Continuous hydrolysis apparatus and continuous hydrolysis method

Abstract

The present invention provides a continuous hydrolysis apparatus that can safely isolate a rotary valve by reliably preventing the outflow of pressurized steam, organic waste, and hydrolysis products during valve maintenance, and can also maintain a pressurized gas-liquid atmosphere in the reaction vessel after isolation, allowing the apparatus to be restarted in a short time. [Solution] A continuous hydrolysis apparatus for hydrolyzing organic waste continuously fed in from an input section 12 with high-temperature, high-pressure pressurized steam, and continuously discharging the resulting hydrolysis product from a discharge section 14 located at the bottom, characterized in that a first isolation valve 32 capable of isolating the first rotary valve while maintaining a pressurized gas-liquid atmosphere inside the reaction vessel is provided between the input section of the reaction vessel 11 and the first rotary valve 30, while a second isolation valve 36 capable of isolating the second rotary valve while maintaining a pressurized gas-liquid atmosphere inside the reaction vessel is provided between the discharge section 14 and the second rotary valve 34.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a continuous hydrolysis apparatus and a continuous hydrolysis method for continuously hydrolyzing organic waste.

Background Art

[0002] As a hydrolysis apparatus for hydrolyzing organic waste, for example, there are a batch type in which a certain amount of organic waste is put into a reaction vessel and hydrolyzed, and a continuous type in which organic waste is continuously put into a reaction vessel and hydrolyzed. However, in the batch type hydrolysis apparatus, due to the adoption of the batch method, each process of supplying, reacting, and discharging organic waste is subject to time constraints, the treatment efficiency of hydrolysis is low, and new energy is required for each heating cycle, resulting in a decrease in energy efficiency. On the other hand, in the continuous hydrolysis apparatus, it is necessary to transport organic waste with a pressure pump, and it is necessary to pulverize organic waste as a pretreatment, and since it is limited to a specific shape, it has been difficult to cope with various organic wastes. In addition, since a large amount of water is required for hydrolysis, energy loss occurs during heating.

[0003] Therefore, as a prior art for solving these problems, for example, a hydrothermal treatment apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. This conventional apparatus of Patent Document 1 is filled with high-temperature and high-pressure steam (pressurized steam) in advance, and a double valve is arranged in the supply path (input part) of organic waste provided at the lower end of the inclined reaction vessel to define a prechamber. Also, another double valve is arranged in the discharge path (discharge part) of the hydrolysis product provided at the upper end of the reaction vessel to define a postchamber, and these prechamber and postchamber are communicated with each other by a pressure balance line. On the other hand, a steam supply member for supplying steam to both chambers and a pressure release member for releasing the pressure to the atmosphere are provided.

[0004] During the operation of the apparatus, steam at 120 to 240 °C is filled in the reaction vessel in advance, and then hydrolysis of organic waste is carried out while maintaining the high-temperature and high-pressure state of the reaction vessel (managing the pressure difference inside and outside the reaction vessel). This allows for the efficient and energy-efficient hydrolysis of organic waste by combining the advantages of both batch and continuous hydrolysis treatment systems. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7381001 [Disclosure of the Invention] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, in order to hydrolyze organic waste while maintaining the high temperature and high pressure state of the reaction vessel, it was necessary to install double valves in the supply and discharge paths to define a pre-chamber or post-chamber, while connecting these pre-chambers and post-chambers with a pressure balance line, and also to install a steam supply member and a pressure release member. As a result, the apparatus configuration became complex, managing the pressure difference inside and outside the reaction vessel was troublesome, and costs were high. In other words, in a double-valve system with a pre-chamber and post-chamber, pressurization and depressurization operations in both chambers are essential for each input and discharge cycle, and each time steam filling, venting, compressed air, and electricity are required, resulting in high operating energy consumption. Therefore, there was a problem not only that the apparatus configuration was complex and costly, but also that it was energy inefficient.

[0007] Therefore, to solve this problem, instead of two sets of double valves that define a pre-chamber or post-chamber in the supply and discharge paths of the reaction vessel, it is conceivable to use a pair of rotary valves (first and second rotary valves, rotary valves) that utilize multiple rotating blades (hereinafter referred to as rotors) to continuously supply and discharge organic waste in fixed amounts. This would simplify the equipment configuration of both the supply and discharge paths, make it easier to manage the pressure difference inside and outside the reaction vessel, and also reduce equipment costs.

[0008] However, because rotary valves rotate with the rotor housed in a valve body, pressing the tips of each blade against the inner surface of the valve body, they require regular maintenance at relatively short intervals, and the frequency of sudden wear and seal damage is also high. In particular, during valve maintenance, disassembling a rotary valve while high-temperature, high-pressure steam remains inside the valve increases the risk of burns to workers, while also inevitably causing significant fluctuations in the reaction conditions (for hydrolysis) of organic waste.

[0009] Therefore, as a result of diligent research, the inventors discovered that if a first isolation valve is provided between the inlet and the first rotary valve of the reaction vessel to isolate the first rotary valve while maintaining the pressurized gas-liquid atmosphere inside the reaction vessel, and a second isolation valve is provided between the outlet and the second rotary valve to isolate the second rotary valve while maintaining the pressurized gas-liquid atmosphere inside the reaction vessel, all of the above-mentioned problems can be resolved, and thus the present invention was completed.

[0010] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a continuous hydrolysis apparatus and a continuous hydrolysis method that can reliably prevent the outflow of pressurized steam, organic waste, and hydrolysis products during valve maintenance, thereby safely isolating the rotary valve, and that can maintain a pressurized gas-liquid atmosphere in the reaction vessel after the isolation operation, allowing the apparatus to be restarted in a short time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The invention described in claim 1 is a continuous hydrolysis apparatus for hydrolyzing organic waste continuously introduced from an input section located at the upper part of one end of a reaction vessel in the horizontal axial direction using high-temperature, high-pressure pressurized steam, and continuously discharging the resulting hydrolysis product from a discharge section located at the lower part of the other end of the reaction vessel in the axial direction, comprising: a first rotary valve provided at the input section for introducing the organic waste into the reaction vessel while maintaining a pressurized gas-liquid atmosphere inside the reaction vessel; a second rotary valve provided at the discharge section for discharging the hydrolysis product from the reaction vessel while maintaining the pressurized gas-liquid atmosphere inside the reaction vessel; and a axial support located between both ends of the reaction vessel in the axial direction, which applies mechanical impact to the organic waste while discharging the organic waste. The continuous hydrolysis apparatus is characterized by comprising: a rotating shaft having a plurality of destructive transfer blades arranged around it at predetermined intervals in the direction of the shaft length for transferring to a discharge section; a rotating motor for the rotating shaft; a heating means provided on the outer surface of the reaction vessel for heating the continuously fed organic waste; a first isolation valve provided between the input section and the first rotary valve, capable of maintaining the pressurized gas-liquid atmosphere inside the reaction vessel when the first rotary valve is isolated for valve maintenance; and a second isolation valve provided between the discharge section and the second rotary valve, capable of maintaining the pressurized gas-liquid atmosphere inside the reaction vessel when the second rotary valve is isolated for valve maintenance.

[0012] The reaction vessel is a central component of a continuous hydrolysis apparatus, and its structure is arbitrary as long as it has the function of efficiently hydrolyzing organic waste while maintaining a pressurized gas-liquid atmosphere (saturation or heating). Furthermore, the shape and size of the reaction vessel are arbitrary. There are no restrictions on the types of organic waste that can be used. For example, food waste, livestock manure, sludge, agricultural residues, woody waste, etc., can be used. For pressurized steam (saturated or heated), for example, a system capable of maintaining the temperature inside the reaction vessel at 140°C to 240°C and the internal pressure at 0.3 MPa to 3 MPa can be used.

[0013] The type of the first rotary valve is arbitrary. The goal is to be able to introduce organic waste into the reaction vessel while maintaining a pressurized gas-liquid atmosphere by rotating the rotor inside the valve body with a variable-speed rotor motor. The type of the second rotary valve is also arbitrary. It should have a valve body, a rotor, and a motor to rotate the rotor, and should be able to discharge the hydrolysis product from the reaction vessel while maintaining a pressurized gas-liquid atmosphere inside the reaction vessel.

[0014] The type of rotating shaft is arbitrary, as long as it can be supported at both ends in the axial direction of the reaction vessel. The type of rotary motor is arbitrary. For example, electric motors, hydraulic motors, etc., can be used. The structure of the destructive transfer vanes is arbitrary, as long as it can transfer the organic waste to the discharge section of the reaction vessel while applying mechanical impact to it as the rotating shaft rotates. The number of destructive transport blades used is not limited as long as there are two or more. Furthermore, the spacing between each destructive transport vane in the direction of the shaft length is also arbitrary.

[0015] The shape of the jacket heating element is arbitrary. For example, it could be a ring-shaped container. The structure of the jacket heating section can be arbitrary as long as the heat transfer fluid supplied from the heat transfer fluid supply section flows into one end of the cylindrical space over the entire circumferential direction and is discharged from the other end. The type of heat transfer fluid is not limited. Examples include heat transfer oil and steam. The structure of the first and second isolation valves is arbitrary. For example, ball valves, gate valves, etc., corresponding to the set pressure and set temperature can be used. The flange specifications for the first and second isolation valves can be the same flange diameter and bolt arrangement as the rotary valve (e.g., JIS 10K-100A).

[0016] The invention according to claim 2 is such that the heating means is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the reaction vessel and is a jacket heating section to which a heat transfer fluid containing pressurized hot water and superheated steam for heating the continuously fed organic waste is supplied, or an electric heater. The heating means heats the reaction vessel to 140°C to 260°C, thereby maintaining the internal temperature of the reaction vessel at 140°C to 240°C and the internal pressure thereof at 0.3 MPa to 3 MPa. A control unit is provided for controlling the rotational speed of the rotary shaft and the rotational speeds of the respective rotors built in the first and second rotary valves so that the residence time of the continuously fed organic waste in the vessel can be varied within the range of 10 minutes to 120 minutes in accordance with the reaction time of this organic waste. This is the continuous hydrolysis apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with such a control unit.

[0017] When the temperature of the heat transfer fluid or the electric heater is less than 140°C, the inside of the reaction vessel cannot be maintained at 0.3 MPa unless pressurized steam is directly introduced into the reaction vessel. Also, if it exceeds 260°C, the pressure and temperature inside the reaction vessel will rise to 3 MPa and 240°C or higher. The preferred temperature of the heat transfer fluid or the electric heater is 145°C to 240°C. Within this range, the required amount of pressurized steam directly introduced into the reaction vessel can be kept very small, and the energy and water usage can be kept low. When the internal temperature of the reaction vessel is less than 140°C, the hydrolysis treatment cannot be sufficiently performed. Also, if it exceeds 240°C, the manufacturing cost of the hydrolysis apparatus will soar. The preferred internal temperature of the reaction vessel is 150°C to 230°C. Within this range, it can be widely used as a hydrolysis apparatus for pretreatment of methane fermentation, compost production, fertilizer production, fuel production, etc.

[0018] When the internal pressure of the reaction vessel is less than 0.3 MPa, the hydrolysis treatment cannot be sufficiently performed. Also, if it exceeds 3 MPa, the manufacturing cost of the hydrolysis apparatus will increase very significantly. The preferred internal pressure of the reaction vessel is 0.5 MPa to 2.5 MPa. Within this range, it can be widely used as a hydrolysis apparatus for pretreatment of methane fermentation, compost production, fertilizer production, fuel production, etc.

[0019] The invention according to claim 3 is such that the plurality of destruction transfer blades are connected to the tip of a rod whose base end is connected to the rotating shaft, and a destruction head for destroying the organic waste is connected via a connection angle changing means having a driving actuator so that the connection angle can be changed. The connection angle changing means is controlled by a connection angle control means that appropriately changes the connection angle of the destruction head according to the hydrolysis state of the continuously input organic waste during the operation of the continuous hydrolysis apparatus, which is the continuous hydrolysis apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

[0020] The shape of the destruction head is arbitrary. For example, it may be paddle-shaped or hammer-shaped. Also, the direction of changing the connection angle of the destruction head with respect to the rod is arbitrary. For example, it may be a rotation direction centered on the axis of the rod. The structure of the connection angle changing means is arbitrary. For example, a gear system that rotates by the driving force of a driving actuator can be mentioned. Furthermore, the changing angle of the destruction head is arbitrary. For example, it may be 1° to 90°. When the angle position where the length direction of the destruction head is parallel to the axial direction (length direction) of the reaction vessel is set as 0°, the preferable changing angle (rotation angle) of the destruction head is 30° to 60° (reference value 45°). Within this range, the balance between conveyance (axial propulsion) and impact destruction becomes good, and while the residence time in the container can be continuously varied within a wide range, a more preferable effect of achieving both fiber bundle unraveling and solubilization can be obtained.

[0021] As the connection angle control means, for example, based on a command from a central processing unit (CPU), a means that appropriately changes the connection angle of the destruction head according to the hydrolysis state of the organic waste continuously input into the reaction vessel can be adopted. The type of driving actuator that can be used in a pressurized gas-liquid atmosphere (under a high-temperature and high-pressure environment) is arbitrary. For example, a hydraulic / pneumatic actuator, a high-temperature compatible electric actuator, a canned motor pump, etc. may be used.

[0022] The invention described in claim 4 is a continuous hydrolysis apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a heat transfer fluid channel is formed in the rotating shaft, and a heat transfer fluid supply means for the shaft is provided in the heat transfer fluid channel to supply a heat transfer fluid for the shaft that equalizes the temperature of each of the destructive transfer blades.

[0023] The heat transfer fluid passage may be formed along the entire length of the rotating shaft, or only in the portion where each destructive transfer vane is positioned. The heat transfer fluid for the shaft may be the same heat transfer fluid supplied to the jacket heating section as described above, or it may be a dedicated heat transfer fluid. The type of heat transfer fluid supply means for the shaft is arbitrary. For example, various types of circulation pumps such as centrifugal pumps and vortex pumps can be used.

[0024] The invention described in claim 5 is a continuous hydrolysis apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a first valve connecting pipe is connected between the first rotary valve and the first isolation valve, a second valve connecting pipe is connected between the second rotary valve and the second isolation valve, the first valve connecting pipe is provided with a first exhaust valve for releasing the pressurized water vapor accumulated between the first rotary valve and the first isolation valve to the atmosphere before isolating the first rotary valve, and the second valve connecting pipe is provided with a second exhaust valve for releasing the pressurized water vapor accumulated between the second rotary valve and the second isolation valve to the atmosphere before isolating the second rotary valve.

[0025] The types of the first and second exhaust valves are arbitrary. Examples include various manual exhaust valves and various automatic exhaust valves. In addition, residual pressure exhaust valves that safely release pressure remaining in equipment and piping may also be used. During valve maintenance, disassembling a rotary valve while high-temperature, high-pressure pressurized steam remains inside the valve increases the risk of burns to workers, while also inevitably causing significant fluctuations in the reaction conditions (for hydrolysis) of organic waste. Therefore, by first closing the first and second isolation valves and then opening the first and second exhaust valves, the pressurized steam accumulated between the first and second rotary valves and the corresponding first and second isolation valves is released into the atmosphere through the connecting pipes of the first and second valves. This reduces the risk of burns to workers when the first and second isolation valves are isolated, and also suppresses fluctuations in the hydrolysis conditions of organic waste.

[0026] The invention described in claim 6 is a continuous hydrolysis method in which, using a continuous hydrolysis apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 5, the organic waste continuously fed from the input section into the reaction vessel is hydrolyzed with pressurized steam, and the obtained hydrolysis product is continuously discharged from the discharge section of the reaction vessel, wherein at least one of the following is measured: the torque of the rotating shaft, the amperage of the rotating motor, the output of the rotating motor, the differential pressure in the reaction vessel, the driving power of the rotating motor, and the minute fluctuation component of the rotation of the rotating motor, and the measured values ​​of the torque, amperage, output of the rotating motor, differential pressure in the reaction vessel, driving power of the rotating motor, and minute fluctuation component of the rotation of the rotating motor are measured and their respective target values ​​are determined. Based on the difference between the two, the rotational speed of the rotor of the first rotary valve and the rotational speed of the rotor of the second rotary valve are changed, respectively, thereby providing feedback control to adjust the amount of organic waste continuously fed into the reaction vessel and the amount of hydrolysis products continuously discharged from the reaction vessel so that at least one of the torque applied to the rotating shaft, the amperage of the rotating motor, the output of the rotating motor, the differential pressure inside the reaction vessel, the driving power of the rotating motor, and the minute fluctuation component of the rotation of the rotating motor approaches their respective target values. In the event of an overload detection, the rotating shaft is automatically reversed to avoid an overload condition, including clogging of the organic waste inside the reaction vessel.

[0027] The type of torque measuring instrument used for the rotating shaft is arbitrary. For example, various non-contact rotary torque meters, such as strain gauge type or magnetic type, can be employed. Furthermore, the type of amperage measuring instrument used for the rotary motor is arbitrary. Various types of ammeters can be used. The load is estimated using the phase current (amperes) of a rotary motor directly connected to the rotating shaft, and this is used as a substitute indicator for the torque in feedback control. By using the output current value of the inverter, a torque sensor can be omitted, simplifying implementation. During implementation, sufficient estimation accuracy can be obtained by removing the no-load current offset and performing calibration at two or more points with a known load. Similarly, the measuring instruments for the output of the rotary motor, the measuring instrument for the differential pressure in the reaction vessel, the measuring instrument for the driving power of the rotary motor, and the measuring instrument for the minute fluctuation components of the rotation of the rotary motor are all optional. For measuring the rotational speed of the rotors of the first and second rotary valves, various non-contact types of tachometers, such as photoelectric (optical) or magnetic types, can be used. Furthermore, various feedback control means can be employed to control the amount of organic waste introduced into the reaction vessel and the amount of hydrolysis products discharged from the reaction vessel by feeding back the rotational speed of each rotor of the first and second rotary valves based on at least one of the following: the difference between the measured torque of the rotating shaft and its target value, the difference between the measured amperage of the rotating motor and its target value, the difference between the measured output of the rotating motor and its target value, the difference between the measured differential pressure in the reaction vessel and its target value, the difference between the measured drive power of the rotating motor and its target value, and the difference between the measured minute fluctuation component of the rotation of the rotating motor and its target value.

[0028] The feedback control means includes (1) at least one selected from a torque meter, ammeter, or other corresponding measuring instrument that continuously measures at least one of the following: torque of the rotating shaft, amperage of the rotating motor, output of the rotating motor, differential pressure in the reaction vessel, driving power of the rotating motor, and minute fluctuation components of the rotation of the rotating motor, and converts this into an electrical signal; (2) a first tachometer that measures the rotational speed of the rotor of the first rotary valve; (3) a second tachometer that measures the rotational speed of the rotor of the second rotary valve; and (4) a controller (PLC), and the torque obtained from the torque meter The system calculates the deviation between at least one of the following measurements: the measured value of the current, the measured value of the amperage obtained from the ammeter, the measured value of the output of the rotary motor, the measured value of the differential pressure in the reaction vessel, the measured value of the driving power of the rotary motor, and the measured value of the minute fluctuation component of the rotation of the rotary motor, and the corresponding target value, including the preset target value of torque and the target value of amperage. Based on these deviations, the system uses an algorithm such as PID (proportional-integral-derivative) control to send control signals to the inverters or servo amplifiers that control the motors that rotate the rotors of the first and second rotary valves, respectively, to adjust their respective rotational speeds. As a result, the amount of organic waste continuously fed into the reaction vessel and the amount of hydrolysis products continuously discharged from the reaction vessel are feedback-controlled so that at least one of the following small fluctuation components—torque on the rotating shaft, amperage of the rotating motor, output of the rotating motor, differential pressure inside the reaction vessel, driving power of the rotating motor, and rotation of the rotating motor—approaches their respective target values. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to the continuous hydrolysis apparatus described in claim 1, when performing maintenance on the first rotary valve, first the first isolation valve located between the reaction vessel input and the first rotary valve is closed, and then the first rotary valve is isolated from the reaction vessel input (the supply route for organic waste). This ensures that pressurized steam and organic waste do not leak from the input section when the first rotary valve is isolated, while maintaining a pressurized gas-liquid atmosphere in the reaction vessel. As a result, the first rotary valve can be safely isolated.

[0030] On the other hand, during maintenance of the second rotary valve, the second isolation valve, which is located between the discharge port of the reaction vessel and the second rotary valve, is first closed, and then the second rotary valve is isolated from this discharge port (the discharge route for hydrolysis products). This ensures that the reaction vessel is kept in a pressurized gas-liquid atmosphere while reliably preventing the outflow of pressurized steam and hydrolysis products from the discharge port due to the isolation of the second rotary valve. As a result, the second rotary valve can be safely isolated.

[0031] Furthermore, after maintenance of the first and second valves, the maintained first and second rotary valves are first connected to the corresponding isolation valves, and then the first and second isolation valves are opened. This allows the continuous hydrolysis apparatus to be restarted in a short time while maintaining the pressurized gas-liquid atmosphere inside the reaction vessel even after the isolation operation.

[0032] Furthermore, when adding organic waste to the reaction vessel, the rotor is rotated within the valve body of the first rotary valve to maintain a pressurized gas-liquid atmosphere inside the reaction vessel while continuously adding a fixed amount of organic waste. Subsequently, the introduced organic waste is hydrolyzed by high-temperature, high-pressure pressurized steam, and the resulting hydrolysis products are discharged through a second rotary valve from the discharge port while maintaining the pressurized gas-liquid atmosphere inside the reaction vessel. In other words, in the second rotary valve, the rotor rotates inside the valve body, causing a constant amount of these hydrolysis products to be continuously discharged to the outside. As described above, by arranging the corresponding first and second rotary valves at the inlet and outlet of the reaction vessel, it becomes easier to manage the pressure difference inside and outside the reaction vessel, and the equipment cost is also reduced.

[0033] Furthermore, the organic waste introduced into the reaction vessel is gradually transported to the downstream discharge section by a rotating shaft, which has multiple destructive transport blades spaced apart along its length, and is driven by a rotary motor. During this process, the organic waste is subjected to periodic impacts from each destructive transport blade. As a result, the fibrous bundles of the organic waste are loosened as it is transported, increasing its surface area. Furthermore, since heating means are provided on the outer surface of the reaction vessel, the outer wall of the reaction vessel is heated. As a result, the temperature does not drop easily even after organic waste is introduced into the vessel, the amount of pressurized steam introduced into the vessel is reduced, and energy is saved.

[0034] Furthermore, according to the invention described in claim 2, by circulating a heat transfer fluid of 140°C to 260°C in the jacket heating section or by energizing an electric heater, the internal temperature of the reaction vessel is maintained at 140°C to 240°C and its internal pressure at 0.3 MPa to 3 MPa. As a result, the temperature does not drop easily even after organic waste is introduced into the reaction vessel, the amount of pressurized steam introduced into the reaction vessel is reduced, and energy is saved.

[0035] Furthermore, the control unit controls the rotation speed of the rotating shaft and the rotation speed of each rotor built into the first and second rotary valves, thereby varying the residence time of the continuously fed organic waste in the container within a range of 10 to 120 minutes, in accordance with the reaction time of the organic waste. This allows for the optimization of solubilization rate, particle size, etc., according to the treatment purpose (methane fermentation pretreatment, composting, fertilization, solid fuel production, etc.).

[0036] Furthermore, according to the invention described in claim 3, when hydrolyzing organic waste, for example, if the hydrolysis time of the organic waste in the reaction vessel is too short, resulting in insufficient hydrolysis of the organic waste or insufficient loosening of the fiber bundles in the organic waste, the inclination angle of each breaking head is reduced to less than the standard value (45°) by each angle-changing motor. This reduces the axial transport capacity and extends the residence time in the vessel, thereby improving the degree of hydrolysis and the solubilization rate.

[0037] On the other hand, if, for example, the hydrolysis treatment time for organic waste in the reaction vessel is too long, leading to problems such as excessive generation of volatile fatty acids, the angle-changing motors are driven in the opposite direction to increase the tilt angle of each decomposition head beyond the standard value. This increases the axial transport capacity and shortens the residence time, thereby suppressing over-decomposition and stabilizing the subsequent processes.

[0038] According to the invention described in claim 4, when hydrolyzing organic waste, a heat transfer fluid for the shaft is supplied to the heat transfer fluid passage of the rotating shaft from a heat transfer fluid supply means for the shaft. As a result, the heat from the heat transfer fluid for the shaft is transferred through the peripheral wall of the rotating shaft to each of the destructive transfer vanes arranged at predetermined intervals in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, and as a result, the temperature of these destructive transfer vanes is made uniform. This allows heating to occur from the center of the reaction vessel where hydrolysis takes place, thus maintaining the temperature and pressure inside the vessel and further averaging the temperature within the vessel.

[0039] According to the invention described in claim 5, if a rotary valve is disassembled during valve maintenance while high-temperature, high-pressure pressurized steam remains inside the valve, the risk of burns to the worker increases, and significant fluctuations in the reaction conditions (for hydrolysis) of organic waste are unavoidable. Therefore, in this procedure, the first and second isolation valves are closed, and then the first and second exhaust valves are opened. This releases the pressurized steam accumulated between the first and second rotary valves and the corresponding first and second isolation valves into the atmosphere through the connecting pipes of the first and second valves. As a result, the risk of burns to workers during isolation of the first and second isolation valves is reduced, and fluctuations in the hydrolysis conditions of organic waste are also suppressed.

[0040] According to the continuous hydrolysis method described in claim 6, organic waste is continuously introduced into a reaction vessel filled with high-temperature, high-pressure pressurized steam, hydrolyzed by the pressurized steam, and the resulting hydrolysis product is continuously discharged outside the vessel from the discharge port of the reaction vessel. At this time, at least one of the following is measured: the torque of the rotating shaft, the amperage of the rotating motor, the output of the rotating motor, the differential pressure inside the reaction vessel, the driving power of the rotating motor, and the minute fluctuation component of the rotation of the rotating motor. Based on the deviation between each measured value and the corresponding target value, the rotational speed of each rotor of the first and second rotary valves is changed, thereby adjusting the amount of organic waste continuously fed into the reaction vessel and the amount of hydrolysis products continuously discharged from the reaction vessel.

[0041] This allows feedback control to be performed so that at least one measured value among the torque applied to the rotating shaft, the amperage of the rotating motor, the output of the rotating motor, the differential pressure in the reaction vessel, the driving power of the rotating motor, and the minute fluctuation component of the rotation of the rotating motor approaches the corresponding target value, thereby stabilizing the hydrolysis process of organic waste. For example, in the event of overload detection, the rotating shaft is automatically reversed to avoid overload conditions, including clogging of the reaction vessel with organic waste. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0042] [Figure 1] This is an overall diagram of a continuous hydrolysis apparatus according to Example 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a key part showing the supply route of organic waste, which constitutes a part of the continuous hydrolysis apparatus according to Example 1 of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a key part showing the discharge route of hydrolysis products that constitute a part of the continuous hydrolysis apparatus according to Example 1 of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the connecting angle changing means that constitutes a part of the continuous hydrolysis apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram of a feedback control means that constitutes part of a continuous hydrolysis apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the continuous hydrolysis apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, which is equipped with a circulation pump for supplying heat transfer fluid to the heat transfer fluid passage in the rotating shaft. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0043] The following describes specific embodiments of the present invention. [Examples]

[0044] As shown in Figure 1, the continuous hydrolysis apparatus 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention hydrolyzes organic waste (in this case, a mixture of food residue and sewage sludge (water content approximately 80%)) continuously fed from a hopper 13 through an input section 12 located at the upper part of one end of the reaction vessel 11 in the horizontal axial direction, using pre-filled high-temperature, high-pressure (140°C to 240°C (185°C in this case), 0.3 MPa to 3 MPa (1.0 MPa in this case)) pressurized steam (saturated or heated), and continuously discharges the resulting hydrolysis product from a discharge section 14 located at the lower part of the other end of the reaction vessel 11 in the axial direction.

[0045] The following will provide a detailed explanation of these components. The reaction vessel 11 is supported horizontally by two pillars 15, and is 8 m long, 1.8 m in diameter, and has a volume of 20 m³. 3 It is a cylindrical container made of stainless steel, with both ends in the axial direction closed off by end plates 16. The opening diameters of the input section 12 and the discharge section 14, both located in the reaction vessel 11, are 45 cm each.

[0046] Furthermore, in the horizontally elongated body portion 17 of the reaction vessel 11, excluding both ends in the axial direction, the following are provided in order from the downstream side: a safety valve 18 to avoid an excessive pressurized gas-liquid atmosphere (high temperature and high pressure state) inside the reaction vessel 11; a first pressurized steam supply port 19 for supplying pressurized steam to the downstream part of the reaction vessel 11; a first pressure sensor 20 for measuring the internal pressure in the middle part of the reaction vessel 11; a second pressurized steam supply port 21 for supplying pressurized steam to the middle part of the reaction vessel 11; a first temperature sensor 22 for measuring the temperature in the middle part of the reaction vessel 11; a third pressurized steam supply port 23 for supplying pressurized steam to the downstream part of the reaction vessel 11; a second pressure sensor 24 for measuring the internal pressure in the downstream part of the reaction vessel 11; a degassing port 25 for releasing the pressurized steam (gas) filled in the reaction vessel 11 to the atmosphere; and a second temperature sensor 26 for measuring the temperature in the downstream part of the reaction vessel 11.

[0047] Furthermore, a cylindrical jacket heating section 27 is provided around the entire outer surface of the body section 17. A heat transfer medium supply port 28 is formed at the lower downstream end of the jacket heating section 27 to supply heat transfer medium oil at 200°C. The heat transfer medium oil heated to ~200°C is supplied from the heat transfer medium supply port 28 to the jacket heating section 27, thereby heating the organic waste continuously fed into the reaction vessel 11 from the outside.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the input section 12 of the reaction vessel 11 is provided with a first rotary valve 30 for introducing organic waste into the reaction vessel 11 while maintaining a high-temperature, high-pressure environment inside the reaction vessel 11. The first rotary valve 30 has a rotor R1 on which eight blades 62 are projected at 45° intervals from the outer surface of a horizontal, short rotating shaft 61. The rotor R1 is rotated by a rotor motor (not shown) with the tips of predetermined blades 62 pressed against the inner surface of a valve body 63 (the second rotary valve 34, described later, is the same).

[0049] Furthermore, the first rotary valve 30 rotates with the rotor R1 housed in the valve body 63, with the tips of each blade 62 pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 63. As a result, it requires periodic maintenance at relatively short intervals, and the frequency of sudden wear and seal damage is also high (the same applies to the second rotary valve 34).

[0050] Furthermore, a ball valve, the first isolation valve 32, is connected between the input section 12 and the first rotary valve 30 via a short first valve connecting pipe 31. The first isolation valve 32 is an isolation valve used to maintain a pressurized gas-liquid atmosphere (saturation or heating) inside the reaction vessel 11 when the first rotary valve 30 is isolated from the supply route of organic waste using a suspension winch (not shown) from the factory ceiling in conjunction with maintenance of the first rotary valve 30. The first valve connecting pipe 31 is provided with an electrically operated first exhaust valve 33 for releasing pressurized water vapor accumulated between the first rotary valve 30 and the first isolation valve 32 to the atmosphere before isolating the first rotary valve 30.

[0051] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the discharge section 14 of the reaction vessel 11 is provided with a second rotary valve 34 for discharging the hydrolysis product from the reaction vessel 11 while the inside of the reaction vessel 11 is maintained under a high temperature and high pressure environment. Furthermore, a second isolation valve 36, which is a ball valve, is connected between the discharge section 14 and the second rotary valve 34 via a short second valve connecting pipe 35. This second isolation valve 36 is an isolation valve used to maintain a pressurized gas-liquid atmosphere inside the reaction vessel 11 when the second rotary valve 34 is isolated from the organic waste discharge route using a suspension winch (not shown) from the factory ceiling in conjunction with maintenance of the second rotary valve 34. The second valve connecting pipe 35 is equipped with an electrically operated second exhaust valve 37 for releasing pressurized water vapor accumulated between the second rotary valve 34 and the second isolation valve 36 to the atmosphere before isolating the second rotary valve 34.

[0052] Furthermore, a horizontal and elongated rotating shaft 40, which rotates via a shaft motor (rotary motor) 39, is supported between the axial ends of the reaction vessel 11 via a pair of front and rear bearings (hydrostatic bearings) 38. The rotating shaft 40 is supported by an intermediate support arm 41 with bearings approximately 50 cm upstream from the discharge section 14 of the reaction vessel 11. This ensures the stability of the rotating shaft 40 during rotation and also increases the durability of the seal portions of both bearings 38. The rotating shaft 40 has seven destructive transfer blades 42 arranged around it in a staggered pattern at predetermined intervals along the length of the shaft (axial direction), which transfer the organic waste to the discharge section 14 while applying mechanical impact to the organic waste.

[0053] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, each crushing and transferring blade 42 has a T-shaped crushing head 44 for crushing organic waste attached to the tip of a rod 43 whose base end is connected to a rotating shaft 40. Each T-shaped crushing head 44 is connected to the rod 43 by a connecting angle changing means 46, each having a heat-resistant and pressure-resistant angle changing motor (drive actuator) 45, so that its rotation angle (connecting angle) in the circumferential direction can be changed.

[0054] Each angle-changing motor 45 is controlled by a controller 48, which will be described later. The tip of the output shaft 45a of each angle-changing motor 45 is connected to the middle of the fracture head 44 in the longitudinal direction via a heat-resistant and pressure-resistant bearing B. In other words, the controller 48 also serves as a connection angle control means that operates the angle-changing motors 45 to appropriately change the connection angle of the fracture head 43 according to the hydrolysis status of the organic waste continuously fed into the reaction vessel 11 while the continuous hydrolysis apparatus 10 is in operation. Furthermore, this controller 48 also serves as a control unit that controls the rotational speed of the rotating shaft 40 and the rotational speeds of the rotors R1 and R2 built into the first and second rotary valves 30 and 34, thereby varying the residence time of the organic waste continuously fed into the reaction vessel 11 within a range of 10 to 120 minutes, in accordance with the reaction time of the organic waste.

[0055] Each T-shaped rupture head 44 is inclined so as to transfer the organic waste introduced into the reaction vessel 11 downstream (towards the discharge section 14) according to the rotation direction of the rotating shaft 40. At this time, the angular position where the longitudinal direction of the rupture head 44 is parallel to the axial direction (length direction) of the reaction vessel 11 is defined as 0°. For each crushing head 44, the smaller its tilt angle is compared to the standard value, the lower its axial conveying capacity becomes and the longer its residence time in the container. Conversely, the larger the head tilt angle is compared to the standard value, the higher its conveying capacity becomes and the shorter its residence time becomes. The reference value for the inclination angle referred to here is that the length direction of each breaking head 44 is 45° with respect to the axial direction of the rotating shaft 40.

[0056] The coupling angle changing means 46 appropriately changes the coupling angle of each crushing head 44 based on an angle change command from the controller 48, according to the hydrolysis status of the continuously fed organic waste while the continuous hydrolysis apparatus 10 is in operation. This allows for on-demand optimization of residence time and crushing strength in response to material properties and load fluctuations, even during actual operation, aiming to achieve both processing performance and energy saving, and reducing power consumption without compromising performance.

[0057] As shown in the block diagram of Figure 5, in the continuous hydrolysis apparatus 10 of this embodiment 1, the torque of the rotating shaft 40 is measured continuously (or at predetermined intervals) while the apparatus is in operation. Based on the difference between the measured torque and the target value, the rotational speed of the rotor R1 of the first rotary valve 30 and the rotational speed of the rotor R2 of the second rotary valve 34 are changed, respectively. This allows feedback control using a feedback control means 47 to adjust the amount of organic waste continuously fed into the input section 12 of the reaction vessel 11 and the amount of hydrolysis products continuously discharged from the discharge section 14 of the reaction vessel 11 so that the torque applied to the rotating shaft 40 approaches the target value.

[0058] As shown in the block diagram of Figure 5, the feedback control means 47 has a controller (programmable logic controller (PLC)) 48 that incorporates a central processing unit (CPU, not shown).

[0059] The input side of the controller 48 is connected to a strain gauge type torque meter 49 that continuously measures the torque of the rotating shaft 40 and converts it into an electrical signal, a non-contact type first tachometer 50 that measures the rotational speed of the rotor R1 of the first rotary valve 30, a non-contact type second tachometer 51 that measures the rotational speed of the rotor R2 of the second rotary valve 34, a memory unit 52 that stores a preset torque target value and a PID (proportional-integral-derivative) control algorithm, and first and second pressure sensors 20 and 24, and first and second thermometers 22 and 26, respectively. On the other hand, the output side of the controller 48 is connected to the first and second rotary valves 30 and 34, the first and second isolation valves 32 and 36, the shaft motor 37, the seven angle-changing motors 45, and the first and second exhaust valves 33 and 37, respectively.

[0060] In the feedback control of Example 1, the controller (CPU) 48 calculates the deviation between the measured value obtained from the torque meter 49 and the target value stored in the memory unit 52. Based on these deviations, it uses a PID control algorithm to send control signals to the inverter (not shown) that controls the rotation of the rotors R1 and R2 of the first and second rotary valves 30 and 34, respectively, to adjust their respective rotational speeds. As a result, the amount of organic waste continuously fed from the hopper 13 to the reaction vessel 11 and the amount of hydrolysis products continuously discharged from the reaction vessel 11 are feedback controlled so that the torque applied to the rotating shaft 40 approaches the target value.

[0061] For example, if the measurement from the torque meter 49 is lower than the target value, the controller 48 uses a PID control algorithm to send control signals to the inverters of the first and second rotary valves 30 and 34, respectively, to increase the rotational speed of the first rotary valve (inlet side) 30 and decrease the rotational speed of the second rotary valve (discharge side) 34. As a result, the amount of organic waste input to and discharged from the reaction vessel 11 increases net (effective filling rate increases), and the torque applied to the rotating shaft 40 approaches the target value. On the other hand, if the measurement value from the torque meter 49 is higher than the target value, the controller 48 uses a PID control algorithm to send control signals to the inverters of the first and second rotary valves 30 and 34, respectively, to decelerate the rotational speed on the input side and increase the rotational speed on the discharge side. As a result, the amount of organic waste input to and discharged from the reaction vessel 11 decreases (effective filling rate decreases), and the torque applied to the rotating shaft 40 approaches the target value.

[0062] Furthermore, if, for example, the torque applied to the rotating shaft 40 or the amperage of the shaft motor 39 (described later) increases due to clogging with organic waste or contamination with foreign matter, the system may detect the excess state by comparing the measured values, which are constantly obtained by the torque meter 49 or ammeter (described later), with the excess torque value or excess amperage value stored in the memory unit 52 beforehand. After the excess is detected, the system may automatically reverse the rotation of the rotating shaft 40 using the reversal control program of the controller 48 to resolve the issue. After the issue is resolved, the rotating shaft 40 is made to rotate forward again. Furthermore, when the amperage of the shaft motor 39 is measured with an ammeter as an alternative to this torque, and the deviation between this measured value and the target measured value is calculated, and the rotation of the rotors R1 and R2 of the first and second rotary valves 30 and 34 is controlled using a PID control algorithm based on these deviations, the same command in the same direction is given based on this current deviation (measured current - target current).

[0063] Furthermore, if the hydrolysis treatment time for organic waste in the reaction vessel 11 is too short and insufficient while the device is operating, the angle change motors 45 are driven based on a command from the controller 48 to reduce the tilt angle of each destruction head 43 to a value lower than the standard value. On the other hand, if the hydrolysis treatment time for organic waste in the reaction vessel 11 is too long, the angle change motors 45 are driven based on a command from the controller 48 to increase the tilt angle of each destruction head 44 to a value higher than the standard value, the opposite of the above. In addition to the torque and current mentioned above, the output of the shaft motor, the differential pressure inside the reaction vessel, the driving power, and the minute fluctuation components of rotation may also be used as load indicators.

[0064] Next, with reference to Figures 1 to 4, a continuous hydrolysis method for organic waste using the continuous hydrolysis apparatus 10 according to Example 1 of the present invention will be described. As shown in Figure 1, first, pressurized steam is filled into the internal space of the reaction vessel 11 from the first to third pressurized steam supply ports 19, 21, and 23. This creates a high-temperature, high-pressure environment inside the reaction vessel 11 at approximately 185°C and 1.0 MPa.

[0065] Furthermore, a 200°C heat transfer oil is circulated through the jacket heating section 27 covering the body 17 of the reaction vessel 11 using the heat transfer oil supply port 28 and the heat transfer oil discharge port 29. This maintains the internal temperature of the reaction vessel 11 at approximately 185°C and its internal pressure at approximately 1.0 MPa. As a result, the temperature does not drop easily even after organic waste is introduced into the reaction vessel 11, reducing the amount of pressurized steam introduced into the reaction vessel 11 and saving energy.

[0066] When introducing organic waste from the hopper 13 into the reaction vessel 11, the rotor R1 of the first rotary valve 30 is rotated at a predetermined speed based on a command from the controller 48, thereby continuously introducing a fixed amount of organic waste into the reaction vessel 11 while maintaining a pressurized gas-liquid atmosphere inside the reaction vessel 11. Subsequently, the introduced organic waste is gradually transported to the downstream discharge section 14 by a rotating shaft 40, which has seven destructive transport blades 42 spaced apart in a staggered pattern along the length of the shaft, and is driven by a shaft motor 39. During transport, the organic waste is subjected to periodic impacts from each destructive transport blade 42. As a result, the fibrous bundles of the organic waste are loosened as it is transported, increasing its surface area. This improves the hydrolysis rate and reduces the amount of steam required.

[0067] Furthermore, the organic waste introduced into the reaction vessel 11 is hydrolyzed by high-temperature, high-pressure pressurized steam during transport while maintaining the pressurized gas-liquid atmosphere inside the reaction vessel 11. The hydrolysis products thus generated are discharged from the discharge section 14 by the second rotary valve 34. That is, in the second rotary valve 34, the rotor R2 rotates within the valve body 63, so that the hydrolysis products are continuously discharged to the outside in a fixed amount while maintaining the pressurized gas-liquid atmosphere inside the reaction vessel 11. In this way, by arranging the corresponding first and second rotary valves 30 and 34 at the input section 12 and discharge section 14 of the reaction vessel 11, it becomes easier to manage the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the reaction vessel 11, and the equipment cost is also reduced.

[0068] Next, referring to Figures 1 to 3, the maintenance of the first and second rotary valves 30 and 34 mounted on the continuous hydrolysis apparatus 10 of Example 1 will be described. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, during maintenance of the first rotary valve 30, the first isolation valve 32, located between the input section 12 of the reaction vessel 11 and the first rotary valve 30, is first closed, and the first exhaust valve 33, provided on the first valve connecting pipe 31, is opened to release the pressurized steam accumulated between the first rotary valve 30 and the first isolation valve 32 into the atmosphere before isolating the first rotary valve 30.

[0069] Subsequently, the first rotary valve 30 is isolated from the input section (organic waste supply route) 12 of the reaction vessel 11 using a ceiling-suspended winch (not shown). This ensures that the reaction vessel 11 is maintained in a pressurized gas-liquid atmosphere while reliably preventing the outflow of pressurized steam and organic waste from the input section when the first rotary valve 30 is isolated. As a result, the first rotary valve 30 can be safely isolated.

[0070] On the other hand, when performing maintenance on the second rotary valve 34, first the second isolation valve 36, which is located between the discharge section 14 of the reaction vessel 11 and the second rotary valve 34, is closed, and the second exhaust valve 37, which is provided on the second valve connecting pipe 35, is opened. This releases the pressurized steam accumulated between the second rotary valve 34 and the second isolation valve 36 to the atmosphere before isolating the second rotary valve 34.

[0071] Subsequently, the second rotary valve 34 is isolated from the discharge port 14 of the reaction vessel 11 and the second valve connecting pipe 35 (the discharge route for hydrolysis products). This ensures that the reaction vessel 11 is maintained in a pressurized gas-liquid atmosphere while reliably preventing the outflow of pressurized steam and hydrolysis products from the discharge section 14 due to the isolation of the second rotary valve 34. As a result, the second rotary valve 34 can be safely isolated.

[0072] Furthermore, after maintenance of the first and second rotary valves 30 and 34 is completed, the maintained first and second rotary valves 30 and 36 are first connected to the corresponding isolation valves 32 and 36 via the first and second valve connecting pipes 31 and 35, respectively, and then the first and second isolation valves 32 and 36 are opened, respectively. This maintains the high temperature and high pressure conditions inside the reaction vessel 11 even after the isolation operation, allowing the continuous hydrolysis apparatus 10 to be restarted in a short time.

[0073] Next, with reference to Figure 6, a continuous hydrolysis apparatus according to Example 2 of the present invention will be described. The features of the continuous hydrolysis apparatus 10A of this embodiment 2 are that a heat transfer fluid passage 70 is formed within the rotating shaft 40A along almost the entire length of the shaft, and a vortex-type circulation pump (heat transfer fluid supply means for the shaft) 71 is provided in the continuous hydrolysis apparatus 10A to supply a heat transfer oil (heat transfer fluid for the shaft) at 200°C to equalize the temperature of each destructive transfer blade 42 to this heat transfer fluid passage 70.

[0074] When the continuous hydrolysis apparatus 10A is in operation, the circulation pump 71 is activated to supply high-temperature heat transfer oil to the heat transfer fluid passage 70 of the rotating shaft 40A. As a result, the heat from the heat transfer oil is transferred from the peripheral wall of the rotating shaft 40A to each of the destructive transfer vanes 42, which are arranged at predetermined intervals in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 40A, and the temperature of each destructive transfer vane 42 is made uniform. As a result, temperature unevenness within the cross-section of the reaction vessel 11 is suppressed, improving reaction reproducibility and reducing the amount of pressurized steam input. The other components, functions, and effects are substantially the same as in Example 1, so their description will be omitted. [Industrial applicability]

[0075] This invention is useful as a technology for continuously hydrolyzing organic waste. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 10,10A Continuous Hydrolysis Apparatus 11 Reaction vessel 12 Input section 14 Discharge section 30. First rotary valve 34. Second rotary valve 42 Destruction Transfer Feathers 40,40A Rotating shaft 39. Shaft motor (rotating motor) 27 Jacket heating section 32 First isolation valve 36. Second isolation valve 43 rods 44 Destruction Head 45 Angle-changing motor (drive actuator) 46 Connection angle changing means 48 Controller (control unit, linking angle control means) 70 Heat transfer fluid channel 71 Circulation pump (means for supplying heat transfer fluid to the shaft) 31 First valve connecting pipe 35 Second valve connecting pipe 33 First exhaust valve 37. Second exhaust valve

Claims

1. A continuous hydrolysis apparatus is provided in which organic waste is continuously fed in from an input section located at the upper part of one end of the reaction vessel in the horizontal axial direction, hydrolyzed with high-temperature, high-pressure pressurized steam, and the resulting hydrolysis product is continuously discharged from a discharge section located at the lower part of the other end of the reaction vessel in the axial direction, A first rotary valve is provided in the input section for introducing the organic waste into the reaction vessel while maintaining a pressurized gas-liquid atmosphere inside the reaction vessel, A second rotary valve is provided in the discharge section for discharging the hydrolysis product from the reaction vessel while the inside of the reaction vessel is maintained in the pressurized gas-liquid atmosphere, A rotating shaft is provided with a plurality of crushing and transferring blades, which are pivotally supported between the axial ends of the reaction vessel and which transfer the organic waste to the discharge section while applying mechanical impact to the organic waste, at predetermined intervals along the length of the shaft. The rotating motor of the rotating shaft, A heating means is provided on the outer surface of the reaction vessel for heating the continuously fed organic waste, A first isolation valve is provided between the input section and the first rotary valve, and when the first rotary valve is isolated for valve maintenance, the inside of the reaction vessel is able to maintain the pressurized gas-liquid atmosphere. The system includes a second isolation valve provided between the discharge section and the second rotary valve, which is capable of maintaining the pressurized gas-liquid atmosphere inside the reaction vessel when the second rotary valve is isolated for valve maintenance. The heating means is a jacket heating section provided on the outer surface of the reaction vessel, to which a heat transfer fluid including pressurized hot water and superheated steam is supplied to heat the continuously fed organic waste, or an electric heater. The heating means heats the reaction vessel to 140°C to 260°C, thereby maintaining the internal temperature of the reaction vessel at 140°C to 240°C and its internal pressure at 0.3 MPa to 3 MPa. A continuous hydrolysis apparatus is characterized by having a control unit that controls the rotational speed of the rotating shaft and the rotational speed of each rotor built into the first and second rotary valves, thereby varying the residence time of the continuously fed organic waste in the container within a range of 10 to 120 minutes, in accordance with the reaction time of the organic waste.

2. The plurality of crushing and transferring blades are connected to the tip of a rod whose base end is connected to the rotating shaft, and the crushing head for crushing the organic waste is connected to the tip of the rod via a connection angle changing means having a drive actuator so that the connection angle can be changed. The continuous hydrolysis apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection angle changing means is controlled by a connection angle control means that appropriately changes the connection angle of the destruction head according to the status of hydrolysis of the continuously fed organic waste while the continuous hydrolysis apparatus is in operation.

3. A heat transfer fluid channel is formed within the rotating shaft, The continuous hydrolysis apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the heat transfer fluid channel is provided with a shaft heat transfer fluid supply means for supplying a shaft heat transfer fluid that equalizes the temperature of each of the destructive transfer blades.

4. A first valve connecting pipe is connected between the first rotary valve and the first isolation valve. A second valve connecting pipe is connected between the second rotary valve and the second isolation valve. The first valve connecting pipe is provided with a first exhaust valve that releases the pressurized water vapor accumulated between the first rotary valve and the first isolation valve to the atmosphere before isolating the first rotary valve. The continuous hydrolysis apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second valve connecting pipe is provided with a second exhaust valve for releasing the pressurized water vapor accumulated between the second rotary valve and the second isolation valve to the atmosphere before isolating the second rotary valve.

5. A continuous hydrolysis method comprising using a continuous hydrolysis apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the organic waste continuously fed from the input section into the reaction vessel is hydrolyzed with pressurized steam, and the obtained hydrolysis product is continuously discharged from the discharge section of the reaction vessel, The torque of the rotating shaft, the amperage of the rotating motor, the output of the rotating motor, the differential pressure in the reaction vessel, the driving power of the rotating motor, and the minute fluctuation component of the rotation of the rotating motor are measured, and based on the difference between the measured values ​​of the torque, amperage, output of the rotating motor, differential pressure in the reaction vessel, driving power of the rotating motor, and minute fluctuation component of the rotation of the rotating motor and their respective target values, the rotational speed of the rotor of the first rotary valve and the rotational speed of the rotor of the second rotary valve are changed, respectively, thereby the reaction A continuous hydrolysis method characterized by feedback control of the amount of organic waste continuously fed into the container and the amount of hydrolysis products continuously discharged from the reaction vessel, such that at least one of the following approaches a target value: the torque applied to the rotating shaft, the amperage of the rotating motor, the output of the rotating motor, the differential pressure inside the reaction vessel, the driving power of the rotating motor, and the minute fluctuation component of the rotation of the rotating motor; thereby, when an overload is detected, the rotating shaft is automatically reversed to avoid an overload condition, including clogging of the organic waste in the reaction vessel.

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