Biomass solids production apparatus and biomass solids production method

Abstract

To provide a small-scale biomass solid production device and a biomass solid production method that can produce biomass solids that are easy to handle and suitable for various applications.SOLUTION: There are provided: a biomass solid production device for producing biomass solid X from kitchen waste x; and a biomass solid production method using the same. The biomass solid production device comprises a syringe-like configuration that can perform a dehydration step, a drying step, a carbonization step, and a cooling step in a single processing container, in a procedure of causing an operation head 10 to pressurize the kitchen waste x toward an end of a processing region 1a, and striking or rotating the pressurized kitchen waste x.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a biomass solid material manufacturing apparatus and a biomass solid material manufacturing method that can effectively utilize organic waste such as discarded food as fuel or fertilizer.

Background Art

[0002] The treatment of organic waste such as food waste and leftover food discarded in households, the food service industry, or the accommodation industry, and the costs required therefor have become one of the major social problems. Conventionally, various methods for converting kitchen waste into carbide have been introduced (see Patent Document 1 below), but with such large-scale devices, those who discharge kitchen waste cannot implement them individually, and it does not contribute to creating an environment where organic waste can be treated individually in each household, etc. On the other hand, there are also devices that have been put into practical use on a small scale for a method of drying food waste and reducing its volume to facilitate disposal (Patent Document 2 below).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in small-scale devices, there is still a problem that the processed product can only be processed into powder or small pieces, so handling is still complicated. Although a method of forming the above product into a solid by pressurization has also been introduced, it is difficult to incorporate it into a small-scale device, and moreover, it is extremely difficult to change the shape of the solid according to various uses.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a small-scale biomass solid production apparatus and a biomass solid production method that can produce biomass solids in a form that is easy to handle and suitable for various applications. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The biomass solids manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, which was developed to solve the above problems, is a biomass solids manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing biomass solids from kitchen waste, and comprises a sleeve having a processing space in which the input kitchen waste is processed, a heating means for adjusting the temperature of the processing space in the sleeve, and an operating means having an operating head that moves back and forth along the longitudinal direction of the sleeve in the processing space and manipulates the input kitchen waste.

[0007] Furthermore, the sleeve is characterized in that it comprises an upper processing area and a lower drain area in a continuous manner as the processing space, a pressure-resistant lid for opening and closing the inlet of the processing space, a liquid passage communicating with the drain area between the inner surface of the processing area and the side surface of the operating head that moves back and forth within the processing area, and the operating head applies pressure or strikes the food waste toward the end of the processing area. A pressure-resistant cover may be provided at the upper opening of the processing area, and the pressure-resistant cover may be configured to have a pressure-receiving surface that is the abutment of the processing area.

[0008] The biomass solid production apparatus according to the present invention may further be configured such that the operating head has a pressurizing surface with a projected area smaller than that of the processing area. Furthermore, the processing area may have a circular cross-section, and the operating means may include a cylindrical operating head and a rotating means for rotating the operating head, and the operating head may be rotated to stir the food waste, drain it by centrifugal force, or crush the food waste at the end of the processing area (hereinafter referred to as the "configuration with a rotating function").

[0009] On the other hand, the biomass solid production method according to the present invention, which was developed to solve the above problems, is characterized by using any of the above biomass solid production apparatuses and comprising a dewatering process in which food waste introduced onto an operating head in a sleeve is pressed between the operating head and the end of the processing area, or a pounding process in which food waste introduced onto an operating head in a sleeve is struck against the end of the processing area with the operating head, a drying process in which the processing area is heated with a heating means, and a carbonization process in which the food waste that has undergone the drying process is compressed between the operating head and the end of the processing area while the processing area is heated with the heating means.

[0010] When using a biomass solid production apparatus with the aforementioned rotation function, the apparatus can be configured to include a dewatering process in which the kitchen waste introduced onto the operating head in the sleeve is rotated by the operating head, or a grinding process in which the kitchen waste introduced onto the operating head in the sleeve is pressed toward the end of the processing area while the operating head is rotated to grind it; a drying process in which the processing area is heated by a heating means; and a carbonization process in which the kitchen waste that has gone through the drying process is compressed between the operating head and the end of the processing area while the processing area is heated by the heating means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the biomass solids production apparatus and biomass solids production method of the present invention, processes such as dehydration, drying, carbonization, and cooling, which involve operations such as striking and pressurizing, can be carried out in a single container. Furthermore, because its configuration is extremely simple, the composition of the solid can be changed simply by adjusting the carbonization temperature and specified pressure. In addition, the form of the solid can be varied in many ways (for example, adjustment of ignition properties or immediate / slow-acting properties) simply by changing the pressure-resistant lid and operating head. Thus, a small-scale device can be used to give the product suitability (composition, form, etc.) for various applications such as fuel and fertilizer. Moreover, the processed product becomes a solid, making it easy to handle.

[0012] Furthermore, by providing a pressure-resistant lid at the upper opening of the processing area and positioning the pressure-receiving surface of the lid at the end of the processing area, the liquid flows down in the opposite direction to the pressurizing direction of the operating head, preventing the squeezed-out liquid from re-adhering to the food waste, thus enabling efficient squeezing. In particular, if the operating head that pressurizes the food waste is equipped with a conical pressurizing surface, the liquid that flows onto the operating head will quickly flow down from the operating head. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a biomass solids production apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a process diagram showing an example of a biomass solid production method according to the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a process diagram showing an example of a biomass solid production method according to the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a process diagram showing an example of a biomass solid production method according to the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an embodiment of a biomass solids production apparatus and biomass solids production method according to the present invention. [Figure 6] An example of biomass solids formed by the biomass solids production apparatus and biomass solids production method according to the present invention is shown in (A) cross-sectional view taken along arrow AA, (B) front view, (C) left side view, (D) bottom view, (E) right side view, and (F) top view. [Figure 7] An example of biomass solids formed by the biomass solids production apparatus and biomass solids production method according to the present invention is shown in (A) cross-sectional view taken along the BB arrow, (B) front view, (C) left side view, (D) bottom view, (E) right side view, and (F) top view. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the (A) temporal change, (B) positional change during the dewatering process, and (C) positional change during the carbonization process of the specified pressure set in the biomass solids production apparatus and biomass solids production method according to the present invention. [Figure 9]It is a block diagram showing the (A) hardware configuration and (B) functional configuration of a biomass solid material manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of a biomass solid material manufacturing apparatus and a biomass solid material manufacturing method according to the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. FIG. 1 is an example of a household biomass solid material manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing biomass solid material (hereinafter referred to as "solid material X") from kitchen waste x including so-called garbage (FIG. 5). In this example, there are provided a sleeve 1 in which biomass solidification (hereinafter referred to as "solidification") of the input kitchen waste x is performed, heating means 2 for adjusting the temperature of the processing space of the sleeve 1, air conditioning means 3 for managing the atmosphere of the processing space of the sleeve 1, operating means 4 for advancing and retreating along the longitudinal direction of the sleeve 1 to operate the input kitchen waste x, and control means 16 for controlling the heating means 2, air conditioning means 3, operating means 4, etc., and each is installed inside a housing 5.

[0015] The sleeve 1 is a cylindrical processing container with a processing space penetrating vertically, having an upper opening of the processing space as an input port and a pressure-resistant lid 6 for opening and closing the input port. A spiral groove 7 that goes around the outer surface is formed on the peripheral wall of the sleeve 1, and a heating wire 8 which is a heat source of the heating means 2 is accommodated in the groove 7. In addition, as the heat source, in addition to the heating wire 8, a heater or the like can be appropriately used. The sleeve 1 continuously includes an upper processing region 1a and a lower drain region 1b as the processing space. The processing region 1a is a space for performing various processes on the kitchen waste x, and the drain region 1b is a space that communicates with the processing region 1a and allows gas and waste liquid to flow through.

[0016] The processing region 1a is a space on its inner surface in which multiple vertical grooves (liquid passages) 1c, having a uniform cross-sectional shape or a cross-sectional shape that widens upwards, are evenly distributed around the entire circumference, with the maximum diameter (the diameter of a virtual circle connecting the bottoms of the vertical grooves 1c) widening upwards, and the minimum diameter (the diameter of a virtual circle connecting the upper edges of the vertical grooves 1c) being uniform over the entire length, forming a roughly rotating body shape. The vertical grooves 1c engraved on the inner surface of the processing area 1a each connect from their upper ends to grooves 6b that are radially engraved on the inner surface (pressure-receiving surface 6a) of the pressure-resistant cover 6, and the meeting point in the center of the pressure-receiving surface 6a is the upper end of each groove 6b. Furthermore, the liquid passage is not limited to the vertical groove 1c, but can be appropriately selected to exist between the inner surface of the processing area 1a and the side surface of the operating head 10 that moves back and forth within the processing area 1a, allowing the liquid contained in the food waste x to flow down to the drain area 1b, and enabling the solid waste x to be smoothly detached from the inlet of the sleeve 1 without damaging its form once it becomes solid X.

[0017] The drain region 1b is a cavity with a circular cross-section that is uniform in cross-sectional shape along its entire length, and the liquid contained in the food waste x flows in from the lower end of the vertical groove 1c engraved on the inner surface of the processing region 1a and flows down to the lower opening. When the operating head 10 moves up and down or rotates, the vertical groove 1c also functions as a blade that cuts the fibers of the food waste x according to its characteristics. The drain region 1b is provided with an air conditioning hole 1d at the upper part of its peripheral wall, which penetrates the peripheral wall to recover gas generated in the processing region 1a. The air conditioning hole 1d, together with the air conditioning circuit and air conditioning pump connected thereto, constitutes the air conditioning means 3 that performs an outside air blocking function, a ventilation function, or a pressure regulating function.

[0018] The lower opening of the processing space (drain area 1b) is covered by a drain pan 9, and the actuator of the operating means 4 is positioned below the drain pan 9. The drain pan 9 is a ring-shaped receiving tray through which the operating head 10 of the operating means 4 and the operating rod 11 that operates the operating head 10 are inserted so as to prevent gas or liquid leakage from the processing space. A sealing structure 12 is provided in the gap between the outer edge of the drain pan 9 and the lower end of the sleeve 1 to prevent gas or liquid leakage.

[0019] The operating head 10 is a rotating block having a conical pressure surface (front) 10a with a smaller projected area than the processing area 1a and a gentle slope, and a shaping surface (side) 10b with an equal cross-section or a widening at the end that extends from the periphery of the pressure surface 10a to the rear. The operating head 10 is molded so that it slides smoothly without vibration in the processing area 1a and the drain area 1b, with its largest diameter portion being approximately the same diameter as the smallest diameter of the processing area 1a and the diameter of the drain area 1b. The drain region 1b is equipped with a sealing means 13 in a portion below the air conditioning hole 1d (hereinafter referred to as the "sealed portion"), and the sealing means 13 and the operating head 10 positioned in the sealed portion constitute a structure that prevents gas and waste liquid from leaking below the sealed portion of the drain region 1b.

[0020] The operating means 4 comprises, for example, an actuator consisting of a cylinder mechanism, a pantograph mechanism, or a screw-type jack mechanism and an electric motor that powers them, an operating rod 11 that moves back and forth by the electric actuator, and an operating head 10 fixed to the tip of the operating rod 11. The operating means 4 performs position holding operations, striking operations, and pressurizing operations (including compression processing) on ​​the food waste x present in the processing area 1a by moving the operating rod 11 back and forth. In this example, the operating means 4 includes a rotating means (such as an electric motor) for rotating the operating head 10 relative to the operating rod 11 or actuator. Therefore, depending on the arrangement of the operating head 10, it can perform a swirling operation or a grinding operation on the food waste x introduced into the processing space.

[0021] The position-holding operation, by operating the operating means 4, guides the food waste x to a position suitable for the processing to be performed on the food waste x within the processing space, thereby securing the position and space necessary for each operation.

[0022] The aforementioned striking operation applies intermittent pressure to the fibers of the kitchen waste x by operating the operating means 4. The operating means 4 performs kneading and pounding processes through this striking operation. The aforementioned kneading process involves kneading the food waste x that has been introduced onto the operating head 10 by the operation of the operating means 4 by vibrating or raising and lowering it multiple times within a sufficiently large space. The aforementioned pounding process involves repeatedly pressing or striking the kitchen waste x, which has been placed on the operating head 10 by the operation of the operating means 4, against the pressure-receiving surface 6a of the pressure-resistant lid 6 (Figure 2(B)).

[0023] The aforementioned pressurization operation involves continuously applying a controlled pressure to the food waste x by operating the operating means 4. Through this pressurization operation, the operating means 4 performs a squeezing process and a compression process (ultimately resulting in a "molding process"). The squeezing process involves gradually pressing the food waste x against the pressure-receiving surface 6a of the pressure-resistant lid 6 using the operating head 10 by operating the operating means 4. At this time, the pressure applied to the food waste x by the operating head 10 is a controlled pressure sufficient to squeeze out the liquid contained in the food waste x, and the squeezed waste liquid is collected in the drain tank 15 via the groove 6b of the pressure-resistant lid 6, the vertical groove 1c engraved on the inner surface of the sleeve 1, the drain area 1b, and the drain pan 9 (Figure 2(C)). The compression (molding) process involves operating the heating means 2 at the carbonization temperature while operating the operating means 4, pressing the planned carbonized food waste x against the pressure-receiving surface 6a of the pressure-resistant lid 6 with the operating head 10 to compress it, and performing pressurization operations one or more times until it reaches the desired carbonized state (carbonized or semi-carbonized state) and compressed to the desired hardness (impact operations may be combined as appropriate during this process) (Figure 4(A)).

[0024] The aforementioned swirling operation involves swirling the kitchen waste x within a sufficiently large space by operating the operating means 4. The operating means 4 performs stirring and centrifugal drainage treatment through this swirling operation. The stirring process involves operating the operating means 4 and its rotating means to stir the food waste x by rotating the operating head 10 in the forward and reverse directions. The centrifugal wastewater treatment described above is a process in which the operating means 4 and its rotating means are operated to apply centrifugal force to the food waste x by rotating the operating head 10 in the forward and reverse directions, thereby discharging liquid from the food waste x. The aforementioned centrifugal wastewater treatment, along with the aforementioned squeezing treatment, is a process to mitigate the adverse effects of liquids contained in food waste x on solidification.

[0025] The aforementioned grinding operation involves twisting and cutting the fibers of the kitchen waste x by operating the operating means 4. This grinding process involves pressing the kitchen waste x against the pressure-receiving surface 6a of the pressure-resistant lid 6 with the operating head 10 at a specified pressure using the operation means 4 and the rotating means, while slowly rotating the operating head 10 in forward and reverse directions.

[0026] The sleeve 1 and the pressure-resistant cover 6 have sufficient strength to withstand the air pressure in the processing area 1a and the operating pressure via the operating head 10. Furthermore, the pressure-resistant lid 6 is further equipped with a funnel-shaped pressure-receiving surface 6a and a locking mechanism (not shown) and a sealing structure 14 that have specified load-bearing capacity to provide closing strength and sealing performance capable of withstanding similar pressures.

[0027] The control means 16 is configured as a so-called computer system and includes an input / output unit for inputting and outputting various types of information, an information processing unit for performing calculations or operations on the input information, a communication unit for communicating information with the user's mobile terminal device or cloud server, a control device equipped with a storage unit for storing various types of information and a timer for managing time, and various sensors for collecting various types of information and a display device for displaying various types of information.

[0028] The control means 16 sequentially performs dewatering, drying, carbonization, and cooling processes on the input food waste x. In doing so, it performs a predetermined control process based on a set processing schedule, and a return control process based on the quality, quantity, and condition of the input food waste x to apply a process appropriate to the food waste x. The control means 16 controls the operation of the heating means 2, air conditioning means 3, operating means 4, and rotating means based on outputs such as a pressure sensor that detects the pressure applied to the food waste x (solid matter X or pressure receiving surface 6a) by the operating head 10, a position sensor that detects the position of the operating head 10, a temperature sensor that detects the internal temperature of the processing area 1a, a humidity sensor that detects the humidity within the processing area 1a, a liquid volume sensor that detects the amount of waste liquid flowing into the drain tank 15, and a timer that measures the processing time.

[0029] If the food waste x has a high liquid content, it will liquefy under pressure, and a large amount of food waste x will leak out, making it impossible to detect the pressure or even maintain its shape. As a result, even if the operating head 10 is advanced toward the pressure-resistant lid 6, the specified pressure corresponding to the advance (position) may not be obtained, and the intended shape, size, and quality may not be achieved. Even when a large amount of solid and fibrous material remains in the food waste x and large gaps are created between the solid and fibrous material, if the gaps (elasticity) do not resolve, the specified pressure corresponding to the advance (position) of the operating head 10 cannot be obtained, and a stable form cannot be maintained. In such cases, however, if the liquid content is high, finely cutting the fibers by grinding or other processes may promote the outflow of food waste x.

[0030] In view of the above circumstances, the control means 16 controls the heating means 2, air conditioning means 3, operating means 4, and rotating means so that the kneading process, pounding process, squeezing process, compression (molding) process, stirring process, centrifugal drainage process, and grinding process for the introduced kitchen waste x can be carried out in an optimal combination that suppresses the outflow of kitchen waste x and obtains the specified hardness.

[0031] To enable such control, the control means 16 in this example has a reference holding means installed in the hardware that holds a specified schedule including the change in the amount of waste liquid flowing in from kitchen waste x linked to the position of the operating head 10 (hereinafter referred to as "position inflow value"), the change in the specified pressure to be applied by the operating head 10 over time (stroke) (hereinafter referred to as "time pressure value"), or the change in the position of the specified pressure linked to the position of the operating head 10 (hereinafter referred to as "position pressure value"), and specified values ​​such as the amount of waste liquid flowing into the drain tank 15 which are conditions for transitioning to the drying process, and a control program that functions as an information processing means that controls the heating means 2, air conditioning means 3, operating means 4 and rotating means based on the specified schedule. Furthermore, the aforementioned position pressure value is not limited to a monotonically increasing value; a method of increasing it stepwise or iteratively may also be employed.

[0032] The control means 16 sets an ideal sample that takes into account the general quantity, quality, and condition of the food waste x to be introduced into the processing space, and sets a processing schedule (hereinafter referred to as the "prescribed schedule") that combines the ideal arrangement, operation, time, and temperature of the said ideal sample. The control means 16 can be equipped with a function to estimate the volume and specific gravity of the food waste x from the initial position pressure value in the dewatering process and to modify the prescribed schedule for the ideal sample. The volume of the food waste x can be corrected by correcting the offset of the position pressure value, and if the specific gravity is close to "1", the throttling value can be corrected, as it indicates that liquid is dominant. Figure 8 shows a part of the prescribed schedule, illustrating an example of the temporal progression (time-dependent pressure value) of the prescribed pressure applied from the input of kitchen waste x until it is discharged as solid matter X, as well as the positional progression (positional pressure value) of the prescribed pressure according to the position of the operating head 10 during the dewatering and carbonization processes.

[0033] The information processing means of the control means 16 detects the output of the liquid volume sensor during the dewatering process. If the amount of wastewater flowing into the drain tank 15 immediately after the food waste x is introduced into the processing space exceeds a specified water content value in which liquid can be recognized as dominant, in light of the position of the operating head 10 or the position inflow value, the information processing means of the control means 16 detects the output of the liquid volume sensor during the dewatering process. If the amount of wastewater flowing into the drain tank 15 falls below the specified water content value, the centrifugal wastewater treatment is introduced as the first stage of the dewatering process, and the centrifugal wastewater treatment is continued until the amount of wastewater flowing into the drain tank 15 falls below the specified water content value. When the amount of wastewater flowing into the drain tank 15 falls below the specified water content value, the information processing means of the control means 16, as the second stage of the dewatering process, restricts the maximum pressure applied to the operating head 10 to the throttling value until the amount of wastewater flowing into the drain tank 15 falls below the specified dewatering value in which solids, fibers, etc., can be recognized as being dominant in light of the position of the operating head 10 or the position inflow value, and controls the operating means 4 so that the kneading or throttling process is performed at the position pressure value or a pressure lower than that.

[0034] The information processing means of the control means 16, when pushing the operating head 10 toward the end of the processing area 1a during the kneading or squeezing process in the dewatering process, gradually advances the operating head 10 while reciprocating it back and forth by a predetermined stroke, detects the position of the operating head 10 and the pressure applied to the operating head 10 at that position (hereinafter referred to as the "actual position pressure value"), and determines the water content and elasticity of the waste x by comparing it with the position pressure value. If the actual positional pressure value falls below the specified positional pressure value, the control means 16 determines that the water content is excessive and intervenes in the kneading process, stirring process, or centrifugal drainage process, etc., according to the detected pressure.

[0035] On the other hand, if elasticity with a stroke exceeding a specified value (a property in which the pressure fluctuations according to the position of the operating head 10 have a slope in some or all and that slope is repeatable) remains and a stable compression form cannot be maintained at a certain position, the control means 16 intervenes in the kneading process, pounding process, stirring process, or grinding process to change the position, orientation, or dimensions of the fibers, etc., contained in the kitchen waste x that are causing the remaining elasticity, according to the elastic stroke and the detected pressure.

[0036] Upon receiving confirmation that the amount of wastewater flowing into the drain tank 15 falls below the specified dewatering value (transition condition) as a result of the dewatering process, the information processing means of the control means 16 starts a drying process in which the kitchen waste x is heated to approximately the boiling point of water within a sufficiently large space. The information processing means of the control means 16 continues the drying process while determining the elapsed time from the start of the drying process using the output of the timer. However, if the output of the humidity sensor does not fall below a specified value within a specified time, the control means 16 determines that there is still too much moisture and intervenes in the kneading process, pounding process, stirring process, centrifugal draining process, or grinding process according to the detected pressure.

[0037] When the information processing means of the control means 16 detects that the output of the humidity sensor, which detects the humidity in the processing area 1a due to the drying process, falls below a specified value, it raises the temperature of the heating means 2 and starts the carbonization process. The information processing means of the control means 16, which has initiated the carbonization process, compares the outputs of the position sensor and pressure sensor with the position pressure value and gradually pushes the operating head 10 toward the dead end in accordance with a predetermined schedule, gradually increasing the pressure applied to the food waste x, and continues to control the carbonization process until the food waste x becomes a solid material X with a predetermined hardness. In this example, the information processing means of the control means 16, during the carbonization process, under these heated conditions, adjusts the pressure applied by the operating head 10 to the target pressure by repeatedly pushing, stopping, retracting, and creating gaps as appropriate, depending on the state of the food waste x.

[0038] The information processing means of the control means 16 continues the carbonization process while guiding the elapsed time from the start of the carbonization process using the timer output. However, if the actual position pressure value remains below the specified value even after a specified time has elapsed from the start of the carbonization process, the propulsion of the operating head 10 is stopped, and the operating head 10 is lowered to the seal portion 13 of the drain area 1b. As a result, the pressurized kitchen waste x is guided to the middle part of the processing area 1a and heated in a sufficiently large space where the atmosphere is controlled by the air conditioning means 3. At that time, a kneading process or stirring process may also be performed depending on the detected pressure.

[0039] The biomass solid production apparatus according to the present invention is configured as described above, and for kitchen waste x that is close to an ideal sample, the control means 16 sequentially performs the steps planned as substantially the predetermined control to solidify the kitchen waste x.

[0040] Kitchen waste x is introduced into the processing space by opening the pressure-resistant lid 6 of sleeve 1. At this time, the operating means 4 lowers the operating head 10 to the sealing portion 13 of the drain area 1b. After the kitchen waste x is placed into the processing space, the pressure-resistant lid 6 is tightened and locked, sealing the processing space and initiating a series of processes to produce solid matter X from the kitchen waste x. In this example, the food waste x being added is encased in a plant-derived net y to suppress its fluidity (see Figure 2(A)). Encasing the food waste x in the plant-derived net y in this way is desirable because the net y absorbs the liquid contained in the food waste x, thereby adjusting the humidity distribution of the food waste x.

[0041] In this example, the control means 16 first performs a dewatering process. In the dewatering process, the control means 16 operates the operating means 4 to guide the food waste x to the upper end of the processing area 1a and performs a squeezing process to extract the liquid contained in the food waste x as described above (Figure 2(C)). In this case, if the operating means 4 is equipped with a rotating means, a prescribed schedule can be set that combines this with centrifugal wastewater treatment, etc. If residual elasticity is detected when guiding the waste x to the upper end of the processing area 1a, the control means 16 activates the operating means 4 to attempt a kneading process for a specified time on the waste x, or a pounding process for a specified time in which the waste x is guided to the upper part of the processing area 1a and its fibers are broken by repeated blows (Figure 2(B)). In this case, if the operating means 4 is equipped with a rotating means, a specified schedule can be set that combines a stirring process or a grinding process that twists the fibers of the waste x. The above treatments for excess moisture and residual elasticity will be repeated until the conditions for transitioning to the drying process are met.

[0042] After the start of the dewatering process, the control means 16, upon receiving notification that the amount of wastewater flowing into the drain tank 15 has decreased to below the specified dewatering value (transition condition), performs a drying process to evaporate the liquid contained in the food waste x. During the drying process, the control means 16 lowers the operating head 10 of the operating means 4 to the sealing portion 13 of the drain area 1b (retracting it below the air conditioning holes 1d of the air conditioning means 3), guides the dewatered food waste x to the middle of the processing area 1a, and secures an air gap around the food waste x. At this time, the kitchen waste x undergoes the squeezing or pounding process described above and is formed into a wide mass at the top of the processing area 1a, which is then placed in the middle of the processing area 1a. Meanwhile, the operating head 10, which has been retracted to the sealing area, seals the lower opening of the drain area 1b with its shaping surface and the sealing structure 13 applied to the inner surface of the sleeve 1, thereby sealing the processing area 1a and the drain area 1b (Figure 3(A)).

[0043] During the drying process, the control means 16 simultaneously operates the heating means 2 to heat the sleeve 1 and its processing space to a temperature (90°C to 110°C) at which the liquid components can evaporate, and operates the air conditioning means 3 to discharge the vaporized liquid along with the atmosphere inside the processing space to the outside of the processing space (ventilation). By ensuring sufficient ventilation in this manner, it is possible to prevent the vaporized moisture from reattaching to the food waste x, thereby improving the dewatering efficiency and drying efficiency. When the drying process begins, the control means 16 starts detecting and determining the humidity in the processing area 1a. If it determines that the food waste x has reached a specified dry state, the control means 16 starts a carbonization process to heat the food waste x until it is partially carbonized or carbonized. If the output of the humidity sensor does not fall below a specified value even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the drying process, the control means 16 continues the drying process for a further predetermined time (additional time). Furthermore, if the output of the humidity sensor does not improve even after continuing the additional drying time a predetermined number of times, the process returns to the dewatering process and resumes from the squeezing process after a predetermined time of kneading, pounding, stirring, or grinding (Figure 2(C)).

[0044] During the carbonization process, the control means 16 gradually increases the output of the heating means 2 while blocking oxygen with the air conditioning means 3, heating the sleeve 1 and its processing space so that the dry food waste x in the processing space can be carbonized to a carbonization temperature according to a specified schedule (according to a specified temperature linked to the specified pressure). At the same time, the control means 16 operates the air conditioning means 3 to exhaust volatile gases generated in the processing area 1a and controls the pressure to an appropriate value according to the specified pressure (Figure 3(B)). The carbonization temperature is, for example, around 150°C to 350°C, and is preferably around 150°C to 180°C when producing solid material that can be used as either fertilizer or fuel.

[0045] The control means 16 simultaneously performs a compression process to compress the kitchen waste x, which has reached the desired degree of dryness through the drying process, in accordance with the upper shape of the processing area 1a, at the same time as the start of the carbonization process. In this process, the control means 16 moves the operating head 10 forward and backward by the operating means 4, and continues to apply pressure to the food waste x in accordance with the specified pressure. During the compression process, the control means 16 receives the outputs of the pressure sensor and the position sensor, and determines whether the food waste x has reached a specified hardness to which a specified pressure linked to the position of the operating head 10 can be applied as the carbonization process progresses, and completes the carbonization process when the specified hardness is reached. The specified pressure is, for example, around 2 MPa to 25 MPa, and is preferably around 2 MPa to 10 MPa when configured as a small-scale device usable in homes, etc.

[0046] Upon completion of the carbonization process, the control means 16 performs a cooling process to cool the solid X, which has been formed in a fully carbonized or partially carbonized state, to room temperature. The cooling process involves switching off the heating means 2 and performing natural cooling for a certain period of time, cooling by forced air, or forced cooling using a Peltier module or the like. Finally, the lock on the pressure-resistant lid 6 is released, the operating means 4 is activated, and the operating head 10 is raised until its pressurized surface 10a is exposed from the upper opening of the sleeve 1, thereby discharging the solid material X from the processing area 1a (Figure 6 or Figure 7).

[0047] The biomass solid X produced by the biomass solid production apparatus and biomass solid production method described above is a cylindrical three-dimensional object, comprising an upper surface 100 shaped to conform to the shape of the pressure-receiving surface 6a of the pressure-resistant lid 6, a side surface 101 shaped to conform to the shape of the inner surface of the processing area 1a of the sleeve 1, and a bottom surface 102 shaped to conform to the pressurizing surface and shaping surface of the operating head 10. For example, the example shown in Figure 6 has an upper surface 100 with radially arranged protrusions on a conical base surface, a curved side surface 101 with one or more linear protrusions 103 that can be detached from the sleeve 1, and a funnel-shaped recessed bottom surface 102. For example, the example shown in Figure 7 has a conical top surface 100, a side surface 101 with one (or more) linear protrusions 103 that can be detached from the sleeve 1, and a cylindrical recessed bottom surface 102. This example is formed by using a pressure-resistant lid 6 with a funnel-shaped pressure-receiving surface 6a and using a flat surface as the pressurizing surface of the operating head 10.

[0048] In this way, by providing a sharp point on the top surface and protrusions on the peripheral edges of the sides and bottom surface, the material becomes highly ignitable when used as fuel, and when used as fertilizer, its distinctive shape allows it to quickly exert its effects after application, while the presence of cylindrical regions with reduced particle size and lateral surface area allows it to maintain its effectiveness over a long period of time. Furthermore, the pressurized surface of the operating head 10 is shaped to fit perfectly onto the pressure-receiving surface 6a of the pressure-resistant lid 6, and the top surface of one solid object fits onto the bottom surface of another solid object, making stacking easier and providing convenience during storage. The biomass solid material according to the present invention can be considered as a way to store carbon in the form of a solid material with various uses, and is therefore thought to contribute to combating global warming, creating a decarbonized society, and reducing greenhouse gases. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] x Kitchen waste, X Biomass solids, y Net, 1 sleeve, 1a Processing area, 1b Drain area, 1c Vertical groove, 1d Air conditioning vent, 2 Heating means, 3 Air conditioning means, 4 Operating means, 5 Housing, 6 Pressure-resistant cover, 6a Pressure-receiving surface, 6b Groove, 7 grooves, 8 heating element, 9 drain pan, 10 Operating head, 10a Pressurizing surface, 10b Shaping surface, 11 Operating rod, 12 Seal structure, 13 Seal structure, 14 Seal structure, 15 Drain tank, 16 Control means, 100 top surface, 101 side surface, 102 bottom surface, 103 protrusion,

Claims

1. A biomass solids production apparatus for producing biomass solids from kitchen waste, A sleeve equipped with a processing space that penetrates from top to bottom for processing the food waste that is put in, A heating means for adjusting the temperature of the processing space in the sleeve, The system includes an operating means equipped with a cylindrical operating head that moves back and forth along the longitudinal direction of the sleeve to manipulate the food waste that has been introduced, The sleeve comprises a processing space comprising a continuous upper processing area and a lower drain area, an upper opening of the processing space serving as an inlet, and a pressure-resistant lid for opening and closing the inlet of the processing space. The processing region has a circular cross-section. The pressure-resistant cover is provided with a funnel-shaped pressure-receiving surface that is the abutment of the processing area, A liquid passage communicating with the drain area is provided between the inner surface of the processing area and the side surface of the operating head that moves back and forth in the processing area. The operating head is equipped with a conical pressure surface and applies pressure and impact to the food waste toward the end of the processing area. The aforementioned operating means is a biomass solid production apparatus characterized by pounding and kneading kitchen waste by striking it with the operating head.

2. A biomass solids production apparatus for producing biomass solids from kitchen waste, A sleeve equipped with a processing space that penetrates from top to bottom for processing the food waste that is put in, A heating means for adjusting the temperature of the processing space in the sleeve, The operating means comprises a cylindrical operating head that moves back and forth along the longitudinal direction of the sleeve to manipulate the food waste that is introduced, and a rotating means for rotating the operating head. The sleeve comprises a processing space comprising a continuous upper processing area and a lower drain area, an upper opening of the processing space serving as an inlet, and a pressure-resistant lid for opening and closing the inlet of the processing space. The processing region has a circular cross-section. The pressure-resistant cover is provided with a funnel-shaped pressure-receiving surface that is the abutment of the processing area, A liquid passage communicating with the drain area is provided between the inner surface of the processing area and the side surface of the operating head that moves back and forth in the processing area. The operating head is equipped with a conical pressure surface and applies pressure and impact to the food waste toward the end of the processing area. The biomass solid production apparatus is characterized by the operation means, which involves striking the food waste with the operation head to pound and knead it, rotating the operation head to agitate the food waste, centrifugal draining, and grinding the food waste at the end of the processing area.

3. The biomass solid production apparatus according to either Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized in that the liquid passage is a longitudinal groove that runs from the upper end to the lower end of the processing area at the shortest distance, and a plurality of these grooves are carved so as to be evenly distributed over the entire circumference of the inner surface of the processing area.

4. The pressure-receiving surface is provided with radially engraved grooves, The biomass solid production apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that each of the vertical grooves is connected to grooves radially engraved on the pressure-receiving surface from its upper end.

Images