Organic waste treatment equipment

Abstract

To provide a processing device of an organic waste including a heating jacket capable of heating a target article accommodated in a storage part uniformly.SOLUTION: A processing device of an organic waste includes a storage container 21 and storage part heating means H for heating a storage part 216 of the storage container 21. The storage part heating means H has a heating jacket 23 provided around a first peripheral wall part 211 of the storage container 21. The heating jacket 23 has a cylindrical second peripheral wall part 231 covering around the first peripheral wall part 211 and a plurality of steam guide members 232. The steam guide member 232 divides a space surrounded by the first peripheral wall part 211 and the second peripheral wall part 231 into a plurality of steam chambers R. A first supply port 231a and a second supply port 231b for introducing a heating steam corresponding to each steam chamber R are provided on an upper part of the second peripheral wall part 231. The steam guide member 232 has an upper notch 232a for communication of adjacent steam chambers R.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing device for organic waste.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a processing device for drying and processing organic waste to be processed has been known (for example, see Patent Document 1). The objects of the waste to be processed include livestock excrement (manure), organic sludge, and the like. The processing device of Patent Document 1 includes a drying container (accommodation container) having an accommodation part for accommodating the waste to be processed, a heating jacket for heating the accommodation part, and stirring blades for stirring the waste to be processed in the accommodation part. The heating jacket is provided on the entire circumference of the drying container.

[0003] A steam connector is attached to the lower end of the heating jacket, and an exhaust connector is attached to the upper end of the heating jacket. A steam pipe is connected to the steam connector. Further, a return pipe is connected to the exhaust connector. These steam pipes and the return pipe are connected to a boiler. The heating steam generated in the boiler is supplied to the heating jacket, and the entire inner peripheral wall of the drying container is heated.

[0004] Inside the heating jacket, a plurality of guide plates are provided so that the heating steam does not short-circuit in the heating jacket. As a result, the heating jacket is divided into a plurality of steam chambers. Heating steam is supplied to each steam chamber from a branched steam pipe. By dividing the heating jacket into a plurality of steam chambers, it is possible to make it easier for the heating steam to spread throughout the heating jacket as compared with the case where it is not divided.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in conventional processing devices such as the one described in Patent Document 1, the position, density, temperature, and material of the material being processed in the containment section were not uniform during processing. Due to this unevenness in the material being processed in the containment section, the amount of heat required to be applied to the outer wall of the drying container varied depending on the location on the outer wall of the drying container. The heating jacket of conventional processing devices was designed with the idea of ​​supplying heating steam at the same pressure to all steam chambers almost simultaneously from the supply port, so it was not possible to flexibly adjust the steam pressure and heating temperature within the heating jacket to address the aforementioned unevenness.

[0007] Specifically, when the wall of the first steam chamber was in contact with a lower-temperature portion of the material being processed, the amount of condensation of the heating steam in the first steam chamber increased. This caused a rapid decrease in the steam pressure in the first steam chamber, and consequently, a decrease in the heating temperature. On the other hand, when the wall of the second steam chamber was in contact with a higher-temperature portion of the material being processed, the amount of condensation of the heating steam in the second steam chamber was less than in the first steam chamber. As a result, there was a difference in steam pressure and heating temperature between the first and second steam chambers.

[0008] Furthermore, the processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 above had a structure in which heating steam was introduced into the steam chamber from the lower end of the heating jacket and exhausted from the upper end of the heating jacket. When food waste is used as the material to be processed, it has a relatively lower moisture content than sludge. This made it possible to efficiently heat the food waste accumulated at the bottom of the containment section by condensing the heating steam immediately after its introduction. However, when sludge is used as the material to be processed, a large amount of heat is required due to its high moisture content. As a result, when sludge is used as the material to be processed, there was a problem in that the heating steam introduced near the connection between the heating jacket and the steam pipe condensed immediately after its introduction. Consequently, the steam pressure and heating temperature decreased locally, resulting in the problem that the entire steam chamber could not be heated uniformly.

[0009] This invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an organic waste processing device equipped with a heating jacket capable of uniformly heating the material to be processed contained in the containment section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention disclosed herein is configured as follows. That is, the first invention is an organic waste treatment apparatus that uses microorganisms to decompose the organic components of the organic waste, comprising a container having a containment section for containing organic waste, a containment section heating means for heating the containment section, and a stirring device having a stirring member for stirring the organic waste within the containment section, wherein the containment container has a cylindrical first circumferential wall section and a pair of end wall sections that close the open end of the first circumferential wall section, and the containment section heating means comprises a heating jacket provided around the first circumferential wall section and a heating jacket that supplies heating steam from a boiler that generates heating steam to the heating section The heating jacket has a supply pipe for supplying steam to the jacket, and the heating jacket has a cylindrical second circumferential wall that covers the periphery of the first circumferential wall, and a plurality of annular steam guide members arranged at predetermined intervals in the axial direction of the second circumferential wall, the steam guide members are arranged to divide the space enclosed by the first circumferential wall and the second circumferential wall into a plurality of steam chambers, a supply port for introducing the heating steam corresponding to each of the steam chambers is provided at the upper part of the second circumferential wall, and the steam guide members have upper notches at the top for connecting adjacent steam chambers.

[0011] According to the first invention, the heating jacket is divided into a plurality of steam chambers by a steam guide member. A supply port for introducing heating steam is provided at the upper part of the second peripheral wall of the heating jacket, corresponding to each steam chamber. The steam guide member also has an upper notch at the top to connect adjacent steam chambers.

[0012] By dividing the heating jacket into multiple steam chambers, heating steam is supplied to each chamber, which has a smaller volume, almost simultaneously compared to when it is not divided. This makes it easier to distribute the heating steam throughout the entire heating jacket.

[0013] Furthermore, due to gravity, the organic waste to be processed contained in the containment section accumulates mostly at the bottom of the containment section, creating space at the top. The amount of heat required to be applied to the first outer wall of the containment container is greater at the bottom of the first outer wall where the material to be processed is in contact with it than at the top of the first outer wall. Therefore, the amount of condensation of the heating steam in the steam chamber increases at the bottom of the steam chamber. As a result, the consumption of heating steam increases at the bottom of the steam chamber, causing the heating steam to move from the top to the bottom of the steam chamber.

[0014] During processing, if there are inconsistencies in the position, density, temperature, and material of the material to be processed that accumulates in large quantities at the bottom of the containment section, changes will occur in the amount of condensation of heating steam between multiple steam chambers. For example, suppose a low-temperature material to be processed comes into contact with the position of the first steam chamber on the first peripheral wall of the containment container. Also, suppose a relatively high-temperature material to be processed comes into contact with the position of the second steam chamber on the first peripheral wall. Assume that the first and second steam chambers are adjacent to each other. In this case, the amount of condensation of heating steam increases in the first steam chamber. As a result, the steam pressure in the first steam chamber decreases. On the other hand, in the second steam chamber, the amount of condensation of heating steam is less than in the first steam chamber, so the steam pressure does not decrease. This creates a pressure difference between the steam pressure of the first steam chamber and the steam pressure of the second steam chamber.

[0015] Since gases move from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure, the heating steam from the second steam chamber moves towards the first steam chamber through the upper notch. This naturally adjusts the steam pressure in the first and second steam chambers to be equal. As a result, the workpiece can be heated uniformly in both the first and second steam chambers. This mechanism allows for flexible adjustment of the steam pressure and heating temperature between multiple steam chambers, enabling uniform heating of the workpiece contained within the container.

[0016] Furthermore, both the supply port for introducing heating steam and the upper notch of the steam guide member are located at the top of the second peripheral wall of the heating jacket. In other words, the supply port and the upper notch are located at the top of the steam chamber. Since the material to be processed accumulates mostly at the bottom of the containment section, less heat is required at the top of the first peripheral wall of the containment container than at the bottom. Therefore, the amount of condensation of heating steam is small at the top of the steam chamber. The heating steam introduced from the supply port is temporarily stored at the top of the steam chamber. Also, the volume of heating steam stored at the top of the steam chamber is large compared to the flow rate of heating steam introduced from the supply port. As a result, when heating steam moves from the top to the bottom of the steam chamber, the heating steam mainly supplied is that which has accumulated at the top of the steam chamber. This allows for a temporary and sudden increase in condensation compared to the case where heating steam is directly introduced from a supply port located at the bottom of the steam chamber.

[0017] Furthermore, if a pressure difference occurs between the steam pressure of the adjacent first steam chamber and the steam pressure of the second steam chamber, the heating steam accumulated in the upper part of the first or second steam chamber moves through the upper notch. This allows for smoother adjustment of the steam pressure and heating temperature of the heating steam compared to directly moving the heating steam between the lower part of the first and second steam chambers.

[0018] Furthermore, by providing an upper notch in the steam guide member, the upper notch can be used as a buffer in case thermal deformation occurs in the first peripheral wall of the containment container to which the steam guide member is welded. This prevents fracture due to thermal deformation of the first peripheral wall and the welded portion of the steam guide member.

[0019] In the second invention, in the first invention, the upper notch is provided at the upper end of the steam guide member, the supply port has a first supply port and a second supply port, the first supply port and the second supply port are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of steam chambers, and the upper notch is positioned between and above the first supply port and the second supply port when viewed in the axial direction of the second peripheral wall.

[0020] According to the second invention, by introducing heating steam into the steam chamber from two supply ports, the first and second supply ports, the heating steam can be spread downward from the top of the steam chamber along the outer surfaces of two locations on the first peripheral wall that are opposite each other. This allows for more uniform heating of the object to be processed contained in the containment section. Furthermore, since the upper notch is located above the first and second supply ports, the upper notch can be positioned further away from the first and second supply ports relative to the lower part of the steam chamber where the amount of heating steam condenses is greater. As a result, the heating steam passing through the upper notch accumulates in the upper part of the steam chamber. This allows for the timing of the movement of the same heating steam particles from the top to the bottom of the steam chamber to the timing of their passage through the upper notch, enabling a smoother supply of pressurized steam to the lower part of the steam chamber where the amount of condensation is greater.

[0021] In the third invention, in the second invention, a water outlet is provided at the lower end of the second peripheral wall portion for discharging condensed water generated by the condensation of the heating steam, and the steam guide member has a lower notch at its lower end portion for connecting adjacent steam chambers.

[0022] According to the third invention, condensed water does not accumulate in the steam chamber, and the condensed water can be smoothly discharged from the steam chamber. Furthermore, even if there is an imbalance in the amount of condensed water generated among multiple steam chambers, the condensed water can be moved between steam chambers through the lower notch, so the condensed water can be discharged more smoothly compared to when there is no lower notch. In addition, the lower notch, which is paired with the upper notch at the upper end of the steam guide member, enhances its function as a buffer when thermal deformation occurs in the first peripheral wall of the containment container, and further prevents fracture due to thermal deformation of the first peripheral wall and the welded portion of the steam guide member.

[0023] In the fourth invention, in the third invention, the number of water outlets is less than the number of water supply ports.

[0024] According to the fourth invention, by reducing the number of condensate water discharge ports compared to the supply port for heating steam, the resistance when the heating steam flows out from the water discharge port can be increased, and the heating steam can be easily retained in the steam chamber. As a result, sufficient heat exchange of the heating steam can be achieved. Also, the manufacturing cost can be reduced compared to providing a water discharge port for each steam chamber.

[0025] In the fifth invention, in any one of the second to fourth inventions, a communication pipe attachment area for attaching a communication pipe communicating with the accommodation part is provided at the upper part of the second peripheral wall part, the supply pipe has a first parallel supply pipe part and a second parallel supply pipe part that extend along the second peripheral wall part in the axial direction of the second peripheral wall part and sandwich the communication pipe attachment area in a plan view, the first parallel supply pipe part is connected to each of the first supply ports of the plurality of steam chambers by a first end branch pipe part, and the second parallel supply pipe part is connected to each of the second supply ports of the plurality of steam chambers by a second end branch pipe part.

[0026] According to the fifth invention, the supply pipe can be configured with a minimum space without interfering with the communication pipe communicating with the accommodation part and the equipment arranged around the heating jacket. Also, it is possible to easily introduce the heating steam evenly from the first supply port and the second supply port to each steam chamber.

Effects of the Invention

[0027] According to the organic waste treatment apparatus according to the present invention, the object to be treated, the organic waste, accommodated in the accommodation part of the accommodation container can be uniformly heated.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] It is an overall configuration diagram of an organic waste treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a front view showing the fermentation drying apparatus of the present embodiment and its surroundings. [Figure 3] It is a plan view showing the fermentation drying apparatus of the present embodiment and its surroundings. [Figure 4] This is a front view showing the inside of the heating jacket of this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the containment container and heating jacket of the fermentation drying apparatus, indicated by line BB. [Figure 6] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the containment container and heating jacket of the fermentation drying apparatus, shown along line CC. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an organic waste treatment device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. This treatment device 1 is a device that uses microorganisms to decompose the organic components of organic waste. As shown in Figure 1, the treatment device 1 comprises a fermentation drying device 2, a boiler 3, a steam control device 4, a steam generator 5, a condensing unit 6, a cooling tower 7, a vacuum pump 8, a foreign matter sorter 9, a drain recovery tank 11, an economizer 12, a dust remover 13, and a water scrubber 14.

[0031] The fermentation and drying apparatus 2 processes organic waste such as organic food waste discharged from ordinary households, livestock excrement (manure), and organic sludge. The fermentation and drying apparatus 2 performs vacuum fermentation and drying on these organic waste materials. The fermentation product obtained from this vacuum fermentation and drying process is sent to the foreign matter sorter 9, where foreign matter such as metals mixed in the fermentation product is removed. The fermentation product, from which the foreign matter has been removed, is supplied to the boiler 3 as solid fuel and burned. By utilizing the combustion energy, the boiler 3 generates steam. The steam generated in the boiler 3 is supplied to the steam generator 5 via the steam control device 4. As a result, the steam generator 5 generates electricity. In addition, the steam generated in the boiler 3 is supplied to the fermentation and drying apparatus 2 via the steam control device 4 as heating steam.

[0032] The fermentation drying apparatus 2 comprises a containment container 21, a heating jacket 23, and a stirring device 22. The containment container 21 has a containment section 216 for containing the material to be processed. The containment container 21 has a cylindrical first circumferential wall portion 211 and a pair of end wall portions 212, 212 that close the open end of the first circumferential wall portion 211. The first circumferential wall portion 211 has a substantially elliptical cross-sectional shape. The fermentation drying apparatus 2 is arranged such that the central axis of the first circumferential wall portion 211 extends in the horizontal direction. The containment section 216 is formed in the space enclosed by the first circumferential wall portion 211 and the pair of end wall portions 212, 212.

[0033] The heating jacket 23 is provided to heat the containment section 216. The heating jacket 23 has a cylindrical second circumferential wall section 231 that surrounds the first circumferential wall section 211. Heating steam is supplied to the heating jacket 23 from the boiler 3 through the supply pipe 15. The heating steam supplied to the heating jacket 23 heats the first circumferential wall section 211 of the containment container 21, thereby transferring heat to the workpiece inside the containment section 216.

[0034] The heating steam supplied to the heating jacket 23 is condensed into condensate through heat exchange. This condensate is stored in the drain recovery tank 11 via a return pipe 16 connected to the heating jacket 23. The return pipe 16 is connected to the boiler 3 via an economizer 12 from the drain recovery tank 11. The economizer 12 has the function of heating the condensate in the return pipe 16 using the exhaust gas from the boiler 3. The heated condensate is used in the boiler 3. After passing through the economizer 12, the exhaust gas from the boiler 3 is purified by a dust remover 13 and a water scrubber 14. The purified exhaust gas is discharged into the atmosphere. The boiler 3, the supply pipe 15, the steam control device 4, the heating jacket 23, the return pipe 16, the drain recovery tank 11, and the economizer 12 constitute the containment heating means H.

[0035] The agitator 22 agitates the material to be processed within the containment section 216. The agitator 22 includes a plurality of agitating members 222 for agitating the material to be processed, an agitating shaft 221 to which the agitating members 222 are attached and which extends horizontally, and an electric motor 223 for rotating the agitating shaft 221. Both ends of the agitating shaft 221 are supported by a pair of end walls 212, 212 of the containment container 21.

[0036] The steam control device 4 supplies steam from the boiler 3 to the heating jacket 23 as heating steam, and also supplies steam to the steam generator 5. The steam control device 4 uses various sensors to adjust the pressure and flow rate of the steam generated from the boiler 3. The steam generator 5 generates electricity using steam. The generated electricity is used to drive the electric motor 223 of the agitator 22.

[0037] Although not shown in detail, in this embodiment, a steam passage is also formed inside the stirring shaft 221, and heating steam is supplied to this passage from the steam control device 4 via the supply pipe 15. This allows the material to be heated from the inside while being stirred by the stirring shaft 221.

[0038] The condensing section 6 is provided to condense the steam generated from the material to be processed, which is heated in the containment section 216. The condensing section 6 is equipped with a plurality of cooling pipes 62 (see Figure 3) inside. A cooling water passage 17 is provided between the cooling pipes 62 and the cooling tower 7. The temperature of the cooling water flowing through the cooling pipes 62 rises due to heat exchange with the steam generated from the material to be processed. The heated cooling water is sent to the cooling tower 7 via the cooling water passage 17, where it is cooled. The cooling water circulates through the cooling water passage 17 between the condensing section 6 and the cooling tower 7.

[0039] In the cooling tower 7, condensed water, which is formed in the condensation section 6 from steam generated from the heated workpiece, is also injected. That is, the condensed water generated in the condensation section 6 remains inside the condensation section 6 and the connecting passage 18. In this embodiment, a vacuum pump 8 is connected to the condensation section 6 via the connecting passage 18 and configured to reduce the pressure in the containment section 216.

[0040] Figure 2 is a front view showing the fermentation drying apparatus 2 and its surroundings according to this embodiment. Figure 3 is a plan view showing the fermentation drying apparatus 2 and its surroundings according to this embodiment. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the containment container 21, agitator 22, and heating jacket 23 of the fermentation drying apparatus 2 are installed on the building floor via an installation base 24. The installation base 24 is equipped with a weighing scale for measuring the weight of the material to be processed placed in the containment section 216.

[0041] An inlet 213 for the material to be processed is provided at the top of the longitudinal center of the containment container 21. The material to be processed introduced through this inlet is heated by the heating jacket 23 and stirred by the rotation of the stirring shaft 221 as described above. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the fermentation product is discharged from a product discharge port 214 provided at the bottom of the end wall 212 of the containment container 21.

[0042] An area A for attaching a connecting pipe 215 that communicates with the housing section 216 of the housing container 21 is provided at the upper part of the second peripheral wall 231 of the heating jacket 23. The area A for attaching the connecting pipe is formed in a rectangular shape when the fermentation drying apparatus 2 is viewed from above.

[0043] The connecting pipes 215 are provided on one end and the other end of the containment container 21 in the longitudinal direction. The condensing section 6 is connected to the pair of connecting pipes 215, 215. The condensing section 6 has a condensing container 61, a guide pipe 63, and a connecting section 64. The condensing container 61 is arranged adjacent to the containment container 21 and extends along the containment container 21. Cooling pipes 62 are provided inside the condensing container 61. The guide pipe 63 is connected to each of the two ends of the condensing container 61. The connecting section 64 connects the end of the guide pipe 63 to the end of the connecting pipe 215.

[0044] The supply piping 15 has a first parallel pipe section 15a and a second parallel pipe section 15b that are parallel to each other. When the fermentation drying apparatus 2 is viewed from above, the first parallel pipe section 15a and the second parallel pipe section 15b are positioned to sandwich the long side of the rectangular connecting pipe mounting area A. The first parallel pipe section 15a and the second parallel pipe section 15b are also positioned to extend along the cylindrical second peripheral wall section 231 of the heating jacket 23 in the axial direction of the second peripheral wall section 231. Furthermore, the first parallel pipe section 15a and the second parallel pipe section 15b are positioned at the height of the upper end of the heating jacket 23. The first parallel pipe section 15a and the second parallel pipe section 15b are branched from a single pipe of the supply piping 15 by a branch pipe section 15c.

[0045] The branch pipe section 15c is arranged to extend horizontally perpendicular to the first parallel pipe section 15a and the second parallel pipe section 15b. When the fermentation drying apparatus 2 is viewed from above, the branch pipe section 15c is arranged along the short side of the rectangular connecting pipe mounting area A. The first parallel pipe section 15a is provided with a plurality of first end branch pipe sections 15d at predetermined intervals in the axial direction of the first parallel pipe section 15a. The second parallel pipe section 15b is provided with a plurality of second end branch pipe sections 15e at predetermined intervals in the axial direction of the second parallel pipe section 15b.

[0046] Figure 4 is a front view showing the interior of the heating jacket 23 of this embodiment. In Figure 4, the second peripheral wall portion 231 of the heating jacket 23 is shown in cross-section. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the containment container 21 and heating jacket 23 of the fermentation drying apparatus 2, taken along the line BB in Figure 3. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the containment container 21 and heating jacket 23 of the fermentation drying apparatus 2, taken along the line CC in Figure 4.

[0047] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the heating jacket 23 has the second peripheral wall portion 231 and a plurality of annular steam guide members 232 arranged at predetermined intervals in the axial direction of the second peripheral wall portion 231. The steam guide members 232 are arranged to divide the space enclosed by the first peripheral wall portion 211 and the second peripheral wall portion 231 of the containment container 21 into a plurality of steam chambers R. A plurality of first supply ports 231a and a plurality of second supply ports 231b are provided on the upper part of the second peripheral wall portion 231 for introducing heating steam corresponding to each steam chamber R. One first supply port 231a and one second supply port 231b are provided for each steam chamber R. When the fermentation drying apparatus 2 is viewed from above, the first supply ports 231a and the second supply ports 231b are positioned on either side of the long side of the rectangular communication pipe mounting area A. The first parallel pipe section 15a of the supply piping 15 is connected to the first supply port 231a of each of the multiple steam chambers R by the first terminal branch pipe section 15d. The second parallel pipe section 15b of the supply piping 15 is connected to the second supply port 231b of each of the multiple steam chambers R by the second terminal branch pipe section 15e.

[0048] The first circumferential wall portion 211, which forms the inner circumferential wall of the steam chamber R, is formed by welding together a plurality of metal members. Specifically, the first circumferential wall portion 211 has an upper curved surface member 211a with a mountain-shaped cross-section, a lower curved surface member 211b with a valley-shaped cross-section, and a pair of intermediate planar members 211c, 211c with a straight cross-section. The plate thickness of the pair of intermediate planar members 211c, 211c is set to be greater than the plate thickness of the upper curved surface member 211a and the lower curved surface member 211b. The first circumferential wall portion 211 is formed by welding the upper end of the intermediate planar member 211c to the lower end of the upper curved surface member 211a, and by welding the lower end of the intermediate planar member 211c to the upper end of the lower curved surface member 211b.

[0049] The second peripheral wall portion 231, which forms the outer peripheral wall of the steam chamber R, is formed by welding multiple metal members together, similar to the first peripheral wall portion 211. Specifically, the second peripheral wall portion 231 has an upper curved surface member 231d with a circular arc cross-section and a mountain shape, a lower curved surface member 231e with a circular arc cross-section and a valley shape, and a pair of intermediate planar members 231f, 231f with a straight cross-section. The thickness of the pair of intermediate planar members 231f, 231f is set to be greater than the thickness of the upper curved surface member 231d and the lower curved surface member 231e. The second peripheral wall portion 231 is formed by welding the upper end of the intermediate planar member 231f to the lower end of the upper curved surface member 231d, and by welding the lower end of the intermediate planar member 231f to the upper end of the lower curved surface member 231e.

[0050] The steam guide member 232 is a metal plate and is formed in an annular shape that substantially follows the shape of the first circumferential wall portion 211 and the second circumferential wall portion 231. The steam guide member 232 has an upper notch portion 232a at its upper end for connecting adjacent steam chambers R. The upper notch portion 232a is formed in an arc shape cut out downward from the outer edge of the upper end of the steam guide member 232. The upper notch portion 232a is positioned midway and above the first supply port 231a and the second supply port 231b when viewed in the axial direction of the second circumferential wall portion 231. The steam guide member 232 also has a lower notch portion 232b at its lower end for connecting adjacent steam chambers R. The lower notch portion 232b is formed in an arc shape cut out upward from the outer edge of the lower end of the steam guide member 232. The heating steam introduced from the first supply port 231a and the second supply port 231b generates two types of flows: an upward flow towards the steam chamber R (direction of arrow U in Figure 4) and a downward flow towards the steam chamber R (direction of arrow D in Figure 4). However, due to the effects of gravity and other factors, the amount of steam flowing downward towards the steam chamber R is greater than the amount of steam flowing upward towards the steam chamber R.

[0051] The inner periphery of the steam guide member 232 is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the first circumferential wall portion 211 by welding. As a result, the steam guide member 232 also functions as a reinforcing member of the containment container 21.

[0052] Multiple water outlets 231c are provided at the lower end of the second peripheral wall portion 231 to discharge condensed water generated by the condensation of heating steam. The first supply port 231a and the second supply port 231b described above are provided corresponding to each of the multiple steam chambers R. On the other hand, in some places, there is one water outlet 231c for every two steam chambers R. In other words, the number of water outlets 231c is less than the number of first supply ports 231a (or second supply ports 231b).

[0053] The water outlet 231c is connected to the return pipe 16. As shown in Figure 5, the return pipe 16 near the water outlet 231c has a direct pipe section 16a directly below the water outlet 231c, a maintenance pipe section 16b branched from the direct pipe section 16a, and a main pipe section 16d branched from the direct pipe section 16a and leading to the drain recovery tank 11. A valve 16c is attached to the outer end of the maintenance pipe section 16b. During maintenance, the liquid accumulated in the steam chamber R can be discharged through the maintenance pipe section 16b before being sent to the drain recovery tank 11.

[0054] As described above, the organic waste processing apparatus 1 according to the above embodiment comprises a containment container 21 having a containment section 216 for containing organic waste, a containment section heating means H for heating the containment section 216, and a stirring device 22 having a stirring member 222 for stirring the organic waste within the containment section 216. The containment container 21 has a first circumferential wall section 211 and a pair of end wall sections 212, 212 that close the open end of the first circumferential wall section 211. The containment section heating means H has a heating jacket 23 provided around the first circumferential wall section 211 and a supply pipe 15 for supplying heating steam from a boiler 3 that generates heating steam to the heating jacket 23. The heating jacket 23 has a cylindrical second circumferential wall section 231 that covers the periphery of the first circumferential wall section 211 and a plurality of annular steam guide members 232 arranged at predetermined intervals in the axial direction of the second circumferential wall section 231. The steam guide member 232 is positioned to divide the space enclosed by the first peripheral wall 211 and the second peripheral wall 231 into multiple steam chambers R. A first supply port 231a and a second supply port 231b for introducing heating steam are provided at the top of the second peripheral wall 231, corresponding to each steam chamber R. The steam guide member 232 has an upper notch 232a at its top to connect adjacent steam chambers R.

[0055] According to the above configuration, by dividing the heating jacket 23 into multiple steam chambers R, heating steam is supplied almost simultaneously to each steam chamber R, which has a smaller volume compared to when it is not divided. This makes it easier to distribute the heating steam throughout the entire heating jacket 23. Furthermore, if there are inconsistencies in the position, density, temperature, and material of the workpiece contained in the containment section 216 during processing, changes will occur in the amount of condensation of heating steam among the multiple steam chambers R. In this case, the heating steam moves from areas with higher steam pressure to areas with lower steam pressure through the upper notch 232a. As a result, the steam pressure in the multiple steam chambers R is naturally adjusted to be equal. Consequently, the steam pressure and heating temperature of the heating steam can be flexibly adjusted among the multiple steam chambers R, allowing for uniform heating of the workpiece contained in the containment section 216.

[0056] Furthermore, the first supply port 231a and the second supply port 231b for introducing heating steam, and the upper notch 232a of the steam guide member 232 are both located on the upper part of the second peripheral wall portion 231 of the heating jacket 23. The heating steam introduced from the first supply port 231a and the second supply port 231b is temporarily stored in the upper part of the steam chamber R. When heating steam moves from the upper part of the steam chamber R to the lower part of the steam chamber R, the heating steam mainly supplied is that which has been stored in the upper part of the steam chamber R. This makes it possible to cope with a temporary and sudden increase in the amount of condensation.

[0057] Furthermore, if a pressure difference occurs between adjacent steam chambers R, R, the heating steam accumulated in the upper part of one steam chamber R moves through the upper notch 232a to the upper part of the other steam chamber R. This allows for smooth adjustment of the steam pressure and heating temperature of the heating steam.

[0058] Furthermore, by providing an upper notch 232a in the steam guide member 232, the upper notch 232a can be used as a buffer when thermal deformation occurs in the first peripheral wall portion 211 of the containment container 21 to which the steam guide member 232 is welded. This prevents fracture due to thermal deformation of the welded portion of the first peripheral wall portion 211 and the steam guide member 232.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the upper notch 232a is provided at the upper end of the steam guide member 232. The first supply port 231a and the second supply port 231b are provided corresponding to each of the multiple steam chambers R. Furthermore, the first supply port 231a and the second supply port 231b are arranged such that, when viewed in the axial direction of the second peripheral wall portion 231, the upper notch 232a is located midway between and above the first supply port 231a and the second supply port 231b.

[0060] According to the above configuration, by introducing heating steam into the steam chamber R from the two supply ports, the first supply port 231a and the second supply port 231b, the heating steam can be spread downward from the top of the steam chamber R along the two outer surfaces of the first peripheral wall portion 211 located on opposite sides. This allows the object to be processed contained in the containment portion 216 to be heated more uniformly. Furthermore, since the upper notch portion 232a is located above the first supply port 231a and the second supply port 231b, the upper notch portion 232a can be positioned further away from the lower part of the steam chamber R, where the amount of heating steam condensing is greater, than the first supply port 231a and the second supply port 231b. As a result, the heating steam passing through the upper notch portion 232a is accumulated in the upper part of the steam chamber R. This allows the timing of the movement of the same heating steam particles from the top to the bottom of the steam chamber R to be separated from the timing of their passage through the upper notch 232a, enabling a smoother supply of pressurized steam to the lower part of the steam chamber R where condensation is more abundant.

[0061] In the above embodiment, a water outlet 231c is provided at the lower end of the second peripheral wall portion 231 for discharging condensed water generated by the condensation of heating steam. The steam guide member 232 has a lower notch 232b at its lower end for connecting adjacent steam chambers R, R.

[0062] With the above configuration, condensed water does not accumulate in the steam chamber R, and the condensed water can be smoothly discharged from the steam chamber R. Furthermore, even if there is an imbalance in the amount of condensed water generated among the multiple steam chambers R, the condensed water can be moved between the steam chambers R through the lower notch 232b, so the condensed water can be discharged more smoothly compared to when the lower notch 232b is not present. In addition, the lower notch 232b, which is paired with the upper notch 232a at the upper end of the steam guide member 232, enhances its function as a buffer when thermal deformation occurs in the first peripheral wall 211 of the containment container 21, and can further prevent fracture due to thermal deformation of the welded portion of the first peripheral wall 211 and the steam guide member 232.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the number of water outlets 231c is less than the number of first supply ports 231a (or second supply ports 231b).

[0064] According to the above configuration, by reducing the number of condensate water outlets 231c to fewer than the first steam supply port 231a (or second supply port 231b) for heating steam, the resistance to the outflow of heating steam from the water outlet 231c is increased, making it easier to retain the heating steam within the steam chamber R. This allows for sufficient heat exchange of the heating steam. Furthermore, it reduces manufacturing costs compared to providing a water outlet 231c for each steam chamber R.

[0065] In the above embodiment, a connecting pipe mounting area A is provided at the upper part of the second peripheral wall portion 231 for attaching a connecting pipe 215 that communicates with the housing portion 216. The supply piping 15 has a first parallel pipe portion 15a and a second parallel pipe portion 15b that extend along the second peripheral wall portion 231 in the axial direction of the second peripheral wall portion 231 and sandwich the connecting pipe mounting area A in a plan view. The first parallel pipe portion 15a is connected to the first supply port 231a of each of the multiple steam chambers R by a first end branch pipe portion 15d. The second parallel pipe portion 15b is connected to the second supply port 231b of each of the multiple steam chambers R by a second end branch pipe portion 15e.

[0066] With the above configuration, the supply piping 15 can be configured in a minimal space without interfering with the connecting pipe 215 that communicates with the housing section 216, or with the equipment arranged around the heating jacket 23. In addition, heating steam can be easily introduced evenly into each steam chamber R from the first supply port 231a and the second supply port 231b.

[0067] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not intended to be restrictive. The technical scope of the present invention is not construed solely by the embodiments described above, but is defined by the claims. Furthermore, the technical scope of the present invention includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of equivalents to the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 1 Processing Unit 2 Fermentation and drying apparatus 3 Boiler 6. Condensation section 15. Supply piping 15a 1st parallel tube section 15b 2nd parallel tube section 15d First terminal branch pipe section 15e Second terminal branch pipe section 21 Containment container 22 Stirring device 23 Heated Jacket 211 1st peripheral wall section 212 End wall section 215 Communication pipe 216 Storage Unit 222 Agitation Member 231 Second peripheral wall section 231a 1st supply port 231b 2nd supply port 231c water outlet 232 Steam guide member 232a Upper notch 232b Lower notch A. Connecting pipe installation area H Heating means for the housing section R Steam Room

Claims

1. An organic waste treatment apparatus comprising a container having a containment section for containing organic waste, a containment section heating means for heating the containment section, and a stirring device having a stirring member for stirring the organic waste within the containment section, wherein the organic components of the organic waste are decomposed using microorganisms, The container has a cylindrical first peripheral wall portion and a pair of end wall portions that close the open end of the first peripheral wall portion. The aforementioned housing heating means includes a heating jacket provided around the first peripheral wall and a supply pipe for supplying heating steam from a boiler that generates heating steam to the heating jacket. The heating jacket has a cylindrical second peripheral wall portion that covers the periphery of the first peripheral wall portion, and a plurality of annular steam guide members arranged at predetermined intervals in the axial direction of the second peripheral wall portion. The steam guide member is arranged to divide the space enclosed by the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall into a plurality of steam chambers. The upper part of the second peripheral wall is provided with a supply port for introducing the heating steam corresponding to each of the steam chambers. The steam guide member has an upper notch at its top for connecting adjacent steam chambers. A method for treating organic waste, characterized by the following:

2. The upper notch is provided at the upper end of the steam guide member. The supply port has a first supply port and a second supply port. The first supply port and the second supply port are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of steam chambers, and are arranged such that the upper notch is located midway between and above the first supply port and the second supply port when viewed in the axial direction of the second peripheral wall. The apparatus for processing organic waste according to claim 1.

3. A water outlet is provided at the lower end of the second peripheral wall portion for discharging condensed water generated by the condensation of the heating steam. The steam guide member has a lower notch at its lower end for connecting adjacent steam chambers. The apparatus for processing organic waste according to feature 2.

4. The number of water outlets is less than the number of water supply ports. The organic waste treatment apparatus according to claim 3.

5. An area for attaching a connecting pipe that communicates with the housing is provided on the upper part of the second peripheral wall, The supply piping has a first parallel supply pipe section and a second parallel supply pipe section that extend along the second peripheral wall section in the axial direction of the second peripheral wall section and sandwich the communication pipe mounting area in a plan view, The first parallel supply pipe section is connected to the first supply port and the first end branch pipe section of each of the multiple steam chambers, The second parallel supply pipe section is connected to the second supply port and the second terminal branch pipe section of each of the multiple steam chambers. The organic waste treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

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