMOSE 2 is FERM BP-7505 (also deposited internationally, similar to SHIMOSE 1), and is a microorganism belonging to Pichiafarinosa that is resistant to salt. SHIMOSE 3 is FERM BP-7506 (also deposited internationally, similar to SHIMOSE 1), and is a microorganism belonging to Staphylococcus.

[0028] The condensing section 4 is connected to the guide section 23 by a connecting channel 7. The connecting channel 7 is formed in a pipe that extends laterally from the guide section 23 to the sealed container 2 and then bends downward. The condensing section 4 is located laterally to the sealed container 2 and at the same height as the top of the sealed container 2. The condensing section 4 comprises a condensing container 41 extending along the longitudinal direction of the sealed container 2, a pair of heads 42 provided at both longitudinal ends inside the condensing container 41, and a plurality of cooling pipes 43 whose ends are supported by the pair of heads 42.

[0029] The condensing vessel 41 is a container with a circular cross-section. The diameter of the condensing vessel 41 is smaller than half the diameter of the sealed container 2. The condensing vessel 41 has a cooling water inlet 41a at one end in the longitudinal direction. The condensing vessel 41 also has a cooling water outlet 41b at the other end in the longitudinal direction. A slit-shaped first connection opening 41c is provided at the lower end of the condensing vessel 41. The first connection opening 41c extends in the longitudinal direction of the condensing vessel 41. Steam generated by heating organic waste in the sealed container 2 is introduced into the condensing vessel 41. The steam enters the condensing vessel 41 from the sealed container 2 through the guide section 23 and the connection channel 7. Inside the condensing vessel 41, the steam exchanges heat with the cooling water passing through the cooling pipe 43, and most of it becomes condensed water.

[0030] The suspended solids removal device 6 is provided to remove suspended solids from the condensate water generated in the condensation container 41 of the condensation section 4. The suspended solids removal device 6 has a gas-liquid separation container 61. The gas-liquid separation container 61 is a circular container with a diameter similar to that of the condensation container 41. The gas-liquid separation container 61 is positioned below the condensation container 41 and its longitudinal direction is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. The gas-liquid separation container 61 is positioned along the longitudinal direction of the sealed container 2 and the condensation container 41. The gas-liquid separation container 61 is positioned at the same height as the vertical center of the sealed container 2. The gas-liquid separation container 61 is supported by a plurality of support legs B3 extending upward from the base frame section B1.

[0031] The gas-liquid separation container 61 has a gas outlet 61b and a liquid outlet 61a. The gas outlet 61b is located at the upper part of the high-position end in the longitudinal direction of the gas-liquid separation container 61. The liquid outlet 61a is located at the lower part of the low-position end in the longitudinal direction of the gas-liquid separation container 61. In addition, a slit-shaped second connection opening 61c is provided on the upper part of the outer circumferential surface of the gas-liquid separation container 61. The second connection opening 61c extends in the longitudinal direction of the gas-liquid separation container 61.

[0032] The first connection opening 41c of the condensing container 41 and the second connection opening 61c of the gas-liquid separation container 61 are connected by a connecting cylinder 62. The connecting cylinder 62 connects the inside of the condensing container 41 and the inside of the gas-liquid separation container 61. The connecting cylinder 62 is located between the condensing container 41 and the gas-liquid separation container 61.

[0033] The suspended solids removal device 6 has a sedimentation tank 64. The sedimentation tank 64 is located at a lower position than the gas-liquid separation container 61. The sedimentation tank 64 is provided to separate suspended solids contained in the condensate generated in the condensation container 41 by settling. The sedimentation tank 64 is connected to the liquid outlet 61a of the gas-liquid separation container 61 by a liquid flow path 63. The sedimentation tank 64 is also connected to the gas outlet 61b of the gas-liquid separation container 61 by a gas flow path 65. Inside the sedimentation tank 64, there is a sedimentation processing section 64c and a supernatant water storage section 64d. The downstream ends of the liquid flow path 63 and the gas flow path 65 are connected to the sedimentation tank 64 so that they are at the same height as the upper end of the sedimentation processing section 64c. A drainage pump 64b is located at the bottom of the supernatant water storage section 64d.

[0034] A sludge pump 64a is located at the bottom of the sedimentation section 64c. The sludge pump 64a is connected to the receiving hopper 8 by a sediment supply channel 67. As previously described, the receiving hopper 8 is a place for temporarily storing the organic waste supplied to the sealed container 2. The sediment formed by separating suspended matter from the condensate in the sedimentation tank 64 is sent to the receiving hopper 8 through the sediment supply channel 67 by the operation of the sludge pump 64a.

[0035] The floating debris removal device 6 has a drain tank 63b, a first shut-off valve 63a, and a second shut-off valve 63c located in the middle of the liquid flow path 63. The first shut-off valve 63a is located upstream of the drain tank 63b. The second shut-off valve 63c is located downstream of the drain tank 63b.

[0036] The drainage tank 63b is, for example, a container with a circular cross-section and an elongated shape. The drainage tank 63b is positioned lower than the bottom of the gas-liquid separation container 61 and higher than the top of the sedimentation tank 64. The drainage tank 63b is positioned so that its longitudinal central axis is inclined with respect to the horizontal. The upper end of the drainage tank 63b on the higher longitudinal side is connected to the first shut-off valve 63a. The lower longitudinal end of the drainage tank 63b is connected to the second shut-off valve 63c. An atmospheric intake valve 63d is also connected to the upper longitudinal end of the drainage tank 63b.

[0037] The suspended solids removal device 6 has a vacuum pump 65a and a discharge-side shut-off valve 65b located in the middle of the gas flow path 65. The discharge-side shut-off valve 65b is located downstream of the vacuum pump 65a. The vacuum pump 65a is a water-sealed vacuum pump. The vacuum pump 65a is provided to discharge from the condensing container 41 any steam that has not condensed into water, which has been introduced from the sealed container 2 to the condensing container 41. The vacuum pump 65a also serves as a depressurization unit for the containment section. Specifically, the vacuum pump 65a is connected to the containment section 24 of the sealed container 2 via the gas flow path 65, the gas-liquid separation container 61, the connecting cylinder section 62, the condensing container 41, the connecting flow path 7, and the guide section 23. When the vacuum pump 65a is driven, it also sucks in the air in the containment section 24, which is spatially connected to the vacuum pump 65a. In this way, the containment section 24 can also be depressurized by driving the vacuum pump 65a.

[0038] If too much condensed water accumulates in the gas-liquid separation container 61, the water level will reach the height of the gas outlet 61b. In this case, the condensed water will flow out of the gas outlet 61b towards the gas flow path 65. However, since there is normally a seal water inside the vacuum pump 65a, it is not a problem if condensed water enters the vacuum pump 65a. Also, if condensed water flows out of the discharge port of the vacuum pump 65a downstream of the gas flow path 65, that condensed water will be guided to the sedimentation treatment section 64c of the sedimentation tank 64. Suspended matter contained in the condensed water that enters the sedimentation treatment section 64c from the gas flow path 65 will settle in the sedimentation treatment section 64c and be separated from the condensed water.

[0039] The sedimentation tank 64 is connected to a cooling tower 9 and a supernatant water channel 66 for cooling the cooling water that exchanges heat with steam in the condensation section 4. Of the condensed water that flows into the sedimentation tank 64 from the liquid outlet 61a of the gas-liquid separation container 61 via the liquid channel 63, only the supernatant water is supplied to the cooling tower 9 through the supernatant water channel 66.

[0040] A water supply shut-off valve 66a is provided in the middle of the supernatant water channel 66. The water supply shut-off valve 66a is located near the sedimentation tank 64. The gas channel 65 and the supernatant water channel 66 are connected by a bypass channel 68. The end of the bypass channel 68 on the gas channel 65 side is connected between the vacuum pump 65a and the discharge shut-off valve 65b in the gas channel 65. The end of the bypass channel 68 on the supernatant water channel 66 side is connected between the water supply shut-off valve 66a and the cooling tower 9 in the supernatant water channel 66. A bypass valve 68a is provided in the middle of the bypass channel 68.

[0041] The cooling tower 9 includes a water receiving tank 93, a pumping pump 94, a nozzle 95, a flow section 96, and a fan 97. The cooling tower 9 is connected to the condensing section 4 by a supply-side cooling water passage 91 and a return-side cooling water passage 92. The supply-side cooling water passage 91 enters the interior of the condensing container 41 from the cooling water inlet 41a of the condensing container 41 and is connected to a head 42 on the cooling water inlet 41a side. A cooling water pump 98 is provided in the middle of the supply-side cooling water passage 91. The return-side cooling water passage 92 enters the interior of the condensing container 41 from the cooling water outlet 41b of the condensing container 41 and is connected to a head 42 on the cooling water outlet 41b side.

[0042] Cooling water discharged from the cooling water outlet 41b of the condensing container 41 flows into the receiving tank 93 of the cooling tower 9 through the return cooling water channel 92. The pump 94 draws up cooling water from the receiving tank 93. The nozzle 95 sprays the drawn-up cooling water toward the flow section 96. The fan 97 blows air toward the flow section 96 while the cooling water flows down it. The temperature of the cooling water decreases due to the air blown by the fan 97. After flowing down the flow section 96, the cooling water flows back into the receiving tank 93.

[0043] Cooling water cooled in the cooling tower 9 is sent to the condensing section 4 by the cooling water pump 98. This cooling water is returned to the inside of the condensing container 41 through the cooling water inlet 41a of the condensing container 41 via the supply-side cooling water channel 91. As the cooling water returned to the inside of the condensing container 41 circulates through the multiple cooling pipes 43, it exchanges heat with the steam of organic waste and its temperature rises. The heated cooling water flows back into the cooling tower 9 via the return-side cooling water channel 92. In other words, the cooling water circulates through the supply-side cooling water channel 91 and the return-side cooling water channel 92, which are provided between the condensing section 4 and the cooling tower 9.

[0044] Next, the operation of the organic waste processing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Organic waste is sent from the receiving hopper 8 to the fermentation material input port 21 of the sealed container 2 by an input conveyor (not shown). The organic waste introduced into the containment section 24 from the fermentation material input port 21 is heated by a heating jacket 5 heated by heating steam from the boiler 50. In addition, the containment section 24 of the sealed container 2 is depressurized by the drive of the vacuum pump 65a, and the boiling point of water is lowered by the effect of the depressurization. As a result, the containment section 24 is maintained at 50-60°C, and the water contained in the organic waste boils. Furthermore, the fermentation of the organic waste is promoted by stirring with the stirring member 32 of the stirring device 3.

[0045] Steam generated from heated organic waste condenses in the condensation container 41 of the condensation unit 4. The condensed water produced in the condensation container 41 passes through the connecting cylinder 62 and remains in the gas-liquid separation container 61. The condensed water remaining in the gas-liquid separation container 61 contains organic waste dust as suspended matter. When a certain amount of condensed water containing suspended matter accumulates in the gas-liquid separation container 61, the condensed water containing suspended matter is moved to the sedimentation tank 64.

[0046] The transfer of condensed water containing suspended solids from the gas-liquid separation container 61 to the sedimentation tank 64 is carried out as follows. First, while the condensed water containing suspended solids is stored in the gas-liquid separation container 61, the first shut-off valve 63a, the second shut-off valve 63c, and the atmospheric pressure introduction valve 63d are all closed. The worker opens the first shut-off valve 63a from this state. Then, by gravity, the condensed water containing suspended solids moves from the gas-liquid separation container 61 to the drainage tank 63b. The condensed water containing suspended solids is temporarily stored in the drainage tank 63b. At this time, the drainage tank 63b is under negative pressure. Next, the worker closes the first shut-off valve 63a. Then, the worker opens the atmospheric pressure introduction valve 63d and the second shut-off valve 63c in that order. As a result, air is introduced into the drainage tank 63b, and the pressure inside the drainage tank 63b becomes atmospheric pressure. Since the sedimentation tank 64 is at atmospheric pressure, the pressure difference between the drainage tank 63b and the sedimentation tank 64 is eliminated. As a result, condensed water containing suspended solids flows smoothly from the drainage tank 63b into the sedimentation treatment section 64c of the sedimentation tank 64.

[0047] In the sedimentation section 64c of the sedimentation tank 64, suspended matter in the condensate settles over time and is separated from the condensate. The supernatant water generated in the sedimentation section 64c moves to the supernatant water storage section 64d and is stored there. The supernatant water stored in the supernatant water storage section 64d is then guided to the cooling tower 9 through the supernatant water channel 66 by the driving force of the drainage pump 64b.

[0048] As described above, the organic waste processing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a sealed container 2 having a containment section 24 for containing organic waste, a containment section depressurization section (vacuum pump 65a) for depressurizing the containment section 24, a containment section heating section (heating jacket 5, boiler 50) for heating the containment section 24, and a condensation section 4 for condensing the steam generated in the containment section 24 in a condensation container 41. The processing apparatus 1 also includes a suspended solids removal device 6 for removing suspended solids from the condensed water generated in the condensation section 4. The suspended solids removal device 6 has a gas-liquid separation container 61 positioned below the condensation container 41 and having its longitudinal direction inclined with respect to the vertical. The inside of the condensation container 41 and the inside of the gas-liquid separation container 61 are connected by a connecting cylinder section 62 located between the upper and lower parts of the condensation container 41 and the gas-liquid separation container 61. The gas-liquid separation container 61 has a gas outlet 61b at its upper longitudinal end and a liquid outlet 61a at its lower longitudinal end.

[0049] According to the above configuration, condensed water containing suspended solids does not remain in the condensing container 41 but moves toward the gas-liquid separation container 61 by gravity. Since the gas-liquid separation container 61 is inclined with respect to the horizontal, the condensed water containing suspended solids is guided to the liquid outlet 61a provided at the lower end of the gas-liquid separation container 61 in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, the steam remaining in the condensing container 41 is discharged from the gas outlet 61b provided at the upper part of the higher end of the gas-liquid separation container 61 in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the gas-liquid separation container 61 can separate the condensed water containing suspended solids from the steam remaining in the condensing container 41. If, for example, condensed water were stored in the condensing container 41, as in the organic waste treatment apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, suspended solids would adhere to the numerous cooling pipes 43 for heat exchange present in the condensing container 41, making them difficult to remove. In the invention according to this embodiment, the condensed water generated in the condensing container 41 is immediately collected in the gas-liquid separation container 61 through the connecting pipe section 62. This prevents suspended matter from adhering to the cooling pipes 43 inside the condensing container 41, thus allowing for efficient removal of suspended matter contained in the condensed water.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the floating matter removal device 6 has a vacuum pump 65a provided in the middle of the gas flow path 65 connected to the gas outlet 61b, and the vacuum pump 65a also serves as the depressurization section of the containment section.

[0051] According to the above configuration, when the vacuum pump 65a is activated, steam is discharged from the gas outlet 61b of the gas-liquid separation container 61, creating a steam flow from the condenser 41 through the connecting cylinder 62. This steam flow helps the condensate generated in the condenser 41 move to the gas-liquid separation container 61. This allows for more efficient removal of suspended solids in the condensate. Furthermore, the operation of the vacuum pump 65a can also reduce the pressure in the containment section 24 connected to the condenser 41. This results in space and cost savings compared to providing a separate vacuum pump solely for reducing the pressure in the containment section 24.

[0052] In this embodiment, the suspended solids removal device 6 also has a sedimentation tank 64. The sedimentation tank 64 is connected to the liquid outlet 61a of the gas-liquid separation container 61 by a liquid flow path 63. The sedimentation tank 64 is connected to a cooling tower 9 for cooling the cooling water that exchanges heat with steam in the condensation section 4 by a supernatant water flow path 66. Of the condensed water that flows into the sedimentation tank 64 from the liquid outlet 61a through the liquid flow path 63, only the supernatant water is supplied to the cooling tower 9 through the supernatant water flow path 66.

[0053] According to the above configuration, condensed water containing suspended solids is guided to the cooling tower 9 after the suspended solids have been reliably removed in the sedimentation tank 64. This eliminates the conventional problem of suspended solids circulating in the cooling water passages, thus preventing problems such as reduced cooling capacity in the cooling tower 9 and condensation section 4, and pipe blockages.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the suspended solids removal device 6 has a drainage tank 63b, a first shut-off valve 63a located upstream of the drainage tank 63b, and a second shut-off valve 63c located downstream of the drainage tank 63b, all located in the middle of the liquid flow path 63. An atmospheric intake valve 63d is connected to the drainage tank 63b. By opening and closing the first shut-off valve 63a and the second shut-off valve 63c, the condensed water discharged from the gas-liquid separation container 61 is temporarily stored in the drainage tank 63b. In addition, by opening the atmospheric intake valve 63d, atmospheric air is introduced into the drainage tank 63b while the condensed water in the drainage tank 63b flows into the sedimentation tank 64.

[0055] With the above configuration, condensed water containing suspended solids can be smoothly introduced into the sedimentation tank 64. More specifically, by closing the first shut-off valve 63a and opening the atmospheric intake valve 63d and the second shut-off valve 63c, the pressure difference between the drainage tank 63b and the sedimentation tank 64 is eliminated. This allows condensed water containing suspended solids to be smoothly introduced into the sedimentation tank 64.

[0056] In this embodiment, the suspended solids removal device 6 also includes a sludge pump 64a located at the bottom of the sedimentation tank 64. The sludge pump 64a is connected to a receiving hopper 8, which receives organic waste supplied to the sealed container 2, by a sediment supply channel 67. The sediment formed by the sedimentation of suspended solids from the condensate water in the sedimentation tank 64 is sent to the receiving hopper 8 through the sediment supply channel 67 by the drive of the sludge pump 64a.

[0057] With the above configuration, the precipitate can be processed to become finer by repeatedly performing fermentation treatment in the containment section 24.

[0058] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not intended to be restrictive. The technical scope of the present invention is not construed solely by the embodiments described above, but is defined by the claims. Furthermore, the technical scope of the present invention includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of equivalents to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1. Treatment of organic waste 2. Airtight container 4. Condensation section 5. Heating jacket (heating section of the housing) 6. Floating debris removal device 8. Receiving hopper 9 Cooling Tower 24 Storage Unit 41 Condenser 50 Boiler (Housing section and heating section) 61 Gas-liquid separation container 61a Liquid outlet 61b Gas outlet 62 Connecting cylinder section 63 Liquid flow path 63a First shut-off valve 63b Drainage Tank 63c Second shut-off valve 63d Atmospheric Intake Valve 64 Sedimentation tank 64a Sludge pump 65 Gas flow path 65a Vacuum pump (housing section, pressure reducing section) 66 Supernatant water channel 67. Sediment supply channel

Claims

1. An organic waste treatment apparatus comprising a sealed container having a containment section for containing organic waste, a containment section depressurization section for depressurizing the containment section, a containment section heating section for heating the containment section, and a condensation section for condensing the steam generated in the containment section in a condensation container, wherein the apparatus uses microorganisms to decompose the organic components of the organic waste, The device includes a floating matter removal device for removing floating matter from the condensed water generated in the aforementioned condensation section, The floating matter removal device has a gas-liquid separation container positioned lower than the condensing container and whose longitudinal direction is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. The interior of the condensing container and the interior of the gas-liquid separation container are connected by a connecting cylinder located between the upper and lower parts of the condensing container and the gas-liquid separation container. The gas-liquid separation container has a gas outlet provided at the end on the higher side in the longitudinal direction and a liquid outlet provided at the end on the lower side in the longitudinal direction. A device for treating organic waste, characterized by the following:

2. The floating debris removal device has a vacuum pump installed in the middle of the gas flow path connected to the gas outlet, The vacuum pump is also used as the depressurization section of the housing section. The apparatus for processing organic waste according to claim 1.

3. The floating debris removal device has a sedimentation tank, The sedimentation tank is connected to the liquid outlet of the gas-liquid separation container by a liquid flow path, The sedimentation tank is connected by a cooling tower and a supernatant water channel for cooling the cooling water that exchanges heat with the steam in the condensation section. The system is configured to supply only the supernatant water from the condensed water that flows into the sedimentation tank through the liquid flow path from the liquid outlet to the cooling tower through the supernatant water flow path. The apparatus for processing organic waste according to feature 2.

4. The floating debris removal device includes a drainage tank, a first shut-off valve located upstream of the drainage tank, and a second shut-off valve located downstream of the drainage tank, all located in the middle of the liquid flow path. An atmospheric intake valve is connected to the aforementioned drainage tank. The system is configured such that the condensed water discharged from the gas-liquid separation container is temporarily stored in the drain tank by opening and closing the first shut-off valve and the second shut-off valve, and that the condensed water in the drain tank flows into the sedimentation tank while introducing air into the drain tank by opening the air introduction valve. The organic waste treatment apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The floating matter removal device has a sludge pump located at the bottom of the sedimentation tank, The sludge pump is connected by a receiving hopper and a sediment supply channel to receive the organic waste supplied to the sealed container. The sediment obtained by separating the suspended solids from the condensed water in the sedimentation tank is configured to be sent to the receiving hopper through the sediment supply passage by driving the sludge pump. The organic waste treatment apparatus according to feature 3 or 4.

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