Continuous Waste Sterilization Reactor with Reverse Rotor Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization systems for solid urban waste, livestock waste, and food products face inefficiencies due to batch processing, which results in high energy consumption and complex steam injection and liquid extraction processes, leading to prolonged processing times and energy wastage.
Innovation Solution
A continuous sterilization process using a reactor with a reverse rotor mechanism that allows uninterrupted waste movement and simultaneous steam input and extraction, reducing energy consumption and processing time by maintaining constant pressure and temperature without decompression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If batch processing is used in sterilization systems, then waste can be handled in discrete loads, but energy consumption increases and processing time is prolonged due to repeated pressurization and decompression cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous sterilization by maintaining constant pressure and temperature in the reactor while waste is continuously fed and discharged. The system eliminates the stop-start batch cycles by using a rotary mechanism that continuously moves waste through the sterilization zone, keeping the heating element and reactor under constant operation without repeated pressurization and decompression cycles
2Reliability
If batch processing with steam injection is used, then sterilization can be achieved, but the process complexity increases due to the need for steam injection and liquid extraction systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex steam injection and liquid extraction systems by using a different approach: waste is sterilized through direct contact with heated surfaces in a continuous flow regime. The rotary mechanism naturally separates sterilized waste from the heating elements through centrifugal force and gravity, eliminating the need for separate steam injection and liquid extraction equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical steam injection and liquid extraction systems with a thermal field approach where heat transfer through the waste bed achieves sterilization. The rotary mechanism uses gravitational and centrifugal forces instead of mechanical extraction systems to move waste through the process
3Reliability
If multiple phases (temperature increase, maintenance, cool-down, decompression) are used, then complete sterilization is achieved, but processing time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous sterilization by keeping the reactor at constant elevated temperature and pressure throughout the process. Waste enters the reactor, is sterilized in continuous flow through the heated zone, and exits without the system needing to cycle through multiple temperature and pressure phases. The continuous operation eliminates dead time between batches while maintaining sterilization effectiveness
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces energy consumption, increases production capacity, and simplifies the process by eliminating dead time and mechanical complexities, while enabling efficient handling and recycling of treated waste.
Implementation Method 1
submitting any of the mentioned waste or products to a continuous treatment process, not by batches; that is, the waste is introduced uninterruptedly in the pressure tank, where treatment is time-regulated at temperatures of up to 170° C. and pressures of up to 7 bars
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and procedure for efficiently sterilizing waste material or products. The apparatus includes a reactor in the form of a cylindrical container housing two cylindrical tubes, a larger first tube and a smaller second tube. A first helical blade extends inwardly from the inner surface of the second tube, and a second helical blade bridges the outer surface of the second tube to the inner surface of the first tube. As the set of tubes is rotated in unison, material flows in one direction within the second tube and in the opposite direction in the space between the tubes. This axially compact design allows non stop introduction and extraction of waste, efficient use of heat energy, provided by steam injected into the reactor through a steam port, and allows for material to be input into and extracted from the device both at one end of the reactor.