Incineration ash collection equipment and incineration ash collection system including the same

Abstract

To provide an apparatus and a system which are safe and have less restrictions on the measurement frequency when performing color measurement of burned ash of sewage sludge.SOLUTION: A burned ash collection apparatus comprises: a long inner housing 90 which holds burned ash; and an outer housing 80 which is arranged between a collection region where the burned ash is collected and an imaging region where the collected burned ash is imaged and has a cavity which has the long shape that surrounds at least a portion in the longitudinal direction of the inner housing 90 and in which the inner housing 90 is movable in the longitudinal direction. The inner housing 90 includes an open holding part 93 which is opened to hold the burned ash in the inner housing 90. The outer housing 80 includes a first opening 85 and a second opening 86 respectively in the collection region and the imaging region. In the burned ash collection apparatus, the inner housing 90 is inserted and arranged in the cavity 87 of the outer housing 80, a third opening 93a of the open holding part 93 is movable between the first opening 85 and the second opening 86. A burned ash collection system includes: the burned ash collection apparatus; and an imaging apparatus which images the burned ash in order to measure the color of the burned ash through the second opening 86.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to incineration ash collection equipment for collecting incineration ash of sewage sludge, and an incineration ash collection system including the same.

Background Art

[0002] Sewage sludge generated when purifying sewage at a sewage treatment plant is dehydrated and then incinerated in an incinerator for treatment. However, in recent years, there have been many reports of a phenomenon in which incineration ash obtained by incinerating sewage sludge adheres to the flue and the flue becomes blocked (blockage of the incinerator). The blockage of the incinerator is caused mainly by the formation of a phosphorus compound having a melting point lower than the combustion temperature of the incinerator depending on the balance of the amounts of phosphorus and metals in the sewage sludge input into the incinerator, and the incineration ash containing such a low-melting-point phosphorus compound fusing to the flue. In order to prevent such a phenomenon, an index called "blockage suppression index X[-]" consisting of the ratio of the amount of phosphorus that can bind a plurality of high-melting-point metal elements capable of forming a phosphorus compound having a melting point higher than the combustion temperature of the incinerator to the amount of phosphorus contained in the incineration ash obtained by incinerating sewage sludge is introduced, and the value of the blockage suppression index (blockage suppression index value) is determined from the results of component analysis of sewage sludge and incineration ash. When the blockage suppression index value is lower than a predetermined reference value, it is determined that the risk of blockage of the incinerator is high, and a method for preventing blockage of the incinerator by adding a chemical agent (for example, ferric polysulfate, which is a kind of chemical agent containing a high-melting-point metal element capable of forming a phosphorus compound having a melting point higher than the combustion temperature of the incinerator) to suppress ash adhesion in the incinerator has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In order to use the above method for preventing blockage of the incinerator, it is necessary to determine the components of the incineration ash by chemical analysis, which takes time for measurement. For this reason, a method of estimating the blockage suppression index by measuring the color of the incineration ash with an image sensor has already been proposed (see Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

[0005] However, measuring the color of incinerated ash using image sensors has so far required the use of a benchtop testing device. This necessitates workers collecting the ash and transporting it to a testing room where the benchtop device is installed. This process presents challenges, including the inherent dangers to workers and the limitations on the frequency of measurements due to manual collection.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide equipment and a system that are safe and have fewer limitations on the number of measurements when measuring the color of incinerated sewage sludge ash. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) An incineration ash sampling device according to an embodiment for achieving the above objective is an incineration ash sampling device used for sampling the incineration ash and measuring its color after sampling in order to evaluate the risk of blockage by incineration ash in an incinerator of sewage sludge, The long inner casing that holds the incinerated ash, An outer housing is positioned between a collection area for collecting the incinerated ash and a photography area for photographing the collected incinerated ash, and is elongated in shape, enclosing at least a portion of the inner housing in the longitudinal direction, and having a cavity that allows the inner housing to move in the longitudinal direction, Includes, The inner housing has an opening that holds the incinerated ash inside the inner housing, The outer housing has a first opening and a second opening in the sampling area and the imaging area, respectively. The inner housing is inserted into the cavity of the outer housing, and the third opening of the opening holding portion is movable between the first opening and the second opening. (2) An incineration ash collection device according to another embodiment preferably further comprises a container for containing the incineration ash, The inner housing is capable of holding the container, The container has a fourth opening for receiving the incinerated ash that falls from a portion of the incinerated ash collection path of the incinerator. The inner housing holds the container such that the third opening and the fourth opening of the opening holding portion overlap. The inner housing, while holding the container, can be inserted into the cavity of the outer housing, allowing the fourth opening of the container to move between the first and second openings. (3) In an incineration ash collection device according to another embodiment, in any of the above incineration ash collection devices, preferably the opening holding portion of the inner housing is provided with a fifth opening on the side surface of the inner housing for inserting and removing the container, The outer housing is provided with a sixth opening on its side surface that can be superimposed on the position of the fifth opening. When holding the container in the opening-holding portion, it is possible to insert the container into the inner housing from the sixth opening of the outer housing into the fifth opening which overlaps it. (4) In an incineration ash collection device according to another embodiment, preferably in any of the above-described incineration ash collection devices, the opening edge of the first opening can be formed such that when the opening holding portion of the inner housing is moved to the second opening of the outer housing, some or all of the incineration ash protruding from the third opening of the opening holding portion is scraped off. (5) In an incinerator ash collection device according to another embodiment, in any of the above-mentioned incinerator ash collection devices, an edge is preferably provided on part or all of the upper surface of the outer housing located in the collection area, other than the first opening, so that the accumulation of the incinerator ash on the upper surface can be reduced. (6) In an incineration ash collection device according to another embodiment, preferably in any of the above-mentioned incineration ash collection devices, a hole can be provided below the first opening to reduce the accumulation of excess incineration ash that was above the third opening of the opening holding portion inside the outer housing when the incineration ash is moved to the imaging area in the outer housing. (7) In an incineration ash collection device according to another embodiment, the incineration ash collection device may preferably be provided with a stopper in the inner housing that brings the inner housing against the outer housing to stop it so that the third opening of the opening holding portion does not exceed the position where it overlaps with the first opening. (8) An incineration ash collection system according to an embodiment for achieving the above objective comprises at least one of the above-mentioned incineration ash collection devices and a photographing device for photographing the incineration ash through the second opening in order to measure the color of the incineration ash. (9) In another embodiment of the incineration ash collection system, the incineration ash collection system may further preferably include an arm device for transporting the incineration ash to the inner housing. (10) An incineration ash collection system according to another embodiment preferably further comprises a container for containing the incineration ash, The inner housing is capable of holding the container, The container has a fourth opening for receiving the incinerated ash that falls from a part of the incinerated ash collection path of the incinerator. The inner housing holds the container such that the third opening and the fourth opening of the opening holding portion overlap. The inner housing, holding the container, is inserted into the cavity of the outer housing, and the fourth opening of the container is made movable between the first opening and the second opening. The tip of the arm of the aforementioned arm device is provided with one or more protrusions capable of holding the container, The container is provided with a hole into which the protruding portion can be inserted, The arm device can grip the container by inserting the protruding portion into the hole. (11) The incineration ash collection system according to another embodiment preferably further includes a control device for controlling the operation of the arm device in the incineration ash collection system. The control device can drive the arm device according to a computer program.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, when measuring the color of incineration ash from sewage sludge, it is possible to provide a device and a system that are safe and have few restrictions on the number of measurements.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of an exemplary sewage treatment system including an incineration ash collection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a configuration including the incineration ash collection system in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows an arm device that may be included in a part of the incineration ash collection system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a diagram for explaining the structure of the arm tip of the arm device in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a diagram for explaining the movable range of the arm device in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a six-sided view of a chute part provided in the middle of the ash transfer conveyor in FIG. 2 and the transfer route of incineration ash. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a diagram for explaining a situation where incineration ash collected using the incineration ash collection device in FIG. 2 is photographed, and a three-sided view of the photographing device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a camera and illumination constituting the photographing device in FIG. 7, the incineration ash to be photographed, and an incineration ash clogging prevention agent addition amount calculation unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a plan view, a front view, a rear view, and a left side view of an outer housing constituting the incineration ash collection device according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the outer housing in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows a front view, a plan view, and a cross-sectional view of the line AA of the plan view of the inner casing that constitutes the incineration ash collection equipment according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the inner housing of Figure 11. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows a plan view, front view, and perspective view of the container for incinerated ash. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows the operation of the incineration ash collection equipment when collecting incineration ash. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the incinerated ash after the inner enclosure was moved to the shooting position following the collection of the incinerated ash. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows a plan view, front view, and right side view of a sample storage rack that can be installed in an incineration ash collection system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the incinerator ash collection device and the incinerator ash collection system including the same according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are not intended to limit the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the elements and combinations described in the embodiments below are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention.

[0011] 1. Overview of the sewage treatment system Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary sewage treatment system, including an incineration ash collection system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the sewage treatment system 1 comprises a grit tank 11, a water distribution tank 12, a first sedimentation tank 13, a reaction tank 14, a second sedimentation tank 15, a gravity thickening tank 16, a mechanical thickener 17, a sludge storage tank 18, a sludge dewatering machine 20, a cake hopper 21, an incinerator 22, an air preheater 23, a filtration dust collector 24, a white smoke suppressor 25, a flue gas treatment tower 26, a chimney 27, an ash transfer conveyor 28, an ash hopper 29, and an incinerator blockage prevention agent addition amount calculation unit 30.

[0013] The sedimentation tank 11 is a place where sediment contained in the sewage settles, and the treated water can be discharged to the subsequent water distribution tank 12. The water distribution tank 12 is a tank for distributing a portion of the influent water and distributing it to the subsequent first sedimentation tank 13. The first sedimentation tank 13 is a place where suspended solids with a high specific gravity contained in the influent water settle, and the treated water can be discharged to the subsequent reaction tank 14. The sludge settled in the first sedimentation tank 13 is discharged to the gravity thickening tank 16. The reaction tank 14 is a place where organic matter, phosphorus, nitrogen, etc., are removed from the water flowing in from the first sedimentation tank 13 using microorganisms, and the treated water can be discharged to the subsequent second sedimentation tank 15. The second sedimentation tank 15 is a place where activated sludge (sludge containing microorganisms) contained in the water flowing in from the reaction tank 14 settles, and the treated water can be discharged from the sewage treatment system 1. Of the activated sludge settled in the second sedimentation tank 15, the amount required for the reaction tank 14 is returned to the reaction tank 14 (not shown in the diagram), and the remainder is discharged as excess sludge to the mechanical thickener 17.

[0014] The gravity thickening tank 16 receives the sludge settled in the first sedimentation tank 13 and processes the sludge to thicken it. The sludge thickened in the gravity thickening tank 16 is sent to the sludge storage tank 18. Meanwhile, the water generated during the sludge thickening process in the gravity thickening tank 16 is returned to the upstream grit tank 11. The mechanical thickener 17 can process the excess sludge discharged from the second sedimentation tank 15 to thicken it. The sludge thickened in the mechanical thickener 17 is sent to the sludge storage tank 18. Meanwhile, the water generated during the sludge thickening process in the mechanical thickener 17 is returned to the upstream grit tank 11.

[0015] The sludge storage tank 18 receives the sludge concentrated from the gravity thickening tank 16 and the mechanical thickening machine 17, respectively, stores the sludge, and can also send the sludge to the sludge dewatering machine 20. The sludge dewatering machine 20 is where the sewage sludge sent from the sludge storage tank 18 is dewatered. The sludge dewatered in the sludge dewatering machine 20 (dewatered sludge, also called "cake") is sent to the cake hopper 21. Meanwhile, the water generated during the dewatering process in the sludge dewatering machine 20 is returned to the upstream grit tank 11. The incinerator 22 is where the dewatered sewage sludge sent from the cake hopper 21 is incinerated. The combustion temperature in the incinerator 22 is, for example, 700 degrees Celsius or more and 900 degrees Celsius or less, preferably 850 degrees Celsius or more and 900 degrees Celsius or less.

[0016] The air preheater 23 can preheat the air using the high-temperature exhaust gas discharged from the incinerator 22. The preheated air is used, for example, by being returned to the incinerator 22 for combustion. The filtration dust collector 24 can filter the exhaust gas and separate it into smoke and ash (incinerated ash). The separated incinerated ash is sent to the ash transfer conveyor 28. Meanwhile, the separated smoke is sent to the white smoke suppressor 25. The ash transfer conveyor 28 transfers the incinerated ash sent from the filtration dust collector 24 and sends it to the ash hopper 29. The ash hopper 29 is a place for the temporary storage of incinerated ash. The white smoke suppressor 25 can perform white smoke suppression treatment on the smoke sent from the filtration dust collector 24 and send it to the flue gas treatment tower 26. The flue gas treatment tower 26 can remove harmful substances and other contaminants contained in the gas generated during incineration from the smoke sent from the white smoke suppressor 25. The smoke sent from the flue gas treatment tower 26 is discharged from the sewage treatment system 1 via the chimney 27.

[0017] The incineration ash collection system 200 according to this embodiment is installed on a part A of the ash transfer conveyor 28, allowing an operator to collect incineration ash remotely from a safe position, and also enabling color measurement of the collected incineration ash.

[0018] The incinerator clogging prevention agent addition amount calculation unit 30 calculates the risk of incinerator clogging based on the color data of the incinerated ash, and also calculates the amount of incinerator clogging prevention agent to be added (the amount of agent to be added). Then, the operator of the sewage treatment system 1 can adjust and add the amount of agent to be added to the sewage sludge based on the amount of agent to be added obtained by the incinerator clogging prevention agent addition amount calculation unit 30.

[0019] 2. Incineration Ash Collection System Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the configuration including the incineration ash collection system shown in Figure 1.

[0020] The incineration ash collection system 200 according to this embodiment is positioned adjacent to the ash transfer conveyor 28. The incineration ash collection system 200 comprises at least an incineration ash collection device 70 and a photographing device 110 for photographing the collected incineration ash. In this embodiment, the incineration ash collection system 200 preferably comprises, in addition to the incineration ash collection device 70 and the photographing device 110, an arm device 50 and a sample storage shelf 120 for storing the incineration ash. The arm device 50 and the sample storage shelf 120 may be mounted, for example, on a base 40. Part of the incineration ash collection device 70 is inserted into the chute section 28a of the ash transfer conveyor 28. This will be described in detail later.

[0021] 3. Arm equipment Figure 3 shows an arm device that may be included as part of the incineration ash collection system. Figure 4 shows a diagram illustrating the structure of the arm tip of the arm device in Figure 3. Figure 5 shows a diagram illustrating the range of motion of the arm device in Figure 3.

[0022] The arm device 50 is an optional component of the incineration ash collection system 200. In this embodiment, the arm device 50 is capable of moving incineration ash, containers, or containers containing incineration ash (referred to as "movable objects") bidirectionally between the incineration ash collection device 70 and the sample storage rack 120. However, the arm device 50 may also be a device that only moves the above-mentioned movable objects in one direction from the incineration ash collection device 70 to the sample storage rack 120, or a device that only moves the above-mentioned movable objects in one direction from the sample storage rack 120 to the incineration ash collection device 70.

[0023] The arm device 50 is a device that enables the transport of incinerated ash to the inner housing (described later) of the incinerated ash collection device 70. The arm device 50 is a multi-jointed device equipped with multiple joints 51, 52, 53, and 54 in its longitudinal direction (which may also be called the height direction). However, the number of joints is not limited to four. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the arm device 50 preferably has an arm section 60 at its tip. The arm section 60 is detachable from the tip 56 of the arm device 50. The arm section 60 comprises a detachable part 61 that attaches to the tip 56 of the arm device 50, and two claws 65 provided distal to the detachable part 61. The claws 65 are an example of a protruding part and are configured to grip a container for holding incinerated ash. Note that the number of claws 65 is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more.

[0024] In this embodiment, the arm device 50 includes a control device 67 for controlling its operation. The control device 67 may be separate from the arm device 50 or integrated with it. The control device 67 drives the arm device 50 according to a computer program 68. The control device 67 is, for example, a PC in which the CPU reads the computer program 68 and controls the arm device 50. The control device 67 includes a CPU 67a, memory 67b, and an operating unit 67c, and optionally a display 67d. The CPU 67a is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the arm device 50 according to the computer program 68. The memory 67b is a storage unit that allows reading only or reading and writing of the computer program 68.

[0025] Figure 5(5A) shows the range of motion of the arm tip when the arm device 50 is viewed from above. Figure 5(5B) shows the range of motion of the arm tip when the arm device 50 is viewed from the side. The arm device 50 can move its arm 65 within a 360-degree range in both the plan view and the side view.

[0026] 4. Shooting Club Figure 6 shows six views of the chute section located in the middle of the ash transfer conveyor shown in Figure 2, as well as the transfer route of the incinerated ash.

[0027] The chute section 28a is located directly below the inclined ash transfer conveyor 28. The chute section 28a is not part of the incineration ash collection system 200. The chute section 28a has an opening 28b that penetrates from the outside to the inside (see section B in Figure 6(6A)). The incineration ash collection device 70 is fixed by inserting a portion of its tip into the opening 28b. The incineration ash is carried above the chute section 28a by the ash transfer conveyor 28 and falls into the chute section 28a (see path C in Figure 6(6B)). A portion of the fallen incineration ash is received at the tip of the incineration ash collection device 70.

[0028] 4. Imaging device Figure 7 shows a diagram illustrating the process of photographing the incinerated ash collected using the incinerated ash collection equipment shown in Figure 2, as well as a three-view drawing of the photographing device.

[0029] The incinerator ash sampling device 70 is used to sample incinerator ash and measure its color after sampling in order to assess the risk of blockage by incinerator ash in the incinerator 22. The incinerator ash sampling device 70 includes an elongated inner housing 90 for holding the incinerator ash P and an outer housing 80. The outer housing 80 is positioned between a sampling area I for sampling the incinerator ash P and a imaging area II for photographing the collected incinerator ash P, and has an elongated cavity that surrounds at least a portion of the inner housing 90 in the longitudinal direction and allows the inner housing 90 to move in the longitudinal direction. The inner housing 90 has an opening-holding portion 93 that is open to hold the incinerator ash P inside the inner housing 90. The outer housing 80 has a first opening 85 and a second opening 86 in the sampling area I and the imaging area II, respectively. The incineration ash collection device 70 is positioned by inserting the inner housing 90 into the cavity of the outer housing 80, and making the third opening 93a of the opening holding part 93 movable between the first opening 85 and the second opening 86.

[0030] The opening-holding portion 93 of the inner housing 90 preferably has a fifth opening 92 on the side of the inner housing 90 for inserting and removing a container for incinerated ash P. The outer housing 80 preferably has a sixth opening 84 on the side of the outer housing 80 that can be superimposed on the position of the fifth opening 92. When holding the container in the opening-holding portion 93, the container can be passed from the sixth opening 84 of the outer housing 80 to the fifth opening 92 that superimposes it, and then placed into the inner housing 90.

[0031] The imaging device 110 comprises a roughly rectangular box 115, a light fixture 111 fixed inside the box 115, and a camera 112. The box 115 has frames that make up each side of the rectangular box. The light fixture 111 is positioned closer to the incinerated ash P than the camera 112. The camera 112 is positioned further away from the incinerated ash P than the light fixture 111 so that it can photograph the incinerated ash P through the lens that makes up the light fixture 111. The light fixture 111 and the camera 112 are positioned inside the box 115 and are fixed to the frame.

[0032] 5. Imaging device and unit for calculating the amount of incinerator ash clogging prevention agent to be added. Figure 8 shows the camera and lighting that make up the imaging device in Figure 7, the incinerated ash to be photographed, and the unit for calculating the amount of incinerated ash clogging prevention agent to be added.

[0033] The incinerator ash clogging prevention agent addition amount calculation unit 30 comprises an image controller 116, a program storage unit 117 storing a program for calculating the amount of incinerator clogging prevention agent to be added, and an incinerator clogging prevention agent addition amount calculation device 118. The image controller 116 and camera 112 constitute an image sensor 119. For example, a PC can be used as the incinerator clogging prevention agent addition amount calculation device 118. The program storage unit 117 is, for example, a hard disk, ROM, or RAM. The incinerator clogging prevention agent addition amount calculation device 118 includes a CPU for processing various calculations and a memory for storing various data. The program storage unit 117 may be located inside the incinerator clogging prevention agent addition amount calculation device 118.

[0034] The image sensor 119 acquires color data of the incinerated ash P to be analyzed. The incinerator blockage prevention agent addition amount calculation device 118 substitutes this color data into a multiple regression equation for blockage suppression index (equation 100) and a multiple regression equation for phosphorus pentoxide (equation 200) to calculate the estimated blockage suppression index X(g) and the estimated phosphorus pentoxide mass fraction P2O5(g). Then, the values ​​of the estimated blockage suppression index X(g) and the estimated phosphorus pentoxide mass fraction P2O5(g) are substituted into equation 300 to calculate the risk of incinerator blockage and the amount of agent to be added to suppress ash adhesion in the incinerator 22. By using a multiple regression equation for blockage suppression index such as equation 100, the estimated blockage suppression index X(g) can be determined from the color of the incinerated ash without having to perform a component analysis of the incinerated ash to calculate the blockage suppression index. Similarly, by using a multiple regression equation for phosphorus pentoxide, such as Equation 200, it is possible to determine the estimated mass fraction of phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5(g)) from the color of the incinerated ash without having to perform a component analysis of the ash to calculate the mass fraction of phosphorus pentoxide.

[0035] The multiple regression equation for the blockage suppression index is expressed in the form shown in Equation 100. It is a multiple regression equation for deriving the blockage suppression index X(g), which is the dependent variable, using the hue H, saturation S, and lightness V of the incinerated ash to be analyzed, which are acquired by imaging the incinerated ash to be analyzed with an image sensor 119, as explanatory variables. In Equation 100, a, b, and c are coefficients, and d is the intercept.

[0036]

number

[0037] The multiple regression equation for phosphorus pentoxide is expressed in the form shown in Equation 200. It is a multiple regression equation used to derive the dependent variable P2O5(g) from the hue H, saturation S, and lightness V of the incinerator ash to be analyzed, which are obtained by imaging the incinerator ash with an image sensor. In Equation 200, e, f, and g represent coefficients, and h represents the intercept.

[0038]

number

[0039] The formula for calculating the amount of drug to be added is expressed in the form shown in Equation 300.

[0040]

number

[0041] Here, T Me [kg-Me / d] indicates the amount (mass) of additional chemical to be added (input) to the incinerator 22 (per day). ASH [kg-ASH / d] indicates the amount (mass) of incinerated ash generated per day in the incinerator 22. ASHAs a result, the average amount of incineration ash generated over a predetermined period can be used, but depending on the operating conditions, the amount of incineration ash generated over the most recent day may also be used. X[-] indicates the estimated blockage suppression index. Me indicates a high melting point metal element. A more preferred example of the high melting point metal element Me is one of the elements Al, Fe, Ca, and Mg, with Fe being a particularly preferred example. n is a positive number, which is 2 if the agent is Fe or Al, and 3 if the agent is Ca or Mg. Depending on the type of agent, n may be a value other than those above. P2O5[-] indicates the estimated mass fraction of diphosphorus pentoxide. M(Me)[g / mol] indicates the atomic weight of Me. For example, if Me is iron, M(Fe) = 55.85[g / mol]. M(P2O5)[g / mol] indicates the molecular weight of P2O5 (diphosphorus pentoxide), specifically M(P2O5) = 142[g / mol].

[0042] In calculating the amount of drug to be added, substitute the estimated obstruction inhibition index X(g) for X on the right side of equation 300 above, substitute the estimated mass fraction of phosphorus pentoxide P2O5(g) for P2O5 on the right side, and T on the right side ASH Substitute the daily amount of incinerated ash generated by the incinerator 22 of the sewage treatment plant into the formula, and substitute known values ​​for M(Me) and M(P2O5). In this way, the amount of chemical added T Me The amount of chemical additive can be calculated. The calculation of the amount of chemical additive is performed by the CPU of the incinerator blockage prevention chemical additive amount calculation device 118 while reading the incinerator blockage prevention chemical additive amount calculation program. Note that a more detailed method, which is already known, is described in Japanese Patent No. 6321866, so the further detailed method is omitted here.

[0043] The image sensor 119 may be composed of a so-called "color sensor (a type that uses red, green, and blue LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) as light sources and outputs the degree of agreement between the reference colors of red, green, and blue and the color of the object being sensed)," but preferably it is composed of a so-called "image sensor" in the narrow sense that can measure hue, saturation, and brightness. The red, green, and blue color data refers to "RGB data." On the other hand, the hue, saturation, and brightness color data refers to "HSV data." When the blockage suppression index value was estimated from RGB data using a "color sensor," when the color of the incinerated ash P was from white to gray, the change in the color sensor value was small, and it was not always easy to judge the risk of blockage of the incinerator 22. In contrast, when the blockage suppression index value was estimated from HSV data using a so-called "image sensor," it was found that there was a high possibility of a good correlation with the risk of blockage in almost all value ranges compared to when a color sensor was used. The following explanation will use an example using "HSV data," but this does not negate the use of "RGB data."

[0044] The image sensor 119 includes a camera 112 and an image controller 116. The image sensor 119 captures an image containing incinerated ash P via the camera 112 and acquires image data. The image controller 116 converts the image data (RGB data) related to the image containing incinerated ash P into color data consisting of hue H, saturation S, and lightness V, and outputs the color data consisting of hue H, saturation S, and lightness V to the outside of the image controller 116.

[0045] 6. Incineration ash collection equipment Figure 9 shows a plan view, front view, rear view, and left side view of the outer casing that constitutes the incineration ash collection equipment according to this embodiment. In Figure 9, the figures are arranged from top to bottom in the order of rear view, plan view, front view, and left side view. Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the outer casing of Figure 9.

[0046] The outer housing 80 is a long cylinder that allows the inner housing 90 to be inserted into and removed from the cavity 87, and allows the inner housing 90 to move within the cavity 87. The outer housing 80 comprises a cylindrical body 81 having a rectangular opening, and a protruding plate 82 having a shape in which one side of the opening of the cylindrical body 81 extends from the cylindrical body 81. The protruding plate 82 is provided on the side opposite to the area where the collected incinerated ash P is collected (referred to as the collection area) I, with reference to the area where the collected incinerated ash P is photographed (referred to as the photography area) II. A boundary plate 88 is provided midway along the length of the cylindrical body 81, separating the collection area I and the photography area II. Preferably, an edge 83 is provided on the upper part of the cylindrical body 81 on the collection area I side from the boundary plate 88. In addition, a first opening 85 leading to the cavity 87 is formed on the upper surface of the cylindrical body 81 on the collection area I side. The edge 83 has an opening leading to the first opening 85. The first opening 85 is an opening for allowing the incinerated ash P falling from the chute section 28a to enter the inner housing 90.

[0047] The opening edge of the first opening 85 is formed to scrape off some or all of the incinerated ash protruding from the third opening 93a of the opening retaining portion 93 of the inner housing 90 when the opening retaining portion 93 of the inner housing 90 is moved to the second opening 86 of the outer housing 80. The inner housing 90 has a configuration in which there is almost no gap between it and the inner wall of the cavity 87 of the outer housing 80. Therefore, any excess incinerated ash P above the opening upper surface of the opening retaining portion 93 of the inner housing 90 is scraped off at the opening edge of the first opening 85 of the outer housing 80. This situation will be described in detail later.

[0048] The edge 83 is provided on part or all of the upper surface other than the first opening 85 located in the sampling area I. The edge 83 reduces the accumulation of incinerated ash P on the upper surface of the outer housing 80. Preferably, a hole 89 can be formed on the surface of the outer housing 80 facing the first opening 85. The hole 89 has the function of reducing or preventing excess incinerated ash P from accumulating in the cavity 87 when the inner housing 90 is moved towards the imaging area II side of the outer housing 80.

[0049] A second opening 86 leading to a cavity 87 is formed on the upper surface of the cylindrical body 81 of the imaging area II. The second opening 86 is an opening for photographing the incinerated ash P collected in the inner housing 90 using the camera 112. In addition, a sixth opening 84 leading to the cavity 87 is formed on the side surface of the cylindrical body 81 of the imaging area. The sixth opening 84 is an opening that allows the container (for holding the incinerated ash), which will be described later, to be inserted and removed. Note that the container is not an essential component. If a container is not used, the sixth opening 84 does not necessarily have to be provided in the outer housing 80.

[0050] Figure 11 shows a front view, a top view, and a cross-sectional view of the top view along line AA of the inner casing that constitutes the incineration ash collection equipment according to this embodiment. In Figure 11, the figures are arranged from top to bottom in the order of front view, top view, and cross-sectional view of the top view along line AA. Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the inner casing of Figure 11.

[0051] The inner housing 90 has an elongated member 91. One end of the elongated member 91 in the longitudinal direction has a space for holding a container, which will be described later. This space has an opening holding portion 93. A third opening 93a is formed on the upper surface of the opening holding portion 93. A fifth opening 92 is formed on the side surface of the opening holding portion 93. The fifth opening 92 is an opening for inserting or removing a container or incinerated ash P. When holding a container in the opening holding portion 93, it is possible to insert the container from the sixth opening 84 of the outer housing 80 into the fifth opening 92 which overlaps it. In this embodiment, the third opening 93a and the fifth opening 92 are in communication. As a result, the opening holding portion 93 forms a notched space. However, the third opening 93a and the fifth opening 92 may not be in communication and may be independent openings.

[0052] The opening-holding portion 93 is a part for holding the incinerated ash P inside the inner housing 90. With the inner housing 90 inserted into the cavity 87 of the outer housing 80, the third opening 93a of the opening-holding portion 93 is movable between the first opening 85 and the second opening 86 of the outer housing 80. The inner housing 90 can hold the container such that the third opening 93a of the opening-holding portion 93 overlaps with the fourth opening of the container, which will be described later. Furthermore, with the inner housing 90 holding the container inserted into the cavity 87 of the outer housing 80, the fourth opening of the container is movable between the first opening 85 and the second opening 86.

[0053] The inner housing 90 preferably includes a stopper 94 that stops the inner housing 90 from moving beyond the position where the third opening 93a of the opening holding portion 93 overlaps with the first opening 85, by pressing it against the outer housing 80. In this embodiment, the stopper 94 is a protruding portion that is too large to enter the cavity 87 of the outer housing 80. The stopper 94 is formed on the inner housing 90 at the end opposite to the opening holding portion 93, but it may be formed at a position other than that end.

[0054] The elongated member 91 may preferably have one or more recesses 95 for weight reduction. The stopper 94 may also have recesses for the same reason. The elongated member 91 may be provided with an outlet 96 on the side of the opening holding portion 93 that leads out from the opening holding portion 93. The outlet 96 allows the incinerated ash P present in the opening holding portion 93 to be discharged to the outside.

[0055] The opening-holding section 93 may be equipped with holes 97 that connect to the inside and outside. By blowing air from the outside into the holes 97, the incinerated ash P present in the opening-holding section 93 can be blown away. The discharge port 96 is also a part from which the incinerated ash P blown away by the air can be discharged.

[0056] Figure 13 shows a plan view, front view, and perspective view of a container for incinerated ash. In Figure 13, the views are arranged from top to bottom in the order of plan view, front view, and perspective view.

[0057] The incinerator ash collection device 70 optionally includes a container 100 for containing the incinerator ash. The container 100 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. The container 100 is divided into three sections in the longitudinal direction. The container 100 has a fourth opening 101 for receiving incinerator ash P that falls from a part of the incinerator ash collection path of the incinerator 22. The fourth opening 101 is formed on the upper surface of the middle section of the three divided sections. The container 100 has holes 102 into which the claws 65 (an example of a protrusion) of the arm device 50 can be inserted. The holes 102 are formed at both the left and right ends of the three divided sections. The holes 102 penetrate the container 100 from the front to the back. Therefore, the arm device 50 can grip the container 100 by inserting the claws 65 into the holes 102. However, the holes 102 do not have to penetrate and may be in the form of recesses.

[0058] In the hole 102, the inner wall surface on the side closest to the wall of the area where the incinerated ash P is stored is provided with a protrusion 103 that projects toward the center of the hole 102. In this embodiment, the protrusion 103 is an elongated triangular prism shape extending from the front opening surface to the back opening surface of the hole 102, with the shape of both ends in the longitudinal direction being triangular. The tip of the arm of the arm device 50 preferably has two claws 65. The claws 65 preferably have recesses on their inner surfaces that can grip the protrusion 103. Therefore, the arm device 50 can grip the container 100 by aligning the recesses on the inner surfaces of the two claws 65 with the protrusion 103 (see the dotted line claws 65) and move it stably to the desired location. However, the protrusion 103 is not an essential component for the container 100.

[0059] Figure 14 shows the operation of the incinerator ash collection device when collecting incinerator ash. Note that in Figure 14, the outer casing 80 does not have an edge 83, but the operation of the incinerator ash collection device 70 does not change even if the edge 83 is included.

[0060] (a) Condition before container insertion Figure 14(a) shows the state before the container 100 for holding the incinerated ash P is set in the inner housing 90. In this state, the second opening 86 of the outer housing 80 is located above the third opening 93a of the opening holding portion 93 of the inner housing 90. Also, the fifth opening 92 of the inner housing 90 and the sixth opening 84 of the outer housing 80 overlap and are in communication with each other.

[0061] (b) Condition after container insertion Figure 14(b) shows the state after the container 100 has been set in the inner housing 90. The container 100 is set in the opening holding portion 93 through the sixth opening 84 to the fifth opening 92.

[0062] (c) Condition of the incinerated ash at the time of collection Figure 14(c) shows the inner housing 90 being moved within the cavity 87 of the outer housing 80 and stopped at the point where the opening holding part 93 is positioned in the incineration ash P collection area I. At this point, the stopper 94 is in contact with the outer housing 80, so the inner housing 90 cannot move further into the outer housing 80.

[0063] (d) Condition of the incinerated ash at the time of photography Figure 14(d) shows the inner housing 90 being moved in the direction of being pulled back from the cavity 87 of the outer housing 80, and stopped at the point where the opening holding part 93 is positioned in the imaging area II of the incinerated ash P. This state is the same as (b) described above, except that the incinerated ash P is inside the container 100.

[0064] Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the incinerated ash after the inner housing has been moved to the shooting position following the collection of the incinerated ash. However, in Figure 15, the container 100 is shown in a side view rather than a cross-sectional view for clarity. Also, in Figure 15, the outer housing 80 does not have an edge 83, but the operation of the incinerated ash collection device 70 would not change even if it had an edge 83.

[0065] When the incinerated ash P falls into the container 100 placed in the ash collection area I, the amount of ash P may exceed the capacity of the container 100 and even exceed the top of the outer casing 80. This state of ash is indicated as "P1". When the inner casing 90 is pulled out from this state to the shooting area II, a portion of the ash P1, P2, falls to the bottom of the outer casing 80. This is because the gap between the inner casing 90 and the outer casing 80 is small. In other words, as the opening edge of the pulled-out inner casing 90 passes through the first opening 85, a portion of the ash P1 is scraped off. As a result, the ash P that moves with the inner casing 90 becomes flush with the top surface of the inner casing 90. The scraped-off excess ash P2 remains inside the outer casing 80.

[0066] When the container 100 is removed from the inner housing 90, the incinerated ash P3 equivalent to the thickness of the upper wall of the inner housing 90 falls into the space of the opening holding portion 93. The incinerated ash P3 can be removed, for example, by blowing it away with air. As mentioned above, if a hole 89 is formed in the outer housing 80, some or all of the incinerated ash P2 can be discharged to the outside through the hole 89.

[0067] 7. Sample storage shelves Figure 16 shows a plan view, front view, and right side view of a sample storage rack that can be installed in an incineration ash collection system.

[0068] The sample storage shelf (also simply called the "shelf") 120, in this embodiment, has a total of 24 spaces 121. However, the number of spaces 121 is not limited to 24, as long as there are one or two or more. A space 121 is an area in which an empty container 100 or a container 100 containing incinerated ash P (sample) can be stored. The shelf 120 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. A space 121 is a hole that penetrates the shelf 120 from the front to the back. However, a space 121 may be a recess that does not penetrate the shelf 120 and is open only at the front. A space 121 is a rectangular parallelepiped space into which a container 100 can be inserted and pulled out. A space 121 is sized to allow the container 100 to be inserted into the space 121 while being held by the two claws 65 of the arm device 50, or to allow the container 100 to be pulled out by gripping the container 100 inside the space 121 with the claws 65.

[0069] Space 121 includes an inclined portion 122 that slopes from a part of its inner surface to a part of its bottom surface. The inclined portion 122 is formed at the two corners formed by the bottom surface from each of the two inner surfaces that make up space 121. In Figure 16, the inclined portion 122 is formed in only one space 121 of the shelf 120, but it can be formed in two or more spaces 121, or in all of the spaces 121. The container 100 is designed to be sized to be placed on the bottom surface of space 121 other than the inclined portion 122. Therefore, when inserting the container 100, which is gripped by the claw 65 of the arm device 50, into space 121, even if the container 100 rests on the inclined portion 122, the container 100 will slide off the inclined portion 122 and can be reliably stored on the bottom surface of space 121 in a horizontal state without contacting the inclined portion 122.

[0070] 8. Other Embodiments Although the present invention has been described above based on embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in various forms without departing from its spirit. For example, the following modified embodiments are also possible.

[0071] The arm device 50 is not a device that can be controlled and driven by the control device 67, but may be a device that is driven by the operator's operation. The imaging device 110 may not have a light 111 and may only have a camera 112. The first aperture 85 and the second aperture 86 are smaller than the third aperture 93a, but may be the same size as the third aperture 93a. Also, the edge 83 is not an essential component.

[0072] The incineration ash collection device 70 according to claim 1 may be equipped with the components of claim 2 and subsequent claims in any combination. [Industrial applicability]

[0073] This invention can be used in industries that incinerate sewage sludge. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 22... Incinerator, 50... Arm equipment, 65... Claw (example of a protruding part), 67... Control device, 68... Computer program, 70... Incineration ash collection equipment, 80... Outer housing, 83... Edge, 84... 6th opening, 85... 1st opening, 86... 2nd opening, 87... Cavity, 89... Hole, 90... Inner housing, 92... 5th opening, 93... Opening holder, 93a... 3rd opening, 94... Stopper, 100... Container, 101... 4th opening, 102... Hole, 110... Imaging device, 200... Incineration ash collection system, I... Collection area, II... Imaging area, P... Incineration ash.

Claims

1. An incineration ash sampling device used for sampling incineration ash and measuring its color after sampling, in order to evaluate the risk of blockage by incineration ash in a sewage sludge incinerator, The long inner casing that holds the incinerated ash, An outer housing is positioned between a collection area for collecting the incinerated ash and a photography area for photographing the collected incinerated ash, and is elongated in shape, enclosing at least a portion of the inner housing in the longitudinal direction, and having a cavity that allows the inner housing to move in the longitudinal direction, Includes, The inner housing has an opening that holds the incinerated ash inside the inner housing, The outer housing has a first opening and a second opening in the sampling area and the imaging area, respectively. The inner housing is inserted into the cavity of the outer housing, and the third opening of the opening holding portion is made movable between the first opening and the second opening. The system further includes a container for containing the aforementioned incinerated ash, The inner housing is capable of holding the container, The container has a fourth opening for receiving the incinerated ash that falls from a portion of the incinerated ash collection path of the incinerator. The inner housing holds the container such that the third opening and the fourth opening of the opening holding portion overlap. Incineration ash collection device characterized by inserting the inner housing, which holds the container, into the cavity of the outer housing, thereby making the fourth opening of the container movable between the first opening and the second opening.

2. The opening holding portion of the inner housing is provided with a fifth opening on the side surface of the inner housing for inserting and removing the container. The outer housing is provided with a sixth opening on its side surface that can be superimposed on the position of the fifth opening. The incineration ash collection device according to claim 1, wherein when the container is held in the opening holding portion, the container can be inserted into the inner housing from the sixth opening of the outer housing into the fifth opening which overlaps it.

3. The incineration ash collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening edge of the first opening is formed to scrape off part or all of the incinerated ash protruding from the third opening of the opening holding portion when the opening holding portion of the inner housing is moved to the second opening of the outer housing.

4. The incineration ash collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that an edge is provided on part or all of the upper surface of the outer housing located in the collection area, other than the first opening, thereby reducing the accumulation of the incinerated ash on the upper surface.

5. The incineration ash collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer housing is provided with a hole below the first opening to reduce the accumulation of excess incineration ash that was above the third opening of the opening holding portion inside the outer housing when the incineration ash is moved to the imaging area.

6. The incineration ash collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner housing is provided with a stopper that stops the inner housing by pressing it against the outer housing so that the third opening of the opening holding portion does not exceed the position where it overlaps with the first opening.

7. The incinerator ash sampling device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, an imaging device for photographing the incinerator ash in order to measure the color of the incinerator ash through the second opening, an arm device for transporting the incinerator ash to the inner housing, and a container for containing the incinerator ash, The inner housing is capable of holding the container, The container has a fourth opening for receiving the incinerated ash that falls from a part of the incinerated ash collection path of the incinerator. The inner housing holds the container such that the third opening and the fourth opening of the opening holding portion overlap. The inner housing, holding the container, is inserted into the cavity of the outer housing, and the fourth opening of the container is made movable between the first opening and the second opening. The tip of the arm of the aforementioned arm device is provided with one or more protrusions capable of holding the container, The container is provided with a hole into which the protruding portion can be inserted, The aforementioned arm device is an incineration ash collection system characterized by inserting the protruding portion into the hole to grip the container.

8. The device further comprises a control device for controlling the operation of the aforementioned arm device, The incineration ash collection system according to claim 7, characterized in that the control device drives the arm device according to a computer program.

Images